Parts of Michigan are currently experiencing extreme cold winter conditions, which have caused a rare and unusual phenomenon called “Exploding Trees.” Extreme Arctic air has moved into the upper Midwestern area of Michigan, and temperatures are falling near or below zero. In many areas of Michigan, this could lead to temperatures dropping to levels that are uncommon for Michigan.
It will increase the likelihood of certain types of trees, specifically those that are very moist, breaking apart or “exploding.” When this happens, there will be a loud cracking noise, and limbs may fall, which can jeopardise people, property, and power lines. Read below to learn more about the Exploding Trees Phenomenon.
Severely Cold Weather Grips Michigan
The recent arctic blast has resulted in extreme cold weather across our entire state of Michigan; Metro Detroit has experienced maximum daytime temperatures in the single digits, with overnight lows dropping below zero degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and wind chills below -10°F.
An arctic blast is impacting many areas of the Upper Midwest and northern Plains, and meteorologists have indicated that these extreme cold conditions will remain in effect from Friday to Saturday, and through the weekend.
The National Weather Service has also issued an Extreme Cold Watch, which is a warning indicating considerable risk of extremely low temperatures and wind chill factors likely to develop within the next 12 to 48 hours; therefore, individuals are at increased risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and frozen infrastructures. There are unique dangers associated with rapid/sustained cold, such as “exploding trees.”
Exploding Trees
In extremely cold temperatures, the moisture content of the trees’ sap and wood is subjected to rapid freezing, causing an increase in volume due to the formation of ice crystals. When this happens, there is a rapid expansion of ice crystals within the bark and wood tissue, which creates an excess pressure that can result in rapid splitting and cracking of the bark.
The sound produced when bark splits or cracks can be quite loud and may resemble that of a gunshot or thunderclap. This occurrence is referred to as cold-induced splitting or frost cracking within the fields of forestry and meteorology.
It is not to be confused with combustion, as there is no flame associated with this phenomenon; however, due to the dangerous nature of the head-sized fragments that may break off and fall to the ground, it is essential for anyone who may be in proximity to the tree at the time of splitting or cracking to stay at a safe distance.
How is it’s Happening Right Now in Michigan?
A combination of events is making this winter event in Michigan more memorable:
- Rapid Drop In Temperature: When temperatures drop rapidly and go well below freezing, sap can freeze quickly, creating pressure within tree trunks. This is especially true in areas where trees have not had time to adjust to sudden temperature differences.
- Amount of Moisture in Trees: Trees like Oak, Maple, and other types of hardwoods produce a lot of sap, making them more vulnerable to building up pressure.
- Cold Weather: Extended periods of cold temperatures, combined with extreme wind chill factors, can cause the bark to crack or come off trees throughout the entire state of Michigan.
