What are Snow Donuts

Snow donut image

Snow donuts are commonly referred as 'snow rollers', 'snowballs' or even 'snowbales'. This natural phenomenon occurs rarely in certain specific weather conditions. Snow donuts resemble donut shaped spiral that rolls the icy ground in unusual cold weathers. This happens when wind pushes snow, making it roll across the vertical ground of the hill surface. But these phenomenons are rare and requires the right mixture of climatic conditions including wind, temperature, snow and moisture.



The snow that rolls across the hill starts gathering in a shape of a hollow cylinder to form a snow donut. But not all of the snow lands to the bottom surface shaped as a snow donut. Most of the cylindrical balls get squashed up. Very few manage to roll on the icy surface down the hills leaving behind a trail.Once the climatic conditions are just right enough to successfully transform the snow clump into a snow donut, the snow doughnut resembles a cylindrical ball with a hole in the center. The shapes of snow doughnuts or snow donuts could vary right from small ball to big wheels.

Snow donuts are usually found in Canada, Poland and on the  Prairies of North America.

What is a Sinkhole

Also known to be a swallow hole, shake hole, sink or even a doline, a sinkhole is a depression caused in the Earth's surface. These sinkholes that form on the earth's surface do not usually form due to natural process. They can be natural or even man made. These depressions formed in the earth's surface, are due to the dissolution of carbonate rock. And this process is also known to be the Karst process. Sinkholes either could form gradually or may appear sudden.

When water flows underground and starts dissolving the rocks, slowly and gradually sinkholes form. These rocks that dissolve are mostly limestone, salt beds, gypsum or clay.  When rocks start dissolving, small caverns form within the surface. This process carries on over a period of time and the land later caves in. This sudden collapse happens when pressure hits on the earth's surface. Small cracks may emerge to show the beginning of the sinkhole. These small cracks are not dangerous in the beginning. But as the cracks keep expanding and forming a hole, a weight of certain object would make the land cave in.

Sinkholes can differ in size and at times could be big enough to swallow even a house or a swimming pool. The process is so dramatic that it would not give out a warning at times, and suddenly would break out into a big, enormous hole creating chaos. 

What are Waterspouts

Tornadoes that form over water are called as waterspouts. A waterspout is a strong columnar whirlpool that resembles funnel shaped cloud and move over water. At times they form over water and move over land from water. A waterspout could be accompanied by heavy hail storm, lightnings and strong winds. A waterspout has a five part life cycle, which include a dark spot formation on the water surface followed by spiral pattern of water surface and formation of a spray ring along with a development of visible cloud like condensation funnel which finally decays.

Waterspouts can form in an area less than 2 km in width. The column of rotating cloud that is funnel shaped, descends over water. This cloud that develops could be mild or even harmful. Some of the waterspouts formed are strong and usually tornadic in nature. At times these waterspouts could be mild and weak. Such mild waterspouts are caused by different atmospheric pressures and develop in moisture laden environment. Though weaker than a tornado, waterspout can still manage to cause considerable damage to it's surroundings.

Where are waterspouts witnessed?

Waterspouts are witnessed in tropics and subtropical areas. Europe, Australia, New Zealand have common occurrences of waterspout. One of the area which witness waterspouts frequently is Florida Keys with around 400 waterspouts approximately around the world. 

What is Chromite

Chromite is an oxide mineral. The main composition of Chromite is chromium along with iron and oxygen. It is the only ore of Chromium. The color of chromite varies from grey to black  and has a sub-metallic lustre with a high specific gravity. Chromite is relatively hard and metallic. It is found in basic and ultra-basic igneous rocks or metamorphic rocks and even sedimentary rocks. Their occurrence is a result of altering of these rocks by heat or weathering.

Being the only ore of chromium, chromite is highly used in the production of stainless steel, nichrome and chrome plating. Given it's high heat stability, it is also used as a refractory material. 

How Are Valleys Formed?

Valleys are the low lying areas present between two hills or two mountains. Valleys are usually formed near water bodies such as rivers and hence they are dense with vegetation and have great soil fertility. When water bodies such as rivers flow through mountains or hills they wear out the rock and the soil thus creating grooves within. These grooves over a period of time get deeper and deeper causing big dents within the mountain. These grooves are usually V-shaped or U-shaped and the curve deepens over a period of time to form valleys.

U-shaped Valley

The formation of valleys usually depend upon the speed of the flow of the water. Faster the flow, deeper and wider the valley. When glaciers form valleys they are called glacial valleys. The shape of glacial valley is U-shape. However when a valley is formed due to soil erosion it is usually V-shaped and these valleys are know as rift valleys. Due to it's rich soil fertility and dense vegetation, valleys can cater to civilizations. The valleys also tend to offer a favorable climate for living. And hence many such civilizations had known to flourish in the valleys. One such known civilization of valley is the Indus Valley Civilization on the Indus River. The world's deepest valley is the Kali Gandaki River in Nepal. It is known to lie between two Himalayan Peaks namely, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna which are 8000 meter high respectively.

Mount Wycheproof in Australia - The Smallest Mountain in the World

Located in the Wycheproof town in Victoria, Australia; Mount Wycheproof is the smallest mountain in the world. Formed around thousand years ago, Mount Wycheproof is a granite outcrop and surfaces as a rocky, conical peak. Sustaining about 43 meters above the landscapic topography, this mountain is known for its elegant and distinctive pinkish colored geological substance - Wycheproofite!! The Mount Wycheproof is located in a flat grassland area. This hill plays a major role within the local community. Annual races are held within hill top. Apart from that,  there are several walking trails throughout the hill. The wildlife of Mount Wycheproof comprises of animals including kangaroos and emus. 

What is Lobelia Deckenii

A succulent, Lobelia Deckenii is a species of giant lobelia that grow on the mountains of East Africa. The plant can usually be found in a moorland or moist areas. This plant produces a series or multiple rosettes almost ranging from a single rosette to 18 - 20 rosettes. If this plant grow in a form of a single rosette than it dies immediately after flowering. But when it grows into multiple rosette the plant has a great lifespan. One can find the this plant of Lobelia Deckenii on the semi-alpine moorland zone of Mount Kilimanjaro. This giant lobella plant grows up to 3 meters high. The plant id known to hold and store large amount of water within it's rosettes. The plant also gets it's nickname 'gin and tonic' lobella for the crescent-shaped ice cubes which it forms within the rosettes when the temperature of the inner meristem drops below the freezing point.

Scientific Classification of Lobelia Deckenii

Local name: Giant Lobelia

Scientific Name: Lobelia Deckenii

Kingdom: Plantae

Family: Campanulaceae

Sub - Family: Lobelioideae

Solar Energy - The Most Important Non-Conventional Energy Source

Sun shines on the same level and intensity on the homes of poor and the rich. It is free of cost and in abundance all over the world, all year around - even during cloudy days, we receive some amount of sun rays. The way coal is used up throughout the world to produce electricity, there would come up a time when it would be a history. So all mankind would have to depend on for other means of electricity is nuclear power and available renewable energy sources such as sun, wind and biomass. The solar radiation that reaches the earth is one of the source of energy available to us and is freely produced. It also happens to be one of the most important non-conventional energy source. Solar energy is termed as one of the important energy source because directly or indirectly it can be converted into various forms of energy such as heat and even electricity. And hence solar energy is one of the most valuable heat source and an electricity source. It is also referred as a renewable energy because being a natural resource, it has the capability of being regenerated over and over again without any chances of being depleted or diminished.

Solar Energy Safe for the Planet Earth

Solar energy or solar power is not harmful for planet earth. First of all, while producing solar energy from the sun, no pollutants are emitted unlike thermal energy.When thermal energy is produced from burning coal or natural gas, pollutants are produced. This is not the case with solar energy and it is a clean energy source. And beside being a free energy source, solar energy also is forever unlike fossil fuels which will get depleted and would exhaust completely in few decades. The use of solar energy could never destroy the environment. The solar radiation which are produced from the sun get absorbed within the earth, sea, oceans and the atmosphere around us. This results in the rise of temperature and heat production. The heat and humidity produced rises to high altitudes where due to the condensation process, clouds get created. These clouds bring us rain and thus, bring water back to earth's surface. As water is important for the life on earth, there does not seem to be any harm from this non-conventional energy source.

Photovoltaic System

Also referred commonly as PV system, Photovoltaic system is a power system which is designed to produce solar power or electricity directly from the sunlight. This system includes various arrangements of components such as solar panels, solar inverter, cabling, mounting and other electrical accessories which help to trap sun rays and convert it into solar power. Photovoltaic originates from the Greek words 'phos' which means light and 'Votaic' named after the Italian physicist - Alessandro Volta. Alessandro Volta, fondly known as Volta was a scholar in the study of electricity. He is credited to be the inventor of electrical battery. Photovoltaic system thus produces clean and reliable electricity without the use of fossil fuels. The electricity produced by using solar power through photovoltaic system can be used in domestic lighting, street lights, village electricity set-up, water pumping, water filtering, water heating, telecommunications, watches, railway, road signals as well as space stations. Since photovoltaic system could be called as a relatively new concept, solar energy is not widely used yet. Also being a complete new technology, the whole process of setting up solar plant is expensive compared to other sources of energy.

Solar Cells

Solar cells also known as solar battery or photovoltaic cells are electrical devices which convert the light energy into electrical energy using the photovoltaic system. The solar cells or solar battery contains semiconductors with silicon alloys. They are also called a PV devices and are used in major proportions to power satellites and solar cars.

Solar Thermal Power Plants

Solar Thermal Power Plants are constructed to produce large amounts of solar energy. This is done by planting huge solar panels which heat up water into creating steam and then the steam is piped into huge turbines to produce electricity. This electricity generated is transmitted over the power lines.

Image Source - Google

What are Lahars

Known to be one of the greatest volcanic hazards, lahars are the flow of debris or mudflow that are usually seen on slopes of a hill. Lahar consists of debris which may include rock fragments and water. The water content is usually high in lahar, and hence causes the debris flow. Lahar can be triggered by various causes. These causes that trigger lahar include -

1. Rainstorms which can cause debris of fragmented rock or mud to mix with flowing water.

2. Due to collapse of a debris dam or a landslide dam which may lead to catastrophic spillage.

3. Volcanic eruptions or volcanic landslides which may generate a debris flow of lava fragments, superheated gases and hot ash.

4. Avalanche which may cause a debris flow of water laden mud, soil, ice fragments and rock fragments.

Source - Google

Lahars travel at great speed up to 50 miles per hour. Since they travel downslope with great force, lahars can be considered to be one of the greatest hazards to life and property. Lahars are known to wipe out building, trees, roads, bridges, vehicles and barriers, since they travel at such great speed.

Few methods which are used to avoid major damage by lahar includes -

- Building of concrete structure.

- Detouring a lahar by constructing retention basins for collecting the mudflow.

- By creating alternate channels for the lahar to pass without maximum damage to property.

- By providing warning systems for precaution

- Evacuation.

The Largest Temple Corridor in India

The corridor of Ramnathswamy Temple located at Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu has the largest temple corridor in India. This shrine is a Shiva Temple which has 1220 meters of huge corridors that houses around 1200 majestic columns made of granite. The Ramnathswamy Temple was built in 17th Century. Located on the Rameshwaram Island, it is a popular pilgrimage.

It is said that Lord Rama had performed rituals here on this island after killing Ravana. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Rameshwaram is an important and must visit pilgrimage in India.

Amazing Facts About The Pink Lake (Lake Retba)

Located in the north of Cap Vert Peninsula of Senegal, West Africa, the Pink Lake is one of the popular destinations. The actual name of Pink Lake is Lake Retba. Because of it's pink waters, the lake is called as Pink Lake or Lac Rose by the locals.

The Pink Lake gets its colour because of the presence of the Dunaliella Salina Algae that is slightly red or purple in colour. The red pigment within the algae is produced using sunlight for more energy.

This lake is said to be totally harmless for humans and hence one can swim in the lake. But the presence of high salt content within the lake makes it difficult for living organism to thrive. And hence not many organisms survive in the Pink Lake.

The salt content in the lake is said to be one and half times higher than the Dead Sea. Salt is extracted from the Pink Lake by locals and salt collecting industries. To protect their skin from the huge salinity, the salt workers apply shea butter on their skin for protection.

What is 83-42 Greenland

Sources - Google

Imagine this place which is identified by numbers and no, it's not a pincode! 83-42 Greenland is the northernmost point on Earth. It is a piece of land which was first spotted by Dennis Schmitt in 1998. Thereafter it was named a Schmitt Island. This place is located 432 miles from North Pole and measures about 35m X 15m. 

83-42 Greenland is 4 meters high in Greenland and is made of piles of rocks and mud. Yet this is a permanent piece of land where life in the form of Lichens exist. Lichens are a type of algae that grow on rocks and usually found in various colours. Earlier it was considered that Kaffeklubben Island was the northernmost point on Earth, but now 83-42 Greenland is the world's Northernmost point.

Stok Range

Within the well-known Hemis National Park, around 14 km southwest of Leh Ladakh district; lie the famous Stok Range. It stands at an altitude of 20,182 feet above sea level. It's highest peak Stok Kangri is a effortless and undemanding climb; and hence is most often considered as a beginning expedition for high altitude mountaineering such as Mount Everest.

The interesting feature of Stok Range is the breathtaking and dazzling rocks formed from strongly creased layer of deposits that point skyward in bright colours such as orange, purple and green.

A Fallstreak Hole

Sources: Google

A Fallstreak Hole is a large, oval gap that appears in Cirrocumulous clouds (high altitude clouds) or Altocumulous clouds (low altitude clouds). This hole, also known as Cavum literally appears as a punch hole in clouds. When the temperature of clouds is below freezing point but the water is not frozen due to lack of ice nucleus (Ice nucleus means the particle which plays the role of a nucleus and helps in the formation of ice crystals), such holes or gaps within the clouds form.

So due to the lack of ice nucleus the ice crystals that are formed set off chain reactions which cause the water droplets to evaporate around the crystals, thus leaving a large gap (circular or oval) in the cloud.

Fun Facts about Mushroom for Kids

No doubt, mushroom is becoming one of our favourite foods in the world. Each and every type of edible mushroom available in the market promises flavourful and delicate flavours  which blend well with vegetables, meat and fish. Actually being a fungus, but yet so delicious, don't you think? Dunk it in soup or accompany with a rice, saute it, fry it, stuff it or grill it; yet the most humble mushroom promises to toss delicious flavours. Some fun facts about mushroom are jotted below:

my nephew's artwork

- One tends to think that everything that delights its tongue can actually be bad....but that's simply not true about mushrooms. Mushrooms are actually good for our health as they have high doses of amino acids, higher than one can find in corn, peanuts and soy!

- With good vitamin contents, mushroom can be a good substitute for meat. Good news for vegetarians!

- The word Mycophile is used for people who make it their hobby hunting mushrooms, wild and edible.

- Armillaria Solidipes, also known to us as honey mushrooms is one of the world's largest living organisms which can grow upto 110 ft long. It is estimated to be growing for around 2400 years and thus enlists itself among the world's oldest living organisms.

- There is no chlorophyll present in mushrooms (responsible for green colour in plants) and hence, they do not require sunlight for growth. Mushroom cultivation can thus be carried out in barns, warehouses and other dark places. One of the earliest documented mushroom farm was set up in dark caves of France, during King Louis XIV's reign.

- Mushrooms are known to grow super fast!

- One of edible mushrooms, Portobello mushrooms are rich sources of potassium. It is said that a single portobello mushroom contains high contents of potassium than a banana.

- Cordyceps are known to be one of the oldest mushrooms known to mankind.