Tree-ring dating developed in the early 20th century in the American Southwest, where astronomer Andrew Ellicott Douglass of the University of Arizona sought a terrestrial record of sunspot cycles. After nearly three decades work, he successfully dated archaeological specimens for the first time in 1929.

Who developed tree-ring dating in the American Southwest?

Andrew Ellicott Douglass Andrew Ellicott Douglass, an astronomer at the University of Arizona in Tucson, is considered the father of tree-ring dating.

What can Tree ring dating tell archaeologists?

Dendrochronology (or tree-ring dating) is the scientific method of dating tree rings (also called growth rings) to the exact year they were formed. As well as dating them, this can give data for dendroclimatology, the study of climate and atmospheric conditions during different periods in history from wood.