While hiking on the northern Idaho-Montana border, I encountered a large area where virtually every tree is bent at the base in the downhill direction. Only the very largest and very smallest trees are straight. What could cause this?
Answer
The phenomenon in question is probably related to geotropism.
If the hill soil is "on the move" it will cause the bend on the trees -
If the soil in a slope is moving downward, the trees on this slope will tip downward. As the tree continues to try to grow upward, the trunk will show a curve. The degree of bending could indicate the rate or amount of movement of the soil.
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