摘要：Pine latewood width, density, and stable carbon isotope ratios were measured at two sites, separated in altitude by 400 m, close to the forest limit on a south-facing slope in the western French Alps. The signal to noise ratio in the δ 13 C series from each site is higher than that of either of the growth proxies. When the sites are combined, the high-frequency climate signal in the δ 13 C series is enhanced, whereas in both the ring width and density series it is weakened. Because regional climate dominates over local site conditions, δ 13 C ratios from long pine chronologies will provide a better indicator of past climate than either ring widths or densities. At dry Alpine sites, δ 13 C values are controlled mainly by stomatal conductance, which is linked to summer moisture stress and thus antecedent precipitation.
