Dendrochronology Lab Archived Projects

"The Effects of Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada spp.) on Tree-Ring Growth in Southern Indiana." (Graham Bishop)

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Brood X periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) on annual growth increment in hardwood trees throughout the southern region of Indiana. Twenty-one study sites have been established in proximity to Bloomington, Indiana. We have selected 25 trees on each site (441 trees total) and installed dendrometer bands on all of the trees. Twenty-three species are represented in this analysis. Study areas include several forest settings (i.e., floodplain, upland, bottomland, etc.). We took two cores per tree at breast height (1.4m above the ground) with a 5.15mm Swedish increment borer. The annual rings on these cores will be crossdated, measured, and statistically analyzed to produce a correlation between yearly treering growth and periodical cicada damage to the trees. After completion of the laboratory analysis, we will examine the effects of periodical cicadas on the incremental growth of all the sampled species.


"Stand-Age Structure and Disturbance History of the Big Thicket National Preserve: Examining Successional Dynamics and the Role of Disturbance." (Christopher Gentry)

Related Articles


"Dendroclimatological response of selected species from Hoosier National Forest." (Darin Kelly)


"Dating a Landfill Contamination Site in Northern Indiana Using Dendrochronology" (Polly Mitchell)


"Spring Ephemeral Plant Diversity as it Relates to Gap Dynamics in Vigo County, Indiana." (Jodi Farrell Sparks)

Abstract
Dendrochronological techniques were used to quantify canopy gaps in Indiana to determine the effect of this disturbance on spring ephemeral diversity. Canopy gaps were selected within seven pre-existing plots that were established as early as 25 years ago. Storm data was collected and overlaid on an aerial photo of the county to identify potential sources of gaps. Climate data (temperature and precipitation) was used to visually determine if years of suppression were due to climate rather than gap effects. Release and suppression criteria were used to identify canopy gaps and the trees responses. Canopy gaps as recorded by ring-width release were compared to plant diversity data through time. Gaps were mainly created by one tree and were on average 330 m2 in size. At present, we found a decrease in diversity of spring ephemerals at the family, genus, and species level over the past 25 years. On average, Acer saccharum on this site experienced three major gap events in their lifetime and are sensitive to gap dynamics with numerous suppressions and releases in the trees. Fagus grandifolia is also sensitive to gap dynamics residing in the understory for several years. Sassafras albidium, Quercus sp., and Carya sp. are not sensitive to canopy gaps, rarely if ever recording them in their tree rings. We are continuing to examine the relationship between these gap events and spring ephemeral diversity.


"Broad Scale Spatial Modeling of Pandora Moth Outbreaks in the United States." (Idrissa Tiemogo)


ISU Dendro Lab Archived Presentations

  • Bishop, G.I. and Speer, J.H. (2006) Periodical Cicadas and Tree-Ring Growth in Greene-Sullivan State Forest, Indiana. Annual Meeting, The Association of American Geographers, Chicago, IL.
  • Gentry, C.M and Speer, J.H. (2006) A Preliminary Analysis of Climatic Controls on Pinus taeda L. (Loblolly Pine) in the Turkey Creek Unit of the Big Thicket National Preserve. Annual Meeting, The Association of American Geographers, Chicago, IL.
  • Sparks Farrell, J. K., and Speer, J.H. (2006) A Dendroecological Approach to Quantifying Midwestern Forest Canopy Gaps and Diversity Change. Annual Meeting, The Association of American Geographers, Chicago, IL.
  • Bishop, G.I., Speer, J.H., and Clay, K. (2005) Preliminary Analysis of the Effects of Periodical Cicadas on Tree Growth in Southern Indiana. Society of American Foresters, Fort Worth, TX.
  • Gentry, C.M, Brown, P.M., Aldrich, S., Bauer, J., Kernan, J., Lusteck, R., McEwan, R., Martinez, P., Shapiro, L., Sprenger, C., and Vining, M. (2005) Reanalysis of the fire history in Pinus resinosa stands of the Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park, Minnesota. Annual Meeting, The Association of American Geographers, Denver, CO.
  • Sparks Farrell, J. K., and Speer, J.H. (2005) Dendrochronology as a proxy for reconstructing Midwestern forest gaps and spring ephemeral composition change. Society of American Foresters, Fort Worth, TX.
  • Sparks Farrell, J. K., and Speer, J.H. (2005) Dendrochronology as a proxy for reconstructing Midwestern forest gaps and spring ephemeral composition change. Indiana Academy of Sciences Research Presentations, West Terre Haute, IN.
  • Gentry, C.M., Jensen, R.R., Speer, J.H., and Wolf, S.F. (2004) Spatial Analysis of Cation Reactions to Prescribed Burning in an Oak Savanna Ecosystem of Northwestern Indiana. Annual Meeting, The Association of American Geographers, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Sparks Farrell, J. K., and Speer J.H. (2004) Preliminary results of plant diversity changes in two Vigo County forests. Indiana Academy of Sciences Research Presentations, Hanover, IN.
  • Sparks Farrell, J.K., Tiemgo, I., and Speer, J.H. (2004) Identification of Pandora Moth Hazard for the Western United States Using Geographic Information Systems. Association of American Geographers, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Gentry, C.M., Speer, J.H., Jensen, R.R., and Wolf, S.F. (2003) Decrease in Soil Nutrient Availability after Prescribed Fire in an Oak Savanna Ecosystem of Northern Indiana. Annual Meeting, West Lakes/East Lakes Division of the Association of American Geographers, Kalamazoo, MI.
  • Gentry, C.M., Jensen, R.R., Speer, J.H., and Wolf, S.F. (2003) The Effect of Prescribed Burns on Cation Exchange Capacity in an Oak Savanna Ecosystem. 99th Annual Meeting, The Association of American Geographers, New Orleans, LA.

Department of Earth and Environmental Systems