Quaternary Geology and Dendroclimatology

This research aims to understand historic climate events by examining trees in the subalpine ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains.

Living and dead Pinus aristata (bristlecone pine) trees are studied to gain a better understanding the duration and spatial extent of the late Holocene Epoch drought in Colorado's subalpine vegetation zone. 

In addition, we study living Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) trees near Aspen Highlands to investigate the natural historical record of snowfall at one of the most historic ski resorts in North America.