Fluctuations in size of annual ring-widths of Quercus species suggest that
environmental factors influence the size and density of vessels within the ring, either
by acting as a limiting factor for growth or through fine tuning of the wood structure
to environmental factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the potential of Q.
macrocarpa to provide multiple dendroclimatic proxies for the Canadian Prairies, by
investigating growth responses of annual, early- and latewood widths to regional
climate variability. Results indicate that ring width chronologies, from southeastern
Saskatchewan capture regional signals related to moisture and drought conditions.
