Tag Archives: geology

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 →

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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 →

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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 , , , , , | 6 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

Earth eye-candy: Fire and Iceland

Posted on January 11, 2015 by

Here’s an impressive satellite photograph of the flames from the 32 square mile Holuhraun basaltic lava field (fissure system volcano) in Iceland.  Set amid the winter snows and nearby glacier, the lava field presents a stark and dramatic contrast of our … Continue reading →

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“Mushroom” boomtowns of the early Atomic Age

Posted on January 4, 2015 by

  As a crucial part of the 20th Century, the early Atomic Age brought about profound changes to society and humankind. Not only were we faced with the horror of possible worldwide thermonuclear destruction for the first time, but we were … Continue reading →

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Volcanic Earth eye-candy

Posted on December 31, 2014 by

Here’s a marvelous satellite photograph of the awakening volcano on Cape Verde’s Fogo Island from last month. Kudos to NASA for the great pic!

Posted in aerospace, Astronomy, environment, Europe, geography, Geology, nature, Outer Space, pictures, Science | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Not a desert mirage, but more Earth acne

Posted on December 30, 2014 by

No, it’s not a mirage. This satellite image below is of the (nearly 21 square miles!) borate/borax mine near Boron, California. As impressive as it is from space, the image clearly shows the alterations to the natural desert landscape resulting from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, aerospace, Astronomy, environment, geography, Geology, land use, Mining, nature, North America, Outer Space, pictures, spatial design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment