Dendrochronological analysis of debris flow disturbance on Rishiri Island

Abies sachalinensis dominates the alluvial fan head of the Ochiushinai Gully on Rishiri Island, Japan. This species is able to adapt to frequent disturbances by debris flows. Even-aged stands composed of A. sachalinensis or Alnus maximowiczii were found along the channel, and standing dead trees buried by debris flows were discovered at the alluvial fan head. We used dendrochronological data in order to analyse the geomorphic history of the fan head. We determined the master ring-width chronology by synchronizing ring-width variations in living trees. This master chronology was used to cross-date the establishment and death of the buried trees. Results indicated that most of the buried trees were established in the 1870s and died in the early 1950s. Further, debris flow was estimated to have occurred in the 1890s and the late 1960s based upon the distribution of even-aged stands seen in aerial photos. The ring-width variations of the trees adjacent to the channel indicate a low correlation for synchronization, while those located on the hillslope have a high correlation. A low correlation in the riparian trees can be attributed to the instability of geomorphic surfaces caused by debris flow disturbances.