One of the most amazing sites to be found in California (and perhaps the US) is the eerie beauty of Mono Lake. The "towers" became visible when the lake’s source water was diverted for human use, and the water level fell. While conservationists battle over its future, there is still hope for the lake and its fragile ecosystems.
The tufa rock formations became visible. This is a sedimentary rock that is formed by carbonate materials. Once underwater the tufa became a land bridge for animals to the lake’s islands. They also give the lake it other worldly look. So, although the tufa towers are natural, the fact that they are so visible above the surface of the lake is entirely our doing. It soon became obvious that the lake was beginning to die.
Link, Via: Neatorama
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
The Tufa Towers of Mono Lake
Beautiful Castles in Canada
Take a look at a dozen of the most beautiful castles in Canada. Some are government buildings, some were built to attract tourists, and some are private creations by some of Canada’s wealthiest citizens. Best of all, some are open to the public, so you can go see them for yourself! Shown is Château Frontenac in Quebec City.
Link, Via: Neatorama
(image credit: Bernard Gagnon)
Small Worlds
The Axolotl Song
What happens if an axolotl drink some salamander goo? This video clip explains how axolotl remains in neoteny until its metamorphosis to a salamander is triggered when it is given hormones.
If only all science lessons were this cool! Link [embedded YouTube clip] Via: Neatorama
Underwater Art Museum
A museum is under construction off the coast of Cancun. By the end of the year, divers may be able to visit four hundred sculptures in a maritime park:
The cement sculpture, called ‘The Collector’, shows a figure who records bottled treasures in logbooks. It weighs four tonnes and is anchored 26 feet under the sea. Divers watch a yellowtail damselfish nibble on algae growing from the sculpture’s pant leg, which its creators hope will eventually sprout colourful coral.
About 400 life-size casts will be submerged off the resort of Cancun by the end of 2010. It is hoped that the low-acidity cement figures, designed to be anti-corrosive and mimic rock, will be transformed over time into artificial reefs. Some will be in shallow waters for snorkellers to enjoy.[...]
“The park managers were looking for an alternative to manage the tourists. The idea was to concentrate everyone in one place,” said de Caires Taylor, who has also built an underwater sculpture park in Grenada, West Indies.
The 400 figures, weighing 180 tonnes in total and to be named ‘Silent Evolution’, will be submerged in a barren, flat expanse of the park, which lies between Cancun and nearby islands.
Link | Photo: Reuters, Via: Neatorama
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