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A Preliminary Reconstruction of Rainfall in North-Central China since A.D. 1600 from Tree-Ring Density and Width

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Malcolm K. Hughes ,
Wu Xiangding ,
Shao Xuemei  and
Gregg M. Garfin
Malcolm K. Hughes
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
Wu Xiangding
Affiliation:
Institute of Geography, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
Shao Xuemei
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721; and Institute of Geography, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
Gregg M. Garfin
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Tree Ring Research, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
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Abstract

May-June (MJ) and April-July (AJ) precipitation at Huashan in north-central China has been reconstructed for the period A.D. 1600 to 1988 using tree-ring density and width from Pinus armandii. MJ precipitation (based on ring width and maximum latewood density) calibrated and cross-validated against local instrumental data more strongly than AJ precipitation (based only on ring width). A major drought was reconstructed for the mid- and late 1920s, confirmed by local documentary sources. This drought (culminating in 1929) was the most severe of the 389-yr period for MJ and second most severe for AJ, after an event ending in 1683. Neither reconstruction shows much spectral power at frequencies lower than 1 in 10 yr, but both show concentrations of power between 2.1 and 2.7 yr and 3.5 to 9 yr. There are significant correlations between the two reconstructions and a regional dryness/wetness index (DW) based on documentary sources, particularly at high frequencies. These correlations are focused in the 7.6- to 7.3-, 3.8- to 3.6-, and 2.5-yr periods. Using singular spectrum analysis, quasiperiodic behavior with a period close to 7.2 yr was identified in the MJ precipitation reconstruction and in the DW index based on documents.

Type
Research Article
Information
Quaternary Research , Volume 42 , Issue 1 , July 1994 , pp. 88 - 99
Copyright
University of Washington

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