Application of dendrogeomorphological techniques in the study of morphodynamic processes in America: a bibliometric analysis

Morphodynamic Processes (MDPs) are active natural phenomena that shape the Earth's surface. This study analyzes slides, flows, lahars, avalanches, falls, floods, erosion, and sedimentation which occur primarily on hillslopes and within fluvial systems. These processes are characterized by high recurrence rates and substantial destructive potential, accounting for numerous fatalities and considerable economic losses worldwide. America is the second most vulnerable region to MDPs, owing to its complex physiography and the frequent occurrence of hydrometeorological and geological triggering events. Moreover, ongoing climate change is expected to further intensify the frequency and magnitude of these processes. could intensify them. In recent decades, dendrogeomorphology has emerged as a valuable approach for investigating the impacts of MDPs by analyzing growth disturbances preserved in tree-ring records. This research aims to assess the current state of dendrogeomorphological research on MDPs in America by identifying temporal trends, dominant applications, and research gaps through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from 2000 to 2024. A systematic bibliometric search was conducted using the Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases. The retrieved records were analyzed using bibliometric tools, including Bibliometrix and VOSviewer, to evaluate publication trends, collaboration networks, and thematic patterns. In addition, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were employed to visualize the spatial distribution of the study areas. The analysis identified 92 articles on the topic, with an increase in publications over the last decade, particularly in 2016. The research focused particularly on the United States, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Avalanches and lahars were the most frequently investigated MDPs, with precipitation identified as the primary triggering factor. Despite this progress, dendrogeomorphological research in Latin America remains limited, especially in regions dominated by tropical species and arid environments. Expanding dendrogeomorphological studies in these underrepresented areas is essential to enhance the reconstruction and prediction of MDPs, particularly in regions with scarce instrumental records and high susceptibility to geomorphic hazards.