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X-ray Florescence analysis of tree rings has been used to study the chemical-dendrostratigraphy in trees. This study examines the use of energy dispersive x-ray florescence as a quantitative analysis of dendrostratigraphy; using elemental markers to understand dendrite chronology and possibly environmental anomalies. Samples were extracted from individual tree rings and prepared two ways; a pestle and mortar and with a ball mill. Analyses were performed on a Bruker Picofox S-2 EDXRF. Vertical and horizontal samples were extracted, both from hard and soft wood samples, to determine variances in elemental signal within a single ring. Samples were analyzed from both the same tree ring on opposite sides of the tree as well as vertical samples within the same tree ring. Samples prepared by grinding on a ball mill produced better resolution than our use of a pestle and mortar. Results indicate a wide range of variation is some elements, particularly iron and calcium, within a single tree ring. Less common elements, such as aluminum, titanium, and nickel, did not show up in some samples of the same tree ring; leading us to speculate that for rare elements, it is by random chance that we may extract a sample and get a rare elemental signal. Thus, energy dispersive x-ray florescence is not a practical analytical method for studying chemical dendrostratigraphy for most elements.
[Abstract (DOCX)]
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