Iconic Birch Forest in Inje, Gangwon Province Bears the Brunt of Severe Winter Weather
The enchanting 'Birch Forest' in Inje, Gangwon Province, celebrated for its natural beauty, is grappling with unprecedented damage inflicted by the recent harsh winter weather. Once-standing birch trees, which painted a majestic picture against the sky, now bow under the weight of heavy snow and drastic temperature changes. The winter brought challenges, including substantial rain, temperatures plunging to minus 13 degrees Celsius, and over 8cm of snow.
The aftermath reveals a stark transformation: birch trees, renowned for their stature, now bend almost 90 degrees, some even uprooted and fallen. The forest, resilient against typhoons in the past, resembles a reed bed, with thousands of birch trees affected. Pine trees, adding to the landscape's allure, also bear the impact, marking the first significant birch tree damage in 34 years since the forest's establishment in 1989.
Concerned for visitor safety, the Forest Service closed trails in the heavily damaged Starflower Forest last month. Plans for a detailed damage survey are in motion, though accumulated snow and ice pose challenges. This unprecedented damage serves as a poignant reminder of nature's vulnerability to changing climates and extreme winter conditions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: What led to the unprecedented damage in the 'Birch Forest' in Inje, Gangwon Province?
- A: The damage is attributed to the harsh winter weather, including heavy snowfall and fluctuating temperatures. Rain exceeding 30mm, temperatures dropping to minus 13 degrees Celsius, and over 8cm of snowfall contributed to the damage.
Q: How have the birch trees in the forest been affected?
- A: The once majestic birch trees, known for standing tall, are now bent at almost 90 degrees, with some uprooted and fallen. The landscape, previously lush and vibrant, now resembles a reed bed.
Q: Are other trees in the forest also affected by the winter conditions?
- A: Yes, in addition to birch trees, beautiful pine trees have also experienced bending and breaking due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.
Q: What steps has the Forest Service taken in response to the damage?
- A: Concerned about visitor safety, the Forest Service has closed trails in the heavily damaged Starflower Forest since the 18th of last month. Plans for a detailed damage survey are underway.
Q: How long has it been since the forest faced such significant birch tree damage?
- A: This marks the first significant birch tree damage in 34 years since the forest's establishment in 1989.
#BirchForest, #WinterWeatherImpact, #ClimateEffects, #NatureResilience
