The extraordinary Pando, the “world’s largest tree,” is found in the vast expanse of Utah, and recent recordings have revealed its hidden murmurs that resound through the ground as a million leaves quiver with the wind, revealing insights into its enduring existence.
What exactly is Pando?
Pando is a unique quaking aspen with a massive root system that has given birth to an entire forest – 47,000 stems spread across a huge 100-acre terrain.
This ancient male quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), aptly dubbed Pando or “I spread” in Latin, has silently prospered for an estimated 12,000 years, its towering tree-like stems reaching heights of up to 24 meters (80 feet).
The chilling voice of the ancient organism Pando
In his experimental pursuit, sound artist Jeff Rice cleverly placed a hydrophone within a cavity at the tree’s base, unraveling the hidden symphony within its roots, according to Live Science.
The equipment recorded a beautiful chorus of vibrations that reverberated through the branches and penetrated the earth. According to The Guardian, it even enhances the tiniest sound during a thunderstorm.
“Hydrophones don’t just need water to work,” said Rice.
“They can pick up vibrations from surfaces like roots as well, and when I put on my headphones, I was instantly surprised. Something was happening. There was a faint sound.”
The interconnection of Pando’s root system became clear through these intriguing recordings, allowing a glimpse into the mysteries of this enigmatic, natural wonder.
“What you’re hearing, I think, is the sound of millions of leaves in the forest, vibrating the tree and passing down through the branches, down into the earth,” said Rice.
Despite the same root systems of colonial quaking aspens, Pando’s remarkable size and age designate it as a distinct entity, prompting intensive research and conservation efforts.
Surprising discoveries
The project began as an artistic endeavor, but its relevance quickly expanded beyond the realms of art, attracting the attention of the scientific world.
Friends of Pando founder Lance Oditt emphasized the potential for this innovation to probe into Pando’s complicated hydraulic system without causing any harm.
“The findings are tantalizing,” said Oditt, back in May, when the project was unveiled.
“While it started as art, we see enormous potential for use in science. Wind, converted to vibration (sound) and traveling the root system, could also reveal the inner workings of Pando’s vast hidden hydraulic system in a non-destructive manner.”
The remarkable recordings were released at the Acoustical Society of America’s 184th Meeting. They contributed to Pando’s standing in both the artistic and scientific communities.