2006-07-31 12:43:43 · 6 answers · asked by dd1 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I think you are asking why do trees growing on hillsides have a bend near the bottom, so that the top of the tree is vertical but the bottom of the tree (near the ground) is perpendicular to the slope.
That has to do with soil creep - a process where gravity slowly pulls the soil down hill. When a tree is a seedling, they will grow vertically. But at the same time, gravity is very slowly pulling the soil down the hill, so the seedling gets pulled with it, so that the seedling is now pointed downhill. But the tree is not stupid, it wants to grom vertically as fast as it can to get as much sunlight on it as possible for photosynthesis. So the tree corrects for it, by growing vertically. Its a slow but certain cycle.
2006-07-31 15:11:44 · answer #1 · answered by minefinder 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because they respond to gravity and light not the slope of the land on which they are growing. For example, if there is creep where the soil is moving downhill on a steep vegetated slope, you will notice that fence posts rotate downhill, but trees etc will strive to grow at an angle to the hillside.
2006-07-31 16:14:18 · answer #2 · answered by idiot detector 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chief Falling Rock noticed this phenomenon. Esp/ in Pennsylvania. If you take a ride on Rte 15, there are many signs where he pointed this out.
2006-07-31 13:55:57 · answer #3 · answered by tjc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of gravity. the pull of gravity forces the top to grow upwards while the roots anchor the tree to the ground.
2006-07-31 12:50:55 · answer #4 · answered by curles1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plants tend to grow in the direction of stongest sunlight. This is up in most places.
2006-07-31 13:20:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't
2006-08-04 12:09:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋