Pando (“I Spread” in Latin), often called “The Trembling Giant”, is a vast grove of quaking aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) in Utah, USA. It’s renowned as one of the world’s most ancient, massive, and heaviest living entities, with some estimates suggesting it could be around 80,000 years old. What sets Pando apart is its interconnected root system, enabling it to reproduce without seeds, resulting in genetically identical trees. While the individual trees within Pando have relatively short lifespans, the entire system is believed to be thousands of years old, showcasing its extraordinary status as a natural marvel.
The Haunting Tone of Pando, an Ancient Organism
In an interesting experiment, sound artist Jeff Rice cleverly placed a Hydrophone inside a hollow at the base of the ancient organism called Pando. He uncovered the hidden symphony within the tree’s roots, as per a report by Live Science.
According to the report by The Guardian, the device recorded a captivating chorus of vibrations traveling through the branches and into the ground. It was even able to amplify the faintest sounds during a thunderstorm.
Jeff Rice mentioned that hydrophones could detect vibrations not only in water but also on surfaces like tree roots. He shared, “When I put on my headphones, I was surprised because I instantly heard something. There was a faint sound.”
Through these fascinating recordings, the interconnection of Pando’s root system became evident, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of this remarkable natural wonder.
Jeff Rice clarified that the sounds likely result from the millions of leaves in the forest making the tree vibrate, and these vibrations then travel down through the branches and into the ground.
Despite the existence of shared root systems in colonial quaking aspens, Pando stands out due to its exceptional size and age, making it a unique subject of extensive research and conservation efforts.
Lance Oditt, the founder of Friends of Pando, stressed the potential of this innovation to explore the intricate hydraulic system of Pando without causing any harm.
Oditt, back in May when the project was introduced, expressed, “The discoveries are intriguing. While it began as art, we recognize substantial potential for its use in science. Wind, when converted into vibration (sound) and traveling through the root system, might also expose the inner workings of Pando’s extensive hidden hydraulic system without causing any damage.”
The groundbreaking recordings were revealed at the 184th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, further solidifying Pando’s importance in both the artistic and scientific realms.
