The implications of regional variations in rainfall for reconstructing rainfall patterns using tree rings

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.11238
• Publication Date: 2017-05-29T10:32:49Z
• Authors: Heather A. Haines; Jon M. Olley
• Keywords: Proxy (statistics)

Abstract In Australia, multidecadal periods of floods and droughts have major economic consequences. Due to the short duration Australian instrumental precipitation records, it is difficult determine patterns these periods. Proxy records can be used create long‐term rainfall reconstructions for regions that are lacking data. However, spatial extent over which single‐site proxy applied poorly understood. Southeast Queensland (SEQ) an area where tree rings reconstruct patterns, but their regional representation unknown. this study, variability in across SEQ investigated from 1908 2007 using 140 stations. Pearson correlation analysis between stations groups at r = 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 levels, then annual deviations mean determined. These indicate not uniform broken into 2 main spatially consistent groups. Each down several subgroups with higher levels. Long‐term streamflow found correlated local stations, indicating extreme events should consider variability. Finally, only currently available reconstruction region, a 140‐year Toona ciliata ring width record Lamington National Park, compared different levels all SEQ. The station groupings best within tree‐ring located, improves as group increases. Correlation nearly nonexistent located distance site. results demonstrate importance assessing so applicability assessed.