What is tree ring cross dating
We have an extensive collection of samples from the Aegean and Mediterranean for the last nine millennia, and a growing collection from northeastern North America, including samples from the Late Glacial chronozone.
In 2007, we are adding to our Cretan and Cypriot collections, and extending our collection into the northern Balkan area.
The context of the sample - whether from archaeological sites, a historic building, or a work of art - gives us a range of possible dates for the individual rings and the patterns contained in the rings.
The use of dendrochronology to determine the source of timber, termed "dendroprovenancing", was introduced to solve the questions of imported timber in western part of Europe and subsequently for timber from excavated ships.
Tree-rings are wider or narrower, brighter or darker and they reflect conditions under which the tree grew, mainly the climate conditions.
The ring widths, the anatomical characteristics of the wood, and other features of their growth vary from year to year with changing environmental conditions.
Our initial analysis is based solely on the wood and its growth ring patterns.
We examine all biological aspects to obtain a comprehensive view of the information stored in the wood structure.
