Found 300 Million Years Old "China Pompeii" Forest

The researchers found a forest in northern China are preserved under a layer of ash over 300 million years. Preservation of ancient forests located in the Western District of Wuda in Inner Mongolia is similar to what happened to the city of Pompeii in Italy.

An artist's rendition of the 300 million year old ecosystem found beneath coal mines in Wuda, China. (Picture from: http://www.ksl.com/)

The researchers were able to "reconstruct" the distribution of trees and plants covering an area of ​​1.000 square meters in the forest. Excavations were conducted at three locations in a large expanse of ash-covered 1 meter thick. 

Map of Wuda in Inner Mongolia. (Picture from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/)

The researchers estimate of preservation is not entirely due to the ash heap. "Preservation is exceptional. We found some branches with leaves attached, and after we trace, apparently originated from the same tree," said research team member, Hermann Pfefferkorn, of the University of Pennsylvania, USA. 

Researchers identified six groups of trees, from the plains to a type of fern, Sigillaria and Cordaites, 25-meter trees that have been extinct. In addition, other species are found specimens, Noeggerathiales. 

Noeggerathiales an extinct tree. (Picture from: http://techie-buzz.com/)

The research team worked with the painter describes what kind of ash blanketed the forest before. Pfefferkorn said the primeval forest that can be used to assess the future of the region, like a complete and good moments caught in time. "It's like Pompeii in Italy. Pompeii gives us insight into Roman culture," he said. "But on the other hand, it elucidates the time before and the time after. This finding is similar. It's a time capsule and therefore it allows us now to interpret what happened before or after much better.". *** [BBC NEWS | MAHARDIKA SATRIA HADI | KORAN TEMPO 3803] 
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