New York City Scientists Are Exploring History Through Tree Rings

Timber samples are giving scientists a look into climate conditions a tree has experienced in its lifetime in New York City.

Underneath the concrete and steel of New York City is a forest of wooden beams and frames scientists say is packed with centuries of climate data.

Caroline Leland is part of a team of scientists with the Tree Ring Laboratory at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. They're working to collect samples of the old growth timbers holding up the city. 

"It's a lot of historical information, and that no longer exists on the landscape, but it's buried within these buildings," Leland said. "These samples hold an incredible amount of scientific value for understanding the climate of the past."