On removing the growth trend from dendrochronological data.

Abstract

A new approach to removing the growth trend from dendrochronological data is described. It is assumed that the growth trend can be described by an expression of the form a.x.ᵇ exp. (-cx), which has the attributes of an increment function, and that accelerated growth, due to release at various points in a tree's history, can be represented by additive components that have the same basic form. A method of estimation is presented, along with some results of preliminary testing. The method shows promise of being superior to currently available alternatives.