Ancient Forest Uncovered in Yellowstone as Melting Ice Reveals 5,900-Year-Old Trees

The discovery of preserved whitebark pines on Beartooth Plateau offers insights into past climate conditions and the impacts of global warming.

Researchers found more than 30 whitebark pine trees preserved under an ice patch on Beartooth Plateau, part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, at 10,140 feet above sea level.
The trees, dating back 5,950 to 5,440 years ago, grew at a time when the region's climate was warmer, with summer temperatures comparable to the mid-20th century.
The forest likely vanished 5,500 years ago due to a significant cooling event triggered by volcanic activity in the Northern Hemisphere, which expanded the ice patch and preserved the trees.
The melting ice, driven by human-induced climate change, has exposed these trees, providing a rare 'time capsule' of past ecosystems and climate conditions.
The findings underline the fragility of alpine ecosystems and suggest that treelines could shift higher with ongoing temperature increases, though this may bring challenges such as reduced snowpack and increased wildfire risks.