The geologic record has numerous examples of vertical petrified trees and stumps. These traditionally have been interpreted as trees in position of growth. Mud slides and turbid floods down the North Fork of the Toutle River have shown a method for upright transport and burial of stumps. One huge stump 7 feet in diameter and 45 feet tall sits on top of newly deposited mud near the end of the 15 mile debris flow. Lake Those who believe in a major world catastrophe in the past history of the earth are unable to make good comparative studies because no modern analog exists.
Most trees seen in rivers and lakes are logs without roots floating horizontally.
Opportunities for observations on significant numbers of floating stumps with roots have been few. Here is a large body of water supporting thousands of trees, many of which still retain their root systems. Perhaps research at Spirit Lake could throw light on the flotation characteristics of trees. Aerial view of Spirit Lake. Most of the visible surface of the lake is covered with logs.