Mast Seeding: Nature’s Boom-and-Bust Map
Across vast landscapes, from the Appalachians to the rainforests of Borneo, entire forests conspire to either feast or famish the animal kingdom. This synchronized boom-and-bust cycle, known as mast seeding,…
Climatology
Glacial Milk: Rivers That Color Lakes
Have you ever wondered what gives some mountain lakes their stunning, opaque turquoise color? The secret lies in "glacial milk", a cloudy meltwater rich with fine rock flour ground from…
The Albedo Effect: Earth’s Reflectivity
Not all surfaces are created equal when it comes to heat. We explore the Albedo effect—the measure of a surface's reflectivity—and how its geography, from the brilliant white ice caps…
Dendrochronology: Reading Tree Rings
Trees are silent witnesses to history, recording droughts, fires, and volcanic eruptions in their annual rings. The science of dendrochronology deciphers this wooden code, allowing us to pinpoint the age…
Katabatic Winds: Gravity’s Icy Breath
Discover the powerful, gravity-driven winds that form when cold, dense air pours down from high elevations. We journey from the ferocious gales of Antarctica's ice sheets to California's infamous Santa…