Do rings of Herbie the elm have climate data?

[February 01, 2010]  YARMOUTH, Maine (AP) -- The giant American elm tree known as Herbie that was cut down two weeks ago in Maine is drawing the attention of scientists. And they're not just interested in figuring out his age.

Since the tree was felled, scientists from Columbia University, the University of Maine and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have contacted the Maine Forest Service about examining Herbie's trunk to see what can be learned about the climate over the years.

Maine State Climatologist George Jacobsen said it'll be interesting to see whether Herbie's trunk reflects climatic anomalies such as the "year without a summer" in 1816.

For now, though, the Maine Forest Service is focused on figuring out Herbie's age. A cross section of the tree will be sanded and the rings counted in a week or two.

[Associated Press; By DAVID SHARP]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.