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  1. Cottonwood and Balsam Poplar | Geophysical Institute

    Oct 3, 2025 · The Klukwan giant holds the national record for black cottonwood diameter. Its nearest rival, a tree near Salem, Oregon, does hold the national height record. The Klukwan …

  2. Northern Tree Habitats - Geophysical Institute

    4 days ago · Interior Alaskan forests have only six native tree species: white spruce, black spruce, quaking aspen, balsam poplar, larch (tamarack) and paper birch. Northern Canadian forests …

  3. More on Why Tree Trunks Spiral | Geophysical Institute

    Oct 3, 2025 · I eventually found a tree with a spiral lightning mark and it followed the spiral grain exactly. One tree, of course, proves nothing. "But why should the tree spiral? More speculation …

  4. The largest black spruce in Alaska | Geophysical Institute

    Aug 16, 2010 · The tree leans uphill, and its trunk is 45 inches around. When I hugged it, I could barely clasp my hands together. The largest black spruce in Alaska is a lucky tree, because its …

  5. The majesty and mystery of Alaska yellow cedar | Geophysical …

    Jul 23, 2021 · A tree near one of our campsites had a crack at its base through which we could pass the folded saw. Yet the tree was still alive, with just one rope of cambium — the outer …

  6. Witches' Broom | Geophysical Institute

    Oct 3, 2025 · Witches' broom on spruce trees is caused by a rust disease (a kind of fungus disease). The rust lives on the spruce tree throughout the year. Each spring, small yellow …

  7. Trees as Earthquake Fault Indicators | Geophysical Institute

    Oct 3, 2025 · Then using tree ring dating methods, it may be possible to date earthquakes occurring before historical records were kept. The ability to identify and date very large …

  8. Burls - Geophysical Institute

    Oct 3, 2025 · Burls, spherical woody growths on the trunks of spruce, birch and other trees, are commonly found throughout wooded parts of Alaska.

  9. Tree Rings and History | Geophysical Institute

    Oct 3, 2025 · A tree's age can be easily determined by counting its growth rings, as any Boy or Girl Scout knows. Annually, the tree adds new layers of wood which thicken during the …

  10. Calling lost chickadees in far north poplars | Geophysical Institute

    Aug 28, 2025 · Balsam poplar is the largest tree species on Alaska's North Slope. Photo by Sara Wilbur A gray-headed chickadee feeds along the Canning River in northern Alaska in 2015. …