Seasonal fire scar analysis. Based on knowledge of tree growth characteristics and the position of a fire scar within the annual growth ring, trained tree-ring scientists (dendrochronologists) can determine the season of fire occurrence. The first diagram (a) illustrates the potential position of the fire scar within the annual growth ring. As shown the graph below (b), in the Southwest scars formed in the earlywood (EE, ME) indicate fire occurrence during or prior to the commencement of summer monsoon rainfall, whereas scars formed in the late earlywood (LE) or latewood (L) indicate fire occurrence during the monsoon period. Analysis of recent lightning fires and area burned elucidates the seasonal fire-history analysis. The graph at the far right shows that even though lightning-caused fire occurrence is highest during the monsoon season, the area burned is highest during the dry period prior to the commencement of the monsoon.