#tengger desert

[sheltiechicago]

Zhongwei, Ningxia

A resort in the Tengger Desert in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region of north-west China

Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock

[jowi8597]

241025 Linsy Weibo update 💚

🏜️World Afforestation Day is coming soon. Lin's Home Furnishings and China Post Desert Post Office have launched the #Really! Plant a wave of new green# charity event to plant 100 Elaeagnus angustifolia trees in the Tengger Desert🌲

🌱We would like to invite you to adopt a small tree to expand the green border in the endless desert. And the heavyweight spokesperson Wang Yibo will sign it for you! ✨

🍃Order any product on Tmall (note Wang Yibo) or check in at the store, and you will have the opportunity to get the spokesperson Wang Yibo's signature favorite speaker gift box and tree planting adoption card~Click on the big picture to see the details👇

🎁Follow ➕Repost, and draw 1 person to receive a tree adoption card

🌿After adopting a small tree, you will have: exclusive adoption plaque, exclusive postcard for the adopted tree, adoption certificate, five-year return picture, and professional maintenance of the small tree. Start a 5-year growth journey with Xiaoshu🏜️

Link to the post

[xtruss]

Ankara, Turkey 🇹🇷! A butterfly lands on lavender in a garden before the harvesting season. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Yangzhou, China 🇨🇳! An aerial view shows tourists taking a boat ride through an aquatic forest at Luyang Lake wetland park. Photograph: VCG/Getty Images

Zhongwei, Ningxia, China 🇨🇳! A resort in the Tengger Desert in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region of North-West China. Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock

Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire, East Midlands of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿! Birds 🦅 (Starlings) burst skyward as the final arrivals displace those already settled in the densely packed reeds. December 9, 2019. Photograph: Kathryn Cooper

Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire Dales district of Derbyshire, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿! Roost sites are mostly rural; here, the Starlings have found safety in tall vegetation surrounded by water. 9 December 2019. Photograph: Kathryn Cooper

Storks stand at their nests in ‘stork valley’ in the Beyşehir district of Konya, Turkey 🇹🇷. Baby storks begin practising flying in preparation for migration upon opening their eyes to the outside world in the spring. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty

A brush rabbit in Pacific Grove, California, US 🇺🇸! Photograph: Rory Merry/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

[niftyandinterestingstuff]

Tengger Desert, China

[awesomechsblog]

Hidden Gems: Underrated Travel Destinations in China (With Must-Try Foods!)

When people think of traveling to China, they often imagine the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, or bustling cities like Shanghai and Beijing. But beyond the famous landmarks, China hides a treasure trove of lesser-known destinations that showcase its breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and mouthwatering cuisine. If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, here are some underrated travel destinations in China—paired with local dishes featuring bean sprouts, a beloved ingredient in Chinese cuisine!

1. Guizhou’s Zhenyuan Ancient Town – A Riverside Wonderland

Zhenyuan Ancient Town, tucked away in Guizhou province, is a mesmerizing riverside town with over 2,000 years of history. Unlike the crowded water towns near Shanghai, Zhenyuan offers serene boat rides along the Wuyang River, ancient bridges, and stunning karst mountains.

Must-Try Food: Zhenyuan Stir-Fried Rice Noodles (镇远炒粉) A delicious specialty in the region, these rice noodles are stir-fried with bean sprouts, pickled vegetables, and locally sourced beef. The crunch of the bean sprouts adds a refreshing contrast to the chewy noodles, making it a perfect comfort dish.

2. Jiangxi’s Wuyuan Villages – A Fairytale Landscape

Known as one of the most beautiful rural areas in China, Wuyuan in Jiangxi province is famous for its vibrant rapeseed flower fields, ancient Huizhou-style architecture, and a slower pace of life. It’s an idyllic escape for those who love nature and traditional Chinese culture.

Must-Try Food: Wuyuan Tofu and Bean Sprout Soup (婺源豆腐芽菜汤) This light yet flavorful soup combines fresh tofu with crisp bean sprouts in a fragrant chicken or mushroom broth. It’s a simple dish that reflects the purity of Wuyuan’s countryside flavors.

3. Fujian’s Tulou Clusters – The Round Fortress Homes

The Tulou of Fujian province are massive, circular earth buildings built by the Hakka people. These ancient communal homes, some dating back hundreds of years, are UNESCO-listed and offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional Hakka life.

Must-Try Food: Hakka Bean Sprout Stir-Fry (客家芽菜炒肉) A staple in Hakka cuisine, this stir-fry features bean sprouts, shredded pork, and preserved mustard greens. The mix of textures and umami-rich flavors makes it a must-try dish in the Tulou region.

The other way to cook been sprout can be seen on the video below:

4. Ningxia’s Shapotou Desert – Where Sand Meets Water

Shapotou, located on the edge of the Tengger Desert, is a unique blend of desert landscapes and lush greenery, thanks to the nearby Yellow River. Visitors can try sandboarding, camel trekking, and even take a thrilling ride on a traditional sheepskin raft.

Must-Try Food: Ningxia Cold Bean Sprout Noodles (宁夏凉皮豆芽) This refreshing dish features hand-pulled cold noodles mixed with bean sprouts, sesame paste, vinegar, and chili oil. It’s the perfect meal to cool down after an adventure in the desert heat.

5. Shandong’s Yantai Coastal City – A Seafood Lover’s Paradise

Located along the Bohai Sea, Yantai is known for its scenic coastal views, fresh seafood, and centuries-old vineyards. It’s a fantastic spot for anyone wanting a relaxing getaway with delicious food.

Must-Try Food: Seafood and Bean Sprout Hotpot (海鲜豆芽火锅) This flavorful hotpot combines freshly caught seafood like clams, shrimp, and fish with crisp bean sprouts and a savory broth. The sprouts soak up all the delicious seafood essence, creating a comforting and nourishing dish.

Discovering China’s Hidden Charms

Exploring these underrated destinations in China gives you a deeper appreciation for the country’s diversity—both in scenery and in food. Whether you’re wandering through ancient water towns, admiring breathtaking landscapes, or enjoying a bowl of stir-fried bean sprouts, these hidden gems offer a unique and authentic travel experience.

Which of these destinations would you love to visit first? Let me know in the comments!

[renewableenergypowered]

Tengger Desert Solar Park: A Model for Renewable Energy

China is revolutionizing the global energy landscape with its relentless expansion of solar power. The Tengger Desert Solar Park, often called the “Great Wall of Solar,” showcases the country’s commitment to clean energy on a colossal scale. With a capacity of 2.2 gigawatts and an area spanning over 25 square kilometers, this solar facility in the Gobi Desert is a shining example of renewable…

[ianfulgar]

There is no limit to our imagination. The diamond-shaped hotel on the Tengger Desert's south side commands its surroundings. It is turning an isolated expanse into an opulent destination that challenges the limits of luxury living. Its multi-faceted form carves a path through the desert winds, standing tall against the elements with a striking silhouette that artfully glitters as brilliantly as the sands. This project transforms what should be impossible into a triumph, showcasing that even the harshest environments can be a canvas for architectural brilliance. Which other remote or challenging locations could be reimagined with such audacious designs?

[fulgararchitects]

There is no limit to our imagination. The diamond-shaped hotel on the Tengger Desert's south side commands its surroundings. It is turning an isolated expanse into an opulent destination that challenges the limits of luxury living. Its multi-faceted form carves a path through the desert winds, standing tall against the elements with a striking silhouette that artfully glitters as brilliantly as the sands. This project transforms what should be impossible into a triumph, showcasing that even the harshest environments can be a canvas for architectural brilliance. Which other remote or challenging locations could be reimagined with such audacious designs?

[energysunsource]

Top 10 Local & Nationwide Solar Power Projects

A worldwide energy transformation is happening right now. To reduce their reliance on unreliable and highly unsustainable traditional power sources like coal, oil, and natural gas, countries are racing towards Green Energy Solutions by increasing their capacity for producing renewable energy.

In reality, 118 nations committed to tripling the capacity of renewable energy sources by 2030 at the most recent COP28 conference.

With more than 430 gigawatts of installed solar capacity, China is the global leader in solar energy generation. To meet their energy needs, several countries are developing massive power plants and have set high goals for solar energy.

1. India’s Bhadla Solar Park

Place: India’s Rajasthan

2245 MW of installed capacity

The world’s largest solar farm is located at Bhadla Solar Park. The complex, which occupies 14,000 acres, is situated in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district.

With a 2.25 GW capacity, the solar farm required an estimated expenditure of more than $1.35 billion.

With more than 10 million solar panels, the enormous solar project was put into service in 2017. In accordance with the Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy of 2011, it was created in four stages under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) plan.

The plant generates clean, renewable energy by utilizing the dry heat of Rajasthan, an Indian desert state.

2. Huanghe Hydropower, China’s Hainan Solar Park

Location: China’s Qinghai Province

2200 MW of installed capacity

China’s isolated Qinghai province is home to the Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park. With 2.2 GW of installed solar capacity, it is the biggest solar project in the nation. With a 202.8-megawatt storage capacity, the enormous plant is impressive.

The factory, which took five years to develop and covers 564 acres, started operations in 2020.

There are proposals to increase the park’s solar capacity to 10 GW.

3. Pavagada Solar Park in India, 2,050 Megawatts

Pavagada Solar Park has a total capacity of 2,050 megawatts, making it the second-biggest solar power facility in India and the third-largest in the world. In the Indian state of Karnataka, the solar power plant occupies an area of 20.3 square miles. As part of a significant developmental push for renewable energy, the Karnataka State Renewable Energy Department and the Solar Energy Corporation of India collaborated on constructing the solar park.

4. Egypt’s Benban Solar Park

1650 MW of solar capacity

The largest solar project in Africa is Benban Solar Park, situated in Benban Village in the Aswan Governorate of Egypt. With 41 solar power plants, the enormous complex can produce 1.6 GW of solar energy.

The project was developed under the state-owned New and Renewable Authority (NREA) direction and complies with the Egyptian Government’s Sustainable Energy Strategy 2035.

In 2019, the 9000-acre project was linked to Egypt’s National Grid, providing electricity to more than 4,20,000 households.

5. China’s Tengger Desert Solar Park

Location: China’s Ningxia

1547 MW of installed capacity

The world’s fifth-largest solar power plant lies in the Chinese province of Ningxia. With a 1547 MW capacity, the facility spans 1200 km of the Tengger desert.

Zhongwei Power Supply Company and China National Grid jointly own the solar farm, also known as the Great Wall of Solar. After becoming online in 2017, it supplies energy to over 6,000,000 households.

Governments worldwide pour enormous sums of money into building more extensive facilities and enlarging their current solar parks to achieve their energy targets. And they are all competing to have the most solar energy capacity.

6. First On-grid solar project with a cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Location: Lakshwadeep, India

1.7 MW of installed capacity

SunSource Energy, a renewable energy company in India, played a crucial role in establishing Lakshadweep’s historic on-grid solar project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), with EPC provided by SunSource Energy, developed an initiative that covered the Kavaratti and Agatti islands. With a combined solar capacity of 1.7 MW and a cutting-edge 1.4 MWh battery storage facility, this transformative project signifies a shift from diesel-based power to sustainable energy for the region. SunSource Energy’s expertise contributed to the success of this groundbreaking project, aligning with India’s green energy objectives and promoting sustainability in island regions.

7. Ultra Mega Solar Park in Kurnool

With a 1,000 MW capacity, Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park is a solar park located in Panyam mandal in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, covering an area of 5,932.32 acres.

Solar power developers and the Central and State governments invested approximately ₹7,000 crores (US$980 million) in the park’s construction.

Owned by Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited (APSPCL), it was put into service on March 29, 2017.

8. RMG Vinyl Project by SunSource

Location: Uttar Pradesh

• 4 MWp of project capacity (a portion of a 45 MW project)

To serve its international clientele, RMG Polyvinyl, a well-known flooring and product company in India, sought to lower its energy costs and switch to green energy. Because of SunSource Energy’s long history and depth of knowledge in the Indian industry, RMG Polyvinyl selected them as its energy transition partner.

9. Rewa Ultra Mega Solar

Rewa Ultra Mega Solar is the nation’s first solar project to surpass grid parity. It is Asia’s largest single-site solar project and is among India’s most significant solar power facilities.

The project’s implementing agency, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL), is a joint venture between the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikash Nigam Limited (MPUVNL).

Rewa is India’s first project supplying electricity to Delhi Metro, an interstate open-access customer. This is the first project in India to employ solar energy for railway traction.

The project’s transaction structure earned the President’s Award for Excellence from the World Bank Group.

10. Ultra Mega Solar Park at Kadapa

The 5,927.76-acre Kadapa Ultra Mega Solar Park is in the Mylavaram mandal of the Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation, the New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd., the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited (APSPCL) are collaborating to carry out the project.

Conclusion

The global shift towards renewable energy is evident through remarkable solar power projects worldwide. From India’s Bhadla Solar Park, the world’s largest solar farm, to China’s Tengger Desert Solar Park, governments and companies are investing significantly to enhance their solar energy capacities.

The impressive initiatives, such as Lakshadweep’s on-grid solar project and India’s Rewa Ultra Mega Solar, showcase technological advancements and contribute to sustainable energy goals. With the increasing focus on solar energy, these projects underscore a collective commitment towards a greener and more sustainable future.

[tripwisatabromo-blog]

Mount Bromo Madakaripura Waterfall Tour 2 Days

Mount Bromo Madakaripura Waterfall Tour 2 days 1 night is a combination of a tourist trip to an active volcano and waterfall located in the area near the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. For tourists who like natural destinations, Mount Bromo and Madakaripura waterfall are one of the recommended tour choices because the locations are close together and in the same direction, it doesn't take a long time to visit both.

Mount Bromo Madakaripura Waterfall Tour 2 Days

Mount Bromo is located in East Java which is a 2.5-3 hour drive from the largest cities in East Java, namely Surabaya and Malang. Meanwhile, the Madakaripura waterfall is in the village before entering the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park via Probolinggo. Therefore, tourists can visit Mount Bromo at the same time before or after leaving Bromo depending on what time you start traveling to Bromo. Note : - If you go to Bromo from Surabaya or Malang in the morning, you can stop by Madakarripura waterfall first. However, if you come to Bromo in the afternoon/evening, you should go to Madakaripura waterfall after leaving Bromo. - It is recommended not to visit Madakaripura waterfall during the rainy season. Itinerary (Waterfall on the First Day) Day 1 : Pick Up – Madakaripura Waterfall - Mount Bromo Hotel - 08.00am : Pick-up at Surabaya or Malang in the morning and transfer to lumbang village, Probolinggo about 3 hours drive (Madakaripura Waterfall) - 11.00am : Arrive at Lumbang Village and visit madakaripura waterfall - 03.00pm : Transfer to Bromo hotel, check-in and free program Day 2 : Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour + Hike to Bromo Crater – Drop Off - 03:00am : By jeep 4wd depart to Mt Penanjakan / view point sunrise  - 05:00am : Watch the magnificent sunrise at the observation deck. - 06:30am : Go across the desert by jeep to view the “Sea of Sand”. Walk to the Bromo crater, or by horse (self-expense). - 07:30am : Enjoy the great view from Bromo Crater. - 08:00am : Go Back to the hotel and have breakfast. - 10:30am : Hotel check-out and Transfer to Surabaya or Malang city - 02:00pm : Tour is ended. Itinerary (Waterfall on the Second Day) Day 1 : Pick Up – Mount Bromo Hotel - 04.00pm : Pick-up at Surabaya or Malang airport or train station and transfer to bromo hotel - 07.00pm : Hotel check-in and free program Day 2 : Mount Bromo Tour – Madakaripura Waterfall - Drop Off - 03:00am : By jeep 4wd depart to Mt Penanjakan/kingkong hill  - 05:00am : Watch the magnificent sunrise at the observation deck. - 06:30am : Go across the desert by jeep to view the “Sea of Sand”. Walk to the Bromo crater, or by horse (self-expense). - 07:30am : Enjoy the great view from Bromo Crater. - 08:00am : Go Back to the hotel and have breakfast. - 10:30am : Hotel check-out and Transfer to Madakaripura Waterfall (parking area) - 11:30am : Visit madakaripura waterfall - 02.30pm : Back to parking area - 03:00pm : Transfer to Surabaya or Malang - 06.00pm : Tour is ended Mount Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall Tour Package Price 2D1N Total ParticipantPrice Per Person 1 PersonIDR 3.900.000 2 PersonIDR 2.300.000 Per Person 3 PersonIDR 1.875.000 Per Person 4 PersonIDR 1.670.000 Per Person 5 PersonIDR 1.545.000 Per Person Room Komposition : - 1 person : 1 standard room (twin/double) - 2 persons : 1 standard room (twin/double) - 3 persons : 1 standard room (twin/double) + 1 extra bed - 4 persons : 2 standard rooms (twin/double) - 5 persons : 2 standard rooms (twin/double) + 1 extra bed Tour Included : - Private car for trips ( licensed driver, fuel, private car with AC, toll ticket, parking) - 4WD jeep for Bromo Sunrise Tour - All entrance to the National Park Bromo Tengger Semeru and Madakaripura Waterfall - Taxibike at Madakaripura waterfall - Local guide at Madakaripura Waterfall - 1 Night hotel in Bromo + Breakfast Tour Excluded : Personal expenses, Lunch & Dinner, Horse Riding In Bromo This tour package has attracted a lot of attention, especially foreign tourists, because in just 2 days and 1 night you can visit 2 interesting tourist locations in East Java. The Bromo tour package combines one of the natural waterfall tourist destinations which can be started with pick-up in Surabaya or Malang. However, if you have enough holiday time in East Java, the Bromo Ijen tour package and the 4 day Bromo Ijen waterfall tour package are also worth trying because these are the ones that are popular at the moment. Please contact the tripwisatabromo.com admin for further information by contacting the following email, Phone & WhatsApp. E-mail : bromomalangtour@yahoo.com Telepon : +6282110044464 Whatsapp : +6281252370780 Read the full article

[dipsiven]

Effects of recharge process on groundwater nitrate concentration in an oasis of Tengger Desert hinterland – The Lifestyle Insider

[whatilistenedtoatwork]

From August 28th to September 1st, 2023

28-08-23

BASEMENT JAXX “Remedy”; TENGGER CAVALRY “Cavalry Folk”; BATTLEFIELD BAND “Home Ground”; THE MICROPHONES “The Glow, Pt. 2”; 808 STATE “Newbuild”; ALVVAYS “Antisocialite”; BURNING SPEAR “Studio One Presents Burning Spear”; FLAMING LIPS “The Terror”; STEEL PULSE “Babylon The Bandit”; JACKIE WILSON “So Much”; SWASHBUCKLE “Crime Always Pays…”

29-08-23

WAYLANDER “Reawakening Pride Once Lost”; KATE RUSBY “Sleepless”; HORSLIPS “The Man Who Built America”; COLDCUT “Sound Mirrors”; STALINGRAD “Pulya”; TURISAS “Battle Metal”; WIND ROSE “Wintersaga”; BUTTHOLE SURFERS “Humpty Dumpty LSD”; FINNTROLL “Nifelvind”; VIOLENT FEMMES “Violent Femmes”; KHALED “Khaled”

30-08-23

ISAAC HAYES “The Isaac Hayes Movement”; MOVING HEARTS “Live Hearts”; WIND ROSE “Wardens Of The West Wind”; PETER TOSH “Bush Doctor”; MERCURY REV “All Is Dream”; THE FLAMING LIPS “The Soft Bulletin”; GRACE PETRIE “Queer As Folk”; THE PASTELS ”Sittin’ Pretty” ; THE SUPREMES “Where Did Our Love Go”; DINOSAUR JR. “Hand It Over”; STALINGRAD “Dachniki”

31-08-23

BLINK 182 “Dude Ranch”; RICHARD HAWLEY “Coles Corner”; DESCENDENTS “Milo Goes To College”; THE PASTELS “Mobile Safari”; THE TEDDY BEARS “The Teddy Bears Sing”; MOVING HEARTS “Live In Dublin”; ERIC BOGLE “Now I’m Easy”; KING SUNNY ADE AND HIS AFRICAN BEATS “Juju Music”; BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS “Live Hardcore Worldwide”; SAVATAGE “Hall Of The Mountain King”; RAY STEVENS “Travelin’ With Ray”; SWASHBUCKLE “Back To The Noose”; ARCADE FIRE “Reflektor”; THE FALL “Hex Enduction Hour”; RUTH BROWN “Ruth Brown”; BASEMENT JAXX “Kish Kash”

01-09-23

HORSLIPS “The Tain”; MS. DYNAMITE “A Little Deeper”; SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX “Jazz Age Thirst Trap”; SEPULTURA “Arise”; SUICIDAL TENDENCIES “Suicidal Tendencies”; MERCURY REV “Deserter’s Songs”; RUNNING WILD “Rapid Foray”

[spacenutspod]

A recent study published in the journal Geology attempts to interpret the patterns of dunes, which are sand mounds frequently formed by aeolian (wind) processes and range in size from small ripples observed on beaches to massive structures observed in the desert. Specifically, the researchers focused on patterns of dune crestlines, which are the top of the dunes. Different dune crestline patterns might appear as mundane features, but their formations are often the result of a myriad of influences, including climate change, surface processes, and atmospheric phenomena. However, questions pertaining to the processes responsible for the different crestline patterns have baffled scientists. But the findings from this recent study could provide researchers insights into environmental variances not only on Earth, but other dune-harboring planetary worlds in our own solar system. These currently include three of the four terrestrial planets, Venus, Earth, and Mars; smaller bodies such as Jupiter’s volcanic moon, Io; Saturn’s largest moon, Titan; and even dwarf planet Pluto. “When you look at other planets, all you have is pictures taken from hundreds to thousands of kilometers away from the surface,” said Dr. Mathieu Lapôtre, who is an assistant professor of Earth and planetary sciences in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and a co-author on the study. “You can see dunes – but that’s it. You don’t have access to the surface. These findings offer a really exciting new tool to decipher the environmental history of these other planets where we have no data.” Dune interactions are defined as when their crestlines are near one another, and it’s these interactions result in the dunes establishing a balance, or equilibrium, with their surrounding environment. Therefore, the researchers hypothesized that a large amount of dune interactions could be interpreted as recent or nearby changes regarding those confined conditions. For the study, the researchers analyzed changes in specific known environmental conditions, including sand quantity and wind direction, using orbital images of dune field sites numbering 30 and 16 on Earth and Mars, respectively. Examples of Earth dune field sites included Rice Valley, White Sands, the Namib Desert, and the Tengger Desert. Examples of Martian dune field sites included Nili Patera, Kaiser Crater, Rabe Crater, and Hargraves Crater. Examples of active dune fields within Nili Patera on Mars. Dunes like these were examined for this study in hopes of giving scientists better insights into how their interactions are influenced by a planet’s climate. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona) Example of dune activity in Rabe Crater on Mars, one of the locations for this recent study investigating dune interactions. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona) Example of dune activity in Kaiser Crater on Mars, one of the locations for this recent study investigating dune interactions. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona) For Earth, the researchers flattened a dune field in China’s Tengger Desert to establish a baseline prior to analyzing satellite imagery between 2016 and 2022 of how this flat terrain evolved into large dunes as they slowly reached a state of equilibrium with their surrounding environment. This was followed by the team examining how wind conditions in the Namib Desert resulted in increased dune interaction as the dunes migrated throughout a valley whose landscape transitions from unrestricted to restricted then unrestricted afterwards.   “As both sand and winds get funneled into the valley, the dunes feel a change in their boundary conditions, and their pattern needs to adjust,” said Colin Marvin, who is a PhD student in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Stanford, and lead author of the study. “They move into the portion outside the valley, and they again readjust to their unconfined conditions, and we see a drop in the number of interactions. This trend is exactly what we expected to see.” Time-lapse images of the Nili Patera dune field on Mars observed between 2007 and 2010. These images indicate dune ripple movement and are an example of what scientists observed in the Namib Desert on Earth for this study. (Credit: NASA) For Mars, the researchers used orbital imagery to discover similar dune patterns, specifically near the Martian north pole where the researchers observed minor amounts of dune interactions. This was due to the dunes reaching a state of equilibrium with their surrounding environment, resulting in relative spacing from each other and similar characteristics for both appearance and size. However, dunes observed in slightly lower latitudes exhibited greater amounts of interactions due to changing winds and local surface frost. But once these dunes migrate closer to the north pole, their patterns settle out resulting in decreased interactions. “We have an upper bound on the time that it takes for a given dune to adjust to changes in environmental conditions, and that is the time it takes for a dune to migrate by a distance of one dune length,” said Marvin. “We can use this to diagnose recent changes in environmental conditions on planetary bodies where we don’t have any information other than images taken from orbit or radar for example.”  Dr. Lapôtre noted that gaining insights about dune patterns on Mars could not only help better understand Mars’ recent climate, but also assist in locating subsurface water ice that could be excavated by future astronauts on the Red Planet. As stated earlier, other planetary bodies besides Earth and Mars possess dunes that could be used to better understand climates on those worlds, with one such world being Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. In addition to its dunes, Titan is the only moon that possesses a thick atmosphere, which makes it a target for astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth. This large moon was extensively investigated by NASA’s Cassini throughout the 2000s and 2010s with the European Space Agency’s Huygens probe touching down on Titan’s surface in January 2005. This made Huygens the first spacecraft to land on a planetary body in the outer solar system and the first landing on a moon aside from Earth’s Moon. While Huygens only transmitted data and images back to Earth for approximately 90 minutes, it provided scientists with a first-time, up-close look at one of the most intriguing moons in the solar system. This most recent study has helped scientists lay the foundation for helping us better understand dune interactions on other worlds, but NASA’s upcoming Dragonfly mission to Titan hopes to confirm these findings when it lands on the moon’s surface sometime in the 2030s. With this mission, Dragonfly will become only the second rotorcraft sent to another world—the first being NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter on Mars—and will mark the first powered flight on any moon. During its multi-year science mission, Dragonfly will perform short flights around Titan in hopes of determining its prebiotic chemistry and potential for extraterrestrial life but should also provide scientists an up-close investigation of its dunes, which have thus far only been observed from orbit. What new discoveries about dune interactions on Earth and other worlds will scientists make in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science! As always, keep doing science & keep looking up! The post Interpreting Dune Patterns: Insights from Earth and Mars appeared first on Universe Today.

[bobyseo]

Chandrababu Naidu Unveils Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh

The state of Andhra Pradesh achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy output with the inauguration of the Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park (1000 MW) in Orvakal, Kurnool district on January 8, 2019. The solar park was inaugurated by N Chandrababu Naidu during his visit to the Kurnool. This solar park is the third-largest in the world at a single site, after the Tengger Desert Solar Park (1547 MW) in China and the Bhadla Solar Park (1365 MW) in India. The solar park was built in a record time of 24 months with a total investment of Rs. 7,143.77 crores on 5683.22 acres of land.

Under the guidance of Nara Chandrababu Naidu, The Andhra Pradesh state government acquired acres of land for the solar park in a record period of nine months without disturbing a single lodging house Government assigned land to comprise 91% of the land, which cannot be farmed. Andhra Pradesh state and the central government collaborated on Kurnool Mega Solar Park. It is a collaborative venture between the central government and the state government that is implementing the project. Its implementing agency is Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Pvt Ltd (APSPCL). As much as 50% of the shares, APSPCL is controlled by the national Solar Energy Corporation of India, while 41% are controlled by its state power generation company, APGENCO, and 9% are owned by its state New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation. For more Live updates and developments of TDP visit the official TDP website.

To develop the solar park, the Indian government allocated APSPCL 2 million per MW. Adani developed 50 MW of the park's 1000 MW, GreenKo developed 500 MW (transferred from Sun Edison), Soft Bank Energy developed 350 MW, Azure Power developed 100 MW, and GreenKo developed 350 MW. Over 700,000 tons of carbon dioxide were saved by the Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park by October 2017. As part of how the park addresses water deficiency concerns, a reservoir created for rainwater harvesting meets all of the park's water needs.

The Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park is a significant achievement of the TDP government under the leadership of N. Chandrababu Naidu. It has also created job opportunities for the local population, with a total of 282 jobs generated. A total of 499 jobs will be created for experts, 228 for semi-skilled workers, and 555 for unskilled workers.

In conclusion, the Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh is a remarkable achievement of the state TDP government and the central government's collaboration. This solar park is the third-largest in the world at a single site and was constructed in a record time of 24 months. It has created job opportunities for the local population and has addressed the water deficiency concerns through a reservoir created for rainwater harvesting. The solar park has also contributed significantly to India's efforts in accelerating solar energy and moving towards a sustainable future.

[picturesofchina]

The desert at Shapotou near Zhongwei, Ningxia

[just--space]

Gemind of the North : An arid expanse of the Tengger Desert in north-central China, planet Earth fills the foreground of this starry scene. A widefield panoramic view, it was recorded shortly after moonset in the local predawn hours of December 14. Pictured in the still dark sky, stars of the northern winter hexagon surround a luminous Milky Way. Seen near the peak of the annual meteor shower, the startling flash of a bright Geminid fireball meteor was also captured on that night. Above the western horizon and just below bright star Capella, its dagger-like trail points back to the meteor shower's radiant in Gemini. Of course, the constellation Gemini is easy to spot. Its twin bright stars, bluish Castor and yellowish Pollux are near top center in the frame. via NASA