Medieval Tree Stumps That Hint at a 100-Year Megadrought

Join us as we visit the West Walker River and walk among relict, 1000-year-old Jeffrey pine tree stumps remaining in the bed of the river. We discuss the 1994 findings of Professor Scott Stine involving his groundbreaking radiocarbon dating studies which demonstrate the trees were alive during the Medieval Warm Period amid a period of 100-year megadrought. When the West Walker River was a seasonal creek during the period of drier climate, the Jeffrey pines thrived along the banks and grew to very large size. Once the megadrought ended with a return to a wetter climate, the year round West Walker River returned, filled its banks, flooding and killing the large trees. The radiocarbon data serves as a “timestamp” of the beginning, end, and duration of the medieval megadrought in California.
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Chapters:
Introduction 00:09
West Walker River flowing strongly and fed by snow 0:41
Relict Jeffrey Pine stumps killed by flooding 1:27
Tapping a pre-fossilized, submerged tree stump with a stick 1:47
Dates when trees were alive during Medieval Warm Period 2:19
Radiocarbon dating by Professor Scott Stine 3:25
Possible natural causes for the megadrought 6:27
California water policy based on recent wetter than normal climate 6:50
Submerged tree stumps are easy to visit on the side of Highway 395 7:18
3-1/2 miles North of the Junction of Hwy 395/Hwy 108 8:01
Explorer Joseph Walker 8:55
Mono Lake submerged tree stumps 9:43
Tenaya Lake submerged tree stumps 10:51
Lago Cardiel submerged tree stumps (Argentina) 11:10
Fallen Leaf Lake submerged tree stumps 12:05
Donner Lake submerged tree stumps 12:23
Lake Tahoe submerged tree stumps 12:31

[@christophereadgbe2976]

I've also been by there several times, waded across the river there to fish, I was just there. Couldn't understand how those trees got there and with all the volcanic geology in that part of the state I thought it was related. Now I know. Thanks so much for this one.

[@ezpoppy55]

Very impressive! It’s great that you find, explore, research, create videos and then share them, illuminating these California gems! Many, if not all, are relatively accessible as well, which adds to the interest.
I look forward to the next one! (By the way, I ordered a t-shirt from your shop!😎)

[@WHISTLESTOP]

Thank you so much for your support! We will keep making them as long as we can! Also, the T Shirt should be on its way now 😃👍

[@ezpoppy55]

@@WHISTLESTOPThe shirt arrived and I’m very pleased with it. Fits true to size, good medium weight, comfy fit! Quick delivery as well. And the purchase supports a terrific endeavor. Excellent! 😎

[@mickgatz214]

Those old trees completely amazed me! 👍
There must have been an immense shift for those pine trees to end up in a river/stream......

[@chuckgmanleyphotos7197]

Interesting, I have seen the stumps in the river and assumed they were from what was a beautiful forest through the canyon. A number of fires cleared the canyon. The pines were substantial in size.

[@petanimudabuton7338]

Makasih teman sudah berbagi informasi nya, salam kenal moga sukses selalu👍👍

[@Mrbfgray]

ALL the times over decades I've driven by and not known. Was aware of several century(ish) long Cali droughts, I understand this one was caused by Romans racing chariots with too many horses.

[@Mrbfgray]

Fascinating content.

[@noel3422]

I guess he meant 2023, just guessing mind you.

[@MXP90DL]

Interesting, is it possible that droughts are natural by mother nature and not because of people? Somebody seems to have been getting this wrong.

[@bigbird2451]

C'mon people. Why has no one claimed First?