Axotl – Page 7

Macadam Paving and Its Significance on Route 66

Macadam paving is a new method of road building. It was invented by a Scottish engineer called John Loudon McAdam in the early 19th century. This technique played a very vital role in constructing Route 66, one of the most famous highways in America. The method used small jagged stones that were compacted together to make a solid and durable surface.

Early roads would become muddy in wet weather or dusty in dry weather. Macadam paving provided a more durable, dependable roadway. Early macadam did not use a binding agent, relying on natural proper alignment of the stones. In later variations, tar or bitumen was added to create “tar-macadam,” or tarmac, onto which the first asphalt roads were built. When Route 66 was established in 1926, much of the highway was either unpaved or covered with dirt and gravel. It was rough going for cars to travel easily. A big improvement for many parts of the highway in those early years, especially country areas where roads were still under construction, was macadam paving.

It produced a superior surface for the growing number of vehicles using the roadway and it provided a drainage advantage as well. The road was now better equipped to handle those weather conditions that could make travel hazardous.

As more cars used Route 66 in the 1930s and 1940s, the road surface was improved. Many parts of Route 66 were changed to asphalt and concrete, which was stronger and gave the driver a smoother ride. But macadam paving helped a lot in the early years of the development of the road. It changed a mix of dirt and gravel roads into a better and easier route to use. Finally, the shift from macadam to superior paving techniques reveals one aspect of the evolution of Route 66. What began as a humble, crude roadway forged for early motorists would develop into one of the most important highways in the United States, connecting urban and rural landscapes from sea to shining sea. Today, when most associate Route 66 with asphalt and concrete paving, this may remain the influential Macadam on the formation of early identity in the famous highway.

Route 66

Dendrites

Dendrite fossils are not actual fossils but mineral formations that display branching, tree-like patterns on rock surfaces. These patterns are called “dendrites,” derived from the Greek word dendron, meaning “tree.” Due to their resemblance to ferns, mosses, or algae, they are often mistaken for fossilized plants.

Formation of Dendritic Patterns

Mineral Deposition: Dendritic patterns form when mineral-rich water percolates through cracks and fissures in rocks. As the water evaporates, minerals like manganese and iron oxides precipitate out of the solution.
Crystallization Process: These minerals crystallize in branching patterns along the rock’s surface or within its layers, creating intricate designs that mimic organic structures.
Environment: Such formations commonly occur in sedimentary rocks like limestone, sandstone, and shale, where groundwater movement is prevalent.

Distinguishing Features

Inorganic Origin: Unlike true fossils, dendrites do not result from the preservation of organic material. They are entirely inorganic, formed solely by mineral processes.
Lack of Cellular Structure: Under magnification, dendrites lack the cellular details that characterize fossilized plant material.
Surface Patterns: Dendritic formations are typically two-dimensional patterns on rock surfaces, whereas fossils often have three-dimensional structures.

Common Misconceptions

Mistaken Identity: The visual similarity to plant life leads many to incorrectly identify dendrites as fossilized flora.
Educational Importance: Understanding dendrites helps in learning how to differentiate between mineral formations and actual fossils, which is crucial in fields like paleontology and geology.

Significance in Geology and Collecting

Scientific Interest: Dendrites provide insights into mineral deposition processes and the geological history of the area where they are found.
Aesthetic Value: Their intricate and visually appealing patterns make dendritic rocks popular among collectors and are often used in jewelry and decorative items.

Examples and Notable Locations

Solnhofen Limestone, Germany: Known for fine-grained limestone that often displays dendritic patterns, sometimes mistaken for fossilized plants.
Utah and New Mexico, USA: Regions where dendritic manganese oxides are commonly found on sandstone surfaces.
Chiastolite Stones: A variety of andalusite that shows cross-shaped (cruciform) patterns due to carbonaceous impurities, sometimes confused with dendritic patterns.

Conclusion

While dendritic patterns, or “dendrite fossils,” captivate the imagination with their lifelike appearances, they are mineralogical phenomena rather than remnants of ancient life. Recognizing the difference between these mineral formations and true fossils enhances our understanding of geological processes and helps prevent misinterpretations in both amateur and professional studies.

References

Mineralogy and Geology Texts: For detailed explanations of mineral formation processes.
Field Guides on Fossil Identification: To learn how to distinguish between fossils and mineral patterns.
Geological Surveys: For information on regions where dendritic formations are prevalent.

Hassayampa River

The Legend of the Hassayampa River in Wickenburg, Arizona, is a fascinating piece of local folklore that captures the imagination of those who hear it. According to the legend, anyone who drinks from the Hassayampa River can never tell the truth. This river, which flows near the historic town of Wickenburg, has been the subject of stories and tall tales among locals and visitors alike.

Wickenburg is a town rich in history, often associated with the early mining and ranching days of the American West. The Hassayampa River, with its sometimes elusive water flow, winds through this rugged landscape, contributing to the area’s mystique and charm. The legend likely originates from the playful exaggerations common among miners and settlers of the time, symbolizing perhaps the transformative nature of the West or the elusive fortunes sought by those who ventured there.

The story of the Hassayampa River is a testament to the creativity and humor of the people in the region. It embodies the spirit of the Old West, where truth could be as variable and shifting as the sands of the desert. Over the years, it has become a cherished part of Arizona’s folklore, reminding us of the colorful history and enduring mysteries of the American Southwest.

Big Boy 4014

The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is one of the largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built. Part of the Big Boy class, it was constructed in the early 1940s by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) to haul heavy freight over steep grades in the Western U.S., especially in the Wasatch Mountains. These locomotives are huge, measuring over 132 feet long and weighing around 1.2 million pounds.

Big Boy 4014 was retired from service in 1961, but in 2013, Union Pacific reacquired and restored it. Today, 4014 is fully operational and runs on special excursions, thrilling train enthusiasts with massive size and power. Its restoration was a significant feat, marking the return of one of the most iconic steam locomotives in history.

The Big Boy series, including 4014, represents the peak of steam locomotive technology and the golden age of railroading in the U.S.

Amphicyonidae

Bear dogs, or Amphicyonidae, were representatives of an extinct family of carnivorous mammals that lived during the Miocene Epoch. They possessed peculiar features because they combined some aspects of modern bears and dogs; hence, this name was attached to them. Fossils of bear dogs were found in parts of the world; one is Barstow Fossil Beds in California, which is also an important center for paleontologists studying the ancient ecosystems of North America.

Physical Characteristics:

Size: They were very varied in size, from the smallest, which was about the size of modern foxes, to the largest, which rivaled grizzly bears in size and strength.

Appearance: Bear-like bodies, but with powerful jaws and sharp teeth adapted for hunting, while their legs were longer and more dog-like in structure, running and chasing their prey.

Diet: These were carnivorous animals that probably preyed upon smaller mammals and did so perhaps by ambush and endurance hunting, just like the big cats or wolves of today do.

Barstow Fossil Beds: These fossil beds, if situated within the Mojave Desert, have yielded a wide variety of prehistoric animal remains, including those of bear dogs. This is a formerly much more lush environment with forests, rivers, and wetlands that support diverse wildlife.

Miocene Environment: When bear dogs ranged into the Barstow area, it was a temperate region teeming with ancient species such as early horses, camels, rhinos, and mastodons. Bear dogs were likely top predators in this ecosystem.

Evolution: The various fossil discoveries in Barstow will help scientists trace the evolution of flesh-eating mammals. The bear dogs belonged to the early lineage that gave rise to present-day bears, dogs, and all other large predators.

Extinction: Bear dogs flourished for millions of years but died out toward the end of the Miocene Epoch. Their extinction may be related to climate changes and competition with other carnivores, ancestors of modern cats and wolves, which were better adapted to changing environmental conditions.

Importance of the Barstow Fossil Discoveries:

Fossils like bear dogs found around Barstow give rare glimpses into an ancient world. Such finds enable paleontologists to reconstruct the ancient ecosystems of North America and learn more about how animal species, including early carnivores, adapted and evolved.

The bear dog fossils from near Barstow point to the emergence of very diversified ecosystems in which the bear dogs were among the top predators of their time. Their fossils are an important determinant that leads to unraveling their biology and the environment to which they belonged millions of years ago.

Red Hill Cinder Mine

The Red Hill Cinder Mine is an active volcanic site in the Coso Volcanic Field where red and black cinders are extracted from a cinder cone. What makes this spot so unique, however, is volcanic bombs that have been thrown out during previous eruptions-large pieces of solidified lava. These bombs have been picked up and placed around the mining company’s office buildings.

Red Hill is one of the youngest volcanic formations in the area, with an estimated age of less than 10,000 years. A small flank eruption on the cone could have occurred within the last 1,000 years. If you drive south down Highway 395, you can see the small crater from that eruption on the northwest side of the cone.

CEMEX currently mines the Red Hill Quarry on the south flank of the cinder cone, crushing the volcanic rock into scoria for use in road construction and the manufacture of cinder blocks. Larger pieces of the rock are also used for landscaping.

Batteries Go Here

A cloaca is an opening in some animals, like birds, reptiles, and amphibians, where the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems come together. It’s like a multi-purpose exit, handling waste and reproduction. In most mammals, these functions are separated into different exits, but in animals with a cloaca, everything comes out of the same spot.

A Perfect Carcass – Every Time

The Gourmet Vulture: A Culinary Journey in the World of Carrion

Vultures might not have Michelin stars, but they sure are the connoisseurs of the animal kingdom when it comes to dining on dead things. These winged gourmands have turned scavenging into a fine art, knowing just when to swoop in for a meal and when to pass on something that’s past its prime—or, ironically, not dead enough yet. Let’s take a peek into the culinary habits of vultures, where the timing of dinner can make all the difference between a gourmet feast and an indigestible disaster.

Scavenging: The Original “Street Food”

Long before humans were raving about food trucks and street vendors, there was scavenging. The word “scavenge” comes from Middle English and was all about cleaning up the streets, which, let’s face it, was probably a job that involved dealing with some pretty gross stuff. Fast forward a few centuries, and vultures have literally taken this concept to new heights. These birds are the ultimate street food critics, cruising the skies for the perfect carrion pile to sample. If Yelp existed in the animal kingdom, vultures would leave reviews like, “Two talons up for the tenderized deer carcass by the highway!”

Fresh Meat? No, Thanks—I Prefer It Aged

You might think vultures would be first in line for a fresh kill, but no, these birds prefer their meat with a bit of age—think of it as nature’s version of dry-aged steak. Freshly dead animals are simply too tough for these guys. They don’t have the tools to tear into a fresh carcass like their more glamorous cousins, the eagles. Vultures are more about finesse. They wait until decomposition does some of the hard work, softening up the meat and releasing those mouth-watering (well, to a vulture) aromas that say, “Dinner is served!”

It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the meat is tender enough to tear into but not so far gone that it’s turned into vulture repellent.

Can Meat Be Too Aged?

While vultures are happy to let nature marinate their meals, they do have standards. Yes, even vultures can find meat that’s too far gone. If a carcass is more maggot than meat, or if it’s dried out like a piece of jerky left in the sun too long, these avian food critics will pass. Sure, vultures are tough, but they’re not immune to the dangers of spoiled food. Even they know when to say, “Nope, not worth the tummy trouble.” They’re picky eaters, in their own way, balancing the need for nutrition with a healthy dose of self-preservation.

The Art of Knowing When to Eat

Vultures might not need reservations or menus, but they’ve mastered the timing of their meals. Their highly tuned senses tell them exactly when a carcass has hit that perfect stage of decay, where it’s not too fresh and not too far gone—just right for a satisfying meal. It’s like they have their own internal clock that says, “Wait for it… wait for it… now!” And in swoops the vulture, ready to feast on a meal that’s neither too tough nor too toxic. They’re not just eating; they’re ensuring the whole ecosystem stays healthy by cleaning up what other animals leave behind.

Conclusion: Vultures, The Unsung Culinary Heroes

So, next time you see a vulture circling overhead, don’t think of it as a grim reaper. Instead, imagine a discerning diner waiting for just the right moment to dive into a meal that’s perfectly aged to its taste. Vultures may not be glamorous, but they play a vital role in nature, keeping the environment clean and healthy by knowing exactly when to feast and when to fly on by. They’re the ultimate scavengers, ensuring that in the grand buffet of life, nothing goes to waste—but only if it’s just right.

Vultures

Pit Vipers’ Pit Organs

Infrared detection in Mojave Desert rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus) represents a highly specialized adaptation that enhances their ability to locate and capture prey in their arid environment. Like other pit vipers, these rattlesnakes have heat-sensitive pit organs between their eyes and nostrils. These organs can detect infrared radiation, corresponding to the thermal emissions from warm-blooded animals.

Black arrows to nostrils – Red arrows to pit organs.

The pit organs detect minute temperature differences, potentially as small as 0.001°C. This enables the rattlesnakes to effectively “visualize” the thermal signatures of their prey, even in the absence of visible light. This capability is particularly advantageous in the Mojave Desert, where nocturnal temperature drops can contrast the cooler ambient environment and the warmer bodies of potential prey.

The precision of this infrared detection system allows for highly accurate strikes, even when prey is partially concealed by vegetation or other environmental features. This adaptation is crucial for survival in the desert ecosystem, where prey availability may be limited, necessitating efficient and effective hunting strategies.

Mojave Rattlesnake

Sidewinder

Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

Cedar Springs

A tiny town, Cedar Springs, California, existed in the San Bernardino Mountains. Picture a quaint, peaceful village surrounded by towering trees and mountains, where residents go about their everyday routines. However, a major development occurred in the 1970s when engineers built a dam to form Silverwood Lake, resulting in the abandonment of all of Cedar Springs, which was ultimately submerged underwater.

There are no longer any homes or roads in the location once occupied by Cedar Springs; instead, a large and attractive lake now resides there. Silverwood Lake offers opportunities for individuals to fish, boat, camp, or enjoy the outdoors. Despite the town’s disappearance, its natural beauty remains, allowing one to envision what Cedar Springs was like when it was nestled in the mountains.