How forests grow their own pot: Quantifying the role of trees as wind-wiggling, tap-dancing, and crowbar-wielding architects and builders

Jill Marshall

Portland State University

In thin-soiled settings, we presume that trees play a significant role in converting rock into mobile sediment via physical weathering, with models centered on wind-driven tree throw. By combining novel force sensors at the tree-rock boundary with precipitation, solar radiation, wind, tree sway, and acoustic emission data, Jill Marshall has begun to quantify how species differences, wind, and root-water uptake contribute to tree-driven rock cracking. Her data suggests that changes in climate and forest structure may greatly influence tree-driven physical weathering and the rates at which trees grow their own soil pots.

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5:30 pm social hour

7:00 pm presentation

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