Photo above: 
Summit Lake Colorado U.S.A - elev 13000ft  (photo by Brendon Crook)





Left: 
Mountain Goat on summit of Mount Evans Colorado U.S.A - elev 14000ft
(photo by Brendon Crook)






Today is international mountain day.

A rather unusual geological feature to have a day for you may think, however mountains contain many very important eco-systems.
These differing eco-system levels are called altitudinal zonations and occurs where different environmental conditions change due to elevation and location.

These vary according to where the mountains are located and can range from flora and fauna the same as the surrounding areas to near desolation towards the peaks with species adapting to the biomes they inhabit.
The resilience of life to adapt is truly remarkable.

Mountains are formed in two ways.
One is by earths tectonic plates pushing together and forcing the earth upwards. The other is a  volcanic mountain which is formed when molten rock inside the earth erupts through the crust.

Mountains are also formed under water — again by tectonic plates or volcanic action which are called seamounts. If a seamount breaks the surface of the ocean it becomes a volcanic island. 

Although mountains look permanent they do in fact level over time.

Mountains make up one fifth of the worlds landscape and about 80% of fresh water originates from mountain sources. 

Mountains hold a special place in humanity's heart. They are an inspiration to many a painter and poet and aspiring mountain climber.

Even people not particularly drawn to nature can find moments of awe upon being confronted with a mountain in all its grandeur and imposing silent majesty.

Below are some interesting links on mountains:

www.treehugger.com/how-are-mountains-formed-5119556

​www.treehugger.com/mountain-biomes-life-at-high-elevation-3573200



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KIDS NATURE CORNER 
Here are some really interesting facts on mountains:


kids.kiddle.co/Mountain

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgvAaTZdpLo&t=150s
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By Brendon Crook
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Today is world soil day.

Soil is one of the most important factors for life on earth. It allows flora and fauna to flourish in a most amazing and diverse way.
Soil is made up of minerals, rocks, living and dead organisms, air and water and is regarded by soil scientists as an eco-system due to its complexity. 

Soil is constantly forming although in human terms at a very slow rate and forms at varying speeds depending on location/climate. 

Fossilized soil dates back at least 2500 million years although modern soil dates back to a little more than 2.5 million years.

Soil has 4 important functions:

1/    As a means for plant growth.
2/    As water storage and purification 
3/    A habitat for organisms many of which we can't see with the naked eye.
4/    Helping with adaptation of the earths atmosphere. 

Soil has been and continues to be lost due to human activity including agriculture, urban development, pollution and salination with little thought of just how important and valuable it is to life on earth including our own. 
It is a vital component to the flourishing of the biological world.

It can also do wonders for your connection to the planet.
Holding soil in your hands and meditating on the millions of years it took to produce and the millions of lives you are holding within the soil in your hands is an awe inspiring experience. 
Planting trees in the rich soil is also a wonderful way to open your heart in deep reflection of the power and life giving properties of soil.
The smell of wet soil after rain can stimulate the senses and bring much pleasure and relaxation. 

​Below are some links you may enjoy on soil and the benefits to human mental health soil can have on us. 

Information on the formation and value of soil:
www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/what-are-soils-67647639/


Information on the benefits of soil to human mental health:
ecohappinessproject.com/soil-benefits/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Wildlife,can%20benefit%20from%20soil%20as
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHbl2r2AjQ4


​KIDS NATURE CORNER with KISMET THE TURTLE
















Hi kids, Here is some really good info and a cool video on how great soil is!!!

kids.kiddle.co/Soil

​www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-J2FErZHuA&t=196s


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By Brendon Crook
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