on May 31, 2023
Visible Boundaries: Can Mainland China See Taiwan’s Main Island?
GeographyTaiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, is an island nation in East Asia. It is separated from mainland China by the Taiwan Strait, which is approximately 130 kilometers wide at its narrowest point. The question of whether the main island of Taiwan can be seen from China is a common one, and the
on May 31, 2023
The Intricate Link Between Indian Monsoon and Indian Ocean Dipole: A Geographical and Earth Science Perspective
GeographyThe Indian monsoon is a complex weather phenomenon that has a significant impact on the Indian subcontinent. It is characterized by seasonal winds that bring heavy rains to the region, enabling agriculture and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is another important climate phenomenon affecting the Indian Ocean region.
on May 27, 2023
Disrupting the View: How Primate Behavior Can Impact Distant Cloud Observation
GeographyThe event I recently had an unusual experience that highlighted the unexpected ways in which our environment can affect our ability to observe and understand the world around us. While attempting to observe a large cloud formation 300 miles away, my snarky cousin decided to throw a monkey into my line of sight. While the
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 March 13, 2023
Crystallization in the Water Cycle: A Fundamental Process in Water Distribution and Purification
Geography . GeologyCrystallization is a vital process that occurs in the water cycle. It is the process by which water molecules in a liquid state transform into a solid state, forming ice crystals. Crystallization plays an essential role in the water cycle by regulating the distribution and availability of water on our planet. In the water cycle,
on March 13, 2023
Understanding Crystallization in the Rock Cycle: A Fundamental Process in Rock Formation
Geology . GeographyWhat is crystallization in the rock cycle? Crystallization is a crucial process in the rock cycle that helps shape the earth’s crust. It involves the formation of mineral crystals from a liquid or gas state, usually as a result of cooling or evaporation. Crystallization can take place in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and is
on November 16, 2022
The Canadian Shield
Geography . GeologyThe Canadian Shield refers to the exposed part of the continental crust underlying most of North America. This crust, the “North American craton”, extends from northern Mexico to Greenland and is composed of hard rocks that are at least a billion years old. The rocks of the North American Craton, with the exception of those
on September 27, 2022
Other than tectonic activity, what can reshape a world’s surface?
GeographyAsked by: Katelyn Roy EROSION. Wind, water, and ice are the three agents of erosion, or the carrying away of rock, sediment, and soil. Erosion is distinguished from weathering — the physical or chemical breakdown of the minerals in rock. However, weathering and erosion can happen simultaneously. What are the two types of force that
on September 18, 2022
How many earthquakes occur worldwide every year?
GeographyAsked by: Nathan Goodwin The National Earthquake Information Center now locates about 20,000 earthquakes around the globe each year, or approximately 55 per day. How many earthquakes have there been worldwide? Development of the number of earthquakes (M5+) worldwide from 2000 to 2021 Characteristic Number of earthquakes 2020 1,433 2019 1,637 2018 1,808 2017 1,566
on September 18, 2022
What is the oldest rock?
GeographyAsked by: Victor Patton Earth’s oldest known rock is composed of the mineral amphibole, which contains abundant garnet, seen as large round “spots” in the rock. Where is the oldest rock? Hudson Bay, Canada Bedrock in Canada is 4.28 billion years old Bedrock along the northeast coast of Hudson Bay, Canada, has the oldest rock