Collaborative Research: P2C2--Summer Temperature Reconstructions for Eastern North America

这个项目广泛地寻求使用树木年轮测量的蓝光强度--木材密度的替代--来产生过去大约500年来多个年度分辨率的区域夏季温度重建(例如，东南部、大西洋中部、美国东北部/加拿大马里泰姆)。进行这项研究的主要动机是需要更好地了解目前整个北美东部气候变暖的趋势，以及更好地了解气候变化对整个区域对温度敏感的树种的影响。更长的温度记录(例如，延伸到仪器周期之外的温度记录)可以提供关于以下方面的信息：(I)温度变率的过去和当前的时空特征；(Ii)仪器前温度的全范围和幅度；(Iii)温度速率变化的时间和方向；以及(Iv)海洋和大气强迫机制对百年尺度温度变率的影响以及温度变化对这些气候强迫机制的敏感性。潜在的更广泛的影响包括从数据贫乏的地理位置开发数据以促进对北美气候的了解，支持来自代表性不足群体的研究生，以及向K-12 STEM受众提供外展，包括涉及美洲原住民社区的受众。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project broadly seeks to use blue light intensity measured in tree rings—a proxy for wood density—to produce multiple, annually-resolved, regional summer temperature reconstructions (e.g. Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast United States/Canadian Maritimes) over the past, approximately, 500 years. The primary motivation for conducting this research is the need to better understand the current climatic warming trend across eastern North America with regard to pre-instrumental conditions, as well as to better understand the effects of climatic variability on temperature-sensitive tree species across the region. Understanding the broader temporal and spatial patterns, timing, and amplitude of cool and warm periods across eastern North America may aid in constraining model scenarios of future temperature change.Longer temperature records (e.g. that extend beyond the instrumental period) may provide information on: (i) past and current spatiotemporal characteristics of temperature variability; (ii) the full range and amplitude of pre-instrumental temperatures; (iii) the timing and direction of temperature rate changes; and (iv) the influence of ocean and atmosphere forcing mechanisms on centennial-scale temperature variability and the sensitivity of temperature changes to these climatic forcing mechanisms.The potential Broader Impacts include developing data from a data poor geographic location that are well situated to advance knowledge on North American climate, supporting graduate students from underrepresented groups, and providing outreach to K-12 STEM audiences including those involving Native American communities.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.