A Review of Studies Dealing with Tree Rings and Rockfall Activity: The Role of Dendrogeomorphology in Natural Hazard Research |
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| Authors: | M Stoffel |
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| Institution: | (1) Groupe de Recherches en Géomorphologie (GReG), Department of Geosciences, Geography, University of Fribourg, chemin du Musée 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | Over the last few years, rockfall research has increasingly focused on hazard assessment and risk analysis. Input data on
past rockfall activity were gathered from historical archives and lichenometric studies or were obtained through frequency–volume
statistics. However, historical records are generally scarce, and lichenometry may only yield data with relatively low resolutions.
On forested slopes, in contrast, tree-ring analyses may help, generally providing annual data on past rockfall activity over
long periods. It is the purpose of the present literature review to survey the current state of investigations dealing with
tree-ring sequences and rockfall activity, with emphasis on the extent to which dendrogeomorphology may contribute to rockfall
research. Firstly, a brief introduction describes how dendrogeomorphological methods can contribute to natural hazard research.
Secondly, an account is provided of the output of dendrogeomorphological studies investigating frequencies, volumes or spatial
distributions of past rockfall activity. The current and potential strengths of dendrogeomorphology are then presented before,
finally, the weaknesses of tree rings as natural archives of past rockfall activity are discussed and promising directions
for further studies outlined. |
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| Keywords: | rockfall tree rings dendrogeomorphology frequency volume spatial patterns seasonality |
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