Category: Planet Earth

Top 10 Giraffe Facts

Giraffe on savanna in Serengeti, Tanzania, Africa — A solitary giraffe stands tall amidst the savannah in Serengeti, its mottled pattern blending with the golden grasses, a serene embodiment of the wild's quiet grace. Image source: Deposit Photos

Giraffes are like the tall towers of the animal world, living in Africa where it’s warm and grassy. They are famous for their long necks and spots, each one different like a fingerprint. Although they look quiet and calm, giraffes hide many surprises. They don’t just eat leaves and roam around; there’s much more to learn about them. From the way they drink water to how they talk without making a sound, giraffes are full of interesting secrets. We’re going to explore some of these cool facts, getting to know these tall friends better. Here are 10 amazing giraffe facts.

Animals Life on Earth

Do giraffes get struck by lightning more often than other animals?

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date January 22, 2022
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An interesting question: do giraffes get struck by lightning more often than other animals? At first, it looks funny, but when you think that giraffes are way taller and pointier than other land animals, why they shouldn’t be? And, interestingly, there are studies about that subject, and some of them are even peer-reviewed!

Earth from Space Geology

Tonga’s Hunga volcano eruption from space, amazing video

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date January 15, 2022
No Comments on Tonga’s Hunga volcano eruption from space, amazing video

Hunga Tonga volcano eruption from space — Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption from space

Satellite imagery captures Tonga’s Hunga volcano erupting. The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted for the second time in 2 days and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) GOES-West satellite captured imagery of the eruption. The eruption also triggered a tsunami that hit the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga. This time-lapse video composed of images taken from space shows how powerful the eruption was.

Climate Environment Global Warming Oceans

3 Benefits of Using Smart Mooring In Monitoring Climate Change

Post author By Chatty Garrate
Post date January 12, 2022
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One of the parts most damaged by the current rate of climate change is Earth’s bodies of water. Scientific forecasts have estimated that in the next century, almost all coral reef habitats on our planet will be decimated. This is largely due to continuing ocean acidification among other practices done by humans, which all drastically destroy our coral reefs and underwater ecosystems.

Life on Earth

Early Earth was a Horrible Place for Life Because of UV radiation

Post author By Universe Today
Post date January 11, 2022
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Kepler-1649c artist conception — An artist's concept of what Kepler-1649c could look like from its surface. Credit: NASA/Ames Research Center/Daniel Rutter

Earth has had a long and complex history since its formation roughly 4.5 billion years ago. Initially, it was a molten ball, but eventually, it cooled and became differentiated. The Moon was formed from a collision between Earth and a protoplanet named Theia (probably), the oceans formed, and at some point in time, about 4 billion years ago, simple life appeared.

Oceans Climate Global Warming

Ocean Acidification: Mapping the Impact of Carbon Emissions on the Oceans

Post author By Scientia
Post date January 7, 2022
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The climate crisis and the chemistry of the oceans are inextricably connected. The oceans have absorbed close to a third of our carbon dioxide emissions since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, leading to an increasingly acidic environment (hence the term, Ocean Acidification) and making it more difficult for organisms such as corals, mollusks, and plankton to form their shells and skeletons.

Mapping future changes in ocean chemistry is the first step in developing mitigation strategies. However, our knowledge of the future state of the oceans relies on mathematical models that are often not calibrated with modern ship-based observations.

Dr. Li-Qing Jiang of the University of Maryland and his collaborators are improving ocean acidification predictions by coupling millions of past and present ocean chemistry measurements with the best model projections at each location of the global ocean.

Animals Life on Earth Oceans

10 Amazing Humpback Whale Facts

Post author By Ceren Bayraktar
Post date December 22, 2021
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Humpback whale jumping out of water. Image source: Deposit Photos

Humpback whale (scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale (also called toothless whale). Baleen whales have a special net-like epidermal modification called baleen in their mouth, which is used to filter food from the water. Here are 10 amazing Humpback whale facts.

Animals Life on Earth

10 Amazing Honey Badger Facts

Post author By Ceren Bayraktar
Post date December 19, 2021
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Honey badger (scientific name: Mellivora capensis), also known as ratel has a well-earned reputation of being a very fierce, feisty, and brave little mammal. Although barely a foot (30.5 cm) tall, they have a reputation for attacking just about anything – from venomous snakes to full-grown lions. Here are 10 amazing honey badger facts.

Environment Animals Life on Earth

10 Reasons Why Hydroelectric Dams are a Big Threat to Endangered Big Cats

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date December 17, 2021
No Comments on 10 Reasons Why Hydroelectric Dams are a Big Threat to Endangered Big Cats

Tiger near water. Image source: Deposit Photos

Big cats, such as lions, tigers, and jaguars, have captured our admiration for their majestic presence and crucial ecological roles. These magnificent predators regulate herbivore populations, thus preserving vegetated habitats and maintaining biodiversity. However, their survival is being challenged in unforeseen ways. One of the most pressing threats to big cats is something that we’ve been endorsing for its potential in sustainable energy: hydroelectric dams.

Plants Life on Earth

How to Save and Revive Dying Trees

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date December 16, 2021
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Just like other living organisms, trees can get sick and die of disease if they’re not cared for properly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to relieve the stress your trees are experiencing and protect their long-term health.

Injured trees exist on a spectrum from stressed to dying. Unfortunately, once your tree is dying, there’s little you can do to bring it back to life. However, if you catch the symptoms of illness early, it is very possible to save your tree.

Read on for practical tips on how to revive struggling trees.