#pining for the fjords

[ao3cassandraic]

The US House of Representatives will not be voting on KOSA. Let's take the win, folks!

It'll be back; this kind of bad-penny idea always is. BUT THIS TIME WE KILLED IT. Go team us!

[beastlycheese]

Quick survey

Do you have a name for your cock/puss?

No shaming, tell me on anon and I will choose my favourite.

Or is it just me? Am I the only weirdo who likes to name every cock I have the pleasure of knowing?

[markscherz]

Nothing quite like the feathers of the blue bird of paradise, Paradisornis rudolphi, which hangs upside down and makes perhaps the most science-fiction sounds of any animal I know. Every chance I get I like to look at the birds of paradise in our ornithology collections at the Natural History Museum Denmark, and marvel at their beauty.

[oracularities]

Pseudo Live Blogging Maverick

Still 117 minutes in

Where the fuck in the inhabited world is there snow and conifer and steep terrain at sea level running right into the ocean? Without glaciation? Did Maverick just bomb the rogue nuclear terror island state of Greenland? Or maybe Norway?

[mikailborg]

"Our researches into the business practices of 20th-century humans have not uncovered how this man expected to get away with selling a deceased avian as a household pet, but we gather it was an unusual practice; the recorded irate complaints of the customer demonstrate this clearly."

If you want a good object lesson about what we can and can't know about the past, we don't know Ea-Nasir was a dishonest merchant selling shoddy goods.

What we know is we have found a cache of complaint tablets about him selling low quality copper as high quality, in a site that was probably his own residence. We know multiple people complained he was a cheat. It's entirely possible they were right. It's also entirely possible that he kept these complaint letters as records of people he would no longer do business with, because they had made accusations and threats in order to bully him into giving them free copper. That is an equally valid interpretation of the evidence.

My point is not that we have maligned Ea-Nasir, my point is that thousands of years later, we do not and cannot know.

[baejax-the-great]

I hate the tiktokification of mental illness so much. Like the other day I could not remember a simple word and it was making me crazy, so I look up "word for when you can't stop thinking about someone." The results were "anxious attachment style" and "how to prevent intrusive thoughts" and just all kinds of fucking pop psych jargon.

I was looking for the word 'pining'.

[nostalgia-tblr]

Happy Thorsday (& Fratricide Friday Eve)

[purpledazehottub]

[wip--work-in-progress]

None of the above! It's just pining for the fjords!

[theletterwsarseflap]

The dead parrot skit doesn’t exist so people can use the term “unalive” 😠

[someoneoffthestreet]

one day, I may find the rest of this fic or at least come back and dress it up a little, but I think it’s readable as-is so- here y’go:

***

“Come on, come on!” she insisted, pulling him to the dance floor.

“Jester, I don’t know any of the dances here,” Fjord protested through a nervous laugh, just audible over the growing noise.

“Neither do I!” Jester returned brightly, and Fjord’s smile lost its tremulousness.

They bounded around the room with the music, hands clasped and just slightly giddy, and whatever nerves remained between them were soon forgotten. The air became stifling but it didn’t seem to matter, as they surreptitiously watched the other dancers for cues and occasionally tripped over each other, prompting giggles and quiet apologies. The music seemed to last and last and Jester hoped it didn’t end, that she could stay in this moment forever. But all too soon they came to a stop, out of breath as the song came to an end and the crowd applauded the musicians. Fjord was beaming at her, flushed and panting, and Jester knew she looked much the same.

A slower song started up, but Fjord did not guide Jester away from the dance floor, instead leading her into a more appropriate sway. It occurred to her, then, standing in the tavern’s lanternlight, that in her books, this would be the perfect moment to kiss him. To actually kiss him, she reminded herself, would be preposterous, out of bounds of the friendship that bloomed so delicately between them. But, she reasoned, there was no harm in a little daydreaming, surely? Just a brief moment of speculation: maybe high on his cheek, along the line of his beard. If she could get him to bend down slightly, she could rise up on tiptoe to brush above his eyebrow, or along his temple. Or, to be a little more daring, at the corner of his mouth, where his tusks were beginning to press against his upper lip again, a little jagged and worn but growing, still growing. For the briefest, smallest moment, she wondered if his mouth would taste different without the sting of seawater between them.

“I’m feeling a little dizzy,” Fjord remarked, distantly.

Jester was snapped out of her reverie, and she managed to pull her eyes away from Fjord mouth. His eyes were indeed a bit dazed. For a ridiculous moment, she thought he was looking at her mouth, too, but he blinked and cleared his throat, still flushed from their earlier frolicking.

“We should probably stop spinning, then,” said Jester.

They shuffled to the side of the dance floor, out of the way of the other couples. Jester’s hand left his shoulder and Fjord’s hand fell from her waist, leaving her a little colder.

“You were right,” said Fjord, his smile soft and easy, “that did cheer me up.”

Jester preened, smug, before responding cheekily, “Told you so. Dancing is always good for lightening the mood.”

“It helps to have a good partner, too,” Fjord added, looking at her meaningfully.

“I aim to please,” said Jester, and curtsied in an exaggerated manner.

Fjord chuckled and bowed, just as exaggerated. But before straightening, he unexpectedly lifted Jester’s hand, still in his own, and bestowed a chaste kiss upon it. The manner of the action was clearly playful, in keeping with the mood, but his lips were warm against Jester’s knuckles, and her breath caught in her throat.

His breath ghosted against her skin and then he was upright again, and Jester was in possession of her hand once more. Fjord’s smile crinkled the corners of his eyes, and Jester thought it suited him, smiling herself. When he turned to leave, she allowed herself just one moment to feel it. Just one moment to let her heart flutter warmly, painfully, against her ribcage.

She took a shuddering breath, and followed him back to their friends.

[baladric]

people don’t make enough monty python jokes anymore

[gurggggleburgle]

People out here assuming because I cracked my egg on Wei Wuxian I want to come out of boiler looking like a skinny gender ambiguous femboy scene kid with great hair but what I actually want is to be big strong dude with long fabulous hair Ala Lan Zhan and Mobei-Jun. Unfortunately I know what the men in my family look like and I'm coming out of this a fucking twink in all likelihood

[adomainname]

Glacier Calving: The Powerful Force Behind Massive Waves and Climate Change Insights

Glaciers, those monumental rivers of ice flowing from high mountain peaks and polar regions, are not only stunningly beautiful but also hold incredible, often unpredictable power. Among the most captivating and intense events involving glaciers is glacier calving—a natural process where enormous ice chunks break away from a glacier’s edge and crash into surrounding water. This dramatic phenomenon not only creates an unforgettable visual display but also generates massive waves. In this article, we’ll explore glacier calving, what causes it, the powerful waves it creates, and the broader implications for ecosystems, human activity, and climate science.

What is Glacier Calving?

Definition: What is Glacier Calving?

Glacier calving is the process where large pieces of ice detach from a glacier's edge and fall into the adjacent water. These ice chunks vary in size, from small pieces to massive blocks as large as multi-story buildings. Calving is a powerful and visually spectacular event that can produce waves felt miles away.

Where Does Glacier Calving Occur?

Calving occurs most frequently at the terminus (the end) of glaciers that extend into bodies of water like lakes, oceans, or fjords. It’s most common in polar regions, such as Greenland and Antarctica, where glaciers meet the sea. These environments allow ice chunks to break off and fall into the water, forming waves that can be incredibly powerful and far-reaching.

How Does Glacier Calving Happen?

Calving happens due to the natural movement of glaciers. As a glacier moves forward, driven by gravity, the ice at its edge becomes thinner and fractures. Over time, these fractures deepen, eventually causing large chunks of ice to break away. The forward motion pushes these ice chunks towards bodies of water, where they drop, creating an impactful and sudden splash.

The Science Behind Glacier Calving and Wave Formation

Ice Dynamics and Fracture Mechanics

The constant advance of glaciers creates stress along their edges, leading to cracks and fractures in the ice. When the ice reaches a critical fracture point, large sections break off. This detachment causes sudden displacement as the ice hits the water, creating waves that can be extremely powerful.

How Does Glacier Calving Generate Waves?

When an ice chunk detaches and crashes into the water, it displaces the water around it, creating a splash and powerful shockwaves. The size and intensity of the resulting wave depend on the size of the ice chunk. Larger ice pieces create more significant waves, capable of traveling far distances.

Wave Propagation in Glacier Fjords and Bays

Once a calving event occurs, the waves created by the impact move outward from the point of collision. In confined areas, like fjords or bays, these waves can be particularly intense. They bounce off rock walls, sometimes becoming even larger and more forceful, and can travel for kilometers, posing a danger to anything in their path.

The Impact of Calving Waves on Ecosystems and Human Activity

Environmental Impact: How Calving Waves Affect Marine Ecosystems

Calving waves can have a significant effect on local ecosystems. The waves stir up the seabed, displacing marine organisms and disturbing habitats. Over time, repeated calving events can also erode coastal areas, affecting both flora and fauna in the surrounding environment.

Human Implications: Why Calving Waves Are Dangerous

For people living in or near glacier regions, calving waves can pose severe risks. Fishing vessels, research ships, and tourist boats are especially vulnerable, as calving waves have capsized boats and caused substantial damage in the past. Coastal communities near glaciers or fjords may also feel the impact of these waves, making it important for ships and local authorities to remain vigilant.

Climate Change and Glacier Calving: A Connection with Global Implications

Climate change is accelerating glacier calving worldwide. Rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt and thin, making them more prone to calving events. This not only increases the frequency of calving but also contributes to global sea level rise as more ice melts and enters the ocean. Areas like Greenland and Antarctica, where calving is occurring at unprecedented rates, are contributing significantly to rising seas—a growing concern for coastal cities and communities worldwide.

Notable Glacier Calving Events and Their Massive Waves

To understand the sheer power of glacier calving, let’s look at some notable glaciers known for their spectacular calving events.

Jakobshavn Glacier, Greenland: One of the fastest-moving glaciers globally, Jakobshavn has witnessed some of the largest calving events on record. Chunks of ice as large as skyscrapers break off, creating waves that can be felt miles away.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska: This Alaskan glacier is known for periodic large calving events that generate waves affecting cruise ships and other vessels in nearby fjords. This glacier’s movements attract scientists and tourists alike, both drawn by its power and potential risks.

Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica: As a significant contributor to ice loss in Antarctica, Pine Island Glacier’s calving events are substantial enough to be detected by seismometers thousands of miles away, showcasing the global scale of calving’s impact.

Fascination and Caution: Observing Glacier Calving Events

The Appeal of Glacier Tourism

For many tourists, witnessing a glacier calving event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The intense sound—often compared to a thunderous "crack" or "roar"—followed by a massive splash and radiating waves, creates a powerful, memorable scene. Locations such as Alaska, Greenland, and certain parts of Antarctica are popular destinations for this reason.

Safety Precautions for Viewing Glacier Calving Events

Despite their allure, calving events are highly unpredictable, and the waves they generate can be dangerous. Tourism operators and guides near glaciers must take strict precautions, maintaining safe distances from glaciers to ensure the safety of visitors. Special care is necessary for boats, as the waves can capsize small vessels that venture too close.

The Future of Glacier Calving and Its Impact on Sea Level Rise

As climate change continues to increase global temperatures, glaciers worldwide are expected to retreat and calve more frequently. This trend not only raises the likelihood of dangerous waves but also leads to long-term impacts, such as accelerated sea-level rise. Glacier calving events remind us of the urgent need to address climate change and mitigate its effects on our planet’s natural systems.

Conclusion: Glacier Calving as a Reminder of Nature’s Power

In summary, glacier calving is a breathtaking natural event and a powerful force with significant environmental, social, and scientific implications. From the thunderous crash of falling ice to the waves that ripple across fjords and bays, glacier calving captivates us while serving as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of Earth’s natural systems. As climate change continues to reshape our world, glacier calving highlights the need to understand and preserve these fragile ice giants that are vital to our planet’s health and future.

By understanding glacier calving, its causes, and its consequences, we not only gain insight into one of nature’s most spectacular displays but also increase our awareness of the urgent climate issues facing our planet today.

Go To The Power of Glacier Calving

[quillyfied]

…It’s been a few years now since I finally sat down and watched all of Monty Python (and all the specials I could get my hands on, though curiously not all the films, idk why), and since it’s become sort of a yearly thing for me to rewatch, and somehow it’s only this morning that it occurs to me the sheer ridiculousness of a parrot being called the Norwegian Blue, because why would there be native parrots, notoriously tropical birds, in Scandinavia?

[lobsterxentaros]

Lobster

Lobster - Lucie van Dam van Isselt

Dutch , 1871-1940

Oil on panel , 45 x 38 cm.