Archives: October2009

• Giant, Mucus-Like Sea Blobs on the Rise, Pose Danger

  Miles-long sheets of mucus-like material are forming more often and in more places, a new Mediterranean Sea report says. More than just unpleasant, the blobs are an unexpected health hazard, the study found.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• PHOTOS: Giant Sea “Mucus” Blobs on the Rise

  Enormous sheets of gelatinous mucilage—full of deadly bacteria and viruses—are becoming a more common sight throughout the Mediterranean Sea as temperatures rise, a new study says.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Eucalyptus diversicolor

  

  The majestic karri tree is native to a small area in the southwest of Australia, where rainfall is high. The massive trees are a popular tourist attraction-you can even climb a few of them. It vies with Eucalyptus regnans for the title of world’s tallest hardwood tree (current record holder is a specimen of E. regnans, named Centurion growing south of Hobart, measured in 2008 at 99.6 m (326.8 ft.)). Eucalyptus diversicolor can grow to 90 metres, but generally ranges from 10 to 60 metres tall. The bark of the tree is deciduous and changes colour as it ages, hence the name diversicolor.

  The tree produces very fine timber and is popular for its knot-free wood. It is used for construction and furniture making. The once great forests have largely been harvested and massive old growth trees, like the one in today’s photo are now protected, although the valuable trees are still at times vulnerable. Large plantations of the species have been developed as commercial forestry operations in South Africa.