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Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Lake Natron: The caustic, blood-red lake in Tanzania that turns animals to 'stone'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. QUICK FACTS Name: Lake Natron Location: Northern Tanzania Coordinates: -2.332009081285983, 36.03373896004504 Why it's incredible: The lake is so alkaline, it burns the skin and eyes of most animals and turns some to "stone." Lake Natron has a chemical makeup that is so harsh, it is uninhabitable for most creatures. It is a "soda" lake, meaning it has high levels of dissolved sodium and carbonate. Due to this high concentration of salts and minerals, the lake's pH can reach 10.5, which is almost as caustic as ammonia solution — and animals that die on the shores of Lake Natron are preserved as calcified mummies as a result. Lake Natron sits along the East African Rift System, a divergent tectonic plate boundary that is tearing apart the African Plate. This geology means that Lake Natron is shaped by volcanic processes, which produce large amounts of sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate. These salts and other minerals trickle down into the lake from surrounding hills and enter the water from below via hot springs, Live Science previously reported. The lake does not drain into any river or sea, so the chemical concentration stays high year-round. Few animals can survive a salt level and pH as high as Lake Natron's, and the water can severely burn the skin and eyes of creatures that try to take a sip or dip. But animals that have adapted to the conditions, including lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) and tilapia, thrive in and around the lake. In fact, Lake Natron is the world's most important breeding site for lesser flamingos, with most of East Africa's 1.5 million to 2.5 million lesser flamingos — which represent around 75% of the global population of the species — hatching at the lake, according to the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority. Lesser flamingos' legs have tough skin and scales that prevent burns from the water. These birds build nests on islands that form in the lake during the dry season, Live Science previously reported, and their babies are safe from most predators thanks to the deadly conditions. Related: Kilimanjaro's giant groundsels: The strange plants that thrive on Africa's tallest mountain In addition to being extremely alkaline, Lake Natron is so shallow that its water temperature can reach a scalding 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) during the hottest times of the year, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. The lake is 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) deep and 9 miles (15 kilometers) wide, but it shrinks and expands depending on the weather, with less rainfall and river input during the dry season leading it to contract (and vice versa). When the lake shrinks, microorganisms that feast on its salts multiply. Haloarchaea (salt-loving organisms that lack a nucleus) and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can color the lake different shades of red thanks to pigments in their cells. The same pigments give lesser flamingos their pink hue, according to NASA's Earth Observatory, because these flamingos almost exclusively eat blue-green algae. Lake Natron made headlines in 2013, when photographer Nick Brandt's images of "stone" animals on the lake's shores were published in the book "Across the Ravaged Land" (Abrams Books, 2013). The pictures showed carcasses of birds and bats that had died on the shores of the lake and were preserved by its sodium carbonate. Brandt positioned them on branches and on the water to look "alive again in death," he wrote in the book. MORE INCREDIBLE PLACES —Last Chance Lake: The unusual 'soda lake' with conditions that may have given rise to life on Earth —Hot Tub of Despair: The deadly ocean pool that traps and pickles creatures that fall in —Jellyfish Lake: Palau's saltwater pool with a toxic bottom and surface waters brimming with millions of jellyfish "I unexpectedly found the creatures — all manner of birds and bats — washed up along the shoreline of Lake Natron," Brandt wrote. "No one knows for certain exactly how they die." Birds pictured in the book include a dove and a fish eagle. These birds do not feed and breed at Lake Natron, but they live in the salt marshes and freshwater wetlands that make up the surrounding landscape. These ecosystems also host greater flamingos, pelicans, ostriches, buffalo, wildebeest and many other creatures, according to the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority. Discover more incredible places, where we highlight the fantastic history and science behind some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
CNA
26-05-2025
- CNA
Singapore Oceanarium, formerly known as SEA Aquarium, to open on Jul 23
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Oceanarium - previously known as SEA Aquarium - will open to the public on Jul 23 after a three-month facelift. The new attraction in Sentosa is three times larger, with 22 zones that promise an immersive experience for visitors. "More than just a new name, Singapore Oceanarium represents a bold transformation into a world-class ocean institute that inspires deeper knowledge, love and action for our oceans," Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in a media release on Monday (May 26). The thematic zones include Ocean Wonders, home to one of the world's largest kreisel habitats, housing thousands of moon jellies, as well as Singapore's Coast, which features mangrove-inspired landscapes and interactive habitats that spotlight native biodiversity. In Ancient Waters and Conquering Land, visitors will be able to see life-sized prehistoric animals and living fossils that trace the story of evolution. The Spirit of Exploration exhibit houses Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a ninth-century Arabian dhow. Next to the Singapore Oceanarium is a research and learning centre that aims to further education, marine research and conservation, in partnership with academic institutions. These include a five-year applied research collaboration with the National University of Singapore and a two-year research collaboration with the Earth Observatory of Singapore at Nanyang Technological University on climate resilience and marine conservation, said RWS. "Singapore Oceanarium represents the next frontier for marine education and sustainability," said CEO of RWS Tan Hee Teck. "We have created not just a destination, but a catalyst for change, a place where curiosity transforms into knowledge, and knowledge into real action." Vice President of the Singapore Oceanarium Lam Xue Ying said the transformation from SEA Aquarium to a "purpose-driven institute" has been years in the making. "We are dedicated to inspiring a new generation of ocean stewards by taking ocean education and interactive storytelling to the next level, through naturalistic habitats and immersive technology," she added.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists achieve breakthrough solution to decades-long issue with virtually limitless energy device: 'Charting a path'
While nuclear fusion technology would prove a promising energy source with zero carbon pollution and minimal radioactive waste if successfully commercialized, scientists are still struggling to navigate its financial and technical roadblocks. On that front, researchers at California's TAE Technologies have made significant strides in reducing the cost and complexity of fusion technology without compromising on its extraordinary efficiency. Ordinarily, fusion requires engineers to generate plasma at extremely high temperatures and to confine the energy released, often with Field-Reversed Configuration technology, TAE explained in a release. The FRC tech produces its own internal magnetic field to yield up to 100 times more energy than a typical tokamak reactor and makes hydrogen-boron fuel — "the cleanest, safest, and most sustainable option for the planet," noted the release — more viable. Unfortunately, plasma formation using the FRC has so far proven both costly and unstable. TAE Technologies' solution, published in the journal Nature Communications, involves injecting neutral particle beams into the company's new advanced particle accelerator "Norm" to heat and stabilize an FRC plasma. The engineers' findings have the potential to "[reduce] the machine's size, complexity and cost by up to 50% and [optimize] for economic competitiveness and commercial viability," the release continued. As demands for global energy production continue to rise under our growing populations and industrial developments, moving away from dirty energy becomes increasingly important to avert environmental catastrophe. Burning fuels like coal and oil releases carbon pollution into our atmosphere — 36.8 billion tonnes in 2023, and still rising, according to NASA's Earth Observatory — and traps heat on our planet. The ripple effects of rising temperatures include more intense extreme weather events and threats to our food and crop supply. Fusion technology supplies massive amounts of power without any reliance on fuel-burning, and without the radioactive waste problem that afflicts today's fission-based technology. Should the U.S. invest more in battery innovations? Absolutely Depends on the project We're investing enough We should invest less Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Commercializing fusion technology may not only limit the climate impact of energy generation, but it could also slash utility costs for the average individual by enabling power companies to more easily and efficiently keep up with demand. TAE's "Norm" development, for instance, may "[chart] a path for streamlined devices that directly addresses the commercially critical metrics of cost, efficiency, and reliability," theorized Michl Binderbauer, CEO of TAE Technologies. "This milestone significantly accelerates TAE's path to commercial hydrogen-boron fusion that will deliver a safe, clean, and virtually limitless energy source for generations to come," Binderbauer added. "Norm" is set to precede TAE's next reactor prototype, "Copernicus," which TAE engineers anticipate will demonstrate fusion as a viable energy source before 2030. As TAE continues to research and refine its technology, TAE's first full-fledged nuclear fusion power plant, known as "Da Vinci," will hopefully come online in the early 2030s. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Heavy dusting of 'pineapple powder' paints Hawaii's volcanoes white
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. QUICK FACTS Where is it? Big Island, Hawaii [19.6103680, -155.4898339] What's in the photo? Snow covering the summit of Mauna Loa Which satellite took the photo? Landsat 8 When was it taken? Feb. 6, 2021 Striking satellite photos snapped in 2021 show the volcanic peaks of Hawaii's Big Island covered with a thick dusting of snow, also known by locals as "pineapple powder," following one of the island's most extreme snowfalls in recent history. The first image (see above) shows the most extensive snow coverage on Mauna Loa, a 13,681-foot-tall (4,170 meters) volcano near the center of the Big Island. The second image (below) shows a slightly smaller white patch on Mauna Kea, a 13,796-foot-tall (4,205 m) peak located around 25 miles (40 kilometers) further north. Both images were taken on the same day. Mauna Loa is still active and most recently erupted between November and December 2022, according to the Global Volcanism Program. Mauna Kea, meanwhile, is dormant and has not erupted for at least 4,600 years. Hawaiian snow is more common than most people realize, and both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea often receive at least a light dusting every year. However, 2021 was an extreme case. When the photo was taken, the combined snow covering both peaks reached the second-highest amount for this time of the year since records began in 2001, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. At the peak of the preceding snowstorm, up to 2 feet (0.6 m) fell at the summit of both volcanoes in a single day. Related: See all the best images of Earth from space Local reports revealed that several islanders traded in their surfboards for snowboards and skis, and braved the trip up Mauna Kea to partake in some rare snow sports as soon as the roads were cleared. Hawaiian snow is often linked to a weather phenomenon referred to as Kona low, according to the Earth Observatory. This is where winds shift from the typical northeast direction and start blowing from the southwest, or "Kona" side, drawing moisture from the tropical Pacific, which turns into rain and snow as it rises up the mountains' slopes. Snow is most likely to occur between October and April, and both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea experience an average of 20 days of snow cover every year, according to the Lyman Museum, based in the Big Island town of Hilo. On rare occasions, snow has also fallen on the volcanoes as late as June, according to The Weather Channel. However, the pineapple powder may not be as common in the future. Recent research revealed that human-caused climate change will likely make snow much less likely in Hawaii as rising sea surface temperatures make Kona low less likely to occur, according to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UHM). MORE EARTH FROM SPACE —Pair of 'glowing' lava lakes spotted on Africa's most active volcanoes as they erupt simultaneously —Erupting 'sharkcano' spits out a giant underwater plume in Oceania —'Shining anus' volcano in Tonga coughs up cloud of smoke during recent eruption "Unfortunately, the projections suggest that future average winter snowfall will be 10 times less than present day amounts, virtually erasing all snow cover," Chunxi Zhang, an atmospheric modeling specialist at the International Pacific Research Center in Hawaii, said in a UHM statement. In Hawaiian mythology, Mauna Kea is home to the snow goddess Poli'ahu, who had a fierce rivalry with Pele — the goddess of fire and volcanoes, for which the rare glass-like structures that form at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano are named. In one story, Poli'ahu defeated Pele in a sledding race, which caused the latter to unleash a series of major volcanic eruptions in anger, according to the University of Hawai'i at Hilo.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials urge caution as extreme sandstorm sends over 3,500 to hospitals: '[Turned] the sky a strange orange'
We've witnessed decaying air quality under drought conditions, but a recent devastating sandstorm across central and southern Iraq took things to another level. The episode is only the latest in a series of similar extreme weather events. Before this, a storm just as severe overtook Baghdad in December. The sandstorm grounded flights and sent over 3,500 people to hospitals in mid-April due to respiratory damage from dust particles. The extreme conditions have "[forced] almost all but emergency workers to stay indoors," noted The New York Times. Following a week of abnormally high temperatures and years of frequent drought, weather stations captured strong gusts from the west and northwest that culminated in a powerful dust storm that "[turned] the sky a strange orange." According to NASA's Earth Observatory, Iraqi sandstorms tend to take place during the late spring and summer, although in recent years, offseason storms have become more common. The United Nations attributes the increase in Iraq's sandstorms to water shortages and overpopulation compounded by an overheating planet, labeling Iraq "the fifth-most vulnerable country to climate breakdown." Iraq isn't the only country where worldwide climate change manifests in weather patterns. Parts of Africa, China, and even the U.S. have experienced similar dust storms. Japan and California recently suffered wildfires. In addition to hospitalizing thousands and interfering with regular work-life cycles, the Iraqi sandstorm gestures toward a greater trend of land and air degradation as a result of climate change. As rising temperatures deplete the Earth's water sources and make agricultural land more arid, our global food supply falls under threat. "Three-quarters of Earth's land became permanently drier in the last three decades," the United Nations reported in 2024. The article established a link between rising greenhouse gas emissions and expanding "drylands" around the world. Our growing human population may soon struggle to sustain itself upon crop land that's increasingly desertified. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In Iraq, per The New York Times, most of the hospitalized have been treated and released, and face masks and stay-at-home recommendations have done wonders to protect the remaining population from the brunt of the sandstorm. More generally, the U.N. recommends investing in water security and developing responsible land use techniques to mitigate desertification. First and foremost, however, reducing our global planet-warming pollution is key to holistically combating increasing global temperatures in the coming years. Conserving water, cutting down on household waste, and opting for clean-energy appliances can all be good places to start. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
