The Desert Tortoise: A Resilient Survivor of the Mojave
The Mojave Desert, a harsh yet strikingly beautiful landscape that extends across four western U.S. states, is home to an […]
california
Serpentine: The Geological Gem of California
Serpentine is formed through the metamorphic process, where pre-existing rocks are transformed into new types under high temperatures, pressures, and chemical processes. This unique rock originates from the Earth’s mantle, brought to the surface through tectonic activity like subduction.
California’s Common, but Lovely, Birds: the House Finch
One of the most common birds in California, probably familiar to anyone whether a backyard enthusiast or committed ornithologist is the house finch. The house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small passerine (perching) bird that is native to western North America, including California. This bird is widely known for its vibrant red plumage and melodic song, making it a beloved sight and sound in backyards across the state.
Agriculture, Animals, Climate Change, Geology and Earthquakese, Health and Medicine, History of Science
The Salton Sea: California’s Strangest Catastrophe
Situated in the southeastern corner of California, the Salton Sea is the state’s largest inland body of water, covering an
The Aliens of Mono Lake
Mono Lake, located in California’s Eastern Sierra region, is one of the most unique lakes in the world due to its extremely high salinity and high levels of arsenic. What’s even more astonishing is the ecosystem of bacteria that inhabit the lake, which have adapted to use arsenic instead of oxygen for photosynthesis. They are truly alien life forms. Well, not really. But they are weird.
Ten Little-Known Facts About California
Giant Sequoia California is known for its sunny beaches, bustling cities, and iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge
Animals, Biology, Marine Science
California is a dolphin paradise
A Pacific White-Sided Dolphin swims alongside a boat off Newport Beach, California For those who are fortunate enough to live
The Rich Historical and Geological Past of the Alabama Hills
The hills are known for their unique geological formations, including massive rounded boulders and natural arches, and their rich history and cultural significance.
Clair Patterson: The little-known California scientist who may have saved millions of lives.
At Caltech, Clair Patterson’s relentless determination to understand the health impacts of atmospheric lead changed the world for the better.
The Majesty and Mystery of California’s Bristlecone Pines
Bristlecones are the longest living organism on earth. Gnarled and oftentimes squat, especially when compared to the majestic coastal redwoods and giant sequoias living near the coast further west, they hardly seem like mythical beings. But to scientists, they are a trove of information, offering clues to near immortality and to the many ways that the earth’s climate has changed over the last 5,000 years.
