My research explores the hidden archives within tree rings, analyzing ring widths and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) to unlock critical stories about forest ecology and climate change. While my primary work has focused on the diverse environments of South America, I am currently expanding these horizons to European history.
At Naturalis, I am a member of the ERC-funded 'Wood Culture' project, led by Dr. Marta Domínguez-Delmás. Here, I apply tree-ring analysis to gain new insights into European forest management and wood culture between 1300–1600 CE. Using an innovative approach involving stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O), I aim to date wood samples that have traditionally been difficult to analyze, such as fast-growing trees from managed (coppiced) forests or samples with very short ring series.
Key words:
Dendrochronology, Stable Isotopes, Dendroecology, Dendroarchaeology, Dendroclimatology
Researchinterest
I’m passionate about interpreting the information stored in tree rings because it allows us to understand environmental changes, trees' physiological strategies, and natural and human history. By studying different aspects of tree rings, we can 'travel on time' and learn about the past and predict future environmental changes.
My current research leverages dendrochronology and stable isotopes to unlock environmental and historical archives stored within tree rings. This multidisciplinary approach spans dendroclimatology to reconstruct past climates, dendroecology to study forest ecosystem dynamics, and dendroarchaeology to date and interpret historical artifacts.
Keypublications
- Physiological response of Austrocedrus chilensis (Cupressaceae) to climatic drought: a stable isotope and growth perspective. Vega, L.; Daux, V.; Srur, A. & Villalba, R. Trees: Structure and function, 39(6), 114.
- Growth resilience of Austrocedrus chilensis to drought along a precipitation gradient in Patagonia, Argentina. Marcotti, E., Amoroso, M. M., Rodriguez-Caton, M., Vega, L., Srur, A. M., & Villalba, R. 2021. Forest Ecology and Management, 496, 119388.
- Variación en los patrones de crecimiento previo a la muerte de individuos de Austrocedrus chilensis a lo largo de un gradiente pluviométrico en el norte de la Patagonia Andina. Vega, L., Marcotti, E., & Amoroso, M. M. Ecología Austral, Argentina. ISSN on line: 0327-5477, 1667-7838. 2019.