ABSOLUTE. Dendochronology or tree ring dating is a precise form of dating. Tree rings of sensitive trees (such as the bristlecone pine and irish oak) will reflect each year the environmental surroundings of a tree in it's rings. Certain patterns are found repeating in different trees in the same area. Master sequences are created, from which samples of wood from buildings and other areas can be matched up and dated.
 Problems: wood is organic and does not preserve well. The tree must be sensitive. Also must be able to get a sample, and wood can be reused. This works best on a local level, though environments impacts on a global scale can also be found in tree rings around the world.
Works back 8500 years
kinds of archeology ||| sites ||| dating methods main |
