Environment
241 articles
Geodiversity encompasses a variety of geological and geographical elements which make up our planet Earth. This includes the various types of rock formation which are themselves made up of composite minerals which interact in fascinating ways. We can see such geodiversity in soils which not only vary...
Understanding the difference between organic and inorganic compounds is a fundamental principle in chemistry. Essentially, the difference between inorganic vs. organic matter is to do with the presence of carbon. Although this is important on a molecular level, it is a topic which has a great impact on ecology....
A snow avalanche is an imposing and potentially dangerous natural phenomenon that occurs when snow rapidly proceeds down a slope. These can be very small, but the larger the avalanche, the more destructive it will be. We often don't know the direct cause of a snow avalanche, but we do know there are...
Green cities are those which are specifically designed or adapted in such ways they reduce their environmental impact and make life better for its citizens. While all cities will have some level of vegetation incorporated into their infrastructure, this does not make them green cities. A green city is...
The environmental impact of diesel and gasoline cars is a complex and controversial topic. Both types of cars produce emissions that can harm the environment and human health. However, the specific types and amounts of pollutants emitted vary depending on the type of car and its driving conditions.
In...
Torrential rains are a weather phenomenon where an intense and abundant precipitation of water occurs over a certain period of time. They are often relatively short, which is why we refer to them as a torrential downpour to compare them to lighter rains. Unfortunately, torrential rains can also occur...
Landslides are the downward movement of a mass of soil, rock, debris, or a combination of these materials along a slope or hillside. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and human activities such as deforestation and road construction....
The difference between haploid and diploid cells concerns the chromosomes found within the nucleus of cells. Nuclei of eukaryotic cells contain the genetic information that results in how an organism is formed and functions. This information is packed very compactly into structures known as chromosomes....
A biome is a large-scale ecosystem that is characterized by its unique climate, vegetation, and wildlife. Biomes are classified based on their temperature, precipitation, latitude, altitude, plant structure, leaf types, spatial distribution of plants, and ecological succession. From the lush rainforests...
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,...
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...
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.
This...
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...