Oxygen Isotope Ratios in Trees Reflect Mean Annual Temperature and Humidity

• DOI: 10.1126/science.211.4489.1417
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T17:45:58Z
• Authors: R. L. Burk; M. Stuiver
• Keywords: Oxygen-18; Lapse rate

Values of the oxygen isotope ratios (delta(18)O) in tree-ring cellulose closely reflect delta(18)O values atmospheric precipitation and hence mean annual temperature. The change is 0.41 per mil degree Celsius for selected near-coastal stations. also with altitude, as demonstrated Mount Rainier, Washington. A temperature lapse rate 5.2 degrees +/- 0.5 C 1000 meters calculated from agrees accepted 5 this region. Cellulose carbon dioxide equilibrated leaf water differ by a fixed 16 mil.