Tree-Ring Chronologies from Nepal

Abstract

Ten ring-width based chronologies from Nepal are described and the prospects for further dendroclimatic work there reviewed briefly. The initial results are encouraging, and more intensive subregional sampling is called for. All the cores examined showed distinct annual rings, and there was little evidence of double or missing rings, except juniper at some sites and in some Pinus roxburghii trees. Difficulty was encountered in dating Pinus wallichiana and Cupressus dumosa. Individual site chronologies of Cedros deodora, P. roxburghii and P. wallichiana were particularly promising, and of high elevation Abies spectabilis moderately so. Densitometric data are likely to be more useful for this species. The paucity of meteorological data in Nepal represents an obstacle to further dendroclimatic work there.