Can we distinguish between tree-ring eccentricity developed as a result of landsliding and prevailing winds? consequences for dendrochronological dating

Dendrogeomorphology has lately become a recognised and useful tool in dating past mass movement activity (e.g. Shroder, 1978; Lang et al., 1999; Stoffel, 2010; Franco-Ramos et al., 2017; Malik et al., 2017), including landsliding. Tree-ring analyses of landslide activity cover such topics as the dating methods (e.g. Braam et al., 1987; Malik and Wistuba, 2012; Wistuba et al., 2013; Šilhán and Stoffel, 2015; Šilhán, 2017), magnitude-frequency relations (e.g. Stefanini, 2004; Corominas and Moya, 2008, 2010; Malik et al., 2016), landscape evolution (e.g. Migoń et al., 2014; Wistuba, 2014; Wistuba et al., 2015), triggering factors (e.g. Paolini et al., 2005; Šilhán et al., 2012; Łuszczyńska and Wistuba, 2015; Papciak et al., 2015; Cockburn et al., 2016), as well as topics related to the potential of landslide reactivation (e.g. Lopez Saez et al., 2012) and landslide hazard assessment (e.g. Łuszczyńska et al., 2018).

Since dendrochronological analyses of landsliding can be also used for practical purposes, particular attention should be paid to the accuracy of dating and its improvement. Nevertheless, ground movement is only one of the many environmental factors recorded by trees. The width and anatomy of every seasonal ring of wood reflect the ontogenetic properties of a certain tree as well as the complex conditions of tree growth in a certain location, in a certain growing season (Fritts and Swetman, 1986). The dendrochronological record obtained from trees growing on landslides can be, therefore, also affected by other geomorphic and non-geomorphic phenomena such as soil creep (e.g. Šilhán, 2017), avalanches (e.g. Tumajer and Treml, 2015), air pollution (e.g. Malik et al., 2012), insect outbreaks (e.g. Wang et al., 2017), wind (e.g. Duncker and Spiecker, 2008) and other climatic factors (temperature, precipitation; e.g. Nöjd et al., 2017), etc. Disentangling the dendrochronological record of landslide activity from the record of the above-listed factors is all the more difficult because it is not landsliding itself that trees record but the tilting of stems (Braam et al., 1987) (Fig. 1A). According to Wiedenhoeft (2013), the tilt of a tree stem from the upright orientation by as little as 1–2° causes enough stress to disturb the normal radial growth of wood. In coniferous trees radial growth and cell differentiation are accelerated on the lower sides of tilted stems (Shroder Jr, 1978; Braam et al., 1987) where the development of eccentric growth (characterised by the increased width of rings on one side of a stem compared to the opposite side: Braam et al., 1987; Wistuba et al., 2013) and the formation of compression wood (characterised by thicker and more rounded cell walls, smaller cell lumens and the presence of intracellular spaces – Ruelle, 2014) begin immediately after tilting (Timell, 1986).

Fig. 1

Habits and eccentricity of annual rings in Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) trees: spruce tilted upslope due to landsliding (A) and spruce tilted leeward due to prevailing wind (B). Direction of stem sampling marked: u– upslope radius, d– downslope radius, w – windward radius, l– leeward radius.

Owing to these advantages (immediate reaction and high sensitivity), eccentricity and compression wood are often used for landslide dating (e.g. Braam et al., 1987; Lopez Saez et al., 2012; Šilhán et al., 2012; Wistuba et al., 2013; Migoń et al., 2014; Cockburn et al., 2016; Malik et al., 2016; Šilhán, 2017; Łuszczyńska et al., 2018). However, other environmental factors, e.g. soil creep, avalanches and wind, can also tilt tree stems and result in the production of eccentricity and reaction wood. Proper dating requires the elimination of such non-landslide impact from the chronologies developed for the purpose of reconstructing landslide activity. This elimination can be obtained e.g. by using reference thresholds in the dating procedure (Wistuba et al., 2013). This approach to dendrochronological dating assumes that only dendrochronological events which exceed the average level of growth disturbance found on a reference slope can be recognised as landsliding events. Reference slopes are selected as slopes devoid of landslide activity which have, however, other environmental features similar to the landslide slopes under study (Wistuba et al., 2013).

Dating precision can also be improved through appropriate determination of the growth patterns developed as a result of diverse environmental factors, among which wind is one of the strongest. The prevailing wind (wind from one prevailing direction) can affect trees particularly severely. The constant impact of the prevailing wind can result in flagging (a change in the growth habit of tree crowns) (Fig. 1B) and even developing bush or shrub growth habit by species which usually have a tree-like growth habit (Schweingruber, 1996). Deformed growth habits result from the gradual adaptation to continuous unfavourable wind conditions (Ennos, 1997) which is also recorded in tree rings and wood anatomy (Schweingruber, 1996). Duncker and Spiecker (2008) have analysed tree-ring eccentricity and compression wood developed by coniferous trees affected by the prevailing wind. However, so far there have been no comparisons between growth disturbances caused by the prevailing wind, disturbances caused by landsliding, and normal radial growth. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare patterns of tree-ring eccentricity developed as a result of landsliding (the Suchawa study site in the Kamienne Mts.), prevailing wind (the Hubertka study site in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts.) with one another and with the normal radial growth of trees unaffected by landsliding or the prevailing wind (the Suchawa and Hubertka reference sites in the Kamienne Mts. and in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts.).

Fig. 2

Location of study and reference sites in the Central Sudetes, Kamienne Mts., SW Poland (Suchawa study site and reference site) and in the Eastern Sudetes, Hrubý Jeseník Mts., NE Czech Republic (Hubertka study site and reference site).

We analysed tree-ring eccentricity among Norway spruce trees (Picea abies Karst.) in the study and reference sites (2 sites in the Kamienne Mts. and 2 in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts.) (Figs. 2, 3). We sampled 20 trees on the Suchawa landslide slope, 20 in the Hubertka study site affected by the prevailing wind and 10 trees in each reference site (in total: 20 reference trees not disturbed by landsliding and wind). In each study and reference site we selected trees visually assessed as healthy, devoid of visible losses in assimilation apparatus or stem injuries. Samples were taken using standard increment borers at breast height. Two cores were collected from each tree (120 cores in total). As regards trees growing in the Suchawa study site and Suchawa reference site, samples were collected along the axis parallel to slope inclination: one on the upslope and another on the downslope side of the stem (Fig. 1A). In respect of trees growing in the Hubertka study site, samples were collected along the west-east axis parallel to the prevailing wind: one on the windward and another on the leeward side of the stem (Fig. 1B). Sampling in the Hubertka reference site was performed similarly to the Hubertka study site, in the same west-east axis.

The cores were glued onto wooden holders and sanded to reveal the structure of tree rings. Tree-ring widths were measured with 0.01 mm accuracy (LinTab measuring station, TSAPWin Professional 4.65 software). The skeleton plot technique (Cropper, 1979) was used for cross-dating between the upslope and downslope or windward and leeward samples of individual trees to detect wedging rings and ensure the correct analysis and dating of eccentricity.

The ring widths were measured in all the samples. The measurement results for the opposite sides of individual stems were compared using the method of percent index of eccentricity. The eccentricity, eccentricity index and its yearly variation were calculated according to the formulas by Wistuba et al. (2013) (Fig. 4). The graphs of the index obtained for individual trees were analysed. We looked for any potential patterns such as e.g. long-term changes in the value of the eccentricity index over time. We compared statistical indicators of eccentricity (i.e. percent index) produced by trees in all four analysed sites: minimum values, maximum values, means, standard deviations and medians.

Fig. 4

Subsequent steps of tree-ring eccentricity analysis in a tree affected by landsliding in the Suchawa study site with respective formulas allowing transformation of ring widths [mm] on the upslope (U_x) and downslope (D_x) sides of stems into eccentricity [mm] (E_x), then eccentricity index [%] (Ei_x) and its yearly variation [percentage points] (vEi_x) and disturbance (eccentricity) events dated with the use of reference thresholds (method after Wistuba et al., 2013). Example of ring width graph, eccentricity index graph, graph of yearly variation of eccentricity index.

We also dated disturbance (eccentricity) events caused by landslide and wind activity on the study sites (Fig. 4). Data from stable, reference slopes were used in the dating procedure as thresholds. Reference thresholds were calculated separately for each study site, based on all values of the yearly variation of the index obtained for all annual rings in matching sets of 10 reference trees. The thresholds were calculated as a sum of averages and standard deviations for the sets of positive and negative variation values (index increases and decreases) separately (Wistuba et al., 2013). For example, the upslope reference threshold for Suchawa was calculated based on an average value of 29.11% and standard deviation of 30.28% which makes 59.39%, while the downslope reference threshold was calculated based on an average value of –30.98% and standard deviation of 33.39% which makes –64.37% (Fig. 4).

Disturbance events were dated in samples taken from the study sites as the years in which the values of index variation exceeded the thresholds (Fig. 4). Finally, we calculated the response index (Shroder, 1978): a percentage of trees with disturbance (eccentricity) events dated in a certain year in relation to the total number of sampled trees already alive in the same year (sample depth value) (Fig. 4). We analysed changes of the response index during periods when over 50% of the sampled trees were already alive (sample depth >50%) for both study sites.

In the tree-ring record obtained from the landslide slope (the Suchawa study site) we found periods with an escalated level of eccentricity index in individual trees, which can be interpreted as periods of increased landslide activity, while periods with eccentricity index values oscillating close to 0% (the lack of tree-ring eccentricity and almost concentric growth) can be interpreted as periods when the slope under study was stable (inactive) (Figs. 4, 5) (e.g. Malik and Wistuba, 2012; Wistuba et al., 2013; Migoń et al., 2014; Łuszczyńska and Wistuba, 2015; Papciak et al., 2015). The same interpretation concerns also the increases and decreases in the response index from the entire landslide slope (Fig. 6), where we found brief periods of increased landslide activity separated by longer periods of stability. Therefore, the eccentricity record from the Suchawa study site reflects temporal variation in bedrock instability. The predominance of upslope eccentricity in the tree-ring record from the Suchawa study site (Table 1) is directly related to the nature of landslide movement. Rotational landslides, which are typical of the study area (Migoń et al., 2010), are characterised by concave sliding surfaces and by back-side tilting of the ground surface along with the trees which grow on the landslide blocks. According to Braam et al. (1987) and Wistuba et al. (2013) who described patterns of backward tree tilting on landslide slopes, upslope tilting is typical of upper and middle sections of rotational landslides, such as the study area (Fig. 3). Coniferous trees, if tilted upslope, tend to produce upslope eccentricity (Braam et al., 1987; Wistuba et al., 2013). Downslope tilting can, however, be found in the lowest and steepest part of the landslide toe and on the steep fronts of rotated landslide blocks (Wistuba et al., 2013). Therefore, the pattern of eccentricity in the Suchawa study site is not uniquely upslope (Table 1, Figs. 4, 5).

Trees from the Hubertka study site, which are affected by the prevailing wind, have a different eccentricity pattern compared to the above-described pattern produced due to landsliding. The general eccentricity of trees affected by the prevailing wind is leeward. This is due to tree stems being tilted along and with the direction of the westerly wind. It is also caused by the asymmetric growth habit of tree crowns which are flagging in line with the direction of the prevailing wind. Both features of the tree growth habit developed gradually, as branches on the windward side of a stem were eliminated (Schweingruber, 1996; Telewski, 2012). The windward branches were bent and broken by the wind. They could have been also broken as a result of overloading with snow or rime frost deposited on the windward side of tree crowns. Both crown flagging and wind impact itself can cause tree stems to tilt leeward and to develop leeward eccentricity as an expression of gradual adaptation of trees to the constant influence of the prevailing wind.

However, wood anatomy features such as: growth release, resin ducts, resin pockets, vessel distribution and reaction wood are the most often used in dendroecological studies on wind (e.g. Schweingruber, 1996; Duncker and Spiecker, 2008; Zielonka and Malcher, 2009). Eccentric growth is usually considered only in relation to cross-sections of whole stems (e.g. Robertson, 2011), but not in relation to individual annual rings. The connection between crown asymmetry in coniferous trees and the level of stem eccentricity was described by Burkhalter (videSchweingruber, 1996). Tomczak et al. (2012) found stem eccentricity in pines to decrease with increasing distance from the edge of a forest exposed to strong winds. Schweingruber (1996) additionally indicated wind erosion of the cambium of Pinus longaeva on the windward sides of stems, which limited radial growth to only one, leeward side of the stems where live cambium is preserved.

As suggested by Robertson (1986), the eccentricity of single tree rings is strongly related to crown deformation and the mean direction of wind flow. The results from the Hubertka study site demonstrate that the eccentricity of single annual rings developed as a result of the prevailing wind escalates with time (and with the age of trees) (Fig. 5). This escalation can be related to the gradual adaptation of tree growth habits to the influence of wind, and is accumulated over time with the increasing age of trees. The impact may also increase over time because young trees are low and shielded from wind by the surrounding higher vegetation. Only after the height of a tree increases does it start to be exposed to the prevailing wind. In addition, the increase of tree age itself can result in an increase in eccentricity. When the tree ages, its size and weight increase. A greater weight increases the level of mechanical strains inside the tree stem, and these strains constitute a direct reason for the development of tree-ring eccentricity (Braam et al., 1987; Kojs et al., 2012).

Reference trees, growing in sites unaffected by landsliding and wind produce weaker ring eccentricity compared to trees affected by both those disturbing factors. In reference trees eccentricity index values oscillate around 0% and rarely exceed ±100%. These two characteristics, along with the frequent changes between upslope and downslope or windward and leeward eccentricity, are probably a record of a constant balancing of trees which struggle to maintain the near-vertical position and equilibrium on slopes. Balancing is an effect of the continuous need to fight the impact of disturbing factors as e.g. soil creep, snow cover and the increase in tree weight caused by tree growth over time (Gardiner et al., 2016).

The comparison of the records of tree-ring eccentricity typical of landslide activity and the prevailing wind (Table 1, Figs. 5, 6) clearly illustrates that the eccentricity developed in the Hubertka study site, influenced by wind, is stronger than that on the landslide slope of the Suchawa site. The difference in the level of growth disturbance is clear from the graphs of eccentricity developed for individual trees (Fig. 5), as well as from data collected for entire study sites: statistical parameters (Table 1) and response index graphs (Fig. 6). Therefore, the results indicate that the impact of the prevailing wind on the radial growth of trees is more severe than the one of landsliding. A significant impact of wind on ecosystems and trees in particular was emphasised by e.g. Ennos (1997) and Gardiner et al. (2016). Wind has profound consequences not only for the shape and size of stems and branches, but also roots (Gardiner et al., 2016). Plants exposed to high winds may also develop a limited number of smaller leaves (Telewski, 2012). The list of wind-related disturbances to plant anatomy and physiology includes: (i) a reduction in longitudinal stem growth, (ii) a stimulation of secondary radial stem growth and (iii) reallocation of biomass to the root system. Wind can even cause changes to the cell structure in both woody (e.g. Bannan and Bindra, 2011) and non-woody parts of plants (e.g. Gardiner et al., 2016).

The difference in the extent of landsliding and wind impact on tree growth may result from the study landslide being a slow-moving one (Malik et al., 2016). Slow-moving landslides can present rates of movement of less than a centimetre per year (e.g. Noferini et al., 2007; Massey et al., 2013) and their impact on tree growth can, therefore, be weaker compared to sudden, catastrophic landsliding. Previous studies show that the values of the response index calculated for landslide slopes in terms of tree-ring eccentricity can often exceed 40% (e.g. Wistuba et al., 2013). However, the frequency of such strong events on landslide slopes does not match the high frequency found in the Hubertka study site influenced by the prevailing wind. Therefore, wind impact should be carefully taken into account in dendrogeomorphic research as it can influence the results of landslide dating, as found e.g. by Martin and Germain (2015) for avalanches. These authors have found that growth disturbances caused by windthrows can be mistaken for the impact of snow avalanches. Particular caution should be exercised in respect of sites where signs of prevailing winds are present e.g. in the growth habit of tree crowns.

The results show that patterns of eccentricity developed as a result of landslide activity and the prevailing wind differ from one another and from the eccentricity developed in the reference sites with no such disturbing factors. Differences have been found both in the patterns developed by individual specimens and in the patterns of the response index from entire sample populations of trees.

Norway spruce trees growing on an active landslide have a normal height of stems and growth habit of crowns. However, their stems are tilted along the general direction of slope. They develop both upslope and downslope eccentricity with the level of eccentricity index reaching up to hundreds or thousands per cent. The predominance of upslope eccentricity results from the cyclical character of the landslide under study. Prolonged periods with an escalated level of eccentricity index alternate with periods of low eccentricity or no eccentricity. The pattern records the temporally variable activity of the landslide on which the trees grow.

Spruce trees influenced by the prevailing wind have shorter stems, asymmetric and flagging crowns, and stems tilted leeward. At the beginning of their growth they develop weak windward and leeward eccentricity. When trees age, the eccentricity index escalates to hundreds or thousands per cent (with extreme values lasting up to 2 years) and the eccentricity becomes constantly leeward. The pattern records the adaptation of trees to the prevailing wind as the stems are tilted and branches on the windward side of a stem are eliminated and a flagging growth habit develops.

Spruce trees not subjected to the impact of landslide activity and prevailing winds have straight stems and undisturbed crown growth habits. They are characterised by the values of eccentricity index of around 0% and an alternating occurrence of single years or short periods with upslope and downslope or windward and leeward eccentricity. The pattern probably records constant balancing of trees maintaining a near-vertical position on slopes.

All the statistical parameters of eccentricity suggest that the impact of the prevailing wind on tree growth is more severe than the impact of landslide activity. The severity of wind impact on tree growth indicates that it should be carefully taken into account in dendrogeomorphic research as it can influence the results of dating. On the other hand, the possible influence of mass movements should also be considered in dendroecological studies of wind impact on trees.