Tree-ring-based annual precipitation reconstruction in Kalaqin, Inner Mongolia for the last 238 years

A tree-ring-width chronology of Pinus tabulaeformis from Kalaqin, Inner Mongolia was developed using modern dendrochronological techniques. Based on the results of correlation function analysis, the total precipitation from the previous August to current July was reconstructed for 1771-2008 AD with an explained variance of 49.3%. The reconstruction correlated well with the dryness/wetness series derived from historical documents, as well as the precipitation reconstruction of the Chifeng-Weichang region. There were eight intervals with greater precipitation than the average (associated with the strong East Asian summer monsoon) and seven intervals lower than the average (weak monsoon). A power spectrum analysis showed that there were 120 a, 80 a, 8 a and 2 a periodicities.