Ancient High-Altitude Trees Grow Faster as Temperatures Rise

[Are_grits_groceries]

Increasing temperatures at high altitudes are fueling the post-1950 growth spurt seen in bristlecone pines, the world's oldest trees, according to new research.

Pines close to treeline have wider annual growth rings for the period from 1951 to 2000 than for the previous 3,700 years, reports a University of Arizona-led research team. Regional temperatures have increased, particularly at high elevations, during the same 50-year time period.

"We're showing this increased growth rate at treeline in a number of locations," said Matthew W. Salzer, a research associate at UA's Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research. "It's unique in several millennia, and it's related specifically to treeline."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116163206.htm

It's getting late early on Earth.

[Teaser]

1. potentially better news

If increased growth rates soak up sufficient CO2 in the production of cellulose, that could help offset the increase in CO2.

So, potentially it is a helpful feedback.

[era veteran]

2. I grok 3700 years

Kudzu already in southern KY, will attack the Bluegrass soon. Climate change is real.

[Ozymanithrax]

3. If we cover Kentucky and the other southern states with Kudzu we might...

just solve the global warming crisis.

[era veteran]

4. Excuse me, How?

Or was this just one of those flip anti southern posts?