A Dendroclimatic Analysis of Fluctuations in the Great Salt Lake.
Abstract
This study examined tree ring data so as to reconstruct past levels of the Great Salt Lake. Precipitation data was regressed on the tree data and on lake levels to determine which precipitation measuring stations show the highest correlation with increases in the growth patterns of the trees and the fluctuations in the Great Salt Lake. A predictive equation was developed by regressing tree ring indices on lake levels. Tree ring indices were correlated with each other. No definitive relationship was found between distance and correlation value. Microsite climatic features probably have at least as much influence on tree growth as does spatial separation. Atmospheric precipitation data from stations around Utah were regressed on the lake level. Correlation is relatively poor, with an R squared value of 47% between stations and yearly Great Salt Lake levels, and 49% between stations and and a ten year running mean of lake levels. Regression of tree ring indices on measured, pristine and modified lake level gave R squared values of 49.5%m 38.8% and 53.0%, respectively. Regression between trees and lake area gave an R squared value of 49.5%. The maximum recorded level for the lake, measured in 1986, is 4211.8 feet (MSL). Results indicate the lake has been at least this high previously, and may have hit a maximum four to fourteen feet higher after 1610 AD. Keywords: Tree ring analysis; Climatology. (Theses)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA176506
Entities
People
- William J. Delehunt
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology