“Floating strangely above the ground, it soon becomes apparent why these tree roots look like they do. In nature, nothing happens by chance.” – Ed Lehming

A few weeks ago, I visited Outlet Beach in Sandbanks Provincial Park. I had been there before on several occasions, but this day I walked along the edge of the sand dunes with the intention of photographing them and trying to see them in more detail. I often do this: visit an area that is fairly familiar but really immerse myself in the environment.

I honestly don’t recall seeing this phenomenon on previous visits. Perhaps the roots were not exposed during previous visits, or I had simply missed them. As far as I know, this is the only place along the beach where this effect is so pronounced. The trees hover above the sand on roots that have grown bark to protect them, making the roots look more like branches. It looks very odd, but I see the purpose behind the adaptation. Since these cottonwood trees grow within the sand dunes, they have adapted to the ever-changing sand levels. As you can see, some of them are nearly two feet above the current sand levels.

On my next visit, I’ll have to check if the sand has once again filled the void below the trees, since the sand is forever on the move.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP 24-70 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 31 mm
1/320 sec, f/9, ISO 400