Tree-Ring Lab
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory |
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The Valley as a Natural Laboratory
Unique geographic,climatic & ecological qualities make the Hudson Valley a natural laboratory for studying the effects of climate & forested ecosystems.
Nearly 60% of the tree species found east of the Mississippi River and 89.9% of NYS trees can be found within the valley. The valley's high tree diversity is a result of these uniques attributes.
Despite >300 yrs of complex & intense land-use, pockets of old- & old 2nd growth forests can be used to reconstruct climate histories and natural long-term variations.
Understanding natural patterns & dynamics of forested ecosystems may help anticipate the impacts of future anthropogenic changes.
Map courtesy of Ray Sterner's Color Landform
Atlas of the United States.
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Route 9W, Palisades, New York 10964 Voice: (845) 365-8517 Fax: (845) 365-8152
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