Melting Ice Reveals 5,900-Year-Old Forest in Rocky Mountains
The melting ice of the Rocky Mountains has unearthed a stunning archaeological discovery: a 5,900-year-old whitebark pine forest preserved in remarkable detail. Located on the Beartooth Plateau in Wyoming at an elevation of 3,100 meters well above today’s tree line the discovery offers an unprecedented glimpse into ancient climates while raising pressing questions about the future.
The frozen forest, uncovered during an archaeological survey, includes more than 30 well-preserved trees. Whitebark pine, a species that no longer grows at such heights, flourished there during a significantly warmer period in Earth's history.
“This discovery offers us a window into past conditions at high elevations,” said Cathy Whitlock of Montana State University. Tree ring analysis and carbon dating re...