What complex multicellular organism can survive near the epicenter of an atomic bomb explosion? Most people will probably answer that there is none, but in reality this is not the case. When the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, about 140 thousand people died at once, more than 60 thousand buildings were destroyed or severely damaged. However, just a few hundred meters from the explosion site, some trees managed to survive. And what’s most amazing is that they continue to grow to this day, remaining living witnesses of that disaster. The surviving trees were given the name hibakujumoku, which means “trees after nuclear war.”
One of the trees that survived the nuclear bomb explosion in Hiroshima. Photo source: lifeglobe.net
Which trees survived the explosion of the atomic bomb
According to scientists, during the explosion the temperature at the earth's surface ranged from 3000 to 4000 degrees Celsius. Therefore, people’s bodies instantly incinerated, leaving behind only “shadows” on the asphalt. Let us remember that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were literally dotted with such “shadows” of people. Let us recall that in terms of power, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima is equivalent to modern tactical nuclear weapons (TNW).
It would seem that not a single living organism could survive at the moment of the explosion. However, in the park near the Honkawa River, located in the Naka-ku area, you can see the weeping willow (Salix babylonica), which was planted before World War II. It is located just 370 meters from the bomb site. Let us recall that the T-shaped bridge Ayoi was chosen as the target, since it was clearly visible to the pilot from a great height.
Consequences of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima. Photo source: www.svoboda.org
The willow trunk could not withstand the powerful shock wave and was broken. However, the tree did not die and continues to sprout. Many of them have grown and become full-fledged branches. In addition to the willow, many other trees also survived, including eucalyptus, ginkgo (one of the oldest trees on earth, native to Asia. These trees even survived the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs), oriental persimmon, Yoshino cherry and some other species. A total of 62 hibakujumoku trees currently grow in Hiroshima.
Like the weeping willow, many other surviving trees also suffered serious injuries due to the shock wave and subsequent fire. But this did not stop them from living to this day. But what is most interesting is that many buildings that were located near these trees were destroyed by the explosion.
A similar situation occurs in Nagasaki, the second Japanese city to be hit by an atomic bomb in August 1945. Currently, at least 50 hibakujumoku trees grow within a radius of 4 km from the epicenter of the explosion, as reported by iftScience.
Eucalyptus, which grew 700 meters from the epicenter of the explosion
How trees managed to survive the nuclear explosion bombs
Of course, not all trees managed to survive a nuclear, or rather, atomic disaster. But how did they even manage to do this? Despite the fact that their crowns and branches were damaged, the trunks survived, at least partially, since they had a much smaller area than the walls of the buildings. Accordingly, they had much less resistance to the shock wave, which allowed them to remain in the ground and continue to grow. As for the high temperature, the bark and moisture helped withstand it. Most likely, the outer bark was charred, but the trees themselves still did not die.
What about radiation, you ask? After all, the trees were exposed to large doses of radiation during the explosion of the atomic bomb, and they were also exposed to radiation fallout. The secret is that they are more resistant to radiation than people and animals. For example, the most resilient trees, such as poplars, can easily withstand a radiation dose of 50 Gy (5000 rad).
Trees are less susceptible to radiation than people. Photo source: iz.ru
The breeds most susceptible to radiation at such a dose may stop growing or even die, but slightly lower doses of radiation can also be tolerated calmly. As for humans, even a 10 times smaller dose can lead to serious radiation sickness and death. Therefore, in the event of a nuclear war, many trees will certainly be able to survive.
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Finally, we note that the descendants of hibakujumoku trees currently grow not only in Hiroshima. Green Legacy Hiroshima sends seeds and seedlings of these trees to other parts of the world. According to its employees, they are already growing in at least 40 countries around the planet. The main task of these plants is to remind people of the tragic events of the past and the inadmissibility of their repetition in the future.