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 · approximate
Typical recorded range: 1 × 10⁻¹¹ m/s to 1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s.
A little perspective
About 3.33 times the speed of Stalactite growth front.
Stalactite growth front: A stalactite growth front is the advancing tip of a stalactite, where mineral deposits accumulate as water drips in caves.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Tree trunk radial growth
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
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.
Change your perspective
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s
For comparison, this page uses speed. This is labelled approximate; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary. 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 identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Tree trunk radial growth 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
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible speed records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · 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.Nearest higher value · 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.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
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.