Researchers have discovered the remains of up to 30 dead whitebark pine trees entombed in ice for millennia on a melting ice patch in the Rocky Mountains. The trees, dating back around 5,900 years, provide valuable insights into past climate conditions and can help scientists better understand the effects of human-caused climate change.
The trees were found on the Beartooth Plateau in northwest Wyoming, which is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. They were preserved in good condition due to rapid ice burial, allowing researchers to study their rings and use radiocarbon dating techniques to determine their age.
By analyzing data from Arctic ice core samples, scientists can gain a better understanding of climate conditions during this period, known as the mid-Holocene. The trees’ presence suggests that the region’s climate was warmer than it is today, with temperatures dropping around 5,100 years ago due to volcanic eruptions.
The discovery also highlights the importance of studying past climates and ecosystems. By learning from these “time capsules,” scientists can improve their predictions about future climate change. For example, if global temperatures continue to rise, trees may start growing at higher elevations as long as they have enough moisture.
The whitebark pine is considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to stressors such as rising temperatures, drought, and wildfires. These trees play a vital role in their high-elevation ecosystems, providing food for wildlife and helping to maintain snow stability through shade.
Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/melting-ice-reveals-remains-of-5900-year-old-trees-in-wyoming-uncovering-a-long-lost-forest-180985819