The mysteries of nature are often hidden from view, but sometimes they are revealed in the most surprising ways.
Pando has long captivated scientists and naturalists, as it is recognized as the largest tree on Earth and one of the oldest living things.
But new research has uncovered an incredible aspect of this enormous, trembling aspen forest: its secret sound.
Jump to
- What is special about this tree?
- Where is Pando located?
- How did scientists discover sound?
What is special about this tree?
Credit: Dark Atlas
Pando, the largest tree in the world, is a unique aspen with a huge root system that has given rise to 47,000 stems in a vast area of 100 acres, creating an entire forest. This ancient male aspen (Populus tremuloides), appropriately named Pando, which means “I scattered” in Latin, has been quietly flowering for about 12,000 years.
Its towering tree-like stems can reach heights of up to 24 meters (80 feet).
Where is Pando located?
Credit: Daily Mail
Pando is located in the vast expanse of Utah. Recent recordings have revealed its hidden sounds, which resonate through the earth as a million leaves tremble in the wind, offering insight into its long life.
How did scientists discover sound?
Sound artist Jeff Rice set out on an experimental quest, cleverly placing a hydrophone inside a tree stump. According to Live Science, this extraordinary project revealed the hidden symphony underlying Pando’s origins.
The hydrophone recorded a fascinating chorus of vibrations that reverberated through the branches and even penetrated the ground. According to The Guardian, it could improve even the smallest noises produced during a storm.
“Hydrophones don’t just need water to work,” Rice said. “I was surprised to learn that they could also detect vibrations from surfaces like roots when I put on the headphones. Something happened. There was a slight noise.”
Credit: IFLSience
These fascinating recordings illuminated the enigmas surrounding this mysterious natural wonder by revealing the interconnectedness of Pando’s root structure.
Rice clarified and said, “I think the sound you’re hearing is the vibration of millions of leaves in the forest, passing through the branches and descending toward the earth.”
Although colonial aspens sometimes have similar root systems, Pando stands out as a unique organism due to its extraordinary size and age, which prompted significant research and conservation efforts.
Although it began as an artistic initiative, the project’s relevance quickly spread beyond the arts and caught the interest of scientists.
Friends of Pando creator Lance Oditt highlighted how his device could safely dig into Pando’s complex hydraulic system.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn