Sequoias in the Clouds
by Roger Passman
Title
Sequoias in the Clouds
Artist
Roger Passman
Medium
Photograph - Photographic Prints/limited Edition Prints/licensing
Description
Standing in the middle of a giant sequoia grove in the clouds is, to say the very least, humbling. The two main sequoias, the partial at the left of the frame and the one immediately to its right are likely over 1000 years of age. They are just beginning to make this part of the grove their own. In another 1200 years they will be among the largest living organisms on earth (assuming that climate change does not obliterate them.) In the mist the grove takes on a surreal quality, one of mystery emphasizing both age and size including my own puny height and age in comparison. Standing in a grove of giant sequoia trees in the haze of the clouds makes it perfectly clear that I am not THAT important, that I am but a cog in the wheel of nature. Here I stand in an ageless forest, closer to the end of my run than the beginning deeply grateful for having encountered these magnificent trees.
Giant sequoias can live for over 3,000 years, outlasting all of their mixed conifer forest neighbors. What is it about giant sequoias that allows them to persist through millennia? Surprisingly, a major factor in in the longevity of giant sequoias is a chemical called tannin. The tannin, present in high concentrations in sequoia bark, gives the sequoia resistance to rot, boring insects, and fire.
The mid-sierra zone (5,000-8,000 ft) creates ideal conditions for giant sequoia growth. Mild winter and summer temperatures, deep winter snowpack, and a rich fire history have made it possible for the world's largest tree to get its biggest in these parks.
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A limited edition of 25 prints signed and numbered by the photographer are available directly from our studio. Sizes equivalent to any of the sizes offered as a print by demand through this online gallery are offered in this limited edition. These prints are only available directly from our studio gallery. Prints are delivered by US Mail rolled in a tube. For more information please contact me using the SEND PRIVATE MESSA
Uploaded
December 2nd, 2016
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