Did you ever ask yourself: how do large bodies of water affect climate? Probably not, but did you ever wonder why cities at coasts are warmer in winter and colder in summer than cities inland? It all has to do with the nearby ocean. The properties of water in combination with the ocean currents influence…
The moon goes through a cycle, but what causes the moon to change phases? Since far back in history, humanity has been fascinated by the moon and her cycle: the moon- or lunar cycle. Every day of the month, the moon is lit slightly differently. The lunar cycle takes about 30 days, but how does…
If you didn’t know it yet, more men get struck by lightning than women, but why are men more likely to be struck by lightning? It’s mostly a case of the character and thinking of the average man. It is important to know what lightning is and how and when it occurs, to bring yourself…
Some minerals react with acid, but what does the acid test tell you about a mineral? Minerals can be found in many different things. They can be found in food and water, but in this article, we will be mainly looking at minerals in rocks and stones. And how tests, like the acid test, can…
Precipitation is part of most people’s lives, but what are the four main types of precipitation, and how do they form? When we look at the weather forecast, besides temperature the weather type is the most important. Precipitation isn’t limited to rain, there are four main categories. Each category forms at different temperatures and with…
It’s no doubt that one of the greatest threats facing marine biodiversity is overfishing, but why can overfishing lead to ecosystem collapse? The term “overfishing” refers to catching more fish from a population than nature can replenish. When the number of fish being taken out of the ocean begins to exceed their natural reproduction rates,…
How do hurricanes affect the hydrosphere is a fascinating question. Heat from the sun makes ocean water warmer, creating water vapor by evaporation. When water vapor condenses, heat is released, helping fuel storms. Storms have a massive impact on coastal communities. How Hurricanes Form Hurricanes impact all these spheres. Atmospheric patterns are so complex that…
Why does the sky turn yellow on some evenings? Every evening, the sun sets again. Sometimes it’s overcast and there is nothing to see. But on other occasions, a truly beautiful pallet of colors covers the sky. Which factors are at play to create these amazing colorful skies? And why does the sun even set…
The correct answer to what happens if a car gets struck by lightning ranges from “nothing much” to “Wow! What a mess my car has become. Lightning is electricity, and it’s important to note that electrical energy reacts differently to different mediums. When lightning strikes a car some of the electrical energy may be conducted…
Landscapes are shaped by the elements and processes of our earth. What is the role of the wind in all this, and how does wind cause weathering? Wind weathering is much more than just some dunes in the desert. It can take place far outside deserts, it can cause harm and damage and can even…
