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Tag: wonder

  • The longest sea beach’s Red Crabs: A Natural Wonder Under Threat

    The longest sea beach’s Red Crabs: A Natural Wonder Under Threat

    Cox’s Bazar has the longest attractive sea beach in the world. The unique red crabs here fascinate tourists all the time. A few years ago, many red crabs could be seen at Sugandha, Kalatali, and Lavanya points in Cox’s Bazar. This attracted both local and foreign tourists.

    red crab

    Less rainfall and higher temperatures are making things worse for the red crabs. Illegal fishing on the coast of Cox’s Bazar is another big threat to them, especially with the use of prohibited nets. If the population remains low but the natural environment improves, the red crabs can still breed well. Several programs are being implemented to protect biodiversity and help these crabs thrive.

    The red crab is known as the silent watchman of nature. It eats dead plants and animal parts, adding nutrients to the soil and maintaining the nutrient cycle. It also helps increase soil aeration, playing an important role in protecting coastal forests.

    However, horse riding on the beach is destroying the crabs’ nests and affecting their reproduction process. Ocean pollution is one of the main enemies of red crabs in Cox’s Bazar. The polluted water has had a huge negative impact on the lives of these crabs. Climate change is also a threat to their existence. Recently, the temperature in Cox’s Bazar has increased due to reduced rainfall.

  • Niagara Falls: A Great Wonder of Nature

    Niagara Falls: A Great Wonder of Nature

    Niagara Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. Located on the border of Canada and the United States, the falls are a testament to the power and beauty of nature. The falls are not only a popular tourist destination but also play a crucial role in generating hydroelectric power for both countries.

    Niagara Falls

    History of Power Generation

    The history of power generation at Niagara Falls dates back to the late 19th century. The first company to generate electricity from the falls was the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Company of Niagara Falls, N.Y., which began operating in 1882. However, it was Nikola Tesla who played a significant role in harnessing the power of the falls. Tesla’s alternating current (AC) system revolutionized the way electricity was generated and distributed, making it possible to power homes and industries across the region.

    Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Today, Niagara Falls is home to several hydroelectric power plants that generate millions of kilowatts of electricity each year. The largest hydroelectric power plant in the United States is the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant, located in Lewiston, N.Y. This plant, along with the Lewiston Pump-Generating Plant, generates over 2.4 million kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 24 million 100-watt light bulbs.

    Power Generation Process

    The power generation process at Niagara Falls involves diverting water from the Niagara River into hydroelectric turbines. The water is channeled through the turbines, generating electricity, which is then transmitted to the power grid. The water is then returned to the river, ensuring a constant flow of water over the falls.

    Impact on the Environment

    While the hydroelectric power plants at Niagara Falls have significantly reduced the region’s reliance on fossil fuels, they also have an impact on the environment. The diversion of water from the river affects the natural flow and ecosystem of the Niagara River. Additionally, the construction of the power plants and dams has altered the natural landscape and habitat of the area.

    Conservation Efforts

    To mitigate the environmental impact of the power plants, conservation efforts are underway. The Niagara Power Vista, a state-of-the-art facility, offers interactive exhibits and educational programs to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. The facility also features a tramway that connects the Sir Adam Beck Generating Stations and the Robert Moses Generating Station, allowing visitors to learn about the power generation process while minimizing the environmental impact.

  • Chenab Bridge: A Wonder of Engineering in the Himalayas

    Chenab Bridge: A Wonder of Engineering in the Himalayas

    The Chenab Bridge is situated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district and it is renowned as the world’s highest railway bridge. It’s a remarkable engineering marvel situated in the remote mountains. It sets to link Kashmir with India’s vast rail network. Spanning 1300 meters in length, this bridge is designed to endure for 120 years without needing any renovations. It is capable of withstanding wind gusts of up to 260 kilometers per hour.

    Chenab Bridge

    Although the construction of the Chenab Bridge was finished in August 2022, train operations are scheduled to commence in 2024. The bridge is constructed over the Chenab River, also known as Chandrabagha and is originating from the Himalayan region and coursing through Jammu and Kashmir into Pakistan.

    Constructing such massive structures in remote areas posed challenges, particularly in transporting construction materials through mountainous terrains and dense forests. The project required 25 thousand tons of steel, with the most striking feature being its bow-shaped design.

    The pillars flanking the bridge stand as tall as a 50-storey building, exemplifying its architectural grandeur and engineering prowess. Engineered to withstand extreme conditions, the bridge can endure for over a century without needing refurbishments and remains resilient against severe wind forces.

    Special earthquake-resistant steel has been employed, ensuring the project’s stability even in seismic regions. The steel is used as impervious to temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, safeguarding the bridge against harsh weather conditions.

    Initially proposed in 1905 to connect Srinagar with Jammu via railway, the project faced setbacks before being revived in 1995. It was not until recently that the need for a bridge over the Chenab was addressed. The entire undertaking entails a substantial investment of over 27,000 crore rupees.

    The project encompasses the construction of a 111 km-long rail section, with tunnels constituting 97 percent of the route. By 2022, construction was nearly complete, heralding a significant milestone. Yet, anticipation remains high as we await the commencement of train services, marking a new era in connectivity for the Indian region.

  • Mohenjodaro: An Ancient Wonder of Urban Planning

    Mohenjodaro: An Ancient Wonder of Urban Planning

    In ancient times, rivers and sources of fresh water were vital for creating civilizations and settlements. One such remarkable civilization is the Harappan civilization, centered around the town of Mohenjodaro in the Indus basin. This article will provide you with easy-to-understand information about this ancient civilization.

    Mohenjodaro

    The study of this civilization and its settlements has been ongoing since its discovery, but various challenges have hindered our understanding. In 1904, Lord Curzon, the Governor of British India, took the initiative to rekindle research in this area.

    The Harappan civilization is often considered one of the world’s most mysterious civilizations because many of its key aspects remain unknown. The fertile soil in the Indus basin and the presence of the Saraswati River were instrumental in the development of Mohenjodaro.

    At its peak, this civilization covered an area of up to 1 million square kilometers. The town of Mohenjodaro was a testament to their advanced and organized way of life. Remarkably, this civilization lasted for approximately 2,000 years without any historical records of warfare or invasions by external forces.

    After the departure of its inhabitants, Mohenjodaro remained concealed from the public eye for a long time. Scientists believe that the town’s residents left due to climate changes or earthquakes that led to the drying up of the Saraswati River, upon which they heavily relied.

    The civilization’s strong dependence on the Saraswati River meant that its inhabitants were forced to abandon their homeland due to the river’s depletion. Mohenjodaro had several distinctive characteristics, including the absence of royal palaces or places of religious worship.

    Rather than being governed by a king or a royal family, the town was managed by a representative council. There was no presence of priests or any evidence of religious discrimination, highlighting the civilization’s modern and equitable social structure.

    Cleanliness was highly emphasized by the town’s residents, who had large private baths, brick-walled houses, modern toilets, and an effective sewage system. Fresh water was readily available to the inhabitants.

    Their expertise in seamanship allowed them to engage in trade across the Arabian Sea, reaching Oman. The town’s population is estimated to have reached up to 100,000 people, showcasing a level of foresight rarely seen in other ancient civilizations.

  • The Natural Wonder of England’s Chalky Seven Sisters Cliffs

    The Natural Wonder of England’s Chalky Seven Sisters Cliffs

    The Seven Sisters are a set of tall chalk cliffs along the English Channel coast. They are a part of the South Downs Mountains, which have been shaped by the sea. You can find these cliffs in East Sussex, in the southeast of England, between the Cockmere River near Seaford and Chalk Headland close to Eastbourne.

    Seven Sisters

    These cliffs and the land around them make up the Seven Sisters Country Park. The area is next to the A259 road and is also part of the larger South Downs National Park. Seven Sisters starts to the east of Kakamer Haven and goes to the west.

    There are seven hills in this region, and the rest is shaped by the sea’s actions. Just east of the last hill is a place called Birling Gap. At the top of the next hill stands the Belle Tout Lighthouse. In the sea, there’s another lighthouse that marks the next headland.

    Many things in the area are named after the cliffs, like the Seven Sisters Ship Center. The Seven Sisters Cliffs have been featured in some movies and TV shows. The White Cliffs scene is especially famous and has been shown a lot.

    The White Cliffs of Dover are important because they protect a significant harbor. They are also covered with plants and look green. Scenes of the Seven Sisters can be seen at the start of the movie “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and at the end of “Atonement.”

    In the movie “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” from 2005, you can see the Seven Sisters in the background of the Quidditch World Cup. Filmmakers often use the Seven Sisters as a location for shooting. Seaford Head, for example, was where they made the 2019 movie “Hope Gap,” starring Bill Nighy and Annette Bening.

    The first full-length film by Jessica Swale, called “Summerland,” came out in 2020. They filmed it around Seaford, and many scenes featured the Seven Sisters. One of the wallpapers that comes with Microsoft Windows 7 shows the eastern side of the Seven Sisters. Travelers from all over the world visit this place for tours.

  • Remarkable Okavango Blue Diamond: Natural Wonder and Geological Puzzle

    Remarkable Okavango Blue Diamond: Natural Wonder and Geological Puzzle

    The Okavango Blue Diamond, a rare and dazzling gem from Botswana, has captivated experts and gem enthusiasts alike. Weighing an impressive 20.46 carats, this “fancy deep blue” diamond is a true marvel of nature, distinguishing itself from nearly all other mined diamonds.

    Okavango Blue Diamond

    Discovered in Botswana’s Orapa mine in May 2018 by the Okavango Diamond Company, this exceptionally large diamond is about the size of an almond still in its shell. However, it’s not just its size that sets it apart; it’s the mesmerizing blue hue that makes it truly exceptional.

    The deep blue color of the Okavango Blue Diamond is attributed to its unique boron content, a rarity among diamonds. Typically, diamonds contain a higher amount of nitrogen, as nitrogen is more abundant in the environment. Boron, on the other hand, is not commonly found in the deep regions of the Earth where diamonds form. The Okavango Blue Diamond disrupts this norm by containing a higher proportion of boron compared to nitrogen.

    So, how did this precious gem acquire its boron content? The source of boron lies in the ocean, where it originates from. The subduction process, which occurs when an oceanic tectonic plate collides with a continental plate and slides beneath it, drives boron deep into the Earth’s transition zone. Over time, these traces of boron become buried and may eventually end up within a diamond.

    George Harlow, a geologist and curator at the American Museum of Natural History’s Halls of Gems and Minerals, highlights the significance of the Okavango Blue Diamond’s discovery. He emphasizes that this diamond provides valuable evidence supporting our understanding of how the Earth operates, particularly the subduction process. Scientists have only gained insights into subduction in the last half-century, making the diamond’s formation a valuable piece of the puzzle.

    However, the exact reason for the diamond’s distinctive chemical composition remains a mystery for mineralogists. Harlow notes that it’s unclear why the diamond has such low nitrogen content, a trait that contributes to its near-flawless appearance. Typically, diamonds with higher nitrogen levels tend to have a yellowish tint, making the Okavango Blue Diamond an extraordinary find.

  • Inside the Great Pyramid: Exploring Egypt’s Architectural Wonder

    Inside the Great Pyramid: Exploring Egypt’s Architectural Wonder

    The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, stands as an enduring mystery and one of the most awe-inspiring architectural marvels on Earth. Built during ancient times by the pharaohs of Egypt, it continues to captivate our imagination today. The Great Pyramid is an astonishing 146 meters (479 feet) tall. It consists of approximately 2.3 million blocks of stone, with some of the larger blocks weighing as much as 50 tons. Constructing a monument of this scale with such precision remains a marvel of engineering even by today’s standards.

    Pyramid

    One of the most perplexing aspects of the Great Pyramid is its construction. How did the ancient Egyptians, devoid of modern machinery, manage to build such an immense structure with such meticulous accuracy? The mathematics and engineering behind its construction continue to baffle experts and enthusiasts alike.

    What adds to the mystery is the intricate design of the pyramid. It’s not just a simple stack of stones; it’s a mathematical masterpiece. The dimensions and angles of the pyramid align with mathematical principles so precisely that there is no room for error.

    The internal layout of the pyramid and what lies within are subjects of endless speculation and imagination. How one could navigate inside and what secrets might be hidden there are questions that have yet to be definitively answered.

    To ensure the preservation of this ancient wonder, modern conservation efforts have been put in place. The use of white cement helps protect the pyramid from water seepage, safeguarding it against potential damage. Experts believe that more chambers and mysteries lie undiscovered within the pyramid, and there’s hope that future generations will unlock these secrets.

    The appearance of the Great Pyramid has evolved over time. In antiquity, it had a smooth, dazzling exterior adorned with a golden capstone that gleamed like the sun. This golden pyramidion represented the Pharaoh’s power and radiance. However, the ravages of time, including the removal of the golden capstone, have altered its appearance.