Capturing spiral radial growth of conifers using the superellipse to model tree-ring geometric shape.

ABSTRACT: Tree-rings are often assumed to approximate a circular shape when estimating forest productivity and carbon dynamics. However, tree rings are rarely, if ever, circular, thereby possibly resulting in under- or over-estimation in forest productivity and carbon sequestration. Given the crucial role played by tree ring data in assessing forest productivity and carbon storage within a context of global change, it is particularly important that mathematical models adequately render cross-sectional area increment derived from tree rings. We modeled the geometric shape of tree rings using the superellipse equation and checked its validation based on the theoretical simulation and six actual cross sections collected from three conifers. We found that the superellipse better describes the geometric

SUBMITTER: Shi PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4606055 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature