Dendrochronology is the scientific study of tree rings and how they can reveal historic climate data. Trees add a new growth ring each year, so by counting the rings and measuring their thickness, scientists can determine a tree’s age and estimate the climate conditions they experienced during their lifetime.
Recently, scientists at the University of Arizona used dendrochronology to study bonsai trees. These small, ornamental trees are often shaped and pruned to create miniature versions of their larger counterparts. The scientists found that the bonsai trees’ growth rings contained detailed information about the winters they had experienced over the past few decades.
This information can be used to reconstruct past climate conditions and understand how the climate has changed over time. By studying the growth rings of bonsai trees, scientists can get a glimpse into the long-term history of the local climate.
