Tag Archives: geology

Favorite names of mesas in America’s Old West

Posted on August 10, 2020 by

  There are certain names and terms that conjour up images of places. In the vast, rugged, and lovely landscapes of the American West, mesas are one of the most iconic topographic and geologic features. While in the process of … Continue reading →

Posted in fun, geography, Geology, hiking, historic preservation, history, Maps, Native Americans, nature, place names, recreation, topography, toponymy, tourism, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Urban Areas within Rift Valleys

Posted on January 2, 2020 by

Many are familiar with the Great Rift Valley of eastern Africa. But, it is certainly not the only rift valley on Earth. In fact, there are a number of rift valleys (also sometimes referred to as grabens) located on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Asia, cities, ecosystems, environment, Europe, geography, Geology, history, India, land use, Maps, nature, North America, Oceania, planning, rivers/watersheds, Science, South America, spatial design, topography, urban planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Bu-tte-ful” Town Names

Posted on July 12, 2019 by

Below is a list of cities, towns, villages, hamlets, and census-designated places in the United States and Canada that are named for one of my favorite geographic/geologic landforms – the butte  (okay, quit snickering). The photo above aptly shows the … Continue reading →

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Cities and Towns that Get the Point!

Posted on June 25, 2019 by

The following city and town names include the word “point.” Sometimes this term refers to a point of land extending into a body of water. Other times it may refer to a craggy hill or prominent point of land. Still, … Continue reading →

Posted in cities, environment, fun, geography, Geology, history, Maps, place names, placemaking, topography, tourism, Travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Rain shadow cities and planning

Posted on May 15, 2016 by

Rain shadows are a fascinating geological and meteorological phenomenon that results from moisture being squeezed out as weather systems pass over higher elevations on the windward side of the mountains, leaving the leeward side much drier, sometimes even with a … Continue reading →

Posted in cities, climate change, environment, geography, Geology, history, infrastructure, land use, Maps, nature, planning, seasons, spatial design, Statistics, sustainability, topography, urban planning, weather | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Little (and big) towns on the prairie

Posted on July 24, 2015 by

North America’s magnificent Great Plains and prairie region generally extends westward from Central Ohio to the Rocky Mountains and southward from boreal Canada through Texas to the Rio Grande Valley.  This is one of my favorite natural ecosystems due to … Continue reading →

Posted in branding, Canada, cities, civics, environment, geography, Geology, historic preservation, history, land use, Maps, nature, North America, planning, States, topography, weather, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sky-high altitude cities with 100,000+ population

Posted on July 1, 2015 by

100,000+ Population City, Country Average Elevation 1. El Alto, Bolivia 13,615 feet (4,150 m) 2. Potosí, Bolivia 13,420 feet (4,090 m) 3. Shigatse, China 12,585 feet (3,836 m) 4. Juliaca, Peru 12,549 feet (3,825 m) 5. Puno, Peru 12,531 feet (3,819 m) 6. Oruro, Bolivia 12,159 feet (3,706 m) 7. Lhasa, Tibet (China) … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Asia, Canada, China, cities, climate change, environment, geography, Geology, India, Mexico, Nature, North America, South America, Statistics, topography | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Urbanization and barrier islands

Posted on June 23, 2015 by

Barrier islands provide a critical (and fragile) natural defense against wave action, swells, storm surges, and coastal storms. In the United States these unique geological features border the Gulf Coast of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, while on the Atlantic … Continue reading →

Posted in cities, economic development, environment, geography, Geology, history, humanity, infrastructure, land use, Mexico, nature, North America, planning, pollution, rivers/watersheds, spatial design, Statistics, sustainability, tourism, urban planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

How low can ya’ go? Lowest cities on Earth

Posted on March 5, 2015 by

We often hear about the highest elevations cities in the world, but far less often of the lowest. Below is a list of 26 of the lowest cities, all below sea level. If any additions are known, please feel free … Continue reading →

Posted in cities, environment, geography, Geology, history, land use, Maps, planning, spatial design, Statistics, sustainability, tourism, Travel, urban planning | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

Jaw-dropping images of today’s volcanic eruption from Chile

Posted on March 3, 2015 by

Here are two amazing images of today’s eruption of the Villarica Volcano in southern Chile. The immense power of Mother Earth is clearly on display.

Posted in environment, geography, Geology, nature, South America | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment