Earth Science

It is often said that the safest place during a thunderstorm is a car, but how true is this? A car certainly doesn’t seem that safe. One would think the glass could break, or the electricity could penetrate the metal…
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Weather records and predictions have always been a fascination with many. For some, like our nation’s farmers and businesses, weather predictions were practically a necessity. Farmers would time their crops using the Almanac. Thomas Jefferson recorded the weather daily.  In…
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An anemometer is a device used to measure wind speed or pressure. They are a common fixture at weather stations, providing accurate measurements for forecasts. Because they are a scientific tool, you may think they are complex, but it is…
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Agates are a semi-precious gemstone. They have rings or splotches of different colors and are often used to make jewelry or ornamental artwork. The ancient Greeks believed that amulets made from agates could be worn for favor with the Gods…
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There is a Sargasso Sea of plastic, larger than the state of Texas, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. A second garbage patch is trapped by ocean currents inside the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. Surface ocean currents carry the…
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Natural gas liquids (NGLs) are playing a greater economic role than ever before. In 2010, domestic production of NGLs reached 2 million barrels per day. Major NGLs The 4 primary NGLs in the U.S. market are ethane, propane, butane, and…
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Coral reefs are amongst the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Coral reefs comprise less than 1% of the world’s oceans, yet, they are the habitat of approximately one quarter of the Earth’s marine species. Coral reefs are very complex…
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The United Kingdom’s not happy with the position of the jet stream. Storm after storm after storm’s been flowing along the jet stream, pounding the UK with unrelenting rain. London could really use a break from all the rain before…
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Minerals are identified by their characteristics. Some of these characteristics may describe its appearance, others its hardness. Color The color of a mineral is dependent on what chemicals are in the mineral itself. Many have a specific color; however, if…
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The Native American Indians first discovered limestone in Indiana. Limestone is a type of rock that is formed of calcium carbonate. The Native Americans used this limestome around windows and doors. Limestone was used to build bridges, tunnels and railroads….
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