Skip to content

Root-tip injury dating

Definition

Technique in which growth rings distal to a root-tip scar or redirection point are counted to estimate the number of growing seasons that have passed since the root encountered a physical barrier.

Related terms

Accumulated degree days (ADD)
The sum of daily mean temperatures above a threshold (usually 0 °C) over a period of interest. Used as a measure of...
Annual growth ring
A layer of secondary xylem produced during one growing season, visible in cross-section as alternating early-wood (large-celled, pale) and late-wood (dense, dark)...
Burial interval
The elapsed time between placement of the body in the ground and the time of recovery. Distinct from the post-mortem interval (time...
Rhizotrophism
The directional growth of roots toward zones of higher nutrient concentration, including the nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich environment created by decomposing organic matter...
Root encasement
The process by which expanding roots physically surround or compress bones over successive growing seasons, leaving an impression of the bone surface...

Explained in

  • Root Growth and Grave DatingTechnique in which growth rings distal to a root-tip scar or redirection point are counted to estimate the number of growing seasons that have passed since the...

Your journey to becoming a forensic professional starts here.

Practice with mock tests, learn from structured notes, and get your questions answered by a global forensic community, all in one place.