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Reconstructed Summer Degree Days in Central Alaska and Northwestern Canada since 15241

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Gordon C. Jacoby Jr. ,
Edward R. Cook  and
Linda D. Ulan
Gordon C. Jacoby Jr.
Affiliation:
Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 USA
Edward R. Cook
Affiliation:
Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 USA
Linda D. Ulan
Affiliation:
Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 USA
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Abstract

Three time series based on precisely dated annual tree-ring widths have been used to reconstruct June plus July degree days for the central Alaska and northwestern Canada region. The time series are the longest recently developed chronologies for the area and represent 57 core samples from 27 trees. The degree-year-to-year variation and day reconstruction, extending back to A.D. 1524, exhibits much extended warming and cooling trends including a general warming trend from about 1840 to 1960. The reconstruction is in agreement with some subaretic glacial information and with data of percentage melting from arctic ice cores. This and similar reconstructions can provide quantitative information to compare with general circulation and energy budget models for longer time periods than are available in recorded meteorological data.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Quaternary Research , Volume 23 , Issue 1 , January 1985 , pp. 18 - 26
Copyright
University of Washington

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