Through hundreds of years of photosynthesis , trees store atmospheric carbon in their wood. They reproduce in sun-doused clearings, which are carved out by winter storms . These winter winds blast through Olympic's rain forests toppling trees, breaking limbs, and snapping tree tops. They help to build a thick layer of wood and needles on the forest floor. As this biomass accumulates, that carbon which is not consumed by fungi, insects, micro-organisms, and bacteria, is buried in the forest carbon which would otherwise further accumulate in the atmosphere.
Many scientists fear that increased levels of carbon dioxide is leading to global climate change.
Olympic can help. As humans continue to dump carbon dioxide into the air through combustion of fossil fuels, Olympic National Park tirelessly buries our atmospheric wastes in the ground. Remember Olympic's rain forests not only for their lush green beauty and enormous trees, but also for the eco-service roles it performs among the global community.