Wednesday 19 November 2014

Mysterious Frozen Crater in Northern Siberia



These superb images have released by the Russian Centre of Arctic Exploration capture the poignant beauty of a mysterious crater that made in recent times on the Yamal Peninsula in northern Siberia. The photographs were taken during an expedition to the gigantic hole in an icy area that locals call “The End of the World," where a team of researchers used climbing equipment to reach the sunken base of the crater for the first time.

The researchers waited until winter to descend since the hardened ground made it easier to scale 16.5 meters down the funnel of the crater. Moreover at the bottom, the experts examined the frozen surface of a lake at least 10.5 meters deep. They used probes and other tools to make measurements and record data, which need to be processed before any conclusions can reach.

Vladimir Pushkarev says, (Director of the Russian Centre of Arctic Exploration and the leader of the mission) it is too early to verify or deny theories on the crater's formation, including one proposal that climate change caused unfamiliar heat on the surface and below, leading to a release of gas hydrates and a colossal eruption. Likewise, Vladimir Pushkarev is wary of drawing conclusions comparing the crater to the eruptions beneath the Atlantic Ocean that caused the Bermuda Triangle phenomenon. In his words, "As of now we don't see anything treacherous in the sudden appearance of such holes, but we have got to find them accurately to make absolutely sure we understand the nature of their appearance and don't need to be afraid about them.

Lochnagar Crater Somme in France

It is really astonishing that how much the humanity can alter the face of the earth. Not only can it create massive craters, which seems a crater from meteors, they leave a great impact that it can be seen from space. However this crater, caused by a huge explosion on 1 July 1916, looks extremely large, being 90 feet deep and 300 feet across; it is nowhere large enough to be viewed for space even. A widespread misconception is that the Great Wall of China can be seen from space. In reality, though, it is impossible. Not only is it of the same color as the earth near it, it is also not that wide. Deforestation, on the other hand, can be visibly seen from space. Moreover at night, all the lights that the large cities produce are also very visible.

The Lochnagar mine crater in the 1916 Somme battlefields in France is actually largest man-made mine crater made in the First World War on the Western Front. It was laid by the British Army's 179th Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers underneath a German strongpoint often called “Schwaben Höhe”. The mine was exploded two minutes before 07.30 am Zero Hour at the launch of the British offensive against the German lines on the morning of 1st July 1916.

There’re number of memorials at the site of the crater, as well as memorial seat. Therefore an annual ceremony takes place every year at a wooden cross at the crater on 1 July to commemorate the first day of the Somme offensive. So, it is a popular place in Western front because crater receives around 75,000 visitors a year. The crater itself was caused by two charges of ammonal, of 24,000lb and 30,000lb. Moreover debris from the explosion rose some 4,000ft into the air.
 

Sunday 9 November 2014

South Coast of Sri Lanka



Sri Lankan south coast is one of most beautiful places in Asia; the region's has stunning diverse attractions make it one of Sri Lanka's most rewarding areas to visit. Gateway to the south and one of its highlights is the atmospheric old port of Galle, Sri Lanka's best-preserved colonial town; though beyond Galle stretch a string of picturesque beaches in the world, including Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalla. Moreover nearby, the little-visited town of Matara, with its picturesque Dutch fort, provides a further taste of Sri Lanka's colonial past, while ancient Tissamaharama makes a good base from which to visit two of the country's finest national parks: the placid lagoons and birdlife-rich wetlands of Bundala, and Yala, famous for its elephants and leopards. Beyond Tissamaharama lies the fascinating religious center of Kataragama, whose various shrines are held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike.

The Natural Beauty of Mount Kirkjufell Will Induce You to Fly To Iceland



Well, you don’t think that you’re in dream? These’re splendid beauty of a mountain which is called Kirkjufell, is a 463m high mountain on the north coast of Iceland's Snæfellsnes peninsula and near the town of Grundarfjoraur. The summit of dazzling Kirkjufell is over 1,500 feet above sea level, actually a biggest landmark in the village of nearly 1000 residents. Kirkjufell stands on a little peninsula of its own, a spectacular backdrop for the multicolored Icelandic sky. If you want to visit Mount Kirkjufell, then you'll have to take a day trip by bus from a bigger city in Iceland, like Reykjavic. Once you get there, you’ll be repaying by an otherworldly journey to grasp the Northern Lights, starry nights, and some exquisite waterfalls. The best time to catch the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and January. 

Iceland is the most exotic place in the world, with its wonderful lava fields, stunning coastlines, magical glaciers and fantastic waterfalls. Therefore it is possible to climb Kirkjufell Mountain normally takes about one hour and 30 minutes or so to reach the top. And you’ll be amazed by view from the top, which is quite remarkable. The hike towards the peak is not for those who suffer from vertigo because it is quite perfidious. But it is very rewarding once you get to the top.Source: Charismatic Planet


Northern Lights at Mt. Kirkjufell - Iceland from Travis Blake on Vimeo.