Tree trunk radial growth
Tree trunk radial growth refers to the outward expansion of a tree's trunk as new layers of wood are added beneath the bark.
How big is it?
1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s · speed
Speed · approximate
Typical recorded range: 1 × 10⁻¹¹ m/s to 1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s.
A little perspective
Tree trunk radial growth vs Stalactite growth front: speed comparison
The radial growth rate of a tree trunk is about 3.33 times the speed of a stalactite growth front.
DISTANCE IN ONE SECOND
Tree trunk radial growth refers to the outward expansion of a tree's trunk as new layers of wood are added beneath the bark.
100 pm in 1 s
A stalactite growth front is the advancing tip of a stalactite, where mineral deposits accumulate as water drips in caves.
30 pm in 1 s
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Tree trunk radial growth
Speed: 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s; approximate; range 1 × 10⁻¹¹ m/s–1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s.
A curated tree trunk radial growth comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Stalactite growth front
Speed: 3 × 10⁻¹¹ m/s; approximate; range 3 × 10⁻¹² m/s–3 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s.
A curated stalactite growth front comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s
We compare the radial growth rate of a tree trunk. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty. The recorded range is 1 × 10⁻¹¹ m/s to 1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s.
A curated tree trunk radial growth comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s | 1 × 10⁻¹¹ m/s to 1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMotion and speedStalactite growth front3 × 10⁻¹¹ m/sSpeedA stalactite growth front is the advancing tip of a stalactite, where mineral deposits accumulate as water drips in caves.Nearest higher valueMotion and speedContinental plate drift8 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/sRepresentative plate speedContinental plate drift is the slow movement of Earth's tectonic plates driven by forces within the planet's mantle.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MotionStalactite growth front3 × 10⁻¹¹ m/sA stalactite growth front is the advancing tip of a stalactite, where mineral deposits accumulate as water drips in caves.MotionContinental plate drift8 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/sContinental plate drift is the slow movement of Earth's tectonic plates driven by forces within the planet's mantle.MotionFingernail growth1 × 10⁻⁹ m/sFingernail growth is the process by which human fingernails gradually extend from the base of the nail bed over time.MotionSlime mould migration1 × 10⁻⁵ m/sSlime mould migration is the rate at which a motile stage of slime mould advances across a surface in search of food.MotionSperm cell swimming5 × 10⁻⁵ m/sSperm cell swimming refers to the speed at which a human sperm cell moves through fluid using its tail for propulsion.
MotionElectron drift in household copper wiring0.0001 m/sThis refers to the slow average movement of electrons through copper wire when an electric current flows.MotionSea star tube-foot travel0.0003 m/sSea star tube-foot travel is the movement speed of a sea star as it uses its tube feet to glide over surfaces.MotionRed blood cell in a capillary0.001 m/sA red blood cell in a capillary refers to an erythrocyte moving through the body's smallest blood vessels as part of microcirculation.