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Ranger Rick's NatureScope is a creative education series dedicated to inspiring in children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while developing the skills they will need to make responsible decisions about the environment. The topic of this issue is "Geology: The Active Earth." Contents are organized into the following sections: (1) "Earth on the Move," describing information and activities on the structure of the Earth, the theory of plate tectonics, and earthquakes and volcanoes; (2) "Rocks and Minerals," giving information and activities on rock and mineral composition, formation, and classification; (3) "Shaping the Landscape," providing information and activities on forces that wear down landforms and forces that build them up; (4) "Secrets of the Past," offering information and activities on how and where fossils form, what they tell about the past, and how scientists determine the ages of fossils; (5) "People and Geology," providing information and activities on the origins and uses of rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels, and some of the problems caused by their use; and (6) "Appendix," featuring bibliographic and other reference information. (WRM)

This fall, Kapi'olani Community College launches a collaboration between its Culinary Institute of the Pacific, and the world‐renowned Culinary Institute of America, a program supported with $2 million in grants from the DBEDT and the Hawai'i State Legislature. The program kicks off this fall, offering intensive week‐long courses for industry professionals who want to develop their skills at a world‐class center located at one of the most iconic settings in the nation: Oahu's Diamond Head, known by native Hawaiins as Lē'ahi, a volcano designated as a national monument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information about Stark's Knob, a volcano in New York State that was designated as a State Geopark in 2019. It is located at the westernmost edge of the Appalachian Mountains and has a unique geologic setting. Recent studies suggest that it is correlated with the Trenton Group, indicating a middle Upper Ordovician age. The article also discusses the geological features and geochemistry of Stark's Knob, including basalt volcanism and limestone deposits. The basalt volcanism occurred on synorogenic sediment in front of the advancing Taconic allochthon, while the limestone deposits lack diverse fauna and were formed during the extrusion of pillows. The geochemistry of the basalt suggests a convergent, subduction setting. The article also mentions the presence of similar volcanoes on the subducting Pacific plate and suggests that outer trench slope/fore-arc volcanism likely accompanied the onset of plate tectonics on Earth. [Extracted from the article]

Mysterious and strange volcanoes that jet diamonds to Earth's surface at supersonic speeds might not be extinct after all, finds Robin George Andrews TWENTY years ago, deep beneath Botswana's Kalahari [...]

The article discusses Iceland as the eco-friendliest country on Earth, highlighting its use of geothermal energy for various purposes such as heating homes, baking bread, and generating electricity. Iceland has significantly reduced its dependence on fossil fuels by harnessing renewable energy sources like geothermal and hydro power. The country also shares its expertise in geothermal heating with other nations and continues to explore new ways to utilize Earth's energy efficiently. [Extracted from the article]

Scientists have recorded a significant uptick in earthquakes at the Mount Adams volcano -- the largest active volcano in Washington state. Six earthquakes hit the 'high threat' volcano in September, [...]

WAYPOINTS AND TRIPS / WAYPOINTS LAND OF LAVA MANGATEPOPO VALLEY, Tongariro National Park by MARK WATSON TONGARIRO National Park’s Mangatepopo Valley and its neighbouring volcanoes present a unique landscape, having [...]

Words Jacqui Agate the Haleakalā shield volcano forms more than 75% of the island of Maui “E ala e, ka lā i ka hikina, I ka moana, ka moana hohonu, [...]

Alex Wilkins A FRESH volcano with lava flows spanning hundreds of kilometres has appeared on Jupiter’s moon Io. It has formed in the 27 years between flybys of two spacecraft. [...]

News / Astronomy Huge volcano bursts through surface of Jupiter’s moon Io Alex Wilkins A FRESH volcano with lava flows spanning hundreds of kilometres has appeared on Jupiter’s moon Io. [...]

REGULARS AND OTHER FEATURES / ASK US SCIENTISTS ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS Are volcanic eruptions the same everywhere? “Can volcanic eruptions happen on other planets? And are they similar [...]

News Earth science Quake triggers a volcanic eruption Shiveluch, one of Russia’s most active volcanoes, has erupted, spewing ash 5 kilometres into the sky over the Kamchatka peninsula. This created [...]

Archaeologists have found the skeletal remains of a woman and a man who died when the volcanic plumes of Mount Vesuvius wiped out the city of Pompeii nearly 2,000 years [...]

Huge plumes of ash and fountains of lava have been spewing from Mount Etna on the Italian island of Sicily, seen here from the port of Ognina. The activity of [...]

News Earth science Etna unleashes explosive eruption Huge plumes of ash and fountains of lava have been spewing from Mount Etna on the Italian island of Sicily, seen here from [...]

Brilliant-blue sapphires look like bits of sky brought down to Earth -- but a new study finds these gemstones are from a different boundary: the one between the planet's crust [...]

MORE ITALIA! / NEWS & VIEWS Italy’s top 5 natural wonders 1 Mount Etna, Sicily. This brooding volcano in Sicily is one of Italy’s most majestic sights. Virgil himself witnessed [...]

Microorganisms have been discovered living in a 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, marking the oldest known rock to host life. This finding could provide insights into the origins of life on Earth and aid in the search for life beyond our planet. The microbes found in the rock are believed to have been carried in by water shortly after its formation, and their presence may offer clues about early forms of life and evolution. Additionally, this discovery may have implications for detecting life on other planets, such as Mars, as the rocks in the Bushveld Igneous Complex are similar to Martian rocks in terms of age. [Extracted from the article]

Earth science Shiveluch, one of Russia's most active volcanoes, has erupted, spewing ash 5 kilometres into the sky over the Kamchatka peninsula. This created a plume stretching 490 kilometres to the east and south-east. The activity followed a magnitude-7.0 earthquake off Kamchatka's coast, with volcanologists at the Russian Academy of Sciences saying that another tremor could be on the way.PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE) [Extracted from the article]

Just outside Naples, located within the danger zone of one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes, a cluster of Italian towns is on yellow alert. Last summer, the frequency of [...]

Venus has a lot of volcanoes - more than any other planet in the Solar System. What's more, the number of volcanoes counted by scientists continues to rise. In May [...]

The article provides a travel guide for Bali, Indonesia, highlighting its diverse offerings: nature escapes featuring volcanoes and waterfalls, adventure playgrounds with water parks and surfing, and cultural immersion through ceremonies and temple visits.

The article discusses the experience of spending a night in the rustic cabins of Haleakalā Crater in Maui. The cabins, which can be reserved through recreation.gov, offer a unique and isolated experience in the volcanic landscape. However, reaching the cabins requires a challenging hike of 7.4 miles at high altitudes. Once inside the cabins, visitors can enjoy basic amenities and breathtaking views of the crater. The article emphasizes the beauty and tranquility of the experience, but also acknowledges the physical effort required to reach the cabins. [Extracted from the article]

Cestodes of the family Anoplocephalidae parasitize a wide range of usually herbivorous hosts including e.g. rodents, ungulates, primates, elephants and hyraxes. While in some hosts, the epidemiology of the infection is well studied, information is lacking in others. In this study of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif, an extensive sample set comprising adult cestodes collected via necropsies, proglottids shed in feces, and finally, fecal samples from both night nests and identified individuals were analysed. Anoplocephala gorillae was the dominant cestode species detected in night nest samples and individually known gorillas, of which only 1 individual hosted a Bertiella sp. It was shown that the 2 species can be distinguished through microscopy based on egg morphology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for diagnostics of both species were provided. Sequences of mitochondrial (cox 1) and nuclear (ITS1, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA) markers were used to evaluate the phylogenetic position of the 2 cestodes detected in mountain gorillas. Both types of fecal samples, from night nests and from identified individuals, provided comparable information about the prevalence of anoplocephalid cestodes, although the analysis of samples collected from identified gorilla individuals showed significant intra-individual fluctuation of A. gorillae egg shedding within a short period. Therefore, multiple samples should be examined to obtain reliable data for wildlife health management programmes, especially when application of anthelmintic treatment is considered. However, while A. gorillae is apparently a common symbiont of mountain gorillas, it does not seem to impair the health of its host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A geyser that (https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/spectacular-and-definitely-hazardous-yellowstone-geyser-erupts-firing-steam-and-debris-over-nearby-tourists) erupted last week in Yellowstone National Park fired water and rock debris up to 600 feet (180 meters) into the air, scientists say -- six times [...]

Italy's Mount Etna and Mount Stromboli volcanoes erupted in recent days, spewing smoke and ash into the air. These volcanoes are two of the most active in the world -- [...]

News Earth science Water from 2022 Tonga eruption still in the atmosphere James Dinneen WHAT goes up doesn’t actually always seem to come down. Most of the nearly 150 million [...]

When (https://www.businessinsider.com/mount-st-helens-lava-2016-12) Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, it caused enormous devastation. The eruption triggered mudslides, an explosion, and plumes of ash that did enormous damage. The death [...]

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 03, 2024 Approximately 90,000 individuals reside within the potential lahar path of Washington State's Mount Rainier, a zone vulnerable to fast-moving volcanic debris flows known [...]

REGULARS / METEOROLOGY LIT FROM LAVA BELOW Ideal conditions on Chile’s most active volcano created a spectacular show — lava illuminating a flying saucer-shaped cloud The word ‘perfect’ is hard [...]

About the shot: 'I am fascinated by the power of volcanic eruptions, and capturing them in a photograph is a dream come true. That's why I frequently hike around volcanoes [...]

Beneath the towering forests and thundering waterfalls of Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park, something scary lies in slumber. The steaming pools, bubbling mud pots and fountaining geysers testify to high temperatures [...]

The article discusses the largest volcanic eruption of this century, which occurred in the Kingdom of Tonga. The eruption of the submerged Hunga volcano resulted in tsunamis that affected the Indian and Pacific oceans, destroyed parts of the seabed, and severed communication cables. The eruption was unexpected, as underwater volcanoes are not well-monitored. The article emphasizes the need for better mapping and monitoring of underwater volcanoes to reduce future risks. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing activity of magma and volcanic gases under Europe's largest active caldera, Campi Flegrei, located near Naples, Italy. The region has experienced small earthquakes and ground deformation, causing concern for the hundreds of thousands of people living in the area. The article highlights the need for a revised evacuation plan, as the current plan may not be sufficient to manage a volcanic emergency. The potential risks and consequences of an eruption are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and understanding the past behavior of the volcano. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs readers about the intense natural spectacle of Mount Yasur on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, where frequent volcanic eruptions create a dramatic and exhilarating experience for visitors. Topics include the accessibility of Mount Yasur, the continuous eruptions over several hundred years, and the awe-inspiring sight of lava storms at the crater rim.

Indonesia is known for its volcanoes, with 127 active volcanoes in the country. The recent eruption of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra resulted in the deaths of 23 people. Mount Marapi should not be confused with other volcanoes in Indonesia, such as Mount Merapi. The country has experienced several volcanic incidents in the past, including the eruption of Mount Semeru in 2021 and Anak Krakatau in 2018. While it is difficult to predict volcanic activity, there are measures in place to keep people safe, such as warning systems and restricted zones. However, locals often risk entering these zones due to their dependence on the land for their livelihoods. The government faces the challenge of balancing safety measures with the desire of tourists to experience Indonesia's famous volcanoes. [Extracted from the article]

Venus has a high level of volcanism and more volcanoes than any other planet in the Solar System. Scientists have been trying to understand why Venus has so many volcanoes and how it has maintained a young-looking surface. Unlike Earth, Venus only has one continuous plate, so the traditional explanation for volcanoes forming through plate tectonics does not apply. However, recent research suggests that Venus experienced high-velocity impacts from asteroids and comets during the Late Heavy Bombardment event, which significantly heated its interior and led to extended volcanic activity. This theory may explain why Venus has a young surface and a thick atmosphere. Future missions to Venus, such as the ESA's EnVision and NASA's VERITAS and DAVINCI, may provide more evidence to support this theory. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses how the landscape and culture of Iceland inspire rug hookers. The author shares their personal experience of traveling to Iceland and being inspired by the country's natural beauty, including volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. They also highlight the presence of locally sourced wool and handcrafted knitwear in small businesses throughout the countryside. The author emphasizes that rug hookers can find endless inspiration in their travels and encourages readers to explore new places for creative ideas. [Extracted from the article]

IN THIS ISSUE / Science and technology Ancient art found in Pompeii The painting with Helen of Troy (left).MESSAGES THROUGH TIMEAs well as art, ancient graffiti has been found on [...]

They thought that the hot lava fragments and clouds of dust erupting from Vulcano came from Vulcan’s forge as he beat out thunderbolts for Jupiter, king of the gods, and [...]

Paris, France (SPX) Mar 26, 2024 The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with technology partners, is embarking on an ambitious project to develop artificial intelligence (AI) applications designed to [...]

“Fiery volcanoes may play a surprising role in your next vodka martini,” said Kara Newman in Wine Enthusiast. From Iceland to the Philippines, distillers are cozying up to volcanoes to [...]

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 14, 2024 At the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in The Woodlands, Texas, scientists unveiled the discovery of a colossal volcano, provisionally named 'Noctis [...]

By Natasha Dragun Tanna’s Blue Cave (© Groovy Banana) It’s 4pm, and I’m covered in ash. So much ash that my skin resembles monochrome fairy bread – there’s not much [...]

For the first time in over 20 years, NASA had a close encounter with Io, Jupiter's moon. Io is home to roughly 400 active volcanoes, some much larger than any [...]

While orbiting over Europe, an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) snapped this view of the Nemrut volcano in Turkey. The eastern side of Lake Nemrut is solidified lava [...]

Planetary scientists have found evidence of recent volcanic activity on Venus. Archives from NASA's Magellan mission show teiitaie signs that Maat Mons, a five-mile-high volcano, was active in 1991. Magellan, [...]

Te calculation also showed that such a powerful eruption would have blown the volcano's vent right of. Scientists then tried to match the mystery volcano's ash with ash from still-standing, tropical volcanoes. But this volcano wouldn't be much of a volcano anymore. FEATURES Fiery volcanoes and the frigid polar regions seem poles apart. [Extracted from the article]