Rare natural phenomena on earth. Secrets of the most unusual natural phenomena. Top most unusual natural phenomena
Planet Earth - amazing place, filled with a lot of strange and interesting natural phenomena. Some of them are easy to explain from a scientific point of view, some are a real mystery of nature. Below are the most unusual natural phenomena, which not only intrigue, but also fascinate.
The natural phenomenon, which has long been called “St. Elmo’s Fire,” was a real threat to sailors. It looked like small but quite bright balls of yellow-orange color. During bad weather, storms or storms, they appeared on the sharp ends of masts or spiers of lighthouses. They frightened and delighted at the same time, seemed interesting and alluring.
Failure to do so will disqualify entries included in this category. In contrast, the presence of a contra-standard property indicates that the work is intended to disqualify from inclusion in that category. Lastly, a variable property is a function that does not have a job to place the job in the appropriate category. Of course, artwork allows us to place it in different, different categories. However, this does not mean that all categories can be considered equally valid.
For this reason, Walton considers the circumstances that contribute to the correct categorization of work and therefore adequate reception. This also applies to the “Category of Art” to the question of determining the value of the truth of an aesthetic court, one can, in accordance with Carlson, state that for this purpose, that is. When determining truth values, works are considered in the correct category. Correct classification requires two types of knowledge. First, you should know that certain factors make the categories right, which more generally requires a reasonable knowledge of art history.
It was believed that these lights promised the lost ship hope for salvation, would bring good luck on long journeys and the protection of the gods.
Elmo lights were small point charges that concentrated on the edges of sharp objects. They did not burn and were absolutely safe. It is quite difficult to see these lights nowadays, because modern high-tech ships have smoother shapes.
Secondly, you must be aware of how to work in the category seen in the case of Picasso's Guernica, which Walton says as an example, you must be familiar with Cubism and Cubist work, and perceive it. This knowledge will be gained through experience with other parts and through training.
If we acquire this knowledge, and we can correctly place the works in the appropriate categories, it can legitimately be argued that our judgment will be objective. But how do we approach natural aesthetics? Carlson mentions several times that Walton is a relativist when it comes to natural aesthetics. Carlson refers to Walton's argument that natural objects to which we attribute certain qualities, but due to the fact that we know nothing about their origin, we are not able to judge aesthetically.
Stones that can crawl
Once in a few years, national park California, USA, you can watch a strange natural phenomenon - crawling stones. It is noteworthy that the movement of the boulders themselves has not yet been captured on film. Traces left on the surface dry lake Racetrack Playa clearly confirms this mysterious natural phenomenon.
From this statement it further follows that nature can be valued, but it is completely arbitrary. This opinion is unacceptable to Carlson. Even natural aesthetics are faced with judgments that can be considered paradigmatic, speaking of mountains of grandeur, grandeur of sunsets, etc. these statements are usually considered true, and therefore everyone says what we can think about the truth of judgments about natural phenomena. The third condition, that is. What the author means is that the work is considered in a category and the fourth condition is that the category in question was known and recognizable in the company, and not to an aesthetic natural shell.
The necessity of this conclusion is undeniable, but more important in this context is the realization that our categories are also human constructs. Instead of general overview access to natural aesthetics, which will be based on various assumptions, Carlson seeks to create a similar model that will work in relation to natural phenomena, as the history of a work of art in relation to works of art. Carlson uses, in particular, Walton's requirement, which he calls psychological, i.e. a judgment that appears true or false is related to the perception of the status of a job in a given category.
There are a huge number of versions and guesses regarding its origin. According to one of the most interesting, boulders fall from nearby hills, the height of which reaches about 250 meters. The clayey soil of the lake slows down the inertial movement on a flat surface several times, but it still occurs. As a result, stone blocks leave behind smooth traces up to 3 cm deep and tens of meters long.
Moreover, although Walton is convinced that his model is not applicable to the field of natural aesthetics, he resorts to an example that undoubtedly applies to this field. This is an example of a small elephant that we consider cute and sweet if we consider it to be the traditional size of elephants. However, if we assume that there were mini elephants, our little elephant would undoubtedly be so loud, huge and not so cute. More generally, according to Carlson, standard, counter, and variable properties can be considered not only for the category of elephants and mini-elephants, but for any other category.
Green ray of the setting sun
Inexplicable natural phenomena include the stunningly beautiful spectacle of a green ray appearing at sunset. To see it, you must meet only 3 conditions: find an open horizon, a cloudless sky and clean air.
The strange optical effect lasts only a few seconds (less often, minutes) and is a greenish-emerald flash in the sky at the moment the sun disappears below the horizon.
In this case, he creates a natural category that functions psychologically as a category of art. Moreover, our evaluation is directed towards the object rather than our subjective experience, so it can be assumed that our judgment is based objectively. Such categories cannot be identified with individual species of animals or plants, but categories suitable for viewing landscapes, landscapes and other types of environments can also be created. The ability to sort natural phenomena into Carlson's categories leads to the conclusion that one can decide whether they are true or false.
Researcher William Cohn tried to explain the appearance of the green ray as follows. When oxygen atoms transition to a normal state from a metastable state, they emit radiation. It is expressed in a light wave, which tints the horizon green. This guess has not yet been confirmed from a scientific point of view.
Mystical mirages of the desert
Anomalous natural phenomena are not uncommon in the vast sandy areas. You can often observe the appearance of mirages in the desert. Strange and interesting, inexplicable and incomprehensible, they are illusions and images floating in the air.
Kenadal Walton's article remains one of the most important in terms of the history of Anglo-American aesthetics. To adequately evaluate a particular work of art, it must be viewed in the correct category. As a result, our judgment must be based objectively. The possibility of using this model in the field of natural aesthetics seems acceptable at first glance. Conversely, Carlson is convinced that all this is naturally beautiful in nature. It is true that Walton in "art" actually uses the example of the category of mini elephants and elephants, but this does not mean that they have left the field of art in natural aesthetics.
There are many guesses and explanations for their occurrence:
- whim of the gods;
- tribute to the past;
- secrets of science.
According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, mirages are a reminder of the past, the appearance of objects, people, even cities that no longer exist. According to one of the legends of England, Fata Morgana was considered the ruler of mirages, who deceived sailors with ghostly visions.
Thought experiments in most cases reveal existing facts and their purpose is to include the cross of the imaginative circuits with which we work in everyday situations. In other words, what Walton says about elephants does not mean that the categorization of nature will be as a functional tool as the categorization of art, it does not mean that there is a category of mini elephants. More precisely, does this mean that some kind of ignorance should disqualify our court?
More importantly, however, how detailed is our scientific knowledge to be able to appreciate natural aesthetics? Simply, when we limit the obvious characteristics of a phenomenon, that is. In my opinion, Carlson's concept goes to the other extreme. Carlson's discussion illuminates the natural sciences and their contributions to the field of aesthetic judgment, allowing us to seriously consider the possibility of an objective aesthetic character. Likewise, in my opinion, you can use taxonomy instead of styling.
From a scientific point of view, mirages are the consequences of thermal overheating of air, the creation of a so-called “air lens”. Quite interesting is the fact that the clearest mirages do not appear in sandy deserts, and in ice ones. Thus, in Alaska, centuries-old cold intensifies light inhomogeneities and leads to the emergence of stunningly bright aerial illusions.
If everything is beautiful in nature, as they say, what is the aesthetics of nature? Although Karel Capek did not believe that the aesthetics of nature could be perceived by an objective method, Allen Carlson was very deeply convinced of this possibility. Capek's position can be included in the stream of subjectivists criticized by Carlson, since in his most general terms it is similar to Kendall Walton's position. If I had to find one thing that both authors, Carlson and Capek, compare, in general, it is the realization that a natural object does not have a creator, but each of these facts has completely different consequences.
Electric lightning extravaganza Catatumbo
A real landmark of Venezuela is the Catatumbo River, or more precisely, the place where it flows into Lake Maracaibo. Here you can quite often observe a strange and fascinating natural phenomenon - a huge concentration of electrical charges in the atmosphere. Catatumbo lightning appears up to 150 times a year and continues to flash for up to 10 hours in a row. This phenomenon is not accompanied by any sound effects.
On the one hand, Kapek excludes nature from the sphere of aesthetic comprehension; Carlson emphasizes the importance of understanding nature. The viewer can naturally understand, but only on the condition that she has enough information and makes it convey science, biology, geography, chemistry, etc. This type of understanding of Capek is almost denied to the perceiver if it relates only to subjective preferences. Of course, one could argue that Capek thinks about nature in a completely different context, and focuses on works of art, but the way in which he describes the nature of nature, my conclusion confirms rather than refutes.
All this allowed the Venezuelan municipality of Catatumbo to proclaim its territory as the Capital of Lightning. This rather interesting phenomenon has been known since the times of ancient sailors: lightning discharges, which were visible 400 km away, served as a kind of beacon for them and were used for navigation.
Today, the phenomenon of multiplicity of Catatumbo lightning is explained quite simply. Several unique natural factors came together:
- The Andes block the wind's access to the lake;
- evaporated water forms massive clouds;
- Electrical discharges appear in the clouds.
As a result of all this, unusually beautiful and high lightning occurs, and great amount ozone.
Cellular clouds are harbingers of a storm
Another fascinating natural phenomenon is cellular clouds, also called biconvex clouds. They were discovered quite recently, no more than 40 years ago. Classified as cumulonimbus clouds. Their structure is quite interesting, reminiscent of a kind of convex honeycomb. The elements hanging down are painted dark gray. If the sun is low above the horizon, they can acquire pinkish, golden, or bluish hues.
They are found mainly in the United States; their appearance portends the imminent approach of a storm or hurricane. Strange clouds are especially recommended to be avoided by airplanes and helicopters, since cellular clouds often cause frequent and sudden wind changes. Lenticular clouds are also unique in that they form on downward rather than upward air currents.
The miraculous aurora
One of the strangest and most mysterious wonders of nature is. A stunning sight can be seen in clear, windless weather near the Earth's magnetic poles. The duration of the northern lights varies from 1-2 hours to several days and depends on solar activity.
This phenomenon itself represents the glow of the upper atmospheric layer of our planet, which is formed as a result of its interaction with the flow of hydrogen-helium plasma of the Sun. When particles collide with each other, molecules and gases in the atmosphere are activated. Their radiation appears before us in the form of a magnificent and interesting phenomenon - the northern lights. Its color palette is highlighted in purple when nitrogen is activated, scarlet and emerald when oxygen is excited.
The latest discovery of scientists who conducted research on this natural phenomenon was confirmation of the sound effect of the aurora. A research team from Aalto University, Helsinki, made an audio recording of the light flashes. Numerous legends about the “voices of the luminous sky” were confirmed.
Incredible facts
1. Water bloom
When ocean, air and temperature conditions allow, ocean phytoplankton reproduce quite quickly, creating a thick, visible layer on its surface.
This phenomenon, called a water bloom, is quite unsightly during the day, but in parts of California and other places where bioluminescent nocturnal lights are present, the water bloom is a truly spectacular sight. This species of phytoplankton glows blue when agitated, turning the dark ocean into a giant lava lamp.
You can watch the waves begin to glow as they hit, scattering across the sand, and the ground begins to shine under your feet, and if you dive under the water, you will see an amazing glow in all its glory.
2 Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence does not only occur in water. In late summer, an uncanny glow can be seen in many of the world's forests, where bioluminescent fungi grow on damp, rotting bark.
Bioluminescence can be observed in different parts of the world, but the greatest variety is found in the tropics, where the humidity in the forests encourages the growth of fungi. A new variety of glow-in-the-dark mushrooms has been discovered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
If you want to admire this phenomenon, plan to go into the forest during the wettest period and head away from light sources that can dim the faint glow.
3 Fire Rainbow
Another natural phenomenon that occurs in the summer is called a fire rainbow, which occurs when sunlight hits frozen ice crystals in cirrus clouds at high altitude. Since there is no rain during a fire rainbow, scientists prefer to call it by a more precise name near-horizontal arc.
Since this phenomenon requires the presence of cirrus clouds, and the sun must be very high in the sky, it can be observed more often at latitudes closer to the equator. In Los Angeles, conditions allow you to observe a fire rainbow six months a year, and in London for about two months.
4. Mother of pearl clouds
For those of us far from the equator, there are still plenty of reasons to watch the sky. Mother of pearl clouds are pretty a rare occurrence, but most often they appear when it is still dark outside before dawn or after sunset. Because of their extremely high altitude, they reflect sunlight from below the horizon, glowing brightly to those viewing them from below.
The lower stratosphere, where nacreous clouds are found, is so dry that it often prevents clouds from forming, but severe cold polar nights allow you to see this most beautiful phenomenon. You can see pearlescent clouds in winter at high latitudes, such as in Iceland, Alaska, Northern Canada and very rarely in the UK.
5. Snow rollers
Snow rollers form when a thick layer of snow falls on upper layer ice. At certain temperatures and wind speeds, pieces of snow can break free and begin to swirl. As they roll across the ground like winter tumbleweeds, they pick up additional snow along the way. The inner layers tend to be more fragile, allowing the wind to easily blow them away, leaving behind large, natural snow donuts.
Since a certain temperature and wind speed are needed to create this effect, snow rollers are a rare phenomenon, but they can be seen in North America and in the UK.
6. Basalt columns
A natural volcanic formation, the basalt columns look as if they were made by man. The hexagonal columns form naturally when a thick layer of lava cools rapidly, compressing and creating cracks in the surface of new rock.
Unusual geological formations can be seen all over the world. The most striking examples of basalt columns are Giant's Causeway in Ireland and Devils Postpile National Monument in California.
7. Rain of Animals
Whereas in the small town of Yoro in Honduras every year Fish Rain Festival, actual eyewitnesses of this phenomenon are still quite few. However, in general, this phenomenon has been reported in different parts of the world for many centuries. Most cases of animals falling from the sky involved fish, frogs, or small aquatic animals, although there has been evidence of birds, mice, and even pieces of meat falling from the sky.
Although this phenomenon is extremely rare, most cases are easily explained. The most obvious explanation is waterspouts, in which a whirlwind lifts small animals from the water, carrying them long distances until they land on your head. If you want to witness the rain of animals, then you should go to places close to water during large storms.
8. Wavy clouds
Newly discovered cloud formations called wavy clouds ( Asperatus clouds) are so rare that they were not included in the classification until 2009. Ominous and stormy, these clouds disintegrate rather quickly before they can cause a storm. As with most wavy clouds, these clouds form when vortices or oncoming air masses mercilessly whip up the lower layers of the clouds, resulting in bizarre shapes and formations.
These clouds are more common on the plains in the United States and can be observed in the morning or mid-afternoon during thunderstorms.
9. Green beam
Famous and elusive Green beam is a rare meteorological phenomenon that occurs during sunrise and sunset. During these periods, the sun's light passes through large layers of the atmosphere, creating a prism effect. Of course, this explanation is not as exciting as the sea legends that surround this phenomenon. But you can consider yourself lucky if you were able to observe this phenomenon.
To see the green ray, try watching the sun rise or set on the horizon on a clear day. Ocean or prairie horizons work best for this purpose. The green beam only lasts for a split second, so don't blink.
10. False sun
When the sun is near the horizon and there are ice crystals in the air, you may see several light rainbow spots on either side of the sun. Always to the right and left of the sun along the horizon, these halos faithfully follow the sun across the sky.
While this atmospheric phenomenon can happen anytime, anywhere, the effect is usually quite vague. When the sunlight comes through Spindrift clouds at the right angle, these spots become as bright as the sun. The false sun can be seen most clearly when the sun is low in the sky in colder areas where there are many ice crystals in the sky.
11.Double Rainbow
The same forces that lead to the formation of a regular rainbow can also lead to the creation of a double rainbow. Sometimes, sunlight is reflected in raindrops not once, but twice, resulting in the creation of a second rainbow that lies behind the brighter first rainbow.
The best time to view this phenomenon is when the sky is still dark and cloudy, as the dark background allows you to see the murkier colors of the second rainbow.
12.Striped icebergs
Icebergs, as a rule, are not monochromatic. Some icebergs in the polar regions are distinguished by stripes of color, standing out among the Arctic whites and blues. When water on an iceberg melts and refreezes, dirt and other particles can become trapped between the new layers of ice, causing colored streaks to form on their surface.
Icebergs may show multiple colored bands. Blue streaks appear when water gets between layers of ice and freezes so quickly that air bubbles don't have time to form. When an iceberg breaks up and falls into the ocean, algae and other materials present in the water can cause green and yellow streaks to appear.
The only place where you will be able to observe this phenomenon is, of course, Antarctica
13. Catatumbo Lightning
Enough mysterious phenomenon, Catatumbo lightning in Venezuela is known for its long duration discharges. These continuous lightning bolts can be seen from a distance and have often been noted for their ability to aid sailors in navigation.
Since Catatumbo lightning appears about 140-160 nights a year, you have a good chance of seeing it. They occur mainly in one place - above the confluence of the Catatumbo River around Lake Maracaibo.
14. Gravitational wave
Waves occur not only in the water, but also in the sky. When air is pushed upward by a more stable layer of the atmosphere, it can cause a ripple effect, much like what happens when you throw a rock into a pond.
For a gravitational wave to occur, there must be a disturbance in the atmosphere, such as the updraft of air from a thunderstorm. According to recent research, gravitational waves can concentrate and intensify tornadoes, so if you are lucky enough to see one, you should first take care of shelter.
15. Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are spherical stones that were naturally excavated from mudstone, a dense clayey rock on the New Zealand coast.
People discovered these giants due to erosion, but they acquired their spherical shape for a different reason. The boulders are thought to have formed millions of years ago on the ocean floor, just as pearls formed in oysters - layers of sedimentary rocks and materials crystallized around a central core. Over millions of years, they acquired the enormous size that we can see today.
The Moeraki boulders were found on south coast in New Zealand, but they can also be seen in various areas of South America.