Assessment of landslide hazard from tree-ring eccentricity and from compression wood – a comparison

Authors

  • Katarzyna Łuszczyńska University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec
  • Ireneusz Malik University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec
  • Małgorzata Wistuba University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec
  • Marek Krąpiec AGH – University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7306/gq.1472

Keywords:

eccentric growth, reaction wood, landslide activity, Western Carpathians

Abstract

We have compared maps of landslide activity and hazard, developed with the use of two different dendrochronological indicators: tree-ring eccentricity and reaction (compression) wood. The maps were prepared based on 125 Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) trees growing at 44 sampling points, distributed over an area of 3.75 km2. In general, the two maps show similar patterns of landslide activity. However, tree-ring eccentricity yielded a greater number of dated events (246) compared to compression wood (129). Besides the differences in the absolute values of dating results, the general landslide activity and hazard zonation based on both disturbances are similar. Both growth disturbances develop as a result of stem tilting. Eccentricity develops after slight tilting, while compression wood is developed when tilting is more significant. Because of the differences in the strength of disturbing factors, which cause the development of compression wood and growth eccentricity, the best approach would be to combine the results of dating obtained from the two methods. The dendrochronological analysis of tree growth disturbances (eccentric growth and compression wood) is a promising approach for determining landslide hazards in forested mountain areas and can be applied in spatial management.

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Published

2019-07-10

Issue

Vol. 63 No. 2 (2019)

Section

Articles

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