Multiple tree-ring chronologies (ring width, δ13C and δ18O) reveal dry and rainy season signals of rainfall in Indonesia

• Published in: Quaternary science reviews Vol. 73; pp. 170 - 181
• Main Authors: Schollaen, Karina, Heinrich, Ingo, Neuwirth, Burkhard, Krusic, Paul J., D'Arrigo, Rosanne D., Karyanto, Oka, Helle, Gerhard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2013
• Subjects: Dendroclimatology; Marine; Monsoon; Multiparameter approach; Oxygen and carbon stable isotopes; Seasonal rainfall variability; Tectona grandis; Tree rings; Tropics; ISW, Indian Ocean; INW, Asia; ISEW, Java Sea; ISEW, Indonesia; Tree rings; Dendroclimatology; Seasonal rainfall variability; Multiparameter approach; Monsoon; Oxygen and carbon stable isotopes; Tectona grandis; Tropics
• ISSN: 0277-3791; 1873-457X; 1873-457X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2013.05.018

Climatic hazards, such as severe droughts and floods, affect extensive areas across monsoon Asia and can have profound impacts on the populations of that region. The area surrounding Indonesia, including large portions of the eastern Indian Ocean and Java Sea, plays a key role in the global climate system because of the enormous heat and moisture exchange that occurs between the ocean and atmosphere there. Here, we evaluate the influence of rainfall variability on multiple tree-ring parameters of teak (Tectona grandis) trees growing in a lowland rain forest in Central Java (Indonesia). We assess the potential of, annually resolved, tree-ring width, stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope records to improve our understanding of the Asian monsoon variability. Climate response analysis with regional, monthly rainfall data reveals that all three tree-ring parameters are significantly correlated to rainfall, albeit during different monsoon seasons. Precipitation in the beginning of the rainy season (Sep–Nov) is important for tree-ring width, confirming previous studies. Compared to ring width, the stable isotope records possess a higher degree of common signal, especially during portions of the peak rainy season (δ13C: Dec–May; δ18O: Nov–Feb) and are negatively correlated to rainfall. In addition, tree-ring δ18O also responds positively to peak dry season rainfall, although the δ18O rainy season signal is stronger and more time-stable. The correlations of opposite sign reflect the distinct seasonal contrast of the δ18O signatures in rainfall (18OPre) during the dry (18O-enriched rain) and rainy (18O-depleted rain) seasons. This difference in 18OPre signal reflects the combination of two signals in the annual tree-ring δ18O record. Highly resolved intra-annual δ18O isotope analyses suggest that the signals of dry and rainy season can be distinguished clearly. Thereby reconstructions can improve our understanding of variations and trends of the hydrological cycle over the Indonesian archipelago. •First well replicated, centennial, multi-parameter TRW, δ13C/δ18O record from teak.•δ13C and δ18O records reveal significant higher rainfall signals than tree-ring widths.•Tree-ring δ18O responds to peak dry and rainy season rainfall.•High-resolution δ18OTR values can distinguish seasonal rainfall variability.•Reconstruction of seasonal rainfall variability over Indonesia is possible with δ18OTR.