The Effect of the 1857 Fort Tejon Earthquake on Trees near Wrightwood, California

Abstract

Trees may suffer damage during major earthquakes due to shaking and faulting of the ground beneath them. External effects, such as topping, root and limb damage, and scars may result in a temporary reduction in the width of their annual growth rings. Tilting and changes in environmental factors, such as light, space and water availability may initiate asymmetric growth. Dendrochronologic techniques enable dating of such growth anomalies, and hence earthquakes.

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