Lab Analysis
The tree cores from live Bald Cypress trees were mounted and finely sanded to expose the tree rings. The samples were then scanned and analyzed using the image software Coorecorder for measuring tree ring widths. This software measures the growth of each tree during the year based on image coordinates for earlywood-latewood tree ring boundaries. Cdendro, a software program used for compiling files and crossdating, was also utilized during the lab analysis. Multiple samples were taken from each tree to verify the accuracy of the analysis – ensuring that each individual tree ring is assigned to its exact year of formation. The samples with tight rings or false rings were further analyzed using the microscope.