Category Geography

WHAT ARE CAVES?

Caves are natural hollows formed underground, usually large enough for a human to enter. Even though the entrance may seem small and narrow, it may open up to be wider, or lead into deep underground passages. Most caves are formed over a long period of time by the gradual erosion of rock by water.

Caves, also called cavern, natural opening in the earth large enough for human exploration. Such a cavity is formed in many types of rock and by many processes. The largest and most common caves are those formed by chemical reaction between circulating groundwater and bedrock composed of limestone or dolomite. These caves, called solution caves, typically constitute a component of what is known as karst terrain. Named after the Karst region of the western Balkan Peninsula extending from Slovenia to Montenegro, karst terrain in general is characterized by a rough and jumbled landscape of bare bedrock ledges, deranged surface drainage, and sinkholes, as well as caves. It should be noted, however, that there is considerable variation among karst areas. Some may have dramatic surface landforms but few caves. By contrast, others may have extensive cave development with little surface expression; for example, the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico, the site of Carlsbad Caverns and various other caves, have very few surface karst features.

Not all caves are part of karst landscapes. A substantial number of relatively small caves, called volcanic caves, are formed in lava and by the mechanical movement of bedrock. Other caves are formed in glaciers by the melting of ice. Still others are created by the erosive action of water and wind or from the debris of erosive processes; these are sea caves, eolian caves, rock shelters, and talus caves.

Credit: Britannica

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HOW BIG IS THE SARAWAK CHAMBER IN BORNEO?

The Sarawak Chamber is a huge chamber in Gua Nasib Bagus (Good Luck Cave), which is located in Gunung Mulu National Park, in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It is considered to be the largest known underground chamber in the world.

The chamber was discovered by three Englishmen in January 1981. Andy Eavis, Dave Checkley and Tony White (all experienced cave explorers) had been exploring the dense, unpopulated area of the Gunung Mulu National Park jungle in Sarawak, in the north of Borneo, in an expedition led by fellow Englishman Ben Lyon. While they were surveying some of the newly found caves in the region, they stumbled into what seemed to be a huge cavern. Even with their powerful lamps, the explorers could not see the other end of the chamber; they had entered the largest known enclosed space in the world.

Later named the Sarawak Chamber, it was three times the size of the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, previously thought to be the largest underground chamber. The Sarawak Chamber measured 700 m (2,300 feet) long, 400 m (1,300 feet) wide and at least 70 m (230 feet) high. The chamber is now firmly situated as the largest in the world.

Credit: Carlsbad

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WHAT IS AN ARCHIPELAGO?

The word archipelago refers to an island chain. An archipelago is a type of landform that consists of a group of islands, often including similar formations like atolls or islets. The islands that make up an archipelago are clustered or form a chain within a body of water, such as an ocean, gulf, sea, or lake.

The Hawaiian Islands, the Aleutian Islands, the Florida Keys, Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Philippines, the Canary Islands, Indonesia, and islands in the Aegean Sea are all examples of archipelagos.

Archipelagos have been formed by seafloor volcanism, sea level rise or fall, coral reefs, and occasionally by the actions of people.

  • Most archipelagos include a combination of inhabited and uninhabited islands, including ones that can only be accessed by sea.
  • They can be made up of volcanic islands or continental fragments, or be formed via processes like erosion, sedimentary deposits or rising sea levels.
  • Some are large, spreading out over thousands of miles, while others extend over much smaller areas of less than 100 miles

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WHAT TREE HAS 2 TYPES OF LEAVES?

Redwood trees have been studied extensively but only recently did the scientist discover that they have two types of leaves – peripheral leaves and axial leaves – that look different and perform different tasks. They help redwood trees adapt to both wet and dry conditions – an ability that could be key to their survival in a changing climate. Redwoods are among those super-trees that can survive pest attacks, fire and even perhaps climate change. They are also among the planet’s biggest, tallest and oldest trees.

Unlike each other

While the peripheral leaf takes care of the food preparation via photosynthesis, the axial is devoted to absorbing water. A large redwood can absorb up to 14 gallons of water in just the first hour its leaves are wet!

The two types of leaves look different from each other, inside out. When scientists looked at the leaves under a microscope, they understood that they were completely different from each other. The axial leaves were packed with water storage cells, but their phloem- tubes in the leaves that export photosynthetic sugars to the tree – appeared to be blocked and useless.

Adaptation technique

Analysis showed that the redwoods’ axial leaves account for only about 5% of the trees’ total leaf area, and barely produce enough energy through photosynthesis to maintain themselves. But they contribute up to 30% of the trees’ total water absorption capacity.

Together these two types of leaves balance the dual requirements of photosynthesis and water absorption, allowing redwoods to thrive in both wet and dry habitats.

Redwoods are found in both wet and dry environments with intense seasonal variation. In the wet, rainy areas, the axial is found on the tree’s lower branches, leaving the upper, sunnier levels to the peripheral leaf type. This completely flips for redwoods in drier areas: The axial leaves live among the tree’s higher levels to take more advantage of fog and rain, which occur less often in the drier environment.

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WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT BHUTAN?

Nestled in-between the eastern ridges of the Himalayas in the central-south, Bhutan is a beautiful country and is also ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, attracting tourists from far and wide to experience its tranquil and serene beauty. This beautiful Buddhist kingdom is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and plains, magnificent mountains and steep valleys.

Bhutan is a small kingdom neighbouring India with a 786,500 population. It is also known as Druk yul or Druk Tsendhen, meaning “land of the thunder dragon”, because of the frequent thunderbolts experienced here. However, it is a place of mountains and lakes, pilgrimages, artistic skills, adventure and tourism.

Bhutan does not believe in GDP as an indicator of economic growth and development, using instead a measurement known as Gross National Happiness. It has made this blessed kingdom a country of happy people on the global map. Bhutanese people have four pillars for the measure of GNH -sustainable development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, good governance and a healthy environment that makes it one of the happiest countries in the world.

People

There are three major ethnic groups in Bhutan: the Bhutia (also called Ngalop), the Nepalese and the Sharchop. The Bhutia is the largest ethnic group and they constitute about half of the population. The Bhutia are dominant in northern, central and western Bhutan. They speak a variety of Tibeto-Burman languages, and the most common of these, Dzongkha, is Bhutan’s official language; the written language is identical with Tibetan. The Bhutias dominate Bhutan’s political life. The Nepalese (including members of the Gurung ethnic group) predominate in the region and constitute roughly one-third of the country’s total population. These are the most recent arrivals in Bhutan. Most speak Nepali.

About three-fourths of Bhutan’s population follows Buddhism, primarily of the Tibetan variety. Besides Buddhism, Hinduism commands a significant following in Bhutan, particularly within the Nepalese community. Hindus constitute nearly one-fourth of the population. Proselytization is illegal in Bhutan.

Flora and Fauna

Bhutan’s flora is notable for its great variety and its continuous transition from tropical through temperate to exclusively alpine forms. The moist zone of tropical deciduous vegetation occupies the south; in the Duars Plain and adjoining hills, tall dense grasses (used in the manufacture of paper and pulp) are an important plant resource in the lower elevations.

Sambar deer, gaurs (type of wild ox), rhinoceros, elephants, tigers and other animals are found in Bhutan, particularly along the Manas and Sankosh rivers in the central and eastern regions and in the country’s forest-covered hills.

Art and Culture

Various art forms in Bhutan are inspired by the Buddhist religion. Poetry, dance, music, paintings and theatre in the country is deep rooted in the religion. Paintings include thangkas, wall paintings and sculptures. Masked dances are the main speciality, which are the re-enactment of Guru Rinpoche’s life. Architecture is another feature which makes Bhutanese culture stand apart. In accordance with the country’s geography and climate, traditional architecture, which includes sloped roofs, earthen walls and intricate wooden work, still thrives.

The festivals in Bhutan are an exciting time in the life of the Bhutanese, and an integral part of the unique culture of Bhutan. The most important Bhutanese festival is Tshechu. Every city has its own Tshechu, which lasts for 3-5 days. It falls on a particular day of a lunar month. It is generally held in a dzong, where people from the entire district and surrounding places gather together for the celebration. Monks and lay men wear silk robes and animal masks and re-enact events from Guru Rinpoche’s life.

Bhutanese culture mandates that the traditional dress must be worn on special occasions and in government offices. Bhutanese men wear gho and women wear kira. Gho  is a heavy knee-length robe tied with a belt. Kira is an ankle-length dress over which a short jacket may be worn.

Traditionally food, cooked in earthenware, is eaten with hands while sitting cross-legged on the floor. Ema Datshi is the national dish of Bhutan. It is eaten throughout the country and in almost every meal. It usually consists of spicy chillies and cheese. Momos are yet another Bhutanese delicacy.

The music and dance forms of Bhutan, which are primarily inspired by religion, are part of every festival and celebration in the country. In annual events such as Tshechus, the king’s birthday, etc., the whole country celebrates their legacy by dancing and singing.

Places of Interest

The Royal Manas National Park is the oldest in Bhutan and is spread across an area of 1,057 sq. km with numerous endangered wildlife species including the one horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, Gangetic dolphin, Himalayan black bear, golden langur and many more.

Soi Yaktsa Trek: Trekking, undoubtedly, is one of the best adventure activities in Bhutan. The Soi Yaksa Trek has climbs that lead up to elevations as high as 4,700 m.

Pilgrim’s Valley: It is one of the best Bhutan tourist spots covering the monasteries and dzongs from Paro to Bumthang.

Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu: It is the ultimate destination for photography with a giant golden Shakyamuni Buddha statue constructed to commemorate the anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuk.

Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Paro: Popularly known as Tiger’s Nest, it is one of the fascinating places for adventurers and pilgrims. The temple complex dates back to 1692.

Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha: The 160-metre long bridge spans the Po Chhu River, and connects Punakha Town with Punakha Dzong. It offers breathtaking views of the river flowing below and lush green hills all around it.

Interesting Facts about Bhutan

1. The ONLY carbon negative country in the world

Bhutan absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. Thanks to its lush forests which act as a carbon sink and absorb most of the carbon dioxide.

2. Isolated from the world until the 1970s

Bhutan was isolated entirely from the world until 1974 when the media was allowed to cover the new king’s coronation, about 64 years since it was founded. Television sets came to Bhutan no sooner than 1990.

3. No smoking in public places

Smoking and usage of tobacco products are prohibited in public places like cinema halls, restaurants, streets, etc. Designated areas have been created for smokers, and anyone caught breaking the law face imprisonment for 3-5 years.

4. Birthday on New Year?

All citizens officially become a year older on New Year’s Day. If people forget their birthday due to illiteracy or any other reason, it is easier to remember it by celebrating it on New Year’s Day.

5. Bhutan has never been conquered

Bhutan has never been ruled by an external entity, thanks to its inaccessible territory and smart decisions and tactics by various kings and gurus who negotiated smart deals with the British when they were expanding their base in India and Nepal.

6. Education and healthcare is free for all citizens

The Government has taken necessary steps to ensure free health and educational facilities for all. The infant mortality rate is still a severe issue, but it has improved drastically. Most people still get their education from monasteries, and steps are being taken to increase the literacy rate.

7. The national sport is archery

The bow and arrow has played a significant role in many Bhutanese myths and legends. Bhutan maintains an Olympics archery team too.

8. Matriarchal family tradition

Women head the families and run all businesses from shops to farms. They even inherit property, and a man moves into his wife’s house after marriage. Looks like feminism isn’t much of an issue in Bhutan!

9. Bhutanese love their king!

The King of Bhutan is known for his humble personality and humanitarian efforts. Rightly called the “People’s King”, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has met almost every citizen of his country and loves to talk to the people personally about their griefs and requirements.

10. It is mandatory to wear the national dress

It is mandatory to wear the national dress of Bhutan (gho for men and kira for women) to schools and government buildings on any formal occasion.

Bhutan has been a favoured destination for people around the world for its exquisite beauty, clean air, unique features and friendly administration. Tourists visiting Bhutan have always been awed by its unique culture and bountiful nature. Bhutan has led the banner for wellness travel for long, making their tourists’ and their citizens’ wellness a priority. Bhutan could be top priority on your wish list if you are planning to travel soon.

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WHICH IS THE LONGEST WALKABLE DISTANCE ON EARTH?

The route stretching from Cape Town, South Africa, to Magadan, Russia, 22,387 kms in length, is the world’s longest walkable distance. It requires no flights or boats, just open roads and bridges. You pass through 17 countries, six time zones and all seasons of the year. The journey on this recently-discovered route has been compared to 13 trips up and down Mt Everest!

A real person walking this route at a sustainable pace would need about three years to complete the trip. They’d need to pack a variety of things or, like in the award-winning game 80 Days, sell their stuff and buy new stuff along the way: desert gear, rain gear, and even body armor for the sections through anarchic or war-torn regions like South Sudan. There’s a little bit of everything along the way, from extremely dangerous rainforest animals to near the coldest inhabited place on Earth in Russia. (Remote Bilibino, home to the smallest nuclear plant on Earth, is just a three hour flight even farther northeast after Magadan.)

People around the world do walking pilgrimages for purposes that are often spiritual. The most popular route on the Camino de Santiago, which leads to the shrine to St. James the Apostle in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral, is 500 miles long. That the hypothetical longest walk on Earth makes this daunting trip sound short is, well, blasphemous. The Appalachian Trail that runs vertically along the eastern edge of the U.S. is about 2,000 miles long, and while it’s not an explicitly religious or spiritual journey, the caretaking organization calls it a “sacred space” for its reach to people and for its preserved natural beauty.

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