Development of tree-ring chronologies for alerce (Fitzroya Cupressoides) in Contao and Mirador, Chile

Two ring-width chronologies were developed using samples from alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides (Molina) Johnston). These were collected from two different sites; Contao, in the Andean Range and Mirador, in the Coastal Range. The series from the each site were cross-dated and COFECHA program was used to verify this process. Once correctly cross-dated, ARSTAN program was used to build up a chronology for each site (Contao and Mirador). These chronologies were compared with other existing chronologies. Contao presented the best statistics when compared to the other chronologies. Differences between chronologies from the Coastal and Andes Ranges were detected mainly during the last 150 years. Before this period, chronologies were quite similar. Differences are attributed to factors other than climate, such as human-set fires and logging. Correlations, with climatic variables revealed similar trends to those reported in previous work. Results showed significant correlations with the previous summer's growing conditions; negative correlation with temperature and positive with precipitation.