Earth keeps a diary, but it does not use words—it writes in layers. Each bed of sand, mud, ash, or gravel preserves a brief episode in Earth’s history: a river shifting course, a shoreline advancing or retreating, an eruption dusting the landscape, or a long pause marked only by weathering and erosion. Stratigraphy is the discipline …
Crystals don’t just sparkle in jewelry stores—they’re born from Earth’s interior in a process so precise that geologists can predict which minerals will form at each temperature drop. If you’ve ever wondered why a granite countertop glitters with different minerals, or how scientists know where to dig for gems, the answer lies in understanding crystal …
On August 26, 1986, the normally tranquil, blue water of Lake Nyos in the West Africa country of Cameroon unexpectedly turned deadly. Late that night, according to the few people who survived to tell the tale, a low, rumbling sound emitted from the lake. The residents of the three villages on the shores of the …
When we add cream to coffee or a bath bomb to a tub, we see beautiful swirling colours mingling in the liquids. This is a field of study called fluid dynamics, which is just as enigmatic as it is beautiful. Although it’s easy for us to see the way the way things mingle in the …
One of the most striking examples of evolutionary transition in all biology history is the evolution of modern birds. Their group of land vertebrates is the most diverse on Earth, with more than 10,000 extant species worldwide (Brusatte et al. 2015). This evolutionary transition from an animal very much alike Tyrannosaurus rex, date back to …
Pesticides are chemicals generally used in agriculture, in order to prevent diseases, pests, weeds and other kinds of plant pathogens. The final aim of pesticides is to maintain high quality in agricultural production and yield and also improve the external appeal of fruits and vegetables. Despite sometimes not being noticed by the public, there some …
The formation of potholes. Water is one of the few liquid compounds that expands when it freezes, instead of contracting. The power of expansion packs a destructive punch. It is responsible for causing extensive damage to streets and roads all over the world. While the freezing and thawing of water is one of the driving …
More than 350 million years ago, warm, shallow seas covered many parts of North America, including much of the Midwest. During this time period, known as the Devonian era, these shallow waters were teaming with salt water marine life. Fish, mussels, crustaceans, and micro-organisms flourished in the region. In addition to the other sea animals, …
Original author: Karen Harris When Mount St. Helens in the cascade mountain range in Washington State erupted on May 18, 1980, the landscape of the mountain was forever changed. The eruption blew off the top 1,000 feet of the volcanic mountain’s summit and sent ash and debris nearly 10,000 feet into the air. The volcano …
Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of the research being incomplete with data, we have identified this as an example of bad science. What would have made this better science is if the original researchers could have isolated the “problems with emotions” to specifically the weather without any other militating factors. Mental health challenges arise …