Strange phenomenon - The mysterious forest rings of northern Ontario

[OneBlueSky]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/tech/science/forest-rings.html


An Ontario Geological Survey map of documented forest rings in Northern Ontario. Note that the size of the rings on the map is to show the distribution of different-sized rings, they are not proportional to the map scale. (Courtesy Ontario Geological Survey)

by Elle Andra-Warner
CBC News
May 21, 2008

It is a strange phenomenon: thousands of large, perfectly round "forest rings" dot the boreal landscape of northern Ontario.

From the air, these mysterious light-coloured rings of stunted tree growth are clearly visible, but on the ground, you could walk right through them without noticing them. They range in diameter from 30 metres to 2 kilometres, with the average ring measuring about 91 metres across. Over 2,000 of these forest rings have been documented, but scientists estimate the actual number is more than 8,000.

What causes these near-perfect circles in the forest?

Since they were discovered on aerial photos about 50 years ago, the rings have baffled biologists, geologists and foresters. Some explanations put a UFO or extraterrestrial spin on the phenomenon. Astronomers suggest the rings might be the result of meteor strikes. Prospectors wonder whether the formations signal diamond-bearing kimberlites, a type of igneous rock.

- more . . .

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/tech/science/forest-rings.html


The R2 Ring is a 300-metre wide ring located about 40 kilometres south of Hearst, Ont. The geological source of the ring is unknown, but its shape can be clearly seen in this aerial photograph of the forest. (Courtesy S. Hamilton, OGS)

[Forkboy]

1. Wow, fascinating stuff.

Cool post. Thanks!

[Kali]

2. fungus?

[ret5hd]

3. that's my first thought.

[countryjake]

5. Right, this instantly reminded me of fairy rings.

Must not be the cause tho, or surely all those experts would have figured it out.

Strange.

[Wizard777]

7. Yep! Fairy Rings AKA Underground Fungi.

[eppur_se_muova]

12. Remember this?

http://www.extremescience.com/biggestlivingthing.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armillaria_ostoyae

[nashville_brook]

13. i see this all the time on U-haul trucks: you know, how they have odd geographical facts...

about different states decorating their trucks. Aliens for New Mexico. I think the fungus is for Michigan?

[Uncle Joe]

4. Maybe this is some form of sun spot radiation effect? n/t

[SpiralHawk]

6. "The Puckwudgies make those rings." - Wise Old Mamuwinini Soul

[Wizard777]

8. Culture clash. To europeans "Puck" is the devil. But any way.......

What's a Puckwudgie? That's new one to me.

[SpiralHawk]

15. It's one of the old names for the Little People of Turtle Island (North America)

As there are Little People everywhere around our world, as recounted in countless folk tales from all cultures, so there is a long tradition around the Little People of North America.

[nashville_brook]

14. "The Puckwudgies" would be a great name for a band.

[SpiralHawk]

16. They could go on tour with The Wedgies

And be sure to make a deep impression.

[gatorboy]

9. That's interesting. We had a similar occurrence on a mountain near our home.

There were several patches of fire and all of them burned outward into a perfect ring.

[ladjf]

10. I doubt that it has anything to do with the rings. But, the Vikings

planted fir trees in circles in order to protect the center trees from the wind. After a 100 years of growth, they would harvest the center tree or trees for use as masts on their sailing ships. I don't think they would have had access to Ontario.

[Indenturedebtor]

11. Very cool thanks for sharing. Reminds me of this:

http://www.geobacter.org/press/2001-07-21-economist.pdf

[The Straight Story]

17. Kicking to read at home (nt)

[watrwefitinfor]

18. Reminiscent of Carolina Bays

Found from Virginia along the coastal plain down through the Carolinas and Georgia. They all align southeast to northwesst, and are oval shaped. Most have a sandy ridge on one side. Some are lakes (Lake Waccamaw in NC), some are swampland. Theories about their origins include meteor strikes, undersea currents, others.

Wat

[woo me with science]

19. Site of satanic rituals. nt