Abstract

AVILA FLORES, Diana Yemilet et al. Dendrochronopyrology: analysis of the morphological evidence of forest fires. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2014, vol.5, n.21, pp.136-147. ISSN 2007-1132.

Fire regime is an important evolutionary force that modifies the structure and promotes the adaptation of some ecosystems to fire. In the last decade a good number of studies focused on the historical reconstruction of wildfires around the world. In this paper a description of the application of dendrochronological methods for reconstruction and analysis of ecological fire regimes is made, as well as their involvement in the management of forest resources. Among the known techniques are the analysis of coal in lake sediments, age structures and remote sensing. However, one of the most regularly used is the analysis of fire scars on trees, which are formed when heat is very intense, or when it has a very long residence time, which is enough as to penetrate the bark and kill part of the cambium. By its application it is feasible to recognize the history of the fire in the woods, from the evidence reflected in the growth rings. This technique provides a useful sustained basis for the design and development of strategies for integrated fire management, which should be considered as a fundamental part of restoration programs and ecosystem protection.

Keywords : Growth rings; fire scars on trees; master fire chronology; dendrochronology; growth chart; fire regime.

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