Abstract
Stable oxygen isotope dendrochronology is an effective precision-dating method for fast grown, invariant (complacent) tree-rings and for trees growing in moist, temperate climatic regions where growth may not be strongly controlled by climate. The method works because trees preserve a strong common isotopic signal, from summer precipitation, and therefore do not need to be physiologically stressed to record a dating signal. This study explores the working hypothesis that whilst tree species may differ in their eco-physiology, leaf morphology and wood anatomy they will record an isotopic signal in their growth rings that is sufficiently similar to enable their precise dating against isotopic reference chronologies developed using dated oak tree rings from the same region. Modern and historical samples from six species (sweet chestnut, English elm, ash, alder, European beech and black poplar) were analysed and their oxygen isotopic variability was compared against an oak master chronology previously developed for central southern England. Whilst differences in the relative strength of the agreement between the different species and the master chronology are apparent, the potential for interspecies dating is demonstrated convincingly. The ability to date non-oak species using stable oxygen isotopes opens-up new opportunities for science-based archaeology and will improve understanding of a largely-unexplored, but significant part of the European historical buildings archive.
Highlights
Across the United Kingdom, Ireland and large areas of continental Europe, oak (Quercus petraea/Q. robur) is the dominant species used in the construction of historic buildings
This paper explores inter-species isotope coherence with a specific focus on its application for the isotopic dating of non-oak species commonly found in the structures, artefacts and historic timber build ings of NW Europe
The method works because the water sampled by the tree during photo synthesis and its resulting signal in tree-ring cellulose, is broadly similar to that of the oak trees used to develop the reference chronology
Summary
Across the United Kingdom, Ireland and large areas of continental Europe, oak (Quercus petraea/Q. robur) is the dominant species used in the construction of historic buildings. Secondary species may occur sporadically in the historic building archive. These typically include material from the genera Castanea (chestnut), Pinus (pine), Populus (poplar), Alnus (alder), Ulmus (elm), Fraxinus (ash) and Fagus (beech). Some of these secondary species cluster in time or geographically within the historical record. Whilst for others, their targeted use may reflect preferences in local building style, advantageous timber properties, socio-economic con straints or material availability through time
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
