Scientists have discovered a long-lost forest that disappeared 22 million years ago

Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered fossils of a mangrove forest that disappeared 22 million years ago. The forest was found on Barro Colorado Island in the Panama Canal. This area was obliterated from the map many years ago due to a powerful volcanic eruption.

However, a team of scientists succeeded in finding the remnants of trees that once thrived there. In total, 121 pieces of wood were uncovered. Read more about this in the Daily Mail.

A volcanic eruption triggered a lahar, a powerful flow of mud, ash, water, and rocks. Lahar moves swiftly, resembling wet concrete, and swiftly covers the surrounding area. This prevented plants from decomposing, leading to the preservation of their remains to this day.

It is understood that approximately 23 million years ago, the landmasses of South America and the Caribbean plate collided, shaping the landscape of Panama and Central America. A massive hill emerged, eventually forming the island of Barro Colorado.

Scientists have discovered that mangroves thrived along the shores of the island, with the trees reaching heights of 40 meters. Sediment samples indicate that the forest developed in a brackish zone where saltwater and freshwater mixed. Additionally, during the Miocene period, the concentration of carbon dioxide was significantly higher than today—exceeding 500 parts per million (ppm), compared to approximately 419 ppm at present. Consequently, scientists have assigned the local trees the name Sonneratioxylon barrocoloradoensis.

This finding is crucial for comprehending the history and evolution of mangroves. It also aids scientists in understanding how volcanic eruptions can impact ecosystems.