Tree-ring laser ablation data

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) measurements of 19 chemical elements in Mongolian oak tree rings from Harbin, China. The dataset provides a 5-year resolution proxy for element signals from 1965 to 2020, created by ENVIDAT and hosted on NASA EarthData. Its primary purpose is to reconstruct historical air pollution trends in a major industrial city prior to the establishment of formal air quality monitoring.

Use Cases

• Reconstructing historical air pollution trends based on trace metal indicators like Pb, As, and Tl mentioned in the description.
• Identifying pollution source indicators by comparing element trends between urban and control site trees as described.
• Analyzing the influence of physiological versus environmental factors on element uptake in tree rings, as discussed for Mg, K, and Zn.

Strengths

• Covers a 55-year time period from 1965 to 2020.
• Measures 19 specific chemical elements (Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Tl, Pb, Bi).
• Includes a comparative control site 90 km from major pollution sources.

Limitations

• Absolute concentrations are not provided; data consists of ratios to 13C as a proxy.
• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown.
• Last updated 2023-01-01 00:00:00; freshness should be verified.

Provenance

Source

ENVIDAT

Collection Method

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis of Quercus mongolica tree ring latewood.

Time Range

1965–2020

Freshness

Last updated 2023-01-01 00:00:00

Geography

Harbin, China, with a control site 90 km away