Post-photosynthetic Carbon, Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotope Signal Transfer to Tree Rings—How Timing of Cell Formations and Turnover of Stored Carbohydrates Affect Intra-annual Isotope Variations

Abstract

AbstractIn this chapter, we discuss post-photosynthetic processes that affect intra-annual variation in the stable isotopes of tree rings, such as timing of cell formations and turnover of stored carbohydrates, by combining research findings gained by using either natural-abundance or artificially-enriched carbon, oxygenand hydrogen isotopes. We focus on within-ring variation in stable isotope ratios, with an emphasis on aligning observed ratios in whole wood or extracted cellulose to seasonal dynamics in climate and phenology. We also present a discussion of isotopic fractionation that operates within the scope of observed variations across individual rings. We then introduce a model that traces the seasonal partitioning of photosynthate into tree rings via storage pool, which is based on experimental data gained from labeling studies using artificially enriched 13CO2 gas. Finally, we will describe our current understanding of post-photosynthetic signal transfer processes of oxygenand hydrogen isotopes from leaves to tree rings, such as exchange of oxygen and hydrogen between storage carbohydrates and local cambial water, and possible causes of difference in oxygen and hydrogen isotope fractionations. Finally, we discuss mechanisms behind how oxygen and hydrogen from foliar-absorbed liquid water is then incorporated into wood biomass, by introducing results gained from recent H218O and HDO pulse-labeling experiments.