Bobby Socks Trees, Yellowstone National Park. Several weeks ago we drove to Yellowstone for the weekend, and noticed these white bottom tree trunks. From Wikipedia we learned about the cause: “These are lodgepole pines that died by shifting hot spring run-off. By capillary action the trees soaked up mineral laden water, which colors their bases white and retards decay. Dissolved minerals in the water deposited a crust of white silica on the bottom of the dead trees and stumps. This silica, a non-crystalline compound, slowly impregnates the wood and over time, with the absence of oxygen, could eventually petrify the wood. These skeletons have stood here for decades.” #bobbysockstrees #yellowstonenationalpark #lodgepolepines