Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ancient Pine Forest Discovered Amidst Melting Rockies

1/17/2025

43 6

Summary

Story summary

In Wyoming's Rocky Mountains, melting ice has unveiled a stunning 5,900-year-old whitebark pine forest, perched 180 meters above the current tree line. Led by researcher Cathy Whitlock, this discovery sheds light on ancient climate shifts, revealing how volcanic eruptions once preserved these trees in ice. It serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of alpine ecosystems facing climate change.

1 of 1

Story summary

In Wyoming's Rocky Mountains, melting ice has unveiled a stunning 5,900-year-old whitebark pine forest, perched 180 meters above the current tree line. Led by researcher Cathy Whitlock, this discovery sheds light on ancient climate shifts, revealing how volcanic eruptions once preserved these trees in ice. It serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of alpine ecosystems facing climate change.