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Master chronology

Definition

A continuous, absolutely dated ring-width sequence built by overlapping many individual samples, living trees linked to old timbers and subfossil wood. Regional chronologies for European oak and pine extend back more than 10,000 years.

Related terms

Annual ring
A single year's growth increment visible as a concentric band in a transverse wood section. In most temperate trees, each ring consists...
Crossdating
The matching of ring-width patterns between two or more samples to determine their relative or absolute temporal relationship. The master method of...
Floating chronology
A ring-width sequence whose pattern is internally consistent but whose absolute calendar position is unknown because it cannot yet be crossdated to...
Missing ring
A year in which growth was so suppressed, by extreme drought, frost, or injury, that no visible ring was deposited. Missing rings...
Sapwood
The outer living wood of a tree, typically lighter in colour than the dark heartwood. Species have characteristic sapwood ring counts (a...

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