Rings of time: unearthing climate secrets from ancient trees
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 29-Jun-2025 04:10 ET (29-Jun-2025 08:10 GMT/UTC)
Researchers studied an ancient forest of bald cypress trees preserved in subfossil form at the mouth of Georgia’s Altamaha River. Using radiocarbon dating and tree-ring analysis, they revealed a dramatic shift in growth patterns: around 500 A.D., these trees began growing faster – but living far shorter lives. Their average lifespan plunged from more than 470 years to just 186, coinciding with the Vandal Minimum, a sixth century climate crisis marked by global cooling and upheaval, likely caused by volcanic eruptions and possibly even a comet impact.
“Mount Sinai Health System is committed to helping create a cleaner tomorrow by elevating our environmental stewardship and strengthening our organizational culture and operational excellence,” says Muoi A. Trinh, MD, Medical Director of Sustainability, Mount Sinai Health System. “These awards are a visible testament to our work to support the health of our planet and the people who live on it.”
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