Category: Nature

• A phenomenal Iridescent Pileus Cloud over China

  

  Pileus clouds are rare, but they are a sight to behold when they form. Like this one, shot earlier this month in Pu’er, Yunnan Province, China.

  

  These clouds get their name from their Latin name, which means “cap.” Call it rainbow magic, but these “scarf clouds” form on top of other cumulus clouds.

  The science behind the iridescent colors

  Pileus clouds are thinner than cumulous clouds and contain uniform-sized droplets. The smaller the droplets, the more iridescent the colors.

  Pileus clouds are usually a sign that a thunderstorm is brewing.

  If you’re lucky enough to see a pileus cloud, take a moment to appreciate the rare beauty of this phenomenon. See more Iridescent Pileus clouds below.

  

  

  

  Iridescent Pileus Cloud

  Wells Baum

  September 19, 2022

  Nature

  China, clouds, meteorology, Nature

• Baatara gorge waterfall is Lebanon’s best-kept secret

  

  Baatara gorge waterfall is one of Lebanon’s best-kept secrets.

  Located in the Tannourine Cedars Nature Reserve, the waterfall is accessible via a short hike on the Lebanon Mountain Trail through the forest. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the waterfall is an impressive sight.

  The Baatara gorge waterfall is one of the most beautiful sights on Earth

  The triple-leveled natural cascade drops 837 feet into the Balaa Pothole, a 160-million-year-old cave of Jurassic limestone also known as the Cave of Three Bridges. The natural bridges stand suspended over the chasm descending into Mount Lebanon.

  “The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places,” once wrote British novelist Roald Dahl. He must have been referring to the Baatara gorge sinkhole, a scene reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, especially during the spring melt when ice turns into water and floods down the cliffs.

  The Baatara gorge sinkhole is a place everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

  

  

  

  

  Baatara gorge waterfall is one of Lebanon’s best-kept secrets. Located in the Tannourine Cedars Nature Reserve, the waterfall is accessible via a short hike on the Lebanon Mountain Trail through the forest. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the waterfall is an impressive sight. The Baatara gorge waterfall is one of the most […]

  Wells Baum

  September 15, 2022

  Nature

  Baatara gorge, Lebanon, Nature, Rocks, water, waterfall

• Asperitas clouds form rippling waves in the sky

  

  There are all types of stunning clouds — Lenticular, Mammatas — to name a couple.

  But the asperitas clouds take center stage. These clouds, which are dark and storm-like, look like Van Gogh painted waves in the sky.

  Amazing Asperitas over Lummi Island –
  Probably the best looking clouds that I’ve ever seen here.. 😮 Hope everyone enjoys the video and the cool clouds ☁️#wawx #pnw pic.twitter.com/1d9iHHGEtJ

  — Wheels (@wheeler244) February 24, 2022

  Asperitas clouds form in the wake of thunderstorms like Mammatus clouds, yet unlike the latter, asperitas clouds appear more turbulent. Rising winds chip at the clouds to give them their unusual, undulating shape that resembles a rough sea surface.

  Undulatus Asperitas is a unique and rare cloud formation. They are a new classification, only recognized by the World Meteorological Organization in 2015 — the first new cloud type to emerge in 60 years.

  The manner of clouds always amazes.

  

  

  

  There are all types of stunning clouds — Lenticular, Mammatas — to name a couple. But the asperitas clouds take center stage. These clouds, which are dark and storm-like, look like Van Gogh painted waves in the sky. Asperitas clouds form in the wake of thunderstorms like Mammatus clouds, yet unlike the latter, asperitas clouds […]

  Wells Baum

  August 17, 2022

  Nature

  clouds, Nature, weather

• Hooker’s Lips is the world’s most kissable plant

  

  The tropical plant Psychotria Elata aka ‘hooker’s lips’ or ‘Hot Lips,’ is Latin America’s most kissable plant.

  Native to Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama, the shrub’s enchanting red bracts mimic a woman’s luscious lips. Some of nature’s shapes and colors are biologically universal — especially these juicy puckers, which have also developed the nickname “Mick Jagger’s Lips.”

  

  Hooker’s Lips kissed by pollinating butterflies

  The plant has evolved its big red shape, a modified set of foot-long leaves, to pucker up and attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. But the lips are temporary, as they take their unique shape several days after opening.

  White flowers emerge inside the plant’s smoochy center between December and March.

  Sadly, deforestation and climate change are wiping the species off the Earth. People in Central America are also known to gift the plant during Valentine’s Day. But let’s be sure not to kiss this beautiful plant goodbye.

  

  

  

  The tropical plant Psychotria Elata aka ‘hooker’s lips’ or ‘Hot Lips,’ is Latin America’s most kissable plant. Native to Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama, the shrub’s enchanting red bracts mimic a woman’s luscious lips. Some of nature’s shapes and colors are biologically universal — especially these juicy puckers, which have also developed the nickname “Mick […]

  Wells Baum

  July 29, 2022

  Nature

  flowers, Nature, Plants

• Pyrocumulus cloud erupts in California wildfire near Yosemite

  

  A strong and fast-moving wildfire broke out in Mariposa County, California this weekend, burning 6,550 acres and threatening Yosemite National Park.

  The Oak Fire started on Friday evening in the town of Midpines in Mariposa County and destroyed 10 structures overnight. The sprawling bush fire is now threatening 2,000 more structures, including some of the world’s oldest giant sequoia trees.

  The fire was zero percent contained as of Saturday morning, spreading as much as 10.2 square miles and prompting an immediate evacaution of 6,000 people. 400 firefighters and multiple water-hose helicopters are working to contain the flames.

  Oak Fire sparks massive Pyrocumulus cloud

  The heat of the fires generated a spectacular and scary Pyrocumulus cloud on Friday evening that could be seen from the Bay Area.

  There’s still no word yet on what sparked the fire in what could be an ominous warning signaling the start of a more destructive wildfire season.

  Rapid pyrocumulus cloud development has taken place on the #OakFire near Mariposa in the last 15 minutes as the fire continues to spread at a critical rate.
  
  The Yosemite area and surrounding Sierra foothills have just been killed by wildfire over the last decade. #CAwx #CAfire pic.twitter.com/YrOzPHPJvB

  — US StormWatch (@US_Stormwatch) July 22, 2022

  #OakFire continuing to show rapid growth and extreme fire behavior, unfortunately in a region with subdivisions nestled in the foothills amid dense vegetation. Fairly significant pyrocumulus cloud already building, with tops to ~25,000 feet. #CAwx #CAfire https://t.co/HGKZEgxRFj pic.twitter.com/X8bw2hoeFc

  — Daniel Swain (@Weather_West) July 22, 2022

  A strong and fast-moving wildfire broke out in Mariposa County, California this weekend, burning 6,550 acres and threatening Yosemite National Park. The Oak Fire started on Friday evening in the town of Midpines in Mariposa County and destroyed 10 structures overnight. The sprawling bush fire is now threatening 2,000 more structures, including some of the […]

  Wells Baum

  July 23, 2022

  Nature

  california, climate, clouds, Nature, wildfire

• The beautiful and secretive Agami Heron

  

  The Agami Heron might be one of the most beautiful birds in the world. It’s undoubtedly one of the most unseen.

  The reclusive bird resides in the wetland habitats of Central America, stretching south to Peru and Brazil.

  One would think its elaborate plumage and a silvery splash of neck plumes would make it easy to spot. Brazilians nicknamed it “Soco beija-flor” or “hummingbird heronin” for a reason.

  But the medium-sized bird also has short legs and incredible stillness, making it hard to find in the humid tropical lowlands.

  Highly secretive and shy bird

  The Agami Heron’s quiet nature — the animal is known to wait for hours for the perfect catch using its dagger-like bill — makes it challenging to identify in and under backwater vegetation where it lurks.

  This secretive and shy tropical bird is also known as the Chestnut-bellied Heron and is the only member of the genus Agamia.

  

  

  

  

  The Agami Heron might be one of the most beautiful birds in the world. It’s undoubtedly one of the most unseen. The reclusive bird resides in the wetland habitats of Central America, stretching south to Peru and Brazil. One would think its elaborate plumage and a silvery splash of neck plumes would make it easy […]

  Wells Baum

  July 15, 2022

  Animals, Nature

  animals, birds, heron, Nature

• The Wave in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

  

  The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in North Coyote Buttes of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument on the Arizona and Utah borders.

  The swirling stone waves combine water and wind eroded sandstone dunes, calcified vertically and horizontally, and fossilized over 190 million years. The rich red-vermilion rocks get their colors from iron oxide pigments.

  Only 20 people can visit The Wave in Vermilion Cliffs daily, reachable exclusively by foot through a challenging 6.5 mil round-trip terrain. The distinct rock formation rests 3,000 feet above the benchland below. 

  The scene offers some of the best photography of public lands in the United States.

  

  

  

  The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in North Coyote Buttes of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument on the Arizona and Utah borders. The swirling stone waves combine water and wind eroded sandstone dunes, calcified vertically and horizontally, and fossilized over 190 million years. The rich red-vermilion rocks get their colors from iron oxide pigments. Only […]

  Wells Baum

  July 8, 2022

  Nature, Science, Travel

  Arizona, Ecology, Nature, Rocks, science, Travel

• Germany’s “Devil’s Bridge” makes a spectacular optical illusion

  

  The Devil’s Bridge (Rakotzbrücke) is a 19th-century stone bridge located in the 200-acre Rhododendron Park in Kromlau, Saxony, Germany. 

  Legend says that not only did the devil build the structure, but Satan himself should be the only one to cross it. After all, it looks like a passageway to another world or, even more mysteriously, a massive serpent’s eye. With a perfect parabola and basalt spires, no wonder Hollywood decided to use the legendary bridge in the 2021 film Matrix Resurrections.

  The arched bridge reflects a perfect circle over the water of Lake Rakotzsee below. The resulting optical illusion makes the bridge fit flawlessly into the surrounding picturesque nature. Perhaps they should rename the ancient bridge “fairy-tale bridge.”

  No one’s allowed to walk the bridge, nor even touch it. But it doesn’t hurt to look if the gigantic diabolical eye isn’t already staring at you.  

  

  

  

  

  The Devil’s Bridge (Rakotzbrücke) is a 19th-century stone bridge located in the 200-acre Rhododendron Park in Kromlau, Saxony, Germany.  Legend says that not only did the devil build the structure, but Satan himself should be the only one to cross it. After all, it looks like a passageway to another world or, even more mysteriously, a massive […]

  Wells Baum

  July 1, 2022

  Nature, Travel

  Bridge, Devil’s Bridge, Germany, Nature, Travel

• The brilliantly colorful Fly Geyser of Nevada

  

  Located in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada is a small Geothermal geyser that looks like an alien-form bursting with life.

  The Fly Geyser resulted from a man-made drilling accident in 1916 when someone went drilling for a water source. Instead, they penetrated a pool that spewed 200°F of scalding hot water that flowed from a group of conical rocks.

  A marvel born of multiple human errors

  Another nearby drilling incident in 1964 created the multiple fountain cones today. Calcium carbonate and silica deposits built up over time to give the sprout its imaginary shape with psychedelic green and red colored thermophilic algae.

  The conic openings are about 6 feet high, buttressed on a 12-foot wide mound.

  Tours for the Fly Geyser operate on private land owned by the Burning Man Project. Be reassured that boiling water still shoots over 5 ft into the air. 

  

  

  

  Located in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada is a small Geothermal geyser that looks like an alien-form bursting with life. The Fly Geyser resulted from a man-made drilling accident in 1916 when someone went drilling for a water source. Instead, they penetrated a pool that spewed 200°F of scalding hot water that flowed from […]

  Wells Baum

  June 17, 2022

  Nature, Travel

  geology, Nature, Nevada, Travel

• Meet the Eye of Earth, Croatia’s Cetina Cave Spring

  

  The Eye of Earth is a karst spring located in Croatia’s Mount Dinara Nature Park. Its unique blend of blue and emerald green color makes it look like a dragon’s eye from above.

  The small body of water is the primary source of the Cetina River, which flows from the northwestern slopes of Dinara — 6,000 feet above sea level — down through southern Croatia.

  No one knows the precise depth of the cave containing the crystal clear water, but it is suspected to be more than 300 feet deep.

  However, this hidden gem is no easy dive or swim, as the water is frigid. Temperatures can go as low as 46.4F, even during 95F summers — quite the opposite of a hot spring!

  

  

  

  The Eye of Earth is a karst spring located in Croatia’s Mount Dinara Nature Park. Its unique blend of blue and emerald green color makes it look like a dragon’s eye from above. The small body of water is the primary source of the Cetina River, which flows from the northwestern slopes of Dinara — […]

  Wells Baum

  June 13, 2022

  Nature, Travel

  Croatia, Earth, Nature

• Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls is the largest single drop waterfall in the world

  

  The tallest single drop waterfall in the world is tucked away deep in the Amazon rainforests.

  Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is four and half times the height of Niagara Falls and double the height of Victoria Falls. But what makes this 741-foot cliff-face unique is the massive volume of water that pours over the edge.

  At an average flow rate of 23,400 cubic feet per second — a rush of 30,000 gallons of water — Kaieteur Falls takes the cake as the tallest single drop waterfall in the world.

  The steep drop and ferocious waterfall are something to marvel at for a primarily flat country with nearly 100% of its rainforest intact.

  Tourists who want to feel like they’re living on the edge of the world can visit the waterfall in a day’s trip by booking a flight from one of the two Georgetown airports and then taking a guided hike. There’s also a more intensive hiking and Potaro River route.

  

  

  The tallest single drop waterfall in the world is tucked away deep in the Amazon rainforests. Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is four and half times the height of Niagara Falls and double the height of Victoria Falls. But what makes this 741-foot cliff-face unique is the massive volume of water that pours over the edge. […]

  Wells Baum

  June 2, 2022

  Nature, Travel

  Guyana, Nature, Potaro River, rainforest, Travel, waterfall

• The crystal clear waters of Blue Nelson Lake, New Zealand

  

  The Blue Lake in Nelson, New Zealand, or Rotomairewhenua (“land of peaceful waters” in Māori name), contains the clearest natural body of fresh water on Earth. The water is so lucid, as visually transparent as distilled water, that one can see down up to 262 feet down into the lake.

  The beautiful Southern Alps surrounding the remote lake amplify its distinct natural colors of blue and green as given by the algae and plant life.

  To maintain the lake’s purity, the Nelson Lakes National Park prohibits visitors from swimming or bathing items in the lake to avoid contamination. After all, the lake is considered sacred to the Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō people.

  

  

  The Blue Lake in Nelson, New Zealand, or Rotomairewhenua (“land of peaceful waters” in Māori name), contains the clearest natural body of fresh water on Earth. The water is so lucid, as visually transparent as distilled water, that one can see down up to 262 feet down into the lake. The beautiful Southern Alps surrounding […]

  Wells Baum

  May 24, 2022

  Nature, Travel

  Nature, New Zealand, Travel, water