Tropical savannas remain underexplored in dendrochronological research despite their ecological importance and high climatic sensitivity. This study evaluated the dendrochronological potential and climate-growth relationships of Tapirira guianensis Aubl. in the Brazilian Cerrado. Basal stem discs were collected from 14 trees. Growth-ring anatomy was examined in five individuals, and ring-width series from all 14 trees were cross-dated and standardized. Growth-ring boundaries were distinguished by thick-walled and radially flattened latewood fibers. The full ring-width record covered 1974–2017, with at least two trees contributing from 1980 onwards and all 14 trees represented during 2001–2017. The dataset showed a strong common growth signal with a mean interseries correlation (rBar) of 0.62 and an expressed population signal of 0.96. Climate-growth analyses for 2001–2017 revealed positive associations with precipitation during the rainy period (r = 0.56), spring (r = 0.62), and November (r = 0.66) of the current growing year, and July of the previous growing year (r = 0.53). However, none remained significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. These exploratory associations suggest a possible contribution of water availability to radial growth variability. Complementary exploratory analyses of minimum, maximum and mean temperature, vapor pressure deficit, and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) yielded no associations that remained significant after adjustment for multiple testing, either under conventional tests or a phase-randomization sensitivity analysis. These findings support the dendrochronological potential of T. guianensis at the study site, while the limited number of trees and short climate-growth analysis interval constrain generalization. Broader sampling and longer records are needed to evaluate the consistency of growth responses across populations and environmental conditions.
The preservation of the charred remains of Notre-Dame Cathedral's roof structures after the fire of April 15, 2019 allowed for the recovery and storage of more than six thousand wooden fragments of various sizes. As part of the ANR CASIMODO project, an initiative was launched to acquire and 3D model these remains, primarily to create detailed archaeological documentation before samples were taken for wood material studies. Collaboration with the “Digital Data” working group (MAP Laboratory Marseille, CNRS – ERC N-Dame_Heritage) resulted in the production of high-quality 3D models that supported diverse experiments: from large-scale digital anastylosis to reconstructions of internal trunk features typically hidden, such as internal knots and pith location. This partnership facilitated the development of manual and semi-automated photogrammetric documentation protocols, resulting in 164 3D models. The remains were subsequently sampled for various analyses, including dating, insect infestation, environmental biogeochemistry, physicochemical properties, and radial and height growth studies. These “archive” models, combined with dendrochronological data, have so far enabled the reconstruction of tree of the trees used during the multiple medieval construction phases of the roof. Follow us for an exploration of Notre-Dame’s enduring history, which continues to raise questions despite its nine centuries in the Parisian landscape.
