The coolest new species of the 21st centuryJulianne Cox
The document discusses 13 of the coolest new species discovered in the 21st century. These include:
1. A cockroach-zombifying wasp named the Ampulex dementor after the soul-sucking creatures in Harry Potter.
2. A small spider from Morocco named the cartwheeling spider that can jump 6.6 feet per second to escape predators.
3. A fish discovered off the coast of Indonesia that resembles the Star Wars character Greedo, leading to it being named Peckoltia greedoi.
4. Two new species of colorful freshwater crabs from Indonesia called Geosesarma dennerle and Geosesarma hagen.
Ironwood trees, also known as desert ironwood or palo fierro, are ecologically and economically important in the Sonoran Desert region. They can grow up to 15 meters tall and 800 years old. As nurse plants, ironwood trees provide protected microhabitats that allow many other plant and animal species to survive in the desert. Their dense canopies buffer temperatures and protect other species from freezing and heat. Over 500 other species depend on ironwood trees. While not endangered, ironwood populations have been declining over thousands of square kilometers annually.
A record-breaking algal bloom is expanding across the North Pacific reaching from the Aleutian Islands to southern California. Coinciding with above average sea surface temperatures, the bloom contains some toxic algae species that have impacted marine life and fisheries. High chlorophyll concentrations detected by satellites indicate large amounts of phytoplankton, including species that produce toxins harming shellfish and fish. This year's unusually large bloom has led to whale deaths in Alaska and fishery closures of clams, crabs, and small fish due to toxins in Oregon, Washington, and California, damaging local economies. Scientists are monitoring the persistent bloom and researching what climate factors may be behind its extreme size in 2015.
The document is about a new book of aerial photographs called Beautiful Destruction that captures photos of Alberta's oil sands from above, showing the vast scale of the landscape and environmental impact through vivid colors, contrasts, and patterns. The book also includes 15 essays from people in the environment and industry fields who share their perspectives on the oil sands.
The coolest new species of the 21st centuryJulianne Cox
The document discusses 13 of the coolest new species discovered in the 21st century. These include:
1. A cockroach-zombifying wasp named the Ampulex dementor after the soul-sucking creatures in Harry Potter.
2. A small spider from Morocco named the cartwheeling spider that can jump 6.6 feet per second to escape predators.
3. A fish discovered off the coast of Indonesia that resembles the Star Wars character Greedo, leading to it being named Peckoltia greedoi.
4. Two new species of colorful freshwater crabs from Indonesia called Geosesarma dennerle and Geosesarma hagen.
Ironwood trees, also known as desert ironwood or palo fierro, are ecologically and economically important in the Sonoran Desert region. They can grow up to 15 meters tall and 800 years old. As nurse plants, ironwood trees provide protected microhabitats that allow many other plant and animal species to survive in the desert. Their dense canopies buffer temperatures and protect other species from freezing and heat. Over 500 other species depend on ironwood trees. While not endangered, ironwood populations have been declining over thousands of square kilometers annually.
A record-breaking algal bloom is expanding across the North Pacific reaching from the Aleutian Islands to southern California. Coinciding with above average sea surface temperatures, the bloom contains some toxic algae species that have impacted marine life and fisheries. High chlorophyll concentrations detected by satellites indicate large amounts of phytoplankton, including species that produce toxins harming shellfish and fish. This year's unusually large bloom has led to whale deaths in Alaska and fishery closures of clams, crabs, and small fish due to toxins in Oregon, Washington, and California, damaging local economies. Scientists are monitoring the persistent bloom and researching what climate factors may be behind its extreme size in 2015.
The document is about a new book of aerial photographs called Beautiful Destruction that captures photos of Alberta's oil sands from above, showing the vast scale of the landscape and environmental impact through vivid colors, contrasts, and patterns. The book also includes 15 essays from people in the environment and industry fields who share their perspectives on the oil sands.
The residents of Murohama village in Japan were able to evacuate safely after the 2011 tsunami because of a 1,000-year-old story passed down through generations. The story described how two tsunami waves collided at a hill 1,142 years earlier, killing those who had taken refuge there. On March 11, 2011, rather than going to the hill, residents evacuated farther inland as the story had warned. At least one person died despite most heeding the ancient warning. The enduring oral history from long ago helped save lives from the modern-day disaster in a way that new warning systems did not.
North america may have once been attached to australiaJulianne Cox
North America may have once been attached to Australia based on evidence from ancient sedimentary rocks in Arizona and New Mexico. Zircon crystals found in these rocks date to 1.6-1.5 billion years old, an age range not present in North America but matching rocks in Australia and Antarctica. This suggests North America was linked to Australia and Antarctica as part of a supercontinent called Columbia until its breakup 1.5 billion years ago. Continued study of ancient sedimentary basins will help test reconstructions of global supercontinents like Columbia and Rodinia.
Significant l.a. area ea...69 present quake cityLisa Schmidt
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Can we learn to handle the heat of forest firesJulianne Cox
Wildfires are increasing in severity and frequency in California due to climate change and a century of fire suppression. Researchers are studying post-fire "nuke zones" and finding they harbor increased biodiversity and are important habitat. Their findings challenge conventional wisdom of aggressively salvage logging burned areas and indicate forests would benefit from emulating natural fire regimes through less intervention.
16 of the most magnificent trees in the worldJulianne Cox
This document provides a summary of 16 of the most magnificent trees from around the world. Some of the trees highlighted include a 144-year-old wisteria vine in Japan covering half an acre, wind-swept trees in New Zealand that grow at an angle due to strong winds, and the Angel Oak tree in South Carolina that is estimated to be over 1,400 years old. The document aims to showcase amazing and beautiful trees from locations including Japan, New Zealand, Germany, South Carolina, Brazil, Yemen, California, Oregon, Hawaii, South Africa, and Northern Ireland.
The EPA was working to access and treat contaminated water at the Gold King Mine in Silverton, Colorado when they accidentally triggered the release of 3 million gallons of acidic, metal-laden wastewater into the Animas River. The toxic plume turned the river orange as it flowed downstream, forcing Durango to stop using river water and closing recreational access. High levels of pollutants like iron, aluminum, and copper were detected in the river. Officials are monitoring impacts to fish and downstream communities as the contaminated water moves through the watershed. The accident underscores risks of abandoned mines and will impact views of EPA cleanup efforts.
The giant ancient forest you cannot see coyote crossingLisa Schmidt
The document describes the creosote bushes that dominate the Mojave desert as an "ancient forest" that is invisible to many. It notes that individual creosote bushes can be thousands of years old, with some estimated at over 11,000 years old. Though unremarkable in appearance, these creosote bushes represent a vast ancient landscape that is increasingly threatened by development and habitat destruction. The author argues this ancient desert ecosystem deserves more appreciation and protection.
This document provides an overview of world regions and geography. It discusses how geography influences cultures and economies. Regions are defined and classified in various ways, including formally by shared attributes and functionally by economic organization. Forces like globalization are increasing interconnectivity between regions. The document examines topics like population trends, economic development, social issues, the environment, and political structures at regional and global scales. Regional geography combines physical and human perspectives to holistically study territories and the relationships between communities worldwide.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help boost feelings of calmness, happiness and focus.
This document provides an overview of the Physical Geography 101 course. It outlines that students will learn about the basic elements of geography including climate, landforms, water, soils, and plants and animals. It lists required textbooks and materials. The course objectives are to help students understand physical geography concepts like maps and the four environmental spheres of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. The document details assignments like exams, quizzes, maps and a presentation. Academic policies around attendance, cheating and cell phones are also addressed.
This document provides information for a geography lab course. It outlines the instructor and contact details, prerequisites, required textbooks and materials, student learning outcomes, course expectations and structure, grading policies, and the course schedule. The lab will focus on physical geography topics and provide hands-on experience investigating earth systems. Students will complete weekly lab assignments using worksheets and online submissions.
This document provides the syllabus for a Cultural Geography course taught online in Spring 2016. The 3-credit course is instructed by Lisa Schmidt and uses the textbook "Human Geography" by Knox. Assignments include weekly postings, maps quizzes, chapter quizzes, exams, and a semester-long project. The course aims to examine human activities and cultures around the world through geographical concepts and analysis of populations, development, economies, and social differences. Grades are calculated based on completion of these assignments throughout the semester.
This document provides information for an online physical geography course taught by Professor Lisa Schmidt. It outlines the course details, including required textbooks, assignments, grading criteria, and contact information for the professor. Students will study the four environmental spheres of Earth - the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere - and their interactions. Weekly readings, discussions, and quizzes will cover these topics. The course aims to give students a foundational understanding of physical geography concepts and patterns around the world.
The residents of Murohama village in Japan were able to evacuate safely after the 2011 tsunami because of a 1,000-year-old story passed down through generations. The story described how two tsunami waves collided at a hill 1,142 years earlier, killing those who had taken refuge there. On March 11, 2011, rather than going to the hill, residents evacuated farther inland as the story had warned. At least one person died despite most heeding the ancient warning. The enduring oral history from long ago helped save lives from the modern-day disaster in a way that new warning systems did not.
North america may have once been attached to australiaJulianne Cox
North America may have once been attached to Australia based on evidence from ancient sedimentary rocks in Arizona and New Mexico. Zircon crystals found in these rocks date to 1.6-1.5 billion years old, an age range not present in North America but matching rocks in Australia and Antarctica. This suggests North America was linked to Australia and Antarctica as part of a supercontinent called Columbia until its breakup 1.5 billion years ago. Continued study of ancient sedimentary basins will help test reconstructions of global supercontinents like Columbia and Rodinia.
Significant l.a. area ea...69 present quake cityLisa Schmidt
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Can we learn to handle the heat of forest firesJulianne Cox
Wildfires are increasing in severity and frequency in California due to climate change and a century of fire suppression. Researchers are studying post-fire "nuke zones" and finding they harbor increased biodiversity and are important habitat. Their findings challenge conventional wisdom of aggressively salvage logging burned areas and indicate forests would benefit from emulating natural fire regimes through less intervention.
16 of the most magnificent trees in the worldJulianne Cox
This document provides a summary of 16 of the most magnificent trees from around the world. Some of the trees highlighted include a 144-year-old wisteria vine in Japan covering half an acre, wind-swept trees in New Zealand that grow at an angle due to strong winds, and the Angel Oak tree in South Carolina that is estimated to be over 1,400 years old. The document aims to showcase amazing and beautiful trees from locations including Japan, New Zealand, Germany, South Carolina, Brazil, Yemen, California, Oregon, Hawaii, South Africa, and Northern Ireland.
The EPA was working to access and treat contaminated water at the Gold King Mine in Silverton, Colorado when they accidentally triggered the release of 3 million gallons of acidic, metal-laden wastewater into the Animas River. The toxic plume turned the river orange as it flowed downstream, forcing Durango to stop using river water and closing recreational access. High levels of pollutants like iron, aluminum, and copper were detected in the river. Officials are monitoring impacts to fish and downstream communities as the contaminated water moves through the watershed. The accident underscores risks of abandoned mines and will impact views of EPA cleanup efforts.
The giant ancient forest you cannot see coyote crossingLisa Schmidt
The document describes the creosote bushes that dominate the Mojave desert as an "ancient forest" that is invisible to many. It notes that individual creosote bushes can be thousands of years old, with some estimated at over 11,000 years old. Though unremarkable in appearance, these creosote bushes represent a vast ancient landscape that is increasingly threatened by development and habitat destruction. The author argues this ancient desert ecosystem deserves more appreciation and protection.
This document provides an overview of world regions and geography. It discusses how geography influences cultures and economies. Regions are defined and classified in various ways, including formally by shared attributes and functionally by economic organization. Forces like globalization are increasing interconnectivity between regions. The document examines topics like population trends, economic development, social issues, the environment, and political structures at regional and global scales. Regional geography combines physical and human perspectives to holistically study territories and the relationships between communities worldwide.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help boost feelings of calmness, happiness and focus.
This document provides an overview of the Physical Geography 101 course. It outlines that students will learn about the basic elements of geography including climate, landforms, water, soils, and plants and animals. It lists required textbooks and materials. The course objectives are to help students understand physical geography concepts like maps and the four environmental spheres of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. The document details assignments like exams, quizzes, maps and a presentation. Academic policies around attendance, cheating and cell phones are also addressed.
This document provides information for a geography lab course. It outlines the instructor and contact details, prerequisites, required textbooks and materials, student learning outcomes, course expectations and structure, grading policies, and the course schedule. The lab will focus on physical geography topics and provide hands-on experience investigating earth systems. Students will complete weekly lab assignments using worksheets and online submissions.
This document provides the syllabus for a Cultural Geography course taught online in Spring 2016. The 3-credit course is instructed by Lisa Schmidt and uses the textbook "Human Geography" by Knox. Assignments include weekly postings, maps quizzes, chapter quizzes, exams, and a semester-long project. The course aims to examine human activities and cultures around the world through geographical concepts and analysis of populations, development, economies, and social differences. Grades are calculated based on completion of these assignments throughout the semester.
This document provides information for an online physical geography course taught by Professor Lisa Schmidt. It outlines the course details, including required textbooks, assignments, grading criteria, and contact information for the professor. Students will study the four environmental spheres of Earth - the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere - and their interactions. Weekly readings, discussions, and quizzes will cover these topics. The course aims to give students a foundational understanding of physical geography concepts and patterns around the world.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Will exxon have to pay for years of misleading the public bill moyersLisa Schmidt
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Periodic table's 7th row completed with discovery of four new elements ifl ...Lisa Schmidt
The 7th row of the periodic table has been completed with the discovery of four new elements by scientists from Russia, the U.S., and Japan. The elements occupy positions 113, 115, 117, and 118 and were previously known as Uut, Uup, Uus, and Uuo respectively. The discoveries were ratified by IUPAC, allowing the elements to be formally named. The Japanese team that discovered element 113 will name it, with reports suggesting it may be called "Japanium". Completing the 7th row was an important achievement for chemistry as the periodic table is now filled down to that row.
Tools used in geography include maps, globes, GPS, remote sensing, and GIS. Maps show physical features and are printed on paper, while globes model the spherical earth accurately. GPS uses satellite distances to determine position. Remote sensing studies objects from afar using tools like aerial photography. GIS digitally analyzes and displays geographic data, allowing overlay of different data layers.
This document provides information for a World Regional Geography course. It outlines key details about the class including the professor, meeting times and location, required materials, assignments and grading. Students will study major world regions, learning about their cultures, landforms, climates and economies. Assignments include exams, quizzes, worksheets, group presentations and weekly discussion posts about assigned regions. The course aims to enhance students' understanding of global geography and contemporary issues.
This document outlines the syllabus for a World Regional Geography course, providing information on the class schedule, assignments, grading, and expectations. Major assignments include chapter quizzes, exams, worksheets, presentations, and online postings about different world regions. The course aims to introduce students to the human and physical components of the world's major culture regions.