california

Is the allure of distant landscapes inherently superior, or a mirage crafted by remoteness?

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I’ve often pondered why so many destinations that captivate my imagination lie perpetually out of reach. No matter where I’ve lived, these places remain scattered to opposite ends of the Earth. Are these far-off vistas truly more breathtaking than the landscapes nearby, or does their appeal stem solely from the novelty of their remoteness? 1. … Read more

Where are the world’s oldest, tallest, and largest trees?

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The world's oldest, tallest and largest trees 世界上最老、最高和最大的树

California. The oldest, tallest, and largest (by volume) known living trees on Earth are all around the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Each of them is worth a separate visit. The oldest trees – bristlecone pines An ongoing research project is investigating a cypress tree in Alerce Costero National Park in Chile that might be … Read more

Are there picturesque metamorphic rock formations in North America?

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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park south rim Painted Wall View 甘尼逊黑峡谷国家公园南沿

Yes! Among the three major types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic), metamorphic rocks might not be quite straightforward to identify – unless there are extremely distinct foliated textures. Recently I encountered some impressive metamorphic rocks in three locations in North America: Kings Canyon in California, Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado, and Tablelands … Read more