Tuesday 21 February 2017

The Bermuda Triangle- 3 Main Theories

Miami, Bermuda and Puerto Rico are a part of something quite unusual. If linked together on a map with straight lines, these three places make up a rough triangle, mainly over sea (The Caribbean). This triangle is known as the Bermuda Triangle. Reported disasters in this area, such as planes disappearing, occur quite often but no one knows exactly how they happen. They may be just coincidence but when these disasters happen, there is never any trace left behind. There have been many theories and conspiracies about this strange and daunting stretch of sea but none have been proven.
The main theories include:
  • Methane Gas- Probably one of the most popular theories about the Triangle is the 'methane gas' theory. A theory developed by Dr. Ben Clennell of leads University, he believes that methane gas is built up under the sea bed and is eventually released causing landslides underneath the oceans surface. As a result of this, these areas develop low density waters causing things that are heavier than water to sink i.e. ships and cargos. In turn this releases methane gas into the air which is highly flammable so may cause aircrafts to catch fire.
  • Hexagonal Clouds and Air Bombs- Scientists and meteorologists have noticed hexagonal shaped clouds within the region of the Bermuda Triangle. These clouds are very dense and hold what are known as air bombs. The pressure in the cloud builds up and eventually it becomes too much for the cloud. It blasts out sending winds in all directions of up to 170 mph, dangerous for planes. It can also cause the formation of gigantic waves, threatening ships.
  • The Hutchinson Effect- It is said that some airplanes and ships have lost contact or disappeared due to a mysterious cloud that follows them. The electronic mist or fog engulfs the ship or airplane and follows it until all the electronic equipment on board malfunctions. This may explain why ships and planes lose contact suddenly and disappear without a trace.

These are the main theories about the Bermuda Triangle. To this day, it is still not certain as to why all these disappearances have occurred, 'The Devil's Triangle' is yet to be understood.


Source:https://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000061.htm

Tuesday 24 January 2017

Golf Course Types and Their Geography

There is a lot of geography behind golf courses. Whether it is the type of golf course, the terrain, its location and its difficulty, it all comes down to the geographical features surrounding it or even making up the golf course itself. Features include: streams, lakes, slopes, bunkers, trees, plants, islands and more. There are many golf courses based around geographical features such as the coastal-side course of Royal County Down, Augusta National and its many impressive trees and streams as well as St. Andrews with its heavy terrain, bumpy fairways and reoccurring windy weather.

There different types of golf course around the world such as links style, parkland courses, heath-land courses, resort courses, and desert golf courses. Each vary in terrain, vegetation and location.
Links Style
Links golf courses are usually located somewhere between agricultural land and the coast. They are said to 'link' the two together. Typical features of this type is undulating fairways, sand dunes, deep bunkers and trees, but usually very little.
Parkland Courses
The most common type of golf course. Mainly based inland where you will you find a lot of mature trees, well cut fairways and thick roughs. The grass and soil is kept well and looked after frequently on this type of golf course. Examples include Augusta National in America.
Resort Courses
Owned by hotels and resorts, these courses are for anyone, whether they've played all their life or never. This means a lot of land is needed to facilitate this course because there is wide fairways, thinly cut and lakes as well as sand traps. In order to make it a good golfing experience, resort courses often take the scenic route with lakes and great views. A good example of this is Druids Heath golf club in Wicklow, a large golf course with scenic views and wide fairways.
Heath-Land Courses
This type is also generally found inland with gentle rolling fairways. The soil is irrigated often in order for the fairways to be like they are. Generally, there is bushes and shrubs with few large trees. A good example would be Carrickmines golf course in South Dublin.
Desert courses
Often found in places in the middle east and Dubai as well as in the south of the US, desert courses feature long bunkers with caving greens and vegetation such as cacti and palm trees. Huge lakes are often a feature of these courses. A good example is the Emirates golf club.

The flora and fauna of all these golf courses is what makes them unique from one another. Sometimes golf may interfere with wildlife and the vegetation. Did you know a divot and a pitch mark takes up to 3 weeks to repair itself if it is not repaired by you, so if people don't repair pitch marks and divots the terrain will wear down.
In the game of golf, geography plays a big part, from the grass and soil, to vegetation to the geographical features themselves.

Sunday 22 January 2017

Vikings- Their geography

Vikings were intimidating, strong and prepared. They conquered large areas of land and carried out raids dating back as far as 790 up to the mid 1000s. They built impressive settlements on areas where resources were rich and plentiful. These settlements have plenty of geography and history related to them as well as the Vikings raids, choice of settlements and their travels. I am writing this blog about the geography and history behind Vikings

Vikings originated from Scandinavia and took control of most areas of the United Kingdom and Ireland, some areas of Germany and France as well as all of Scandinavia itself. Vikings built various types of settlements in various locations where resources were rich. They had a good range of weaponry too. Their choice of settlement depended on resources and trade links. Many Viking settlements can be found in central Denmark, along the coasts of Sweden, Norway and Finland and along rivers and by lakes such as the Rhine, flowing through France and Germany. A Viking town was called a Thorpe and residents included traders, sailors and smiths. They lived in houses in small fenced plots made from thatched roof and wood.

The areas and lands that the Vikings had did not provide certain resources needed to run everyday life. The Vikings traded and received iron, textiles, metals, wood, bones and leather. Forestry was carried out among vikings as well as cattle farming. They hunted often for meat. Vikings benefited well from the surrounding geographical features and resources.