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United States
Wildfires Threaten Giant Sequioas
The KNP Complex fire in California’s Sierra Nevada region is spreading into the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, threatening groves of giant sequoia trees. The KNP Complex fire is the result of the merging of the Paradise and Colony fires, which combined have already burned over 5,800 acres (2,300 hectares). Giant sequoias’ growth to hundreds of feet tall is part of their adaptation strategy to withstand forest fires. Forest fires can even support the trees, causing seeds to be released from the cones and clearing out underbrush to allow seedlings a better chance at growth. However, the extremely dry conditions of recent years are causing fires that burn at a high intensity which presents a greater threat to the trees.
This map depicts the locations of the KNP Complex fire and the groves of giant sequoias that are under threat from the fire. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: Wildfire Today
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Faroe Islands
Anger over Slaughtered Dolphins
On Sunday, over 1,400 dolphins were killed in the Faroe Islands during a traditional hunt. Since the 16th century, this annual tradition has resulted in the slaughter of dolphins to provide meat and blubber to locals, but has fallen out of favor in recent years. Animal rights activists have consistently voiced opposition to the event as unnecessary and cruel, but this year’s backlash is greater given the record number of dolphins killed. On average, the number of dolphins harvested is around 600, with this year’s harvest more than doubling that. Although the hunt is not commercial and is legally authorized by the Danish government, there are increasing calls to end the tradition.
This map depicts the location of the Faroe Islands in Northern Europe where dolphins were slaughtered in record numbers. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: The Sun
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Saudi Arabia
Camel Carvings Dated
When a series of camel sculptures carved into rock in northern Saudi Arabia were first discovered in 2018, researchers estimated they were created about 2,000 years ago. However, a new study published to the Journal of Archaeological Science has just revealed the carvings are around 7,000 to 8,000 years old, making them older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids at Giza. Precisely aging rock sculptures is difficult as researchers seldom have organic matter to sample. The team of researchers assessed erosion patterns and tool marks, and tested animal bones near the site to determine the sculptures’ true date.
This map depicts the location of the camel sculptures in northern Saudi Arabia. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: In September through October, Gray whales begin their southward journey from the Arctic to breed and calve along what coastline?
A: Baja California, Mexico
In September through October, Gray whales migrate away from their nutrient-rich Arctic feeding grounds, moving southward along the coast of California towards Baja California, Mexico. On average, Grey whales will travel around 5mph (8kph) and around 75 miles (121 km) in total each day.
Source
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Q: Today is the International Day of Democracy! According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, what number of countries in the world are considered democracies?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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