on March 13, 2023
Compaction in the Rock Cycle: Understanding the Process Behind Sedimentary Rock Formation
Geography . Earth science . GeologyWhat is compaction in the rock cycle? Compaction is a critical process in the rock cycle that involves the gradual compression of sedimentary rock. This process is responsible for the creation of many types of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, shale, and limestone. Understanding the process of compaction is essential in comprehending the formation of sedimentary
on November 10, 2022
Marine surface currents
Earth scienceWhat can debris tell us about surface currents? The ocean surface is in motion. One way to realize that is when you dump something into the ocean. Where does it end up? The tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011 washed a lot of stuff into the ocean. The image above is a model created
on October 4, 2022
What are the relative contributions of planets to the Milankovitch Cycles?
Earth scienceAsked by: George Long What contributes to Milankovitch cycles? This wobble is due to tidal forces caused by the gravitational influences of the Sun and Moon that cause Earth to bulge at the equator, affecting its rotation. The trend in the direction of this wobble relative to the fixed positions of stars is known as
on October 4, 2022
What is the reason why there are radiosonde measurements in the atmosphere?
Earth scienceAsked by: George Long What is the purpose of a radiosonde? The radiosonde is a small instrument package that is suspended below balloon filled with either hydrogen or helium. As the radiosonde is carried aloft it measures pressure, temperature, and relative humidity. How does a radiosonde help predict the weather? A transmitter on the radiosonde
on October 4, 2022
How can I describe this data using a graph?
Earth scienceA graph is a graphical representation of data. Visualizing data through graphs helps to detect patterns, trends, relationships, and structures in data. Use graphs in conjunction with maps to explore data or help tell a story. Graphs can be created from both tabular and raster data, and there is a different set of graphs for
on October 4, 2022
Coriolis force in atmospheric/ocean modeling
Earth scienceAsked by: Ashley Alexander What is the role of Coriolis force in atmospheric movement? Outside storm systems, the impact of the Coriolis effect helps define regular wind patterns around the globe. As warm air rises near the Equator, for instance, it flows toward the poles. In the Northern Hemisphere, these warm air currents are deflected
on October 4, 2022
What are these lake-like blue patches in the desert, visible in satellite image?
Earth scienceAsked by: Ashley Alexander What Colour is water in satellite images? Water absorbs light, so it is usually black or dark blue. Sediment reflects light and colors the water. When suspended sand or mud is dense, the water looks brown. How can I view live satellite images? From near real-time satellite views to live feeds,
on October 4, 2022
Lightning moving close to the ground in Magalia, CA last July, months before the Camp Fire
Earth scienceAsked by: Amber Fierro Which state of the USA has been recently affected with lightning sparked fires? California (CNN) Dry lightning has ignited some of the most destructive and costly wildfires in California history, a new study shows. Can forest fires be caused by lightning? Additionally, many rangeland and grass fires are caused by lightning.
on October 4, 2022
How did Australia separate from India?
Earth scienceAsked by: Amber Fierro It was formed by the fusion of Indian and Australian platesAustralian platesThe Australian Plate is a major tectonic plate in the eastern and, largely, southern hemispheres. Originally a part of the ancient continent of Gondwana, Australia remained connected to India and Antarctica until approximately 100 million years ago when India broke
on October 4, 2022
Permian-Triassic mass extinction. Consequences on Earth’s system
Earth scienceAsked by: Derreck Phutane How did the Permian extinction affect the Earth? The Permian extinction was characterized by the elimination of over 95 percent of marine and 70 percent of terrestrial species. In addition, over half of all taxonomic families present at the time disappeared. This event ranks first in severity of the five major