The phenomenon of Aurora Borealis

BBC’s series Frozen Planet investigates another natural wonder of the Earth as they film scientists researching the effects of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, on the atmosphere.

The brilliant light show that occurs every winter in the Arctic is created when the magnetic pull of the North Pole lures in electrically intense particles evaporating from the sun. As the solar wind particles collide with those of the polar region they create an aurora that  acts as a reminder of the sun’s presence during the dark days of  Arctic winters.

While Aurora Borealis captures our attention as an amazing natural phenomenon, scientists recognize that the lights possess the potential to have a negative impact on the whole Northern Hemisphere. The geometric storm can affect satellites, power grids, navigation and communication systems as well as deteriorate  oil pipelines.

A main way scientists research the relationship between the atmosphere and space environment is through launching smoke rockets into the air at bases such as the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska. They are able to track the way the chemical trails released by the rockets are affected by the winds created from Aurora Borealis and then use their measurements to predict future space weather. Professor Dirk Lummerzheim, aurora expect from the Poker Flat Range stated that “If we can predict space weather, we can prepare for it and mitigate the dangers.”

Read more about the wonders of the Northern Lights on BBC Nature and on Frozen Plant!

‘Ghost mountains’ found under 4,000m of Arctic ice

Scientists believe to have explained the mystery behind the formation of the extraordinary Gamburtsev mountain range which is part of the Antarctic Landmass. The Gumburtsev range looks very similar to the Alps is 800km long – and is hidden under 4,000m of ice. Models show an unbelievable insight into geologic history and were ‘uncovered’ using aircraft radar, listening to seismic waves, conducting gravity and magnetic surveys, through the cooperation of seven nations.

In order to fully understand how such a remarkable process can occur it is necessary to understand both tectonic and climate processes; the key processes to recognise are rifting and uplift.

Researchers hope that they can drill out the oldest ancient ice sample to date, possibly over 1 million years old- a tough challenge as water has frozen in layers over the base of the ice sheet disrupting the ancient ice.

Fly through the Gumburtsevs with the BBC here!

Putting an end to unnecessary overflow release

Yesterday the BBC reported that the actual number of discharge pipes in England and Wales is about 31,000 rather than the previously thought 22,000. This is because other categories of pipes exist, such as pumping stations, which were not taken into account before now.

This information came from the Marine Conservation Society who is working towards improving the management and mapping of the overflow pipes. While the MCS does believe that these pipes are necessary, they also see the need to ensure that they are only used in emergency situations and for more water companies to invest in the sewer network.

According to the Environment Agency £8bn has already been devoted towards bettering the sewage system and 98% of bathing waters in England and Wales now meet the safety regulations. Yet with this being said there is still apparently much more work to be done. Some outlets still release more than the allowed sewage per year and one was even reported to have released sewage for 1,000 hours in 2010 during the bathing season. This release of sewage into the waters where kids and families swim leads to more issues such as stomach aches and ear infections.

The Environment Agency helped acquire £4bn more for improvements to continue until 2015.

Freezer training

Amelia Hempleman-Adams, daughter of explorer David Hempleman-Adams, is currently training to be the youngest person to ski to the South Pole at the age of only 16. A big part of this training consists of getting acclimated to the extreme weather she will experience on her journey. To do this she is spending time in a supermarket freezer at a temperature of -27 degrees Celsius, yet the temperatures at the pole can  reach as low as -60 degrees.

While Amelia is toughing it out in the freezer she still realizes the reality that it is no match for the actual weather she will experience on her expedition. She even states herself, “you can’t prepare yourself enough for those temperatures and that wind”.

This type of training should sound familiar to those teachers who took part in our training weekends!

Check out the BBC coverage of Amelia here!

Journey to Makkah

As large and prominent as the Muslim world is, significant Islamic events can sometimes be overlooked by some Westerners. Fortunately, without having to look too hard, anyone can find news on what’s current in Islam. Lane Turner’s recent collection of photographs on this year’s Hajj and Eid-al-Adha events depicts Muslims from around the world observing and honouring one of the most important times in the Muslim lunar calendar.

Every year millions of Muslims make the Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. This November was no different, with hours of praying and walking around the Kaaba of the Grand Mosque followed by other rituals, like Jamarat and the Eid-Al-Adha feast. Living in places as varied as Thailand, Palestine, Indonesia, Yemen, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Russia, Bangladesh, Romania, Iraq, Libya, China, India, Nigeria, Kashmir, Iran and Afghanistan, both men and women came together to prepare for and celebrate Eid-al-Adha during October and  November.

Starting on the 26th of January 2012, the “Haj: Journey to the Heart of Islam” exhibit will be open to the public at the British Museum. According to Roger Harrison’s article, it will run until the 15th of April and will explore the Hajj in both historical and modern times. The exhibit consists of three main parts that help to give visitors an in depth understanding of Hajj and Islam.

One section focuses on the journey to Makkah from various directions: Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It covers many of the struggles pilgrims faced on their way to Makkah in the past and people that were essential to getting large groups of pilgrims to their destination, like Harun Rashid and Thomas Cook. The second section looks at Hajj in modern times, addressing all of the rituals a pilgrim goes through and covering the effort it takes to manage millions of Muslims arriving at Makkah annually. The final section concentrates on Makkah itself and why it is so significant to Islam. It depicts Makkah in the past and present through artefacts, a film on the rituals involved with the Hajj and the works of artists.

Hopefully all the attention on Hajj will inspire people to look at the significance of Islam in our world and foster cultural understanding.

One more reason to keep learning about the oceans

This weekend the BBC reported on a yet another connection between land and sea in an article by Mark Kinver.

Scientists now recognize the relationship  between sea surface temperature changes of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the occurrence of forest fires in the Amazon. Sea surface temperature also appear to play a role in the regulation of precipitation in this area.

They established a correlation between the two  through the use of the Oceanic Nino Index and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, both used to determine cool and warm events in the oceans. The scientists were then able to produce models used to predict fires up to 5 months in advance. Predicting the future of forest fires proves so important as it allows time to develop policies emphasizing the management of fires to conserve important resources.

So as we keep seeing, the oceans play a very significant role in many natural occurences that affect us all.

Wonders of Arctic & Antarctic springs

The BBC’s Frozen Planet explores the many extraordinary events of the Arctic and Antarctic, many of which have never been seen before.

The second episode, Spring,  provides a first hand look at the amazing transformation of the frozen landscape to a tundra full of life. As the sun’s strength increase  millions of tonnes of frozen water melt and new life begins to emerge. Life like Penguins, polar bears, and Arctic wolves take over the land at each pole, while sea slugs, swimming snails,seals and fish that appear to be covered in hundreds of dancing lights find a home in the sea.

One of the many astounding creatures shown in Frozen Planet is the woolybear caterpillar, which does not build its cocoon until 14 years old. The woolybear only has a short amount of time each spring to eat enough to get it through the winter until the cold creeps in, so it finds a home under a rock for the winter. The caterpillar’s heart actually stops during this time and becomes frozen until the sun reappears four months later and it begins guzzling all it can again before the next winter when the cycle repeats. It is not until at least a decade that the caterpillar makes the ultimate transformation into a moth.

See the life of the woolybear caterpillar and other amazing creatures on Frozen Planet.

Are the oceans the next Greek tragedy?

Our oceans currently face an uncertain future as their chemistry continues to change due to the 22 million tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere each day. The carbon dioxide released into the oceans is causing the water to become more acidic, creating conditions not seen since the dinosaurs. Scientists now know that many species, including humans, will suffer unless something is done about the problem.

The NRDC explores the many concerns of ocean acidification in their film Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification.  Scientific experts on this issue explain how acidification is affecting the oceans, what we can do to prevent further damage, and the future of the oceans if the problem continues.  ’Acid Test’ concludes that we are in the last few decades of ocean life as we know it. If acidification continues many organisms at the bottom of marine food webs will die out creating a domino affect all the way up the food chain, even to human communities who rely on these systems for income and food.

Even with the current state of the oceans, it is not too late to turn the problem around. Ways do exist for humans to cut back on fossil fuels, restore fish stocks, and keep our oceans safe.

Like explained in the video, Greek tragedies are so tragic because we see them coming. So do we continue living in the same ways? Or choose to change and prevent a global tragedy?

Explore 2011

Check out Explore 2011 on 18-20 November at the RGS-IBG!

The Explore 2011 weekend is dedicated to providing the latest information to all of you  interested in planning field work projects and expeditions of your own. Over the course of the weekend participants will hear first hand experiences and advice from leading field scientists and explorers in a range of disciplines through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one sessions. Explore 2011 provides the perfect opportunity to also make new connections and gain inspiration for your own ventures.

So whether an expert or amateur,you should not miss out on everything Explore 2011 has to offer!

Book before 14 October to take advantage of the ‘Early Bird’ fees and also take a look at the event’s website.

Breaking bread for peace

Pakistani American, Samina Sundas, knows the fears people have all over the world of the unknown. In her own life she has experienced hardships as Americans stopped going to her daycare business after 9/11, as she discusses in a Voice of America article. She believes that the fear those people have is the result of a lack of understanding between cultures that are much more similar than many realize.

Eight years ago Sundas started the organization American Muslim Voice in an attempt for people of all religions and cultures to learn about each other and eliminate that fear we have of the unknown. She bases her organization on the idea that we cannot “just remain me, mine and I. It is us. It is we. It is ours”. She brings people together as one community based on friendship and respect and often holds dinners at her house for people to come together and talk about their lives and cultural backgrounds.

Her journey has not been easy as people of all religions are hesitant to come together as one community. Yet those who have attended her events and dinner gatherings realize that she is a voice of  ”understanding and reconciliation”.

Samina Sundas and her organization is proof that, with face-to-face meeting and interaction, all people can live together in peace and friendship. She is a beam of light in the never ending struggle for understanding and harmony.