Tree throw

Article summary

A tree throw or tree hole is a bowl-shaped cavity or depression created in the subsoil by a tree. They are formed either by the long-term presence and growth of tree roots or when a large tree is blown over (as a windthrow) or has its stump pulled out which tears out a quantity of soil along with the roots. The resultant hole will often slowly fill with organic material and can be identified during archaeological fieldwork. The pit left in the ground after a rootwad is removed can be several meters across and deep. Fresh tree throws also provide a degree of shelter amongst the roots for animals. Some also contain evidence of prehistoric human activity such as flint tools suggesting that they were sometimes used by people in the distant past. Tree throws expose humus-poor, mineral-rich soil. Over time the hole will fill with rain water, fallen leaves, animal excrement and other organic matter which over time becomes a habitat for decomposers which soon form a community on the thick organic layer and so are able to nurture certain types of organisms. Tree throws contribute to bedrock weathering and soil formation, and why it is fastest in soils of intermediate thickness.…

Key claims

No claims recorded.

Discussion questions

1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

No sources recorded.