Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
Utah Juniper, dendrochronology, tree-ring, South Fork Chalk Creek
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Geography
Abstract
Utah juniper is rarely used by dendrochronologists in tree-ring applications. In the global species database, Utah juniper has a score of 1, which means that it typically only crossdates within its own site, and is therefore not useful in tree-ring research. This mentored research project was conducted to demonstrate that it is a potentially very valuable species. Our preliminary research showed a very high correlation among other juniper sites in Utah, making us confident that if we moved forward, our further results would prove the usefulness of this species. In northern Utah, traditionally used species aren’t available because we are outside of their range, like pinyon and ponderosa pine. Our results may change dendrochronology in the future, by making this previously avoided species, viable.
Recommended Citation
Nielsen, Calli and Bekker, Dr. Matthew F.
(2015)
"Developing Utah Juniper into a Useful Species for Dendrochronology,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2015:
Iss.
1, Article 18.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2015/iss1/18