Re-examining the reliability of tree-ring isotope ratio as a historical CO2 proxy

To examine the reliability of using tree ring δ¹³C and the model of isotopic fractionation in reconstructing atmospheric CO₂ levels, we studied the variations of some important parameters of several subtropical species under natural field conditions. It was found that, different from other researchers’ results, leaf conductance to CO₂ transfer, g, did not change in proportion to the change in rate of CO₂ assimilation, A, with the result that intercellular concen- tration of CO₂, C_i, could not keep constant. Thus, we conclude that the use of tree-ring isotope ratios in the reconstruction of atmospheric CO₂ variation based on the presupposition that C_i keeps constant during assimilation is not reliable under current circumstances.