I recently ran across an article concerning the discovery of a remarkably well preserved 50,000 year old bald cypress forest off the coastline of Alabama. The forest was protected under many layers of sediment and is still in a pristine state. This will present a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our past and specifically the Gulf coast region. As we face the current day issues related to sea level rise and climate change, perhaps the clues/research unearthed in this ancient forest will shed some light on past climates and how they affected tree growth.
The forest as it currently stands. Image via Ben Raines/
AL.com
How the forest could have looked. Image Credit: Ted Trovillion, US Fish and Wildlife Service.
