An Analysis of Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) B.S.P.) Tree Rings as Indicators of Ghost Forest Development in a Globally Threatened Ecosystem

Atlantic White Cedar (AWC) swamps are a globally threatened type of wetland ecosystem and new form ghost forest in the mid-Atlantic region US. Hydrogeomorphic regimes foster peat formation, resulting unique biodiversity carbon sequestration services. Our sites include that exposed to sea-level rise storm-driven seawater intrusion, yet other protected by higher elevations. In this study, we evaluated climatic variables discern differences tree ring formation as an indicator growth among nine stands including micro-tidal, oligohaline well areas which served control. Standard dendrochronological techniques were used, series divided into two sub-chronologies, 1895 1971 (early) 1972 2018 (recent). AWC response precipitation parameters, e.g., Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), largely non-significant but somewhat reversed sub-chronologies. Early correlations primarily negatively correlated with PDSI, while recent mostly positive, suggests even though inundation may reduce photosynthate availability for growth, has begun increase alleviating osmotic toxic stresses associated seawater. Analysis at reference site found anthropogenic stressors ditching exert greater influence. Hurricane impacts on exhibited no lasting negative effects; however, report from New Jersey connected mortality hurricane. delay rather than eliminate risks