Cottonwood and Balsam Poplar | Geophysical Institute
3 days ago · The Klukwan giant holds the national record for black cottonwood diameter. Its nearest rival, a tree near Salem, Oregon, does hold the national height record. The Klukwan giant belies the …
Northern Tree Habitats - Geophysical Institute
Dec 4, 2025 · Interior Alaskan forests have only six native tree species: white spruce, black spruce, quaking aspen, balsam poplar, larch (tamarack) and paper birch. Northern Canadian forests have all …
Trees as Earthquake Fault Indicators | Geophysical Institute
Dec 4, 2025 · Then using tree ring dating methods, it may be possible to date earthquakes occurring before historical records were kept. The ability to identify and date very large earthquakes occurring …
The majesty and mystery of Alaska yellow cedar | Geophysical Institute
Jul 23, 2021 · A tree near one of our campsites had a crack at its base through which we could pass the folded saw. Yet the tree was still alive, with just one rope of cambium — the outer bark that …
The largest black spruce in Alaska | Geophysical Institute
Aug 16, 2010 · The tree leans uphill, and its trunk is 45 inches around. When I hugged it, I could barely clasp my hands together. The largest black spruce in Alaska is a lucky tree, because its neighbors to …
The war within the aspen leaves | Geophysical Institute
Jul 31, 2025 · They think the fierce, silent conflict has probably benefited both the insect population and a tree that’s been under siege in Interior Alaska for a long time. Leaf miners are moth larvae that …
The varying colors of fall equinox | Geophysical Institute
Sep 21, 2023 · A very noticeable fall equinox feature in these parts is when deciduous tree leaves turn from green to yellow or orange or sometimes red, then fade and waft to the ground. Middle Alaska …
Burls and Human Cancer | Geophysical Institute
Dec 4, 2025 · Photograph of a section cut from a tree with 5 burls that simultaneously grew at the same level on the tree. Annual growth rings can be followed around the tree trunk at center and into each …
More on Why Tree Trunks Spiral | Geophysical Institute
Nov 20, 2025 · I eventually found a tree with a spiral lightning mark and it followed the spiral grain exactly. One tree, of course, proves nothing. "But why should the tree spiral? More speculation here: …
Tree Rings and History | Geophysical Institute
Dec 4, 2025 · A tree's age can be easily determined by counting its growth rings, as any Boy or Girl Scout knows. Annually, the tree adds new layers of wood which thicken during the growing season …