Dendroarchaeology
Dendroarchaeology is a term used for the study of vegetation remains, old buildings, artifacts, furniture, art and musical instruments using the techniques of dendrochronology (tree-ring dating). It refers to dendrochronological research of wood from the past regardless of its current physical context (in or above the soil). This form of dating is the most accurate and precise absolute dating method available to archaeologists, as the last ring that grew is the first year the tree could have been incorporated into an archaeological structure. Tree-ring dating is useful in that it can contribute to chronometric, environmental, and behavioral archaeological research. The utility of tree-ring dating in an environmental sense is the most applicable of the three in today's world. Tree rings can be used to reconstruct numerous environmental variables such as temperature, precipitation, stream flow, drought society, fire frequency and intensity, insect infestation, atmospheric circulation patterns, among others. History At the beginning of the twentieth century, astronomer Andrew Ellicott Douglass first applied tree ring dating to prehistoric North American artifacts. Through applying dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), Douglass hoped for more expansive climate studies. Douglass theorized organic materials (trees and plant remains) could assist in visualizing past climates. Despite Dr. Douglass’s contributions, archaeology