How Scientists Are Using Lasers to Measure Northern California’s Giant Redwoods
The towering California redwoods, some of the planet’s most ancient and tallest trees, present a unique challenge when it comes to estimating their size. Traditional methods such as climbing them, gauging based on trunk diameter, or even felling them tend to have substantial margins of error.
Researchers at University College London and the University of Maryland have introduced a more accurate method of calculating the total mass of these magnificent trees using lasers. This approach has provided remarkable insights into the 3D structure of redwoods, including the 288-foot-tall Colonel Armstrong, situated in the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in California, US. This behemoth, with an estimated age surpassing 1,400 years, was one of the trees studied using the new method.
The researchers found that Colonel Armstrong might have a weight close to 110 tons, equivalent to approximately 10 double-decker buses. The study also revealed that these immense trees might be around 30 per cent larger than what was believed earlier.
This breakthrough can potentially assist scientists in estimating the amount of carbon these trees can absorb, offering insights into their response to climate change.
“Critical questions in climate science in the face of rising CO2 levels include where and whether more trees should be planted, and the best strategies to conserve existing forests,” explained lead author, Professor Mat Disney. “To address these questions, it’s essential to first understand the carbon storage capacity of different tree species.”
The ground-based research has been utilised by NASA scientists to refine similar technology intended for forest mapping from space. Their project, named GEDI, is delivering vital data about the role trees play in the global carbon cycle. The project employs advanced laser technology from the International Space Station (ISS) to create detailed 3D maps of Earth’s forests.
The mission’s first set of data was released in January 2021. This milestone has enabled environmental scientists to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the carbon storage and release mechanisms of trees worldwide. While the quest to unlock the secrets of these towering trees is ongoing, the purchase of these properties represents a significant step forward in this important area.
