Environment
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Have you ever looked out your window on a foggy morning and marveled at the ethereal beauty of the scene? Or perhaps you've driven through a haze-filled landscape, its otherworldly quality both mesmerizing and disorienting. Fog, mist, and haze are all atmospheric phenomena that can reduce visibility,...
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The Foehn effect is related to a dry, warm wind that moves along the downward side of a mountain. It occurs when an air mass encounters this mountainside and is forced to ascend up it. This natural phenomenon occurs in most mountainous regions of the world, although it is a localized effect. Foehn winds...
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Floods are a natural disaster that can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural meteorological phenomena, human-induced construction and activities, and climate change. While some floods are uncontrollable and unpredictable, others can be prevented or mitigated with proper planning and management.
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Fog is a weather phenomenon that is essentially a low-flying cloud. This is because it is an aerosol of water or ice droplets that moves close to the Earth's surface. It can be a very evocative phenomenon, either creeping over rolling hills in the countryside or descending ominously over a cityscape. While...
Waterspouts are a weather phenomenon which appear as if a tornado has formed over a large body of water. They consist of eddies that are usually connected to cumuliform clouds. The base of a waterspout can be formed by water spray. This meteorological phenomenon is frequently confused with tornadoes that...
The journey of life originates in our genes. They hold the key to an individual's physical characteristics, behaviors, and biochemistry. Among these genetic aspects, we find the genotype and the phenotype. Though closely intertwined, they are unique in their roles and characteristics.
In this article...
Seeds are remarkable and fundamental components of the plant kingdom. They serve as the means through which plants reproduce and spread their genetic material. Seeds come in a stunning array of shapes, sizes, and adaptations. Different plants have evolved seeds that are uniquely suited to their specific...
The term "cold drop" refers to a recurring meteorological event that occurs yearly, primarily impacting the weather along the Mediterranean side of the Iberian Peninsula. It unfolds when a pocket of cold air above descends and disconnects from the main cold air mass. This phenomenon gives rise to various...
Speciation is a fundamental process in evolutionary biology that involves the formation of new distinct species from a common ancestral population. This process plays a critical role in the diversification of life on Earth, leading to the incredible variety of species that inhabit our planet. There are several...
Hurricanes, often referred to as tropical cyclones or typhoons in different regions of the world, are awe-inspiring meteorological phenomena. These immense storms, characterized by powerful winds and torrential rains, can unleash catastrophic forces of nature upon the areas they make landfall. Hurricanes...
The human propensity for waste generation has expanded beyond the boundaries of Earth. The growing volume of debris encircling our planet presents a tangible peril to telecommunications, space missions, and the spatial realm itself. Once part of our exploration and communication endeavors, this collection...
In July 2023, experts underscored the exceptional and previously unseen nature of the temperatures reached in the summer of 2023. Their investigation revealed that July 2023 set a new record for the highest ever recorded. Furthermore, it marked an unprecedented occurrence by registering the three highest temperatures...
Aquaculture is a set of activities, techniques and knowledge on the cultivation of aquatic plant and animal species. Different areas will have their own specialized crops and livestock depending on their requirements. As a farming model, aquaculture provides many advantages such as reducing the overexploitation...
Haze is a meteorological phenomenon which is occurs when a large concentration of particles is present in the atmosphere. These particles may be in the form of dust, sand, ash or various pollutants. The levels of hazy weather conditions can vary. They can also be confused with other conditions such as...
The world's seas and oceans are currently facing significant environmental challenges, including pollution, which have a notable impact on fisheries. One of the most pressing issues in recent years is overfishing. It is not only a concern in marine environments but also affects terrestrial ecosystems due to activities...
Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are natural or human-induced infernos that ravage vast expanses of wooded areas, leaving destruction and ecological impacts in their wake. These fires are a formidable force of nature, capable of spreading with astonishing speed and intensity, fueled by the abundance...
Riverbanks are ecosystems that line the shores of rivers, creating a seamless transition between the aquatic and terrestrial worlds. These dynamic zones are teeming with life, hosting a rich variety of flora and fauna uniquely adapted to the distinct conditions they offer. As well as providing shelter and...
Nestled at the meeting point of land and sea, mangroves make up a complex and fascinating coastal ecosystems. These habitats are known for their rich biodiversity, exceptional adaptations and ecological importance. Mangroves have evolved special strategies to thrive in diverse habitats, including their remarkable...
The most venomous fish in the world are mostly from marine environments, although we cannot forget freshwater venomous fish such as catfish. The most deadly are certainly those found in saltwater environments. Many of us may associate venom with terrestrial animals such as snakes or spiders. In actuality,...
Cross contamination in food preparation occurs when there is a transfer of various types of material which can result in food causing harm. This is often the case when microorganisms are spread from one food to another, resulting in the food become toxic to anyone who consumes it. However, there are...
Zooxanthellae are symbiotic photosynthetic microalgae. Their symbiosis occurs with certain species of corals, anemones or jellyfish, as well as the giant clam (Tridacna gigas). The life cycle of zooxanthellae begins with asexual division, forming flagellated cells that later lose mobility. Their function...
Explore the fascinating world of microalgae, a diverse and intricate realm teeming with tiny yet extraordinary organisms. Despite their diminutive size, these microorganisms hold immense significance in shaping our planet's ecosystems and supporting life as we know it. From environmental sustainability to...
Soft corals are a mesmerizing and diverse group of marine organisms that captivate the imagination with their unique beauty and intriguing characteristics. Unlike their stony counterparts, these corals do not build rigid calcium carbonate skeletons, leading to their name "soft corals." Instead, they showcase an array...
The differences between seas and oceans is not simply due to terminology. The two terms are often used interchangeably, both referencing large marine bodies of saltwater. Despite certain similarities in the two concepts, seas and oceans are not the same. One of the key differences between seas and oceans...
Mid-ocean ridges (MORs) are geological formations found at the bottom of oceans. At first glance, they may appear to be simple seamounts (underwater marine mountains), but their composition is both more complicated and more impactful on the ocean ecosystems in which they are located. Mid-ocean ridges, are long...
The gorgonian coral is a type of soft marine coral that belongs to the family Gorgoniidae. There are various genera within this group, all of which are types of Cnidarian, members of the phylum which also includes jellyfish, sea anemones and other marine species. Despite being part of the same taxonomic...
Chordates encompass a diverse and fascinating group of animals, characterized by a set of unique anatomical features that define their evolutionary lineage. From the mighty blue whale to the unassuming lancelet, chordates span a wide range of species, inhabiting diverse ecosystems across the globe. What sets...
The different types of deserts include sand, rock, salt, polar, cold and many more. Some of us may not be aware there are so many different types of deserts. This is partly due to the often misunderstood definition of what is a desert. A desert is an ecosystem characterized by low rainfall and limited...
Birds, fascinating creatures that grace the skies and inhabit various corners of the world, captivate us with their diversity, behaviors, and unique adaptations. As denizens of the air, land, and water, birds have evolved to thrive in diverse environments, leading to a rich array of classifications based...
The exposome is a concept that refers to the cumulative environmental factors to which an individual person is exposed throughout their lifetime. This refers to the time period between birth and death. While it is helpful to understand the negative environmental factors which can harm the human organism,...
Microorganisms are microscopic living beings imperceptible to the eye that are found everywhere. We can find them in the soil, at the bottom of the ocean and even in the human intestine. We often associate microbes with harmful organisms such as pathogens. These are microorganisms which cause disease...
Mitochondria are one of the most important organelles of most eukaryotic cells. Within each mitochondrion, important processes are carried out in which different proteins, molecules, channels and membranes are involved. The functions of mitochondria are so advanced, it has been postulated that these organelles...
Chloroplasts are remarkable organelles found in the cells of photosynthesizing organisms, playing a pivotal role in the process of photosynthesis. They are responsible for capturing light energy from the sun and converting it into chemical energy, fueling the growth and survival of plants, algae, and some...
Electromagnetic pollution is type of pollution that is caused by electromagnetic activity. Considered a type of electrosmog, it electromagnetic radiation that has negative consequences on the environment. This includes the people, animals and ecosystems within it. Although electromagnetic radiation is normal...
A sandstorm is a weather phenomenon that occurs when the wind blows large amounts of sand or dust into the air. It is for this reason they are also known as dust storms. They create a dense cloud of earth that darkens the sky and significantly reduces visibility. These storms generally occur in desert...
Soil formation takes a long time and is generated in a process which results in layers of varying composition, consistency, texture and color. These layers are known as the different soil horizons. When we look at how these different soil horizon layers are arranged, we can see what is known as the soil...
As cities continue to grow and develop, an increasing concern arises: the rising temperatures in urban areas. The heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where urbanized regions experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas. By understanding the heat island...
In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, biotic factors play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of life. An ecosystem comprises a delicate balance of both biotic and abiotic factors, with biotic factors representing the living organisms and the intricate relationships they form. When we think of biotic...
The difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms is the number of cells which make up the organism. Unicellular organisms have only one cell, whereas multicellular organisms have multiple cells. While this is the most stark comparison, the differences between unicellular and multicellular...
Sea waters, also known as ocean waters, encompass the vast bodies of saltwater found on Earth. They are a significant component of the hydrosphere, comprising about 97% of the planet's water. The distribution of ocean waters is extensive, covering approximately 70.8% of the Earth's surface. These expansive...
Artificial forests, also referred to as cultivated or planted forests, are created by human intervention and serve specific purposes such as timber production, biodiversity conservation, or carbon sequestration. Unlike natural forests that evolve and develop spontaneously, artificial forests are meticulously...
In the botanical world, the concept of whorls unveils a captivating pattern of arrangement found in plants. Whorls refer to the concentric groupings of leaves, branches, or flowers that emerge from the same level or node along the plant's stem. These remarkable formations not only contribute to the structural...
Saprophytes, also known as saprotrophs, are a fascinating group of organisms that play a vital role in the natural processes of decomposition and nutrient recycling. By understanding the role of saprophytes and appreciating their ecological contributions, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate...
Pollinators are animals that pollinate plants thanks to their natural behavior. Often this is in the form of feeding on plants and carrying pollen from one flower to the next one. Other animals can pollinate simply by walking past plants and carrying pollen on their coats. The fertilization of flowers...
Chromosomes are molecules which contain genetic information. All human beings are unique thanks to a unique genetic code which creates the building blocks for our bodies. These traits are inherited from our parents due to reproduction. Although there are many types of reproduction, all living organisms pass...
Amblypygi is an order of arachnid arthropods that are commonly known as whip spiders or tailless whip scorpions. These common names imply they are either types of scorpion or types of spider. Perhaps confusingly, they are neither. Whip spiders are a different type of arachnid, despite certain similarities...
We may think of blood-sucking animals as the stuff of legends, but there are animals that feed on blood to survive. This process is known a hematophagy and it is likely more common than you think. It is not a method of feeding reserved exclusively for vampire bats, but is found in other mammals, fish,...
The polar environment is one of the most fascinating and challenging regions on Earth. It's a place of extremes, where the temperature can drop to -50°C or lower, and the sun doesn't rise or set for months at a time. Despite the harsh conditions, the polar regions are home to a unique and diverse range...
The enchanting rise and fall of ocean waves has always stirred our imagination. But behind their serene beauty lies a powerful force of nature that shapes and reshapes the intricate contours of our coasts. This force is known as coastal or marine erosion, a fascinating geological process that shapes the...
A heat wave can be generally defined as a period of prolonged hot weather which is excessive for a given climate. They are among some of the most devastating weather events, especially because their nature means they occur over a prolonged period of time. A consensus agreement has not yet been reached...
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