The Pool Tree

This tree shows the snapped upper trunk as a result of the 1812 event. You can see that some large branches grew out with small branches and needles in place of the original top .

The chronology above show the reduced growth of the Pool Tree.

Annual ring widths just before the 1812 event show normal fluctuations in growth. From 1813 (noted by the arrow) until the early 1820s on this tree there were missing rings and little growth. Not until the mid-1830s does the tree resume more normal growth.

The photo shows the actual rings from an increment core of the Pool Tree before and after the 1812 earthquake. You can can see the abrupt decrease in annual ring width starting in 1813. Note that normal ring width and formation does not begin until the 1830s.

If you are interested in tree-rings and seismic activity, please contact Dr. Gordon Jacoby at druid@ldeo.columbia.edu