Issue 31
All issues can be found at: https://geocraic.com/
World
When worlds collide? A new theory about the remnants of Theia, the planet that collided with Earth to form the moon. That there are fragments of it still left in the mantle of the Earth. These areas are a mystery and are known as LLVPs (large low-velocity provinces). They are continent sized areas with low seismic velocities in the lower mantle.
- The new theory: https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/world/earth-moon-theia-collision-llvps-scn/index.html
- Paywalled Nature article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06589-1
- There are other theories out there for LLVPs: https://progearthplanetsci.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40645-020-00327-1
Mapping out-of-balance water cycles.
- https://ep.ft.com/permalink/emails/eyJlbWFpbCI6ImI3MGJmZTkwYWJjMWQ0NWRkZGEwYjhiOGExYzY1OWJiY2RjZDJmIiwidHJhbnNhY3Rpb25JZCI6ImI5MWM3OWViLWQxYzctNDg0Mi05Y2M0LTNjYjk0YWM4ODFiNSJ9
- Stat of Global Resources 2022. https://public.wmo.int/en/our-mandate/water/state-of-global-water-resources-2022
Oceans
Climate change is obviously having an enormous impact on ocean ecosystems but even more deadly in the short term is the dramatic ramp up in the human over-exploitation of marine fish. A part of that problem is called bycatch and it is when nets catch unwanted species like turtles or dolphins.
- Lights, Cameras, action. Using LED lights and cameras and other sensors on fishing nets: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67093211
Nice find. Story via Bob (Thanks!). Estate sale find turns out to be antique map worth millions,
Like many of you, I am a fan of data visualization. I’ve recently come across a site that has a plethora of it, and pointers to tools to create it. It’s called the Data Visualization Catalogue.
- Site: https://datavizcatalogue.com/index.html
- Flowmap example: https://datavizcatalogue.com/methods/flow_map.html
- Flowmap.blue is an open source flow map toolkit. Looks nice: https://flowmap.blue/
- Mapbox showcase: https://www.mapbox.com/showcase/flowmap-blue
- Exploring these tools led me to Trase, a “data-driven transparency initiative that is revolutionising our understanding of the trade and financing of commodities driving deforestation worldwide. Its unique supply chain mapping approach” (https://www.trase.earth/about). This would be a great tool for any Economic Geography class. This example links deforestation to soy cake and soy oil production from the Argentine area of Chaco to the EU and India. https://insights.trase.earth/yearbook/contexts/argentina-soy/
GPS
Sub 50 cm accuracy?
China
China more agressive in territorial conflict.
A really excellent NOVA is out right now on China’s Tech Boom. Highly recommend.
China & Mongolia
Interesting article about the nomadic Xiongnu culture’s importance of high status females. They predated Genghis Khan by 1,000 years. “Xiongnu women held great imperial power along the frontier, often holding exclusive noble ranks, maintaining Xiongnu traditions, and engaging in both steppe power politics and the Silk Road networks,” said Bryan Miller, assistant professor of archaeology at the University of Michigan, US, also on the Max Planck team. “They were highly respected.”
Scotland
A couple of good stories on sustainability sucesss and Rewilding.
- Sustainability on Eigg island: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231025-the-isle-of-eigg-the-community-owned-island-that-powers-itself
- First Rewilding center in the world: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231017-a-world-first-in-the-scottish-highlands
- Dundreggan Rewilding Centre: https://visitdundreggan.co.uk/
Spain and France
Borders
Rocks block minor roads between France and Spain in the Mediteranean Pyrenees of Banyuls-sur-Mer. Isn’t this in conflict with Schengen? Spanish grape pickers have stopped going to French vineyards because their trip went from a 9 km trip to 80 km.
- BBC Story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67227686
- Col de Banuls location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9H7t1KwmsWUNNPA2A
US
Why grazing American Bison could be good for the planet.
- Cows negatively impact riparian zones more than bison. They don’t move as much. Bison graze the uplands more and contribute to that ecosystem as a keystone species. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231102-why-grazing-bisoncould-be-good-for-the-planet
Cyark - Mesa Verde. Cliff Palace One of my favorite places in the world. If you’ve never been it has to be on your list. But whether you have been or not, the Cyark model is really fun to explore.
- https://tapestry.cyark.org/content/cliff-palace
PNW
How the reintroduction of Grizzly Bears would affect the North Cascades. Seeking public input.
Good story on Green Trails Maps. The best outood maps in the PNW.