Facts For Kids

Category: Geography

  • Sydney Harbour Bridge Facts for Kids

    Sydney Harbour Bridge Facts for Kids

    It is a half-through arch bridge that connects the North Shore with Sydney central business district (CBD). Due to its unique design, it is often referred to as ‘The Coathanger’. The design of this bridge was conceived by Dorman Long and Co Ltd, a British firm based in Middlesbrough. On the opening parties of the bridge, almost one million people joined in to mark the celebration. At the time, the population of Sydney was 1.256 million. In order to lessen the burden of traffic on this bridge, the Sydney Harbor Tunnel was built and completed in 1992. It was constructed for the vehicles only.

    History

    • In 1815, the idea of constructing a bridge connecting north to the south was proposed by English-born architect Francis Greenway.
    • In 1840, another architect named Robert Brindley suggested for building a floating bridge.
    • About 1857, Peter Henderson was one of the first individuals to draw the bridge across Sydney harbor on paper.
    • In 1879, an idea for building a truss bridge was proposed.
    • At the north shore, 469 buildings had to be demolished for the bridge. No compensation was paid to those people.
    • The two sections of the arch met each other within less than two years in 1930. This event was marked by flying the flags of U.K. and Australia on 20 August.
    • In 1931, the connections for the power lines, water and drainage system were installed to this bridge.
    • On 15 January 1932, the last stone of the pylon at north-west was installed.
    • The first steam locomotive crossed the Harbour Bridge on 19 January, 1932.
    • During the construction of the bridge, sixteen labors died. Out of these, two workers died while going down from the bridge.
    • It was completed at a total cost of £6.25 million (Australian pound). The total amount was paid up to the year 1988.
    • At the opening of the bridge, a fleet of decorated vessels sailed below the bridge.
    • The toll charges for crossing the bridge vary from $2.50 to $4 depending on particular time of the day. However the vehicles that are heading north do not have to pay toll fees.
    • There are no charges for pedestrians and those riding bicycle.
    • At the 75th anniversary of Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 2007, almost 250,000 people participated. They were given bright yellow caps as souvenirs which were replaced at night with oranges ones with bright LEDs installed on them.

    The Bridge Facts

    • Its construction was started on 28 July 1923 and completed on 19 January 1932.
    • It consists of six original lanes of road traffic.
    • The total span of arch is 504 metres (1,654 feet) and its maximum height is 134 metres (440 feet) from sea level.
    • The total weight of the bridge is 52,800 tonnes.
    • The weight of arch is 39,000 tonnes.
    • Almost 79 percent of the steel used for this bridge came from England while the remaining 21 percent was imported from New South Wales.
    • Six million rivets are used in the bridge. The largest rivet was 39.5 cm (15.6 in).
    • There are two pylons on both ends of the arch. Each pylon is 89 metres (292 feet) high.

    Interesting Facts about Sydney Harbour Bridge

    • It is the world’s tallest bridge made up of steel arch. Its height from sea level is 134 metres (440 ft).
    • Until Port Mann Bridge of Vancouver was built in 2012, it was the widest long-span bridge in the world. The width of Sydney Harbour Bridge is 48.8 metres (160 feet).
    • It ranks sixth longest in the world among spanning-arch bridges.
    • The design of this bridge was based on the Hell Gate Bridge, which is a 310-metre long steel through arch bridge in New York City.
    • Mark Webber drove Williams-BMW Formula One over this bridge in 2005.
    • The painting of steelwork is the most important maintenance task of this bridge. The size of the steel that needs painting is almost 120 acres which is equal to sixty fields of soccer.
    • Among the workers who painted the bridge, one of the most prominent figures was Paul Hogan, an Australian actor and comedian.
    • Bradfield Highway is the main roadway. It is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long which makes it one of the country’s shortest highways.
    • When premier of New South Wales was about to cut the ribbon for officially opening the bridge, a man riding a horse dressed in military uniform went forward and cut the ribbon with his sword. He did so in the name of people of New South Wales. He was arrested for his effort. His name was Francis de Groot and was fined for £5.
    • It is allowed to herd livestock on the Bradfield Highway of this bridge which is why it is known as Travelling Stock Route. However, the timings for the movement of animals are reserved from midnight till dawn. Practically, this practice has not been undertaken for the last 50 years or so.
    • It is believed some workers became deaf in the latter half of their lives primarily because of unsafe conditions during construction.
    • During the Great Depression of 1930s, the building of Harbor Bridge was a relief for the workers because they got an employment. For that reason, this bridge had a nickname of ‘The Iron Lung’.

    Read more: Sydney Harbour Bridge Facts for Kids 

     

  • Tower Bridge Facts for Kids | Hallmark of London

    Tower Bridge Facts for Kids | Hallmark of London

    Tower Bridge is a suspension bridge of London. It has been an iconic symbol of this city as it passes over River Thames. It is a bascule bridge, which means it is moveable and gives way to boat traffic when required thanks to the upward swing of the bridge. Its maintenance and ownership is under a trust called Bridge House Estates. With the help of two horizontal walkways, the two bridge towers are attached on the upper side. At the bottom of both towers lay machinery that operates it.

    History

    • In 1977 on the eve of silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the bridge was painted with blue, red and white colors.
    • Architects submitted more than 50 designs for the design of this bridge.
    • The design given by Sir Horace Jones was approved in 1885. He was an architect but the idea of a bascule bridge was put forward by his engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry.

    Construction

    • The construction of this bridge began in 1887 and it was completed in eight years. It took 432 workers and five major contractors to complete it.
    • About 70,000 tons of concrete was used in two huge piers that gave massive support to the bridge.
    • The two towers and horizontal walkways were made up of 11,000 tons of steel.
    • The bridge was completed at a cost of £1,184,000 (£122 million – 2015).
    • The Prince of Wales along with his princess officially launched this bridge on 30 June, 1894.
    • The Horselydown Lane at the southern bank of the river is attached with its northern bank, Iron Gate. Today, Iron Gate is called Tower Bridge Approach and Horselydown Lane is known as Tower Bridge Road.
    • In 1974, the operating machinery of this bridge was modernized and modern electro-hydraulic drive system was put in place.
    • In order to move the bascules from a distant location, computer system was put in place in the year 2000. However in 2005, this system did not work very well and new sensors were installed instead.
    • The facelift of this bridge was started in April 2008 in order to strengthen it. It was completed in about four years at a cost of £4 million. It is estimated that due to this facelift, the bridge can now sustain for up to another 25 years. The bridge now illuminates at night in case exhibitions are held thanks to the installation of wonderful lighting system.

    Interesting Facts about Tower Bridge

    • The tower bridge has a length of 240 metres (800 feet).
    • The height of each tower is 65 metres (213 feet).
    • The length of central span is 61 metres (200 feet) and it is divided into two leaves (bascules) of equal length. Each of these two bascules can swing upward at an angle of 86 degrees so that boat sails easily under the bridge.
    • Each bascule weighs 1,000 tons and both of them are perfectly counterbalanced.
    • It takes about five minutes to raise bascules.
    • The side-spans on either side of the two towers are suspension bridges. The length of each side-span is 82 metres (270 feet).
    • The two horizontal walkways on top of the bridge are 44 metres (143 feet) high above the river.
    • Each day about 40,000 people go through this bridge.
    • There is a speed limit of 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) on this bridge.
    • The maximum weight allowed for the vehicles to cross over this bridge is 18 tons.
    • Every year the leaves are moved up for 1,000 times.

    If you are looking for some travel souvenirs, custom pin badges are a good choice. You can have the landmarks such as London Tower Bridge printed on the pin badges. Pin badges featuring iconic landmarks and places would be a great way to show off your love for a certain city or country,or to commemorate a special trip. They also make perfect mementos that can be worn or displayed in any collection.You can also send them away as gifts to your friends, family, or coworkers to remember all the wonderful places you have been!

    More Facts

    • The leaves of this bridge were raised under certain rules to allow the flow of river traffic. There were two red and two green lights installed on both piers. During night, red lights signaled the closure of the bridge while green light showed that bridge was open. In case when weather was foggy, a sound of ‘gong’ was produced. Likewise, the vessels beneath this bridge also had to give specific signals and sounds.
    • The two horizontal walkways became notorious for pickpockets and thus in 1910 these were closed for the public. There were stairs to climb up these walkways which were occasionally used by the pedestrians.
    • Before this bridge, in order to cross the river from Tower Hill to Tooley Street, Tower Subway was the only route that would take minimum time. It is located 400 metres on the western side.
    • Tower Subway was one of the oldest tube railways of the world. It was launched in 1870 but shut down only after three months. However, this tunnel was opened again for the pedestrians.
    • In 1898, Tower Subway had to be shut down because pedestrians started going through the Tower Bridge (after its opening) which left this underground tunnel with no income at all.

    Tower bridge at night

     

  • River Thames Facts – The Longest River in England

    River Thames Facts – The Longest River in England

    River Thames is the longest river in England and the second longest river in the United Kingdom with a length of about 215 miles. It flows through southern England, starting from Gloucestershire Cotswolds to North Sea. It passes through eight English counties and flow alongside some of the major towns and cities such as Oxford, Richmond, Kingston upon Thames, Henley-on-Thames, Reading, Windsor and finally through the center of London before falling into the North Sea. River Thames is a very important river in England, it is favourite spot for peaceful weekend evening, fishing, boating, trail hikers and water sports. We have gathered complete set of River Thames Facts to help you learn all about it.

    River Thames Facts

    How long is the river Thames?

    • The length of River Thames from its source (Gloucestershire Cotswolds) to North Sea is 215 miles (346 km)
    • The non-tidal part of Thames is 147 miles while the tidal part of Thames is 55 miles.

    Facts and Figures

    • There are total 45 locks at River Thames. Locks help in boat navigation where the level of the water is not the same.
    • The floodplain area of the river is about 896 km square.
    • There are 29 bridges over the tidal Thames and 75 bridges over the non-tidal Thames.
    • It flows through 16 main cities and key towns.
    • About 20 tunnels exists that cross the River Thames including the  the world’s first ever underwater tunnel built in 1843.
    • The non-tidal part of Thames is from the source to Teddington. It is about 147 miles (237 km). The river falls for about 342 feet when it travels from the source to Teddington.
    • The part of the river from Teddington to the North Sea is called the tidal part of Thames which is 55 miles in length.
    • About 60 active shipping terminals exists on the tidal part of the Thames.
    • Every year about 300,000 tonnes of sediment is carried by the River Thames from its source to the sea.
    • About 8 meters change occurs in the water level of the river.
    • The tidal part of Thames receives high tides up to 24 feet.
    • The world’s second largest floating barrier, Thames Barrier, is situated at river Thames. It was constructed in 1974 at Woolwich to control floods and storm surges.

    How wide is the river Thames?

    The river widens as it flows downstream from its source to the sea.

    • At Lechlade it is 18 meters
    • 76 meters at Oxford
    • 100 meters at Teddington,
    • 265 meters at London Bridge
    • 448 meters at Woolwich
    • 732 meters at Gravesend
    • about 10 kilometers at Nore Light.
    • At the Estuary(where the river falls into the sea) the river width stretches to 29 kilometers.

    Flow of River Thames:

    The water flow speeds up down the stream (towards the sea) of the river Thames. It is due to the addition of more water from the different tributaries that join the river on its way.

    • The flow speed at Buscot is about 176 million gallons/day.
    • 790 million gallons/day at Reading
    • About 1,253 million gallons/day at Kingston.

    The Name Thames

    • The name Thames has been derived from the word Temese which is a Celtic word for river.
    • The river is known as River Isis at Oxford.

    Where does the river Thames start – Source of River Thames

    • There are two sources: Thames Head and Seven Springs
    • The  first source of the river is called is called the Thames Head which is situated at southern Gloucestershire, in the Cotswolds near a town called Cirencester.
    • The second source is Seven Springs, where river Chum falls into Thames. It is situated near Cheltenham.
    • The water flow is seasonal at the springs of Thames Head while at Seven Springs it flows all year around.
    • River Thames get water from 18 major river catchments.

    Islands in River Thames

    • From Kent to Oxfordshire there are total of more than 190 islands in the River Thames.
    • 45 of these islands have people living in them in small settlements.
    • These islands are called Aits or Eyots.

    Wildlife at River Thames

    • The tidal Thames has more than 100 species of fish while the non-tidal Thames hosts more than 25 species of coarse fish.  Among the Freshwater fish the most prominent are flounder, barbel, bleak, pike, perch, roach, chub, dace and brown trout.
    • The estuary of the Thames is home to aquatic mammals such as the gray and harbour seals where they breed and nurse their young ones.
    • About 350 species of invertebrates that live at the bottom of the river exists at the river Thames.
    • During summer and autumn Bottlenose Dolphins and Harbour porpoises also visits the estuary of the Thames.
    • Otter and water vole are also found in the river.
    • Thames is home to various bird species which include herring gull, cormorant,black-headed gull, great crested grebe, , moorhen, kingfisher, coot, heron, Mallard duck, Mandarin duck, Wood duck, Egyptian geese, bar-headed geese, Canadian geese mute swan and black swan. The mute swan are very common and black swan is rarely seen now.
    • A ceremony of Swan Upping is held every year in which the swans at river Thames are counted and tagged.
    • About 46 different areas has been internationally designated as Special Protection Areas and Areas of Conservation at the Thames River Basin.

    Main Attractions

    • It has a national trail called Thames Path which is about 184 miles (296 km) and follows the river from its source. It is the longest riverside walk in the whole Europe.
    • The river is favourite place for sporting and leisure activities such as fishing, rowing, canoeing and boat trips.
    • The areas of the North Wessex Downs, The Kent Downs and The Cotswolds where the river crosses are well known for their amazing natural beauty.

    River Thames in Literature

      • The river Thames is such an important part of the life of the people of England that it has been featured in the their literature.
      • River Thames has always been a dank, stinking sludge and crime scene in the novels of Charles Dickens.
    • Three Men in a Boat, Alice in Wonderland and The Wind in the Willows all featured river Thames in them.

    Learn more: England Facts For Kids

  • Angel Falls Facts for Kids | World’s Highest Waterfall

    Angel Falls Facts for Kids | World’s Highest Waterfall

    Located in a jungle in Bolívar State of Venezuela, the angel falls is clearly one of the most fascinating sights to watch. The height of angel falls makes it the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. The angel falls gets its name in the 20th century. The waterfall is named after an American aviator called Jimmie Angel. He was the first person who saw this waterfall by flying over it on November 18, 1933. When Jimmie Angel died in 1956, the ashes of his dead body were spread out all over the angel falls as per his wishes. Today, Venezuela has become one of the leading countries for tourism across the world thanks to angel falls. However, it is not a piecemeal to get there. Let’s explore more about this waterfall in detail!

    Name of Discoverer: Jimmie Angel

    Height: 979 metres (3,212 feet)

    Plunge: 807 metres (2,648 feet)

    Name

    • In Spanish, the angel falls is known as Salto Ángel which also bears the name of its discoverer.
    • The name of this waterfall was changed in 2009. The government of Venezuela decided to give it the indigenous name in Pemon language called Kerepakupai Vená. This word means ‘waterfall of the deepest place’.
    • It is also called Parakupá Vená which means ‘the fall from the highest point’.
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    Geography

    • The mountain from where it drops is called Auyán-tepui. This tepui (table top mountain) is one of the largest and most visited tepuis of the world.
    • The angel falls drops into Canaima National Park which is Venezuela’s second biggest park.
    • The tepui of angel falls is located in a region called La Gran Sabana in southeastern Venezuela. In English this region is known as ‘The Great Savanna’.

    History

    • In 1933, an American aviator named Jimmie Angel flew over this waterfall for the first time.
    • On October 9, 1937, Jimmie Angel went to this waterfall for the second time but the wheels of his plane got stuck in the mud during landing. He was accompanied by his wife and two others. They had to come down from the tepui on their feet and reached the city in about 11 days. The plane remained at the top of the tepui for about 33 years when in 1970 military helicopters finally brought it back.
    • The first European who saw this waterfall is thought to be Sir Walter Raleigh. However, some historians claim that the first European to spot it was a Spanish discoverer named Fernando de Berrío.
    • The records of the Venezuelan discoverer named Ernesto Sánchez La Cruz reveals that he saw this waterfall back in 1912. However, he did not advertize it.
    • Alexander Laime is the first individual to reach angel falls on his feet. He was born in Latvia and in 1946, he was able to reach angel falls on his own. He is also the first person to make it to the upper side of this waterfall.
    • A trail that goes from Churun River to the base of angel falls is also straightened for the first time by Laime. There is also a viewpoint on this trail from where tourists take photographs of this waterfall. In honor of its explorer, this viewpoint is named after him i.e. Mirador Laime which means ‘Laime’s Viewpoint’.
    • On 13 May, 1949, the height of angel falls was officially determined through an expedition supervised by American journalist named Ruth Robertson.
    • The first attempt to mount the tepui from its face was made in 1968. However, since it was a wet season and the rocks were slippery, the attempt went in vain.
    • On 13 January, 1971, the first successful ascend was made from the face of the cliff. It took the climbers 9 days plus a half day more to climb to the top of angel falls.

     

     

  • Empire State Building Facts for Kids

    Empire State Building Facts for Kids

    Located in midtown of New York City, this skyscraper has 102 stories. The empire state building is a cultural icon of USA. It is built on a design known as Art Deco style. On 1 May, 1931, the button for the lights of the empire state building was pressed by US President Herbert Hoover. It used to be the only skyscraper that had more than one hundred floors. The outdoor observatory of this building is one of the most famous in the world. It is one of the tallest freestanding structures in Americas. Let’s explore more about this wonderful architecture!

    Date of Start: March 17, 1930

    Date of Completion: April 11, 1931

    Height of building: 381 m (1,250 feet)

    Height of building (including pinnacle): 1,453 feet

    Height of pinnacle: 62 m (203 feet)

    Number of windows: 6,500

    Number of elevators: 73

    Total number of steps: 1,860

    Area (base of the building): 2 acres

    Stories: 102

    Number of businesses: 1,000

    Number of employees: 21,000

    Completion time: 1 year and 45 days

    Total cost: $40,948,900

    Design: Art Deco

    Interesting Facts about Empire State Building

    • The New York State is sometimes known by its nickname i.e. the Empire State. This building is named after it.
    • The empire state building was the tallest skyscraper in the world until 1954 when it was outshined by Griffin Television Tower Oklahoma.
    • In 1970, the north tower of the original World Trade Center surpassed this building as the world’s tallest.
    • The completion of One World Trade Center building in 2013 makes it the tallest in New York by surpassing Empire State building.
    • It ranks fifth among the tallest buildings of USA.
    • In terms of pinnacle height, the building is ranked 4th among the country’s tallest skyscrapers.
    • It is among one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
    • In 1986, the building was named as the National Historic Landmark.
    • It ranks at the top of America’s Favorite Architecture.
    • It ranks 29th among the tallest buildings of the world.

    More Facts

    • The repair of the empire state building in 2010 cost $550 million.
    • About 3,400 European workers were engaged in the construction. Five workers lost their lives during the construction.
    • The building did not start making profits until 1950.
    • In 1951, Roger L. Stevens along with his partners purchased this building at $51 million, which was the highest amount paid at that time in the history of the real-estate business.
    • On 28 July, 1945, a plane was crashed into the empire state building. In this accident, 14 people lost their lives.
    • When the plane crashed, Betty Lou Oliver was inside the elevator and had a freefall of 75 stories. As luck would have it, he was survived. It is a world record and designated in the Guinness World Record as longest survived in the dive of elevator.
    • In 1946, another incident of plane crash into the Empire State building was about to happen but this time missed it.
    • About 30 people have attempted suicide from the upper parts of this building.
    • The first man to commit suicide from this building was the worker who was engaged in its construction. At the time, the construction was not completed as yet but the man was laid off from the work, so he committed suicide.
    • The building houses just about 21,000 workers which ranks it at the second position of single office complex in USA. The office having maximum number of employees working every day in USA is Pentagon.
    • From first floor to the 80th floor, the elevator takes less than one minute.
    • The floodlights at the top of the empire state building were installed in 1964.

    Learn: New York Facts

     

  • North America Facts For Kids | History, Geography, People

    North America Facts For Kids | History, Geography, People

    North America is one of the largest continents in the world—third only to Asia and Africa. The America is not only rich in wild animals it also tells us facts about the long history of indigenous people including the European colonization. The North America’s land mass consists of Republic of Mexico, Canada, and United States.

    North America Facts For Kids

    People might have started living in the North America as early as 40,000 – 17,000 ago.

    France, Spain, and Great Britain divided the continent. Spanish were the first Europeans to colonize the America. They began to settle in America in 1519.

    North America is thought to lie at the northern landmass which is also called Western Hemisphere.

    The Isthmus of Panama is the only landmass that connects North America to South America.

    Some of the largest water bodies of continent include the Gulf of Mexico, Hudson Bay, Gulf of California, and Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

    Prominent among the islands in North America are Arctic Archipelago, Aleutian Islands, Alexander Archipelago, Bahamas, Lesser and Greater Antilles.

    There are three main languages that the people in North America usually speak. These are English, French, and Spanish.

    The only religion that prevails in North America is Christianity. Canada however is a bilingual country. The largest concentration of Christians is in the United States.

    There are 23 countries in the continent.

    The total population of North America is about 565,265,000.

    The total area occupied is about 24,709,000 km2 (9,540,000 sq mi).

    The largest country in the North America is United States with Mexico to follow and then Canada.

    The largest river in the North America is the Mississippi River.

  • Rocky Mountain National Park Facts | Geography, Flora & Fauna, Climate

    Rocky Mountain National Park Facts | Geography, Flora & Fauna, Climate

    The Rocky Mountain National Park lies in the northern Colorado. It is thought to occupy 1,040 square kilometers of land. The park offers one of the magnificent hiking trails that include alpine lakes, flower-studded valleys, and summer assaults which can be challenging even for expert climbers. Every year it attracts more than 3 million visitors. It is the highest park in the United States.

    Rocky Mountain National Park Facts

    Geography

    The elevation between the highest summit and the valley floor is about 6,000 feet. If a mountaineer hikes 1,000 feet he feels a drop in temperature of about 3o F. On land however the difference of 3o F is typically experienced when one travels 600 miles northward.

    There are three climate zones of the national park. These are montane (7,000 – 9,500 feet), subalpine (9,500 – 11,000 feet), alpine (above 11,000 feet).

    The total area of the Rocky Mountain National Park is about 265,761 acres (1,075.50 km2). The western side of the park is more likely to be green and wet as compared to the eastern side which is dry. There are dense forests in the western side of the park.

    The total area of all trails is 578 km while streams cover 720 km.

    The park contains as many as 150 total lakes and 72 peaks.

    Long Peak is the highest peak with the height averaging 14,259 feet (4,346 m) above sea level.

    The park also offers many glaciers along with snowfields that remain white all year round. This includes Moomaw Glaciers, Tyndall, Rowe, Andrews, Mills, Taylor, and Sprague.

    Depending on the altitude each mountain receives annual precipitation of less than 20 inches. The western mountains receive more rainfall than the eastern slope.

    Wild Plants

    The Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. There are flowers all over the tundra that welcomes the summer as well as spotted coralroot that grows along the way.

    Park also contains many woody plants but it is mainly rich in conifers. Prominent among conifers are the lodgepole pine, the Englemann spruce, the Colorado blue spruce, the picturesque limber pine, and the ponderosa pine.

    Douglas fir is also found in large numbers. These true firs add to the beauty of the park.

    While the park is abundant in conifers, it nevertheless offers magnificent deciduous trees and shrubs especially those that lie below 9,500 feet. These trees include cottonwoods, balsam poplars, and willows.

    The mountain ash is also found in the park. During spring white flowers are seen and in fall scarlet berries grow everywhere. In autumn red-twigged dogwoods, mountain maple, shrubby willows, and river birch cover the snowy landscape.

    Flowers of the national park are blanketflower, Colorado Columbine, marsh-marigold, groundsel, parry primrose, Cow parsnip, Moss campion. Northern paintbrush, subalpine daisy, wild rose, horse mint, western wallflower, cinquefoil, and pearly everlasting.

    Wild Animals

    One cannot ignore the overwhelming contribution of wild animals to the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. The calls of different birds move along the wind ranging from mountain chickadee, white-tailed ptarmigan, to a large golden eagle. Other birds that breed along the park are Steller’s jay, gray jay, wrens, assorted sparrows, warblers, juncos, hard-headed hammers, mad-cap hammers, daffy dippers, and Clark’s nutcracker.

    The park is also home to many medium-size mammals. Common among these animals are deer, elk, coyote, and fox. They are likely to be found at dusk and at low altitudes. Bighorn sheep may be seen at higher peaks. Yellow-bellied marmot and pika are also found along the Chasm Lake.

    Some of the squirrels and chipmunk species are also found in the park. Animals such as mountain lions and black bears are seen in rarity.

    Although there are dense forests in the park yet it does not have a single poisonous snake.

    Climate of the Rocky Mountain National Park

    The hottest months on the national park are July and August. Thunderstorms also occur but they mainly appear above the tree line. Heavy snow falls from October to April.

    Snow is deep at a height of about 9,000 feet above the sea level and it remains there throughout the year. However at lower elevations the snow mostly melts during summer.

    Cool Facts about the Rocky Mountain National Park

    The only lake that lies in the heart of the national park is Bear Lake. It is also the most familiar tourist resort.

    The national park has been attracting tourists for as early as 11,000 years ago.

    Learn more at : Colorado Facts for Kids

  • Mount Kilimanjaro Facts For Kids | Highest Peak of Africa

    Mount Kilimanjaro Facts For Kids | Highest Peak of Africa

    The Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the largest mountain in Africa it is also the world’s tallest freestanding mountain reaching 19,340 feet above the sea level. The meaning of Kilimanjaro means the ‘Mountain of Greatness’. It is the most familiar snow-capped mountain throughout the Africa. Currently, it is a stratovolcano and the mount lies in northern Tanzania.

    Facts

    • The Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak of Africa being covered in snow all year round.
    • There are three volcanic summits of Kilimanjaro and these are Mawenzi, Kibo, and Shira.
    • The mountain has a large crater in its rim. The length of the crater is about one mile while the depth averages 1,000 feet (305 m).
    • It has inspired climbers for centuries. The mount is a real challenge not only for new adventurers but also for the expert climbers. Having said so, very few people have managed to ascend to the very top.
    • The indigenous people are thought to be first one to climb and so were the European adventurers who began climbing 300 years ago.
    • According to a rough estimate, every year about 30,000 aspiring climbers attempt to conquer it however only 50 – 60% could manage to do so.
    • Johannes Rebmann was the first European to have climbed the Kilimanjaro. He was a German-Swedish missionary.
    • Prominent among the local tribes are Wachagga and Chagga. These tribes live in the surroundings of Kilimanjaro. It is extremely hard for mountaineers to get to the summit Kibo without the local guide because these guides are pretty much familiar to all the terrains of the mountain.
    • According to the local people, Yohani Kinyala Lauwo is the first person to ascend the Mount Kilimanjaro. Locals tell the stories of Kinyala that the boy was so eager even in his childhood that he could spend his time exploring the mountain forest or sliding through the slopes. However authentic this may be the first person to ascend the Kilimanjaro Mountain is Hans Meyer. Hans ascent the mountain in October 1889.
    • The width of Kibo is about 15 miles (24 km).
    • Karl Egloff holds the current record of the fastest ascent and descent from the Mount Kilimanjaro. He took 6 hours and 43 minutes to complete the mission. He held the record since 13 August 2014.
    • The fastest climber in females is Anne-Marie Flammersfeld. She finished off in 8 hours and 32 minutes. The record occurred in July 2015.
    • Keats Boyd is the youngest climber to ascend the mountain. He was only 7 years of age when he summited in 2008.

     

  • Arctic Facts For Kids | Animals, Plants, People, Weather

    Arctic Facts For Kids | Animals, Plants, People, Weather

    The Arctic is home to many animals and humans especially those that have adapted to living in extreme cold climates. No wonder it is one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth that is covered almost entirely with ice sheets. The ice is just about everywhere and remains there for millions of years. The Arctic lies at the northernmost tip of the earth and it touches many countries ranging from Alaska, Greenland to as far Russia.

    Arctic Facts For Kids

    Climate & Weather

    • The place where ice rules all year round explains everything about its weather. People living in the Arctic know it all too well and so do Arctic animals. But the climate differs from one region to the other. That is to say if in Russia the temperature reaches 0o C the Canadian arctic shows -16.2o
    • Similarly the one that touches the United States’ territory (Alaska) has temperature of about -12.2o C while that of Iceland averages 4o C in mean temperature. It shows that while the overall behavior of the Arctic is below zero degrees Celsius the temperature is not the same throughout the polar region.
    • The Arctic Ocean has the lowest temperature of about -18o However the cold Arctic’s weather may be it receives less than 50 cm (20 in) of precipitation per year. The land of ice receives precipitation in the form of snow. The maximum lowest temperature recorded of Arctic land is about −68 °C (−90 °F).

    Plants in the Arctic

    • There are around 177 plants species in the Arctic region which is only 3% of the total number of recognized plants in the world. This is probably due to the extreme weather conditions which however are suitable for many animals may not be appropriate for plants to grow.
    • Prominent among the Arctic plants include lichens, mosses, graminoids, dwarf shrubs, and herbs.
    • The wide expanse of the Arctic land does not have a single tree. In some areas, the shrubs grow as high as 6 feet. High Arctic vegetation such as this is less likely to grow in the coldest parts.

    Arctic Animals

    • The Arctic is arguably one of the most hostile lands for most animals. Still it is home to many large to medium-size herbivorous mammals including muskox, Arctic hare, caribou, wolf, Arctic fox, and lemming.
    • There are only 20 fish species recognized in the Arctic waters. Unique among these are Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and salmon (Salmo salar).
    • It is also home to as many as 60 seabird species. While some of them are migratory others are permanent residents. It means that Arctic holds the largest population of the seabirds.
    • While muskox is the probably the largest herbivorous land mammal of the Arctic polar bear is the largest carnivorous land mammal.
    • Other animals include snowy owl, Arctic ground squirrels, walrus, narwhals, belugas, baleen whales, wolverine, orcas, and ermines.

    People & Population

    • The total population of the Arctic is 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 but due to the fact that the Arctic’s territory is not properly divided it is hard to count the number of people.
    • The Arctic population includes all humans those that were the first to arrive called indigenous people and those which have settled because of their occupation, still others that visit Arctic only to hunt wild animals.

    Cool Facts about the Arctic

    • Although it has harsh and cold climate yet studies show that people might have been living on the Arctic for as long as 20,000 years.
    • Thanks to the Arctic which supplies one-fifth of the total freshwater of the Earth.
    • There are 8 Arctic nations in the world; Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, United States, Norway, Canada, Finland, and Russia.
    • There are 9 Arctic seas including Kara Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, Laptev Sea, Norwegian Sea, Greenland Sea, Bering Sea, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and East Siberian Sea.
    • The total area of the Arctic Ocean is about 14,000,000 square kilometers.
    • The total area that wetlands cover is about 3,500,000 square kilometers.
    • Arctic is a land of many marine fossils, flat plateaus, large glaciers, and rugged uplands.
    • Arctic supplies freshwater through its streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, and peatlands. The small lakes or ponds freeze in winter while the large water bodies flow all year round.

    Learn more:

    • Arctic Ocean Facts for Kids
  • Air Pollution for Kids | Types, Sources and Effects

    Air Pollution for Kids | Types, Sources and Effects

    Smoke is one of the forms of air pollution. Various natural sources emit smoke into the atmosphere. Humans are mainly responsible for making the air dirty because man-made activities result in producing a large amount of hazardous substances in the air. These substances are so toxic that they actually change the composition of gases in the atmosphere.

    Thus, air pollution can be defined as poisonous substances (gases or liquids) that exist in the atmosphere in so large a quantity that they are harmful for living organisms including humans.

    Air Pollution for Kids | Types of Air Pollutants

    1. Primary
    2. Secondary

    Primary Air Pollutants

    Carbon oxides

    The two gases collectively known as carbon oxides are named as carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

    Carbon dioxide is a major source of global warming.

    Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas with no smell. It is extremely toxic for humans because it inhibits breathing. When you inhale carbon monoxide, your blood will be unable to carry oxygen.

    Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

    When chemicals like nitrogen and oxygen combine as a result of burning of fuel, gases in the form of nitrogen oxides are produced.

    Nitrogen oxides are very harmful for the growth of various plants. When humans sniff nitrogen oxides, these can make their health issues even worse.

    One of the ingredients of nitrogen oxide is nitrous oxide (N2O), which is causing global warming and is also reducing ozone from the atmosphere. Nitrogen oxide also wears away metals.

    Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

    Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a very strong aroma. When chemicals like sulfur and oxygen combine in the air, they give rise to gases called sulfur oxides. These gases eat away buildings, stones and metals through corrosion.

    Particulate matter (dust and mist)

    These are tiny particles of solid and liquid hanging in the atmosphere like particles of soil, salt of seawater, soot, small drops of sulfuric acid and the like.

    They spread out rays coming down from the sun and also have the capacity to absorb them.

    That’s why people living in countryside tend to receive more sunlight as compare to cities because the dust particles exist in greater quantities over cities. During damp conditions, these particles wear away buildings and metals. As compare to larger particles, smaller ones are even more harmful because humans breathe in and carry them into their lungs.

    Hydrocarbons

    As the name suggests, these compounds consist of hydrogen and carbon.

    Methane (CH4) is a hydrocarbon gas. It is a colorless gas and it is a very important ingredient of natural gas. It is also one of the main gases causing global warming.

    Benzene is another example of liquid hydrocarbons.

    Not all hydrocarbons are harmful for humans but few of them can cause cancer.

    Secondary Air Pollutants

    Ozone (O3)

    Ozone is a component of oxygen. It performs a very important function in stratosphere (an upper layer of atmosphere) because it blocks harmful Ultraviolet radiation (UV) of sunlight from reaching the earth’s surface. This way it protects us. But it is also present in the lowermost layer of the atmosphere (called troposphere) as an air pollutant. The radiation of the sun allows hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides to react with each other, thus emitting ozone. It is a source of creating health problems and diminishes one’s ability to see clearly in the air. It is also very harmful for the growth of plants and agricultural crops. It is one of the main causes of global warming too.

    Sulfur trioxide (SO3)

    As sulfur dioxide comes into contact with oxygen (in the air), sulfur trioxide is produced. It is an air pollutant.

    Various acids

    When sulfur trioxide (SO3) combines with water (H2O), they give rise to sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Sulfuric acid is also a secondary air pollutant.

    Sources of Air Pollution

    Natural Sources

    Apart from man-made sources, there are some natural sources that are constantly causing air pollution. The volcanoes release small particles into the atmosphere in the form of sulfur oxides and other dust particles.

    Some of the hydrocarbons released by plants into the atmosphere also change the percentage of gases in the air (thus causing air pollution). These hydrocarbons are produced on heating of leaves and then combine with substances in the air.

    Man-made Sources

    The major sources of air pollutants in the air are burning of fuel in industries like power plants and the release of harmful gases by the vehicles. The power plants produce sulfur oxides, ash and nitrogen oxides. The burning of trees in a forest produces a large amount of smoke and contributes to air pollution.

    Stationary Sources

    Power plants

    Mobile Sources

    Diesel trucks

    Cars

    Heavy vehicles used for building and construction

    The dust (particulate matter) released by 150 vehicles combined is equal to the dust released by the engine of just one heavy truck.

    Trains

    An engine of a diesel train releases 10 times more dust than single engine of a diesel truck.

    Tractors

    Percentage of Contribution to Air Pollution

    Vehicles | 57 percent

    Burning of fuel | 21 percent

    Industries | 12 percent

    Others | 10 percent

    Effects of Air Pollution

    Air pollutants:

    • damage living organisms;
    • decrease one’s ability to see clearly through the air;
    • wear away buildings, metals, stones and clothing;
    • are very harmful for respiratory tracts of humans (and other living organisms);
    • cause redness in the eyes of humans;
    • make health problems worse like those relating to lungs and pneumonia;
    • injure immune system of humans that fight against the bacteria and protects us from getting sick;
    • decrease the growth of plants and crops
    • cause global warming and destroy ozone (from the stratosphere which protects us from harmful UV sunlight rays)
  • Layers of the Atmosphere for Kids

    Layers of the Atmosphere for Kids

    The atmosphere of the earth is made up of a mixture of gases. This pool of gases behaves like a ‘filter’ and saves us from harmful radiation of the sun. In a group, these atmospheric gases behave as one unit which we label it as air. Since gravitational force of the earth attracts everything downward, the atmosphere carries its own weight as a result of this pull of gravity. Molecules in the air move randomly in all directions and this motion exerts pressure on all objects that come into contact with it. This pressure is known as atmospheric pressure. Near the earth’s surface, molecules of air are packed together and so the spaces between them are reduced, becoming denser. At the same time, the density of air decreases with the increase in altitude which is why a person feels difficulty in respiration as soon as he goes up.

    Our atmosphere is divided into a number of layers based on chemical composition, temperature and function. Let’s discuss each of them.

    Almost 99 percent of the weight of atmosphere lies within an altitude of about 30 km (20 miles).

    Layers of the Atmosphere in relation to Chemical Composition

    The atmosphere is divided into two regions i.e.,

    1. Heterosphere
    2. Homosphere

    Heterosphere

    1. It is the outer region of the atmosphere.
    2. Starting from exosphere (also known as outer sphere), it comes down to about 80 km (50 miles) above the earth’s surface. An exosphere is almost a vacuum.
    3. This layer holds less than 0.001% of the entire mass of atmosphere.
    4. The upper part of this layer is within the orbit of International Space Station (ISS). Majority of the Space Shuttles also revolve inside heterosphere.
    5. The mixture of gases is unevenly distributed in the heterosphere.
    6. The upper heterosphere contains lightest elements like hydrogen and helium. Likewise, the lower part has heavier elements like nitrogen and oxygen.

    Homosphere

    1. It lies beneath the heterosphere.
    2. It extends from 80 km (50 miles) downwards up to the surface of the earth.
    3. The mixture of gases is almost uniformly distributed in the homosphere.
    4. The density of gases varies quickly inside this layer.

    Gases in the Homosphere (% age by volume)

    Nitrogen (N2) | 78 %

    Oxygen (O2) | 21 %

    Argon (Ar) | 1 %

    Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 0.04%

    Layers of the Atmosphere in relation to Temperature

    The earth’s atmosphere is in the form of layers and each layer has distinctive temperature properties. Starting from lowest to highest altitude, these layers are:

    1. Troposphere
    2. Stratosphere
    3. Mesosphere
    4. Thermosphere

    Earth's temperature layers - Layers of the earth for kids

    Troposphere

    1. It is the lowermost layer of the earth.
    2. The boundary of troposphere varies. At the equator, this layer extends up to 18 km as a result of high temperature whereas at the poles, it ends at about 8 km (5 miles) above the surface of the earth.
    3. It is the principal layer where all life (layer of biosphere) exists.
    4. About 90 percent of the mass of atmosphere lie in this region.
    5. Almost all the water vapors and clouds exist here.
    6. It is this layer of the atmosphere where weather exists.
    7. The temperature of air and density of oxygen molecules decreases with the increase in altitude within troposphere.
    8. The uppermost limit of troposphere is called tropopause (the suffix ‘pause’ meaning ‘to change’). Here the temperature is about -57oC (-70oF)

    Troposphere - Layers of the earth for kids

    Stratosphere

    1. This layer starts from 18 km above the earth’s surface and goes up to 50 km (11 to 31 miles).
    2. The uppermost boundary of stratosphere is called stratopause. Here the temperature is about 0oC (32oF).

    Mesosphere

    1. This layer starts from 50 km and ends at 80 km (30 to 50 miles).
    2. It lies inside the homosphere.
    3. The outermost boundary of mesosphere is known as mesopause.
    4. Mesopause is the most freezing region of atmosphere. The temperature here is about -90oC (-130oF).

    Mesosphere - Layers of the earth for kids

    Thermosphere

    1. This layer is also known as heat sphere.
    2. The outermost boundary of thermosphere is called thermopause.
    3. The temperature of this layer is very high, extending up to about 1200oC (2200oF).
    4.  In reality, thermosphere is not that hot as it appears.

    Thermosphere - Layers of the earth for kids

    Layers of the Atmosphere in relation to Function

    1. Ionosphere
    2. Ozonosphere (ozone layer)

    Ionosphere

    1. It is the outer layer.
    2. It is present all over thermosphere layer and also goes toward the layer beneath it i.e. mesosphere.
    3. It receives and absorbs quite a number of rays from the sun. The names of these rays are:
    • Ultra violet radiation (shorter wavelengths)
    • Gamma rays
    • X-rays
    • Cosmic rays

    This layer absorbs these rays and then changes the atoms to the ions that are charged positively.

    Ozonosphere

    1. It is part of stratosphere layer.
    2. This layer has high level of ozone. Ozone consists of three atoms of oxygen (O3) and absorbs ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet radiation is very harmful for living organisms and ozone protects life on earth by absorbing these rays.
  • Greenhouse Effect for Kids | Meaning and Causes

    Greenhouse Effect for Kids | Meaning and Causes

    In 1824, the process of greenhouse effect was first noticed by a French physicist named Joseph Fourier. He was the first scientist to consider that the atmosphere of our planet may be similar to that of an insulator that reflects the earth’s radiation back toward its surface. The average temperature on the earth is about 57­oF. In the absence of greenhouse effect, this temperature may come down as low as -2.2oF, which is an icy cold temperature. Venus and Mars are two other planets that also show signs of greenhouse effect. The surface of Venus is surrounded by an atmosphere of carbon dioxide gas which is a greenhouse gas and warms up the temperature. Let’s learn about it in greenhouse effect for kids!

    If there were no greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, all life on earth would burn to a crisp in daytime and freeze up during hours of darkness.

    The light coming down from the Sun is in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This solar radiation is in the form of:

    1. Ultraviolet light (UV);
    2. Infrared Rays (IR); and
    3. Visible light
    • The UV light is normally invisible to the human eye. They have shorter wavelengths as compare to visible light.
    • The IR is an invisible light. It has a longer wavelength than light rays (visible light). About 50 percent of the radiation from the Sun consists of infrared light. Besides, a large portion of radiation given off by surfaces of warm objects is in the form of infrared rays.
    • When solar radiation is blocked by the clouds in the atmosphere of the earth, it falls on the earth’s surface as ‘diffused light’.
    • When solar radiation is not blocked by the atmospheric clouds or other air particles, it falls down on earth as ‘sunshine’.

    What is the Greenhouse Effect and how does it work

    The earth is surrounded by a layer of atmosphere. The atmospheric layer is composed of different gases and like a ‘protective shield’, they keep our atmosphere warm in order to support life on earth. This layer of atmosphere traps the solar radiation inside. The continuous sunlight heats up the earth’s surface. As a result, this heated surface emits infrared rays and these emitted-rays have a longer wavelength as compare to the sunlight absorbed by it. Now that most of these rays are reflected by the atmosphere back to the lower part of the atmosphere while some of these rays are again absorbed by the earth. Like so, the solar radiation is locked in the atmosphere and raise up the temperature. Actually, the molecules present in these gases regulate the temperature and do not allow the heat of the sun to break out. This phenomenon is referred to as greenhouse effect. The word ‘greenhouse’ comes from the greenhouse garden center for nurturing plants. Likewise, these atmospheric gases are known as greenhouse gases because they do not block the solar radiation (in the form of visible light) but traps the long-wave radiation emitted by the earth’s surface and prevent them from escaping into space.

    Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming | Greenhouse Effect for Kids

    • The earth’s atmosphere reflects back 30 percent of the solar radiation coming down from the sun and 70 percent of it is allowed to reach on earth.
    • Almost half of the solar energy present in the atmosphere is absorbed by the surface of the earth. The other half is either absorbed by the atmosphere or reflected back by it and re-radiate it toward the earth.
    • As temperature of the earth’s surface reaches 255 K, the wavelength of infrared rays emitted by it ranges from 4 to 100 μm. Greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere tend to absorb rays of such wavelengths. Atmosphere is composed of different layers and greenhouse gases present in the upper layer tend to absorb the heat emitted by the lower layers. These gases do not absorb all of the heat released by the lower layers. When gases (on the upper layers) absorb this heat, once more they radiate it to the lower layers as well as the layers above them. As a result, the temperature below these layers gets warmer. Like so, as the amount of greenhouse gases increase, the absorbing power of atmospheric layers also rise and thus they radiate more heat downwards leading to a rise in surface temperature.

    What are the main Greenhouse Gases | Causes of Greenhouse Effect

    Greenhouse gases have the capacity to release as well as absorb infrared rays. The primary gases present in the atmosphere are nitrogen, oxygen and argon. They make up almost 99 percent of the total atmospheric gases. But these gases are not labeled as ‘greenhouse gases’ because unlike greenhouse gases, they do not have the capability to take in and afterwards release infrared radiation.

    The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are:

    Water vapor | It is invisible and forms by the process of evaporation. Its weight is less than that of air. It contributes about 36 to 70 percent to the greenhouse effect.

    Carbon dioxide (CO2)| It is a gas in the atmosphere. When all the living organisms exhale air (in the process of respiration), carbon dioxide is given off. Likewise, plants also emit carbon dioxide during night. The concentration of this gas in the air is about 0.04 percent. More than 50 percent of the carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere is released by the vehicles and other means of transport on earth. It contributes about 9 to 26 percent to the greenhouse effect. During photosynthesis, plants and trees inhale carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Thus, we can diminish the concentration of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) in the air by planting more and more trees.

    Methane (CH4) | It is also a gas at normal temperature. Methane is the most important ingredient of natural gas. It exists deep inside the earth but also emerges from beneath the soil as atmospheric methane. It contributes about 4 to 9 percent to the greenhouse effect.

    Laughing gas or Nitrous oxide (N­2O) | It is a colorless gas at normal temperature but has sweet aroma. Like many other oxides of nitrogen, it is also one of its oxides and turns into nitric oxide when reacting with oxygen in the air.

    Ozone (O3) | It is a gas with a fairly blue color but has a bitter smell. Three molecules of oxygen combine to form ozone and hence an allotrope of oxygen atom. It contributes about 3 to 7 percent to the greenhouse effect.

    Emissions of Greenhouse gases by USA - Greenhouse effect for kids
    Greenhouse gas emissions by USA

    Clouds also play a vital role in greenhouse effect. They reflect some of the solar radiation from the sun back into space and also reflect the long-wave radiation (emitted by the earth’s surface) downwards and thus keeps the atmospheric temperature warm.

     

  • Metamorphic Rocks for Kids | Origin and Classification

    Metamorphic Rocks for Kids | Origin and Classification

    Metamorphic rocks for kids brings to you some of the interesting facts about these rocks. To begin with, the word ‘Metamorphism’ comes from joining two Greek words i.e., meta meaning ‘change’ and morpho refers to ‘shape’. It means metamorphism means ‘to change shape’. Metamorphism is a process in which high temperature and pressure changes the mineral content of rocks through metamorphic reactions such that the parent (original) rock bears no resemblance at all with the newly transformed rock. Thus, not only chemical composition of rocks is changed but texture as well. This process only takes place in solid rocks.

    Metamorphic rocks are derived from igneous and sedimentary rocks. As soon as rock experiences a change in its physical and chemical conditions, it undergoes metamorphism. During chemical reactions, minerals inside the rock are changed so much that the entire texture of the rock alters with it. The higher the temperature, the faster will be the changes caused by metamorphic reactions.

    The interior of the earth gets hotter as depth increases. Metamorphism can take place even at a temperature as low as 50oC (temperature of hot cup of coffee). However in such a case, metamorphic reactions require millions and millions of years to occur. The maximum temperature at which metamorphism can take place varies but it generally lies somewhere between 600oC – 1200oC. Now let’s discover more in metamorphic rocks for kids!

    Metamorphic Rocks for Kids – Agents of Metamorphism

    Agents are those factors of metamorphism that set this process in motion. The four main agents are:

    1. Temperature (heat)
    2. Pressure
    3. Fluid activity
    4. Time

    Grades of Metamorphism

    The intensity of metamorphism is called metamorphic grade. In other words, metamorphic grades tell us how much a rock is changed with respect to changes caused by metamorphism. The grades of metamorphism rise with increase in depth.

    Low-grade metamorphism – change of mineral composition at low temperatures and pressures

    Medium-grade metamorphism – change of mineral composition at medium temperatures and pressures

    High-grade metamorphism – change of mineral composition at high temperatures and pressures

    Metamorphic Changes

    Metamorphism causes two kinds of changes to a rock i.e.,

    1. Changes in texture
    2. Changes in mineral content

    Changes in texture

    The shapes as well as sizes of grains are changed during metamorphism. Some grains get larger while others smaller.

    Changes in mineral content

    If there is only one mineral in the parent rock, metamorphism will not give rise to a new mineral. Its texture will turn into uneven but metamorphism will not cause any change in mineral content. This is due to lack of additional chemicals (no chemicals are added in metamorphism).

    Example

    Limestone → marble

    Then again if there are more than one mineral in the parent rock, metamorphism will transform those minerals into new kinds along with different texture. It happens when rising temperature allows few minerals to decompose and in this way, their atoms reorganize with other minerals to form new ones.

    Example

    clay, quartz, feldspar → [after heating] → mica, garnet, feldspar  (different type)

    Metamorphic Rocks for Kids – Causes of Metamorphism

    1. Metamorphism occurs as a result of change in physical and chemical conditions of a rock. During metamorphic reactions, the minerals inside the rock are changed and replaced by a new mineral, which is stronger than the previous one to endure high temperature. This kind of reaction is known as heterogeneous metamorphic reaction.
    2. It is however not necessary that a new mineral is formed in the metamorphism of every rock. At times, the composition of minerals does not change instead crystals inside the rock starts maturing again. This process is known as recrystallization.
    3. In some cases, atoms inside the minerals respond to metamorphic reactions. The atoms are reorganized in such a way that they produce more compact structures. These reactions are known as polymorphic transformation. In recrystallization, the grains are changed in size only but polymorphic reactions also alter the way by which atoms are organized.

    Examples

    Limestone consists of two minerals calcite (CaCO3) and quartz (SiO2). These minerals are held together by strong ionic bonds. With increasing temperature and pressure, these bonds tend to change shape. It is because these minerals can no longer keep up with this higher temperature which is putting extra stress on the bonds. So to take pressure off, a new mineral is formed with the capacity to withstand this temperature quite easily. This mineral is called wollastonite (CaSiO3).

    CaCO3 + SiO2 → CaSiO3 + CO2

    “Note that temperature is not high enough to rip apart ionic bonds because if that happens, the rock will no longer exist in solid state and change into liquid”.

    During metamorphic reactions of quartz sandstone, recrystallization takes place and there is no change in minerals.

    A mineral olivine is found at earth’s mantle (about 600 km deep). During metamorphism, it rearranges its atomic structure and turn into a new mineral called spinel.

    Metamorphic Rocks for Kids – Types of Metamorphism

    Geologists classify metamorphism into four kinds i.e.,

    1. Contact metamorphism
    2. Burial metamorphism
    3. Regional metamorphism
    4. Hydrothermal metamorphism

    Contact Metamorphism

    1. Magma is extremely hot (hotter than lava) but the surrounding rocks (called country rocks) are cooler. However, when hot magma intrudes country rocks, it leads to metamorphism which is labeled as contact metamorphism. The intensity of metamorphism (known as metamorphic grade) is highest at the point of contact (between country rocks and magma) and lowest farther away. This way the minerals inside the country rocks are changed into new ones.
    2. The country rocks can be igneous, sedimentary or even metamorphic rocks.
    3. This kind of metamorphism is also known as thermal metamorphism.
    4. Mafic magmas are more effective in causing thermal alteration than felsic magmas.

    Example

    Shale →[contact metamorphism]→ hornfels

    Burial Metamorphism

    The running water transports and deposits heavy sediment into the oceans. This sediment is deposited in layers. After tens of millions of years, sediment deposition becomes extremely intense and heavy. Eventually the water could no longer withstand the weight of sedimentary basin and go under the surface. Thus, rocks are buried inside and the newer segments of sediment push the older rocks to go deeper. As years go by and rocks go deeper, both temperature and pressure increase leading to metamorphism which is called burial metamorphism.

    Illustration

    A boat sinks if too many people leap on it.

    Example

    Limestone/dolomite →[burial metamorphism]→ marble

    Regional Metamorphism

    It is the most familiar kind of metamorphism that takes place near the place of subduction zone.  A subduction zone is a region where tectonic plates glide over one another such that one plate goes below the other, in the earth’s mantle. A rising magma increases the temperature of the country rocks which in turn changes the mineral composition of these rocks. Besides, tectonic forces (together with hot magma) also play their part by compressing these rocks and give them new shape.

    Example

    Quartz sandstone →[regional metamorphism]→ foliated quartzite

    Limestone →[regional metamorphism]→ foliated marble

    Hydrothermal Metamorphism

    Water is an active fluid. The dissolving capacity of water increases as its temperature goes up. Now the ions present in this hot water alter minerals as well as chemical composition of the rock when it comes into contact with it. This metamorphism is known as hydrothermal metamorphism.

    It is also known as hydrothermal alteration.

    Metamorphic Rocks for Kids – Importance of Metamorphic Rocks
    1. Marble is a metamorphic rock. It has been widely used in making of sculptors, prehistoric buildings and monuments like Taj Mahal (India), pyramids in olden times etc. Some of the recent monuments are Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the like.
    2. Slate is also a metamorphic rock with immense applications. It is used in alleyways, flooring as well as making of blackboards and the like.

    The Washington Monument standing 169 meters tall is built of marble. It is the tallest structure in the world which is made of stone. The structure is built from three different kinds of marble. There is a clear difference of color in all three.

    Metamorphism and Global Warming

    1. Metamorphism occurs on all plate boundaries. As it happens, a lot of carbon dioxide gas along with water is given off into the air. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps solar radiation after striking from earth’s surface and keeps the atmosphere warm. Thus it is quite possible that metamorphism increases global warming.
    2. The time period between 56 and 34 million years ago is known as Eocene. Today, the atmosphere on earth is not as warm as during the times of Eocene when the concentration of CO2 varied between 700 to 2000 ppm (parts per million). However at present, CO2 is only about 380 ppm. In Eocene, high concentration of CO2 was perhaps on the basis of metamorphism which took place all over the world as India crashed into the continent of Asia and Himalayan Mountains stood up as a result.

    Names of Metamorphic Rocks

    Marble

    Slate

  • Sedimentary Rocks for Kids | Origin and Classification

    Sedimentary Rocks for Kids | Origin and Classification

    When a solid rock is exposed to air, the air cuts loose tiny particles from the surface of rock. This geological process in which air wears down small fragments of rock by its continuous flow is known as weathering. Weathering disintegrates solid rock both physically and chemically and in doing so, it changes the texture (appearance) of the rock. Gravity helps these solid particles to slide along downhill (known as mass wasting). The agents of erosion like groundwater, wind or ice carry these particles to new sites where they start to build up. Next, the loose particles pile up little by little in layers on the ocean floors. These loose particles of solid rock are known as sediment. Now that as these loose particles are cemented together, they are turned into sedimentary rock. The process in which loose particles are compressed and cemented into solid rock is called lithification.

    Processes of Sedimentary Rocks

    Sediment

    1. The word ‘sediment’ comes from the Latin word sedimentum meaning ‘settling down’.
    2. Sediment is a general term which refers to the collection of loose solid particles separated from each other (called unconsolidated material).
    3. Sediment builds up in layers and has roots in preexisting rocks. It comes from different origins like:

    All the solid fragments of rocks as a result of weathering and erosion;

    Minerals precipitated from solutions containing chemical elements

    Minerals that animals get from seawater for making of shells

    Examples

    Sand grains on coastline

    Mud at the bottom of seawater

    Transportation | Rounding and Sorting

    The agents of erosion like water, wind or ice together with gravity continually change the character of sediment through a process known as weathering. They sometimes carry sediment to great distances like from Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. During transportation, two processes affecting character of sediment are rounding and sorting.

    Rounding

    Rivers and ice transport sediment from one place to another. During the process, particles of sand and gravel rub away against each other and their jagged surfaces or edges are flattened. This process is known as rounding.

    Sorting

    As river water transport sediment, it tends to pick and carry specific-sized grains and leave the rest. This process is known as sorting. Since particles of bigger size weigh more than smaller ones, they are left behind. River needs to move very fast in order to transport boulders (because they require much more energy to move) as compare to pebbles. Likewise, it is easier to transport sand as compare to pebbles and so on. More river speed means more energy. Water gains speed on a steep surface but as it reduces speed like on a gentle plain, its energy decreases and begins to deposit heavier sediment first.

    When grains of almost the same size cluster in the same group, the sediment is said to be well-sorted. Water (due to low viscosity) is a good sorting agent.

    When different sizes of grains cluster in the same group, the sediment is said to be poorly-sorted. Glacier (due to high viscosity) is a poor sorting agent.

    Sediment is deposited in the following way of descending order:

    Boulders | First

    Cobbles | Second

    Pebbles | Third

    Sand | Fourth

    Silt and clay (mixture is called mud) | Last

    John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon (USA) is a home of many fossils of plants and animals. These fossils date back to a period spanning between 54 million years ago and up to 6 million years ago. One of the three units of this monument is named Sheep Rock and majority of the rocks in this unit are sedimentary rocks. Here the sediment consists of mud, sand and gravel.

    Origins of Sediment

    Sediments come from two basic settings namely:

    1. Solid particles coming from mechanical and chemical weathering (Detrital sediment); and
    2. Precipitation of material through chemical weathering (chemical sediment)

    Clastic (or Detrital) sediments

    1. Weathering of rocks occurs in two ways i.e. mechanical (physical) weathering and chemical weathering. When pieces of rock are physically broken down from its surface, it is called physical weathering. But when the minerals present in the rock are changed chemically, it is called chemical weathering.
    2. Weathering of rocks gives rise to particles known as clastic particles and when they are settled down after transportation, they are called clastic or detrital sediments.
    3. Rocks formed from these deposits are known as detrital sedimentary rocks.

    Examples of clastic sediment

    Boulders, cobbles, pebbles, sand, silt and clay

    Chemical and biological sediments

    Chemical weathering changes the mineral content of rocks and releases ions in water that are deposited in oceans and rivers. The ions and molecules are then precipitated by means of chemical or biological reactions and become chemical sediment.

    Limestone - Sedimentary rocks for kids
    Limestone

    Lithification | Compaction and Cementation

    The conversion of loose particles of sediment into sedimentary rocks is known as lithification. It involves two important processes i.e. compaction and cementation.

    Compaction

    When loose solid particles reduce the empty spaces between them and fit themselves as a result of their own weight as well as weight of layers overlying them, they are said to be compacted and the process is called compaction. This way the volume of these particles decreases. The empty spaces between particles are known as pore spaces.

    Example

    Deposits of silt and clay contain about 80 percent water. After compaction, almost 40 percent of its weight is diminished.

    Cementation

    When solid particles take proper shape as a result of minerals helping them to crystallize in pore spaces and tightly held them together, cementation occurs.

    Names of common cements

    Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)

    Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

    Types of Sedimentary Rocks

    Detrital or Clastic Sedimentary Rocks

    1. When physical and chemical weathering wears down tiny solid particles, the rocks formed out of this sediment are called detrital sedimentary rocks. Such solid particles are known as clasts. It means these rocks are formed from preexisting rocks.
    2. These are also known as terrigenous clastic rocks.
    3. About 85 percent or more of all sedimentary rocks are composed of detrital sedimentary rocks.
    4. The specific names of clastic sediments are assigned depending upon the sizes of different particles.
    5. When detrital sedimentary rocks are formed from the particles that have a size of silt and clay, they are generally termed as mudrocks. Mudrocks form 40 percent of all sedimentary rocks.

    Examples of detrital sedimentary rocks

    Sandstone (it is made from sand and quartz is the common mineral)

    Shale

    Siltstone

    Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

    These rocks are formed when minerals precipitate from a solution. Some organisms also contribute to the formation of chemical precipitation by secreting carbonate minerals.

    Examples of chemical sedimentary rocks

    The evaporation of seawater results in forming rock salt (halite)

    Organisms like algae, corals release mineral called calcite (calcium carbonate). When clasts (broken particles) of seashell are cemented with calcite, limestone is formed.

    Importance of Sedimentary Rocks

    1. These rocks are the main source of groundwater.
    2. Such rocks are the only source to study fossils and in this way, help geologists to study the history of living organisms.
    3. The primary sources of energy (fossil fuels) i.e. coal, oil, natural gas and uranium are derived from these rocks. In reality, about 50 percent of the generation of electricity in USA is produced through coal, which is a sedimentary rock.
    4. Majority of the ingredients used for construction are derived from these rocks like gypsum (plaster), stone, silica (glass).

    Facts about Sedimentary Rocks for Kids

    1. About 5 percent of the rocks in the earth’s crust are made up of sedimentary rocks.
    2. Almost two-third area (75 percent) of the continents is covered by sedimentary rocks.
    3. Water is typically the agent that brings about change from sediment to sedimentary rock.
    4. The surface processes like physical or chemical weathering, transportation and deposition are all part of rock cycle. These processes collectively form sedimentary rocks.
    5. The surface processes consist of two areas of sediment. The area where solid particles are formed is called source area and the area where such sediment is deposited is called sink area.

    Examples of sedimentary rocks

    Coal

    Limestone

    Gypsum

  • Igneous Rocks for Kids | Origin and Classification

    Igneous Rocks for Kids | Origin and Classification

    Igneous rocks for kids brings some of the interesting and basic facts about these rocks. The interior of the earth is extremely hot. The overlying layers of rocks exert a lot of pressure upon the rocks lying underneath them which is why most of the earth’s interior exists in solid form. At the same time, there are few zones where pressure is low enough and temperature is quite high causing the rocks to melt and become molten material. This molten matter is known as ‘melt’. There are only two zones where rocks exist in liquid forms i.e. asthenosphere and outer core. When melt remains inside the earth’s interior, it becomes magma. This magma may also take several forms such as when it makes a way into fractures of solid rocks and stretches to the ground, it turns itself into lava. Thus, lava is a form of magma that reaches the earth’s surface. Likewise, at times it may also fly away at great distances as debris like ash and pumice and are thus known as pyroclastic materials. Magma may crystallize under the surface of the earth or lava goes hard above the ground (as lava), either way it gives rise to igneous rocks.

    Igneous rocks are the first of all the three kinds of rocks. The other two are sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. Now let’s dive deep into these rocks in igneous rocks for kids!

    Names of common igneous rocks:

    Granite

    Basalt

    Igneous Rocks for Kids – Classification of Igneous Rocks:

    Igneous rocks are classified into two types:

    1. Intrusive igneous rocks
    2. Extrusive igneous rocks

    They may also be classified into three types according to chemical composition:

    1. Mafic rocks
    2. Felsic rocks
    3. Intermediate rocks

    Igneous Rocks for Kids – Processes of Igneous Rocks

    Intrusive Igneous Rocks

    1. These rocks are formed when magma fails to reach the surface and it solidifies deep inside the earth forming intrusive igneous rocks.
    2. Because of the fact that interior of the earth is very hot, magma doesn’t solidify too quickly and develops into large crystals as a result. At times, it takes about hundreds of years for magma to solidify.
    3. These rocks are coarse-grained i.e. the grains are larger than 1 mm in size.
    4. Such rocks are also called plutonic rocks and their mineral crystals are easily noticeable.
    5. Granite is the most common and easily available intrusive igneous rock.
    6. Some rocks (like pegmatite) have very large crystals and the size of their grains ranges up to more than 5 cm.

    Fun Fact about Igneous Rocks

    The images of the four US Presidents in South Dakota (Mount Rushmore) were carved out of intrusive igneous rock called Harney Peak Granite. This rock is about 1.7 billion years old. The same is true for Crazy Horse Memorial located close at hand.

    Examples

    1. Gabbro
    2. Granite
    3. Diorite

    Examples of locations where intrusive rocks are found

    1. Stone Mountain (DeKalb County in Georgia)
    2. Black Hills of South Dakota
    3. Mount Washington

    Extrusive Igneous Rocks

    1. When magma rises to the earth’s surface and goes hard, it is known as lava and brings about extrusive igneous rocks.
    2. Since lava solidifies very quickly, it results in forming very fine-grained crystals which are barely visible. The word ‘fine-grained’ refers to the size of grains and it means grains are less than 1 mm in size.
    3. Such rocks are also known as volcanic rocks and their mineral crystals are not visible.
    4. The reddish-yellow lava may develop into volcanic rock (which is gray-colored material) within minutes or at times within few hours.
    5. The dark solid volcanic rock located at the floor of oceans is the most common extrusive rock known as basalt. It can be a very important building material.

    Examples

    1. Basalt
    2. Andesite
    3. Rhyolite

    Examples of Locations where extrusive rocks are found

    1. The hills of Andes Mountains and Cascade Range
    2. Aleutian Islands in Alaska
    3. Hawaiian chain

    Igneous Rocks for Kids – Identification of Igneous Rocks

    The identification of igneous rocks is based on two things namely:

    • Texture of rocks
    • Chemical composition of rocks

    The word ’texture’ basically means the composition, size and shape of grains that are combined to form igneous rocks. The size of grains is perhaps the most common way to recognize these rocks.

    Unlike extrusive igneous rocks, intrusive rocks are fine-grained and so it is comparatively tricky to recognize them.

    Relationship of Volcanic and Plutonic Rocks

    Chemically, volcanic and plutonic rocks are related to each other. The chemical composition of a volcanic rock is exactly similar to its equivalent plutonic rock i.e. in terms of chemical composition, every volcanic rock has its identical twin rock in plutonic family of rocks. At the same time, the physical properties of these two adjacent rocks are nothing like each other.

    Examples

    According to chemical composition, the following rocks are related to each other:

    Granite (plutonic) with Rhyolite (volcanic)

    Gabbro (plutonic) with Basalt (volcanic)

    Igneous Rocks for Kids – Composition of Igneous Rocks
    1. The mineral crystals inside these rocks are held very strongly together. Majority of igneous rocks are formed by joining together crystals like feldspar and quartz which is why these rocks are crystalline in nature.
    2. The most common mineral in rocks is Quartz. Chemically, it is known as silicon dioxide (SiO2).
    3. The earth’s crust is almost entirely composed of igneous rocks i.e. 95 percent.
    4. The earth’s mantle is made up of igneous rocks.
    5. Majority of igneous rocks are made up of atoms like silicon and oxygen. The compounds that contain these two atoms are known as silicate minerals. Silicate minerals break up into two classes as soon as magma hardens i.e. dark silicates and light silicates.

    Dark Silicates

    1. These are also known as ferromagnesian silicates.
    2. Iron and magnesium are present in large quantities. The quantity of silica SiO2 is low however.
    3. Igneous rocks that contain high amount of dark silicates are known as mafic. It receives its name from two words; magnesium and ferrum (iron). These rocks have ‘basaltic composition’.

    Examples

    Olivine

    Biotite mica

    Light Silicates

    1. These are also known as nonferromagnesian silicates.
    2. Calcium, potassium and sodium are present in large quantities. The quantity of silica SiO2 is high as compare to dark silicates.
    3. Igneous rocks that have greater quantity of light silicates (like feldspars) are known as felsic because of ‘granitic composition’. The term ‘felsic’ comes from integrating two words; feldspars and silica.
    4. About 40 percent of igneous rocks are composed of feldspars.
    Potassium feldspar - Igneous rocks for kids
    Potassium feldspar

    Examples

    Quartz

    Feldspars

    Magma

    Magma is a very hot molten material that erupts from the outer core of the earth. It is by far the biggest pool of magma in the entire solar system.

    There are two essential conditions for magma to blow up:

    1. Low pressure
    2. High temperature

    Despite the fact that inner core is the hottest point under the earth’s surface, it cannot turn into magma because the pressure is too high. As a result, bonds cannot get away from each other and are in fact tightly held together forming solid rocks.

    Magma rises upward because as it turns into a liquid, its density decreases as compare to the surrounding rocks. The surrounding rocks are known as country rocks. The atoms in country rocks are bonded tightly. But these atoms break free as soon as it turns into magma and they move randomly in all directions.

    The chemical composition of magma is no different than the chemicals found in the earth’s crust i.e. silicon and oxygen. As high temperature softens rocks found in the earth’s mantle and turns it into magma, this hot liquid is rich in Magnesium (Mg) and Iron (Fe). This magma is therefore called mafic i.e. from magnesium and ferric (iron). At the same time, magma which is formed from continental crust is rich in potassium, sodium, aluminum and water. With a large amount of feldspars in it, this magma is known as felsic.

    In terms of chemical composition, magmas (as well as igneous rocks) are divided into three kinds:

    Mafic – where content of silica (SiO2) is less than 52 percent

    Felsic – where content of silica (SiO2) is greater than 65 percent

    Intermediate – where content of silica (SiO2) is found somewhere between 53 percent and 65 percent

    The temperature of a hot lava ranges somewhere between 1000oC and 1200oC. From this, we can assume that magmas are much hotter. The basic reason why lavas can hang on to such huge temperatures for years is that the rock is a poor conductor of heat.

    There are some magmas that can flow readily while others cannot. It is because fluids experience different kinds of resistance on their path. This resistance which determines the speed of magmas is known as viscosity levels. The higher the viscosity level of magma, the lower its speed would be and vice versa.

    Magma of granitic composition has high viscosity level

    Magma of basaltic composition has low viscosity level

    Following are the main factors that determine the viscosity of magma:

    1. Temperature (cooler magma may not move as readily as hotter one)
    2. Concentration of silica (in silica, the silicon and oxygen atoms are strongly bonded together and thus slow down the speed of magma)

    Conclusively, the magma which has low content of silica and hotter temperature moves quickly and smoothly. This way, felsic magma is not that much flowing as mafic magma in that it is rich in silica and cooler in temperature (means higher viscosity) than the latter one.

    Examples of mafic and felsic lava

    In 1783, mafic lava flowed in Iceland for 80 km before solidifying

    In 1915, felsic lava flowed in California (Lassen Peak) for only 300 m

    Did you really find these igneous rocks for kids good enough? Is it what you’re looking for? Please comment and help us improving this article. Thanks for reading it!

  • Sydney Opera House Facts for Kids | Venue for Art Performances

    Sydney Opera House Facts for Kids | Venue for Art Performances

    Located on the dock of the most densely populated Australian city, Sydney Opera House is a venue for various art performances. The natural harbor of Sydney where this building is situated is known as Port Jackson and this location is referred to as Bennelong Point. It was constructed by a Danish architect namely Jørn Utzon. Apart from art performances, this venue also hosts formal ceremonies. The venue features eating places as well (like snack bars, café) and a studio for recording. Next to this glorious architecture, there lays another dazzling structure known as Sydney Harbour Bridge. In order to facilitate the visitors, specially arranged tours are also available that allow them to have a good look at different places of this venue.

    To learn more interesting facts about the Sydney Opera House and its history, continue reading this article. And in case you need help writing your paper about this magnificent piece of architecture, consider hiring essay writers from a professional writing service.

    Name of Architect: Jørn Oberg Utzon

    Total Cost: $102 million

    Official Date of Opening: October 20, 1973

    Area covered: 4.4 acres (1.8 hectares)

    Length: 183 meters

    Width: 120 meters

    Number of tiles: 1,056,006

    Declared World Heritage Site (UNESCO): June 28, 2007

    History

    • On September 13, 1955, a competition was held for the design of Opera House. The architects belonging to 32 countries submitted about 233 different designs for Opera House.
    • Utzon received prize money of £5,000 for his design of Opera House.
    • The name of the Premier of New South Wales who gave official permission to build Sydney Opera House is John Joseph Cahill. He gave this approval in 1958.
    • The construction of the upper podium of Opera House was started in March 1959 and ended on February 1963.
    • The outer shells of the structure were started building in 1963 and until 1967.
    • The construction of interior of Opera House began in 1967 and ended on 1973.
    • In 1966 when Utzon ran out of money, he finally gave up his job on February 28. The new premier of the state Robert Askin was not in favor of Opera House project.
    • After Utzon walked out, another architect named Peter Hall took on the job of completing Opera House. He was assigned to the job on April 1966.
    • The Queen of Australia named Elizabeth II officially unveiled the Opera House in October 20, 1973.

    Physical Description

    • It is located in a state of Australia known as New South Wales. Sydney is the capital city of this state.
    • The two different colors of tiles used in the structure are ‘matte cream’ and ‘glossy white’.
    • The Swedish company that made tiles of Opera House is named as Höganäs AB.
    • The outer covering of the building is made up of concrete panels called ‘shells’.
    • Concert Hall has the capacity of 2,679 people. This venue is mostly used by Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It is the biggest venue of Opera House.
    • Joan Sutherland Theatre has the capacity of 1,507 people. This venue is used by Australian Ballet and Opera Australia.
    • Drama Theatre has the capacity of 544 people. Sydney Theatre Company uses this venue.
    • Playhouse has the capacity of 398 people.
    • Studio has the capacity of 400 people.
    • Utzon Room has the capacity of 210 people.

    Jørn Utzon

    • In the formal opening of the Opera House, no one called Jørn Utzon to attend the ceremony and his name was also not referred to in the ceremony at all.
    • It is said that the panel of experts (three judges) who were looking at the various designs of Opera House (during International Competition), rejected the design of Utzon along with other architects. However, a U.S. architect named Eero Saarinen got there in Sydney and was fascinated by the design of Utzon.
    • In late 1990s, the Trust officials went back to Utzon in an effort to settle the differences and asked his approval for the upcoming restructuring of Opera House. Thus, in 1999, Utzon was taken into service as a consultant.
    • In order to pay a mark of respect to its real architect, the design of one of the rooms was constructed on the word of Utzon. This room was unveiled in 2004 and was named as “The Utzon Room”.
    • Jørn Utzon passed away in November 2008.
    • After the death of Utzon, a ceremony was conducted in the Concert Hall of Opera House displaying different performances in March 25, 2009. Lin and Jan (daughter and son of Utzon) were present at this official ceremony.

    More Facts

    • While the Opera House was not completed yet, the artiste who performed for the very first time in the venue was Paul Robeson, a U.S. actor. He showed his performance in 1960.
    • The first ever performance of playing piano in front of spectators in the Opera House was performed by Romola Enyi. She was an Australian pianist and performed in April 10, 1973 in the Concert Hall.
    • In 2013, the Opera House marked the 40th birthday. As a result, Sydney New Year’s Eve event was held on 31st December (the same year) in this venue.
    • Each year the House hosts about 1,500 performances.
    • About 1.2 million persons watch these performances every year.
    • The Opera House attracts over 7 million tourists every year.
    • The Opera House is run by a trust made by an Australian government named Sydney Opera House Trust.

    Learn about Australia. Read Australia Facts

  • White House Facts For Kids | Official Residence Of The US President

    White House Facts For Kids | Official Residence Of The US President

    White House is an office as well as home for the President of USA. Every US President uses it as his home and this tradition began in 1800 from the time of second US President named John Adams. The word ‘White House’ was not the original name of this house. The original name was the ‘President’s Palace’. It was probably in 1811 when people began calling it as the ‘White House’ for the first time.

    Original Name: President’s Palace or President’s House

    Current Name: The White House

    Name of Architect: James Hoban

    City: Washington, D.C.

    Starting Date of Construction: October 13, 1792

    Age (as of 2014): 222 years old

    Construction

    • The foundation stone for the construction of the White House was laid down in October 13, 1792.
    • The construction of this house began without any official ceremony.
    • The laborers that built the foundation of the White House were mainly African-Americans. Some of the Europeans were also hired for this purpose.
    • Except the main residence, most of the construction work of the White House was done by non-American people. They were not citizens of the United States.
    • The initial work on this House continued for about 8 years.
    • The initial cost of construction was just about $232,372.
    • The design of White House was made by James Hoban. He was an Irish architect.
    • It was built during 1792 to 1800.
    • It is made up of Aquia Creek sandstone.
    • The structure of White House is built on Neoclassical architecture.
    • The name of the architect who expanded White House in 1801 was Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
    • The South Portico was built in 1824 and the North Portico was made in 1829.

    The initial plan of the entire project was made by Pierre Charles L’Enfant. He was a French architect. The White House is about 5 times smaller than his original plan.

    Physical Description

    • The three main structures of White House are collectively known as White House Complex. These structures include Executive Residence, West Wing and East Wing.
    • The First Family of the United States lives in the Executive Residence.
    • There are 6 stories in the Executive Residence.
    • In the second floor of the White House, there is a yellow-colored room called Yellow Oval Room.
    • There are 3 state parlors in the first floor of the White House. One of these is called Blue Room.

    US Presidents

    • The first US President to enter the White House as his official home was John Adams. He entered in this house on Saturday (November 1, 1800).
    • In 1801 as Thomas Jefferson became the US President, he built additional series of columns and made it even bigger.
    • On 2nd June 1886, the US President Grover Cleveland got married to Frances Folsom in the ‘Blue Room’ of the White House. This was the only wedding ceremony by any US President that was celebrated in this house.
    • In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt changed his workplace and shifted it to the West Wing of White House. West Wing was recently built and it is also known as Executive Office Building.
    • In 1909, President Howard Taft built first Oval Office which has become the office of the US President ever since it was made. He also remodeled West Wing and made it bigger.

    More Facts

    • When the War of 1812 broke out, the British Army destroyed much of the interior of this house by setting it on fire.
    • The very first guide of the White House was officially published in 1962.
    • The White House was opened on November 1, 1800 to serve as the home and workplace of the US President. It was not however fully completed at the time.
    • The North front of this house is the main front wall.
    • The north front of the White House is known as north portico. It was made in 1830.
    • There are 3 floors and 11 bays at the North front of the White House.
    • The south front of the White House is known as south portico. It was made in 1824.

  • Uluru Facts For Kids | Historical landmark Of Australia

    Uluru Facts For Kids | Historical landmark Of Australia

    Uluru is a small hill in Australia and is usually referred to as Monadnock. It is also known as inselberg which means ‘island mountain’. An inselberg is the name of a hill that sticks out suddenly above the land. Located in Central Australia, Uluru is a huge formation of rock. It is made up of fine-grained minerals called sandstone. It is certainly one of the most famous historical landmarks of Australia. Now let’s take a brief look at some other Uluru facts for kids.

    A Quick Guide To Uluru Facts For Kids

    Common Name: Uluru

    Other Name: Ayers Rock

    Official Name: Uluru / Ayers Rock

    Place: Central Australia

    Type: Rock formation

    Name of Discoverer: William Christie Gosse

    Date of Discovery: July 19, 1873

    Height above sea level: 863 meters

    Height of the rock: 348 meters

    Basic Uluru Facts For Kids

    Names

    1. The word ‘Uluru’ was given by local Australian people named Pitjantjatjara.
    2. It is also called Ayers Rock.
    3. The word ‘Ayers Rock’ was named after ‘Sir Henry Ayers’. He was the Chief Secretary of the region.
    4. Both names are now officially used. On 6th November, 2002, it was renamed as ‘Uluru / Ayers Rock’.
    5. Uluru is also called Monolith.

    An Australian traveler named William Christie Gosse came here and spotted this rock for the very first time on July 19, 1873. He called it ‘Ayers Rock’.

    Physical Features

    1. The height of this rock is about 348 meters.
    2. From sea level, Uluru lies at a height of about 863 meters.Uluru - Uluru Facts For Kids
    3. There is another magnificent rock formation located at just 25 kilometers away in the west from Uluru and is known as Kata Tjuta. It is also known as Mount Olga. Both of these are very important cultural heritage of Australia.
    4. Uluru changes its color more often during daylight and twilight.
    5. It is mainly made up of fine-grained rock called Arkose. Arkose is a sedimentary rock and contains more than 25 percent of feldspar.
    6. About 50 percent of the rock is made up of feldspar and 35 percent is made up of Quartz.
    7. The diameter of the small grains that make up Uluru is just about 3 to 4 millimeters.
    8. The shape of the grains is angular.
    9. The original color of the rock was grey but as it came into contact with the air over a period of time, the color of its outer surface changed into reddish-brown.

    Species

    1. During ancient times, it is believed that about 46 different species of Australian mammals lived in the region where Uluru is present. However, these are reduced to just 21 in the present day.
    2. The most vulnerable Australian species living in Uluru region is Mulgara.
    3. There are 7 species of bats living around Uluru.

    People

    1. According to archaeologists, humans came here and settled themselves at 10,000 years before.
    2. In 1872, the Europeans were the first people who spotted Uluru and Mount Olga (Kata Tjuta).
    3. The region of Uluru was seen by the visitors for the very first time in the year 1936. Until that time, no tourist came here.
    4. There is an ancient community of local people that lives close to Uluru. They are known as Mutitjulu and have a population of only 300 people.

    More Uluru Facts For Kids

    1. It is located at a distance of about 335 kilometers away from Alice Springs. Alice Springs is the third biggest town of Australian northern territory.
    2. The people who have been living here through ancient times are known as Aṉangu.
    3. Most tourists like to go up on Uluru hill. However since the hill is fairly steep, almost 35 visitors have now been dead while climbing it.
    4. Aṉangu people never go up on Uluru. It is because Uluru is a holy place for them.

    Did you really find these Uluru facts for kids helpful? Is it what you’re looking for? Please comment and help us improving this article. Thanks for reading it!

  • Sahara Desert Facts For Kids | Hottest Desert Of The World

    Sahara Desert Facts For Kids | Hottest Desert Of The World

    Sahara desert is the world’s hottest desert. The size of Sahara is almost equal to the size of China which makes it third biggest all over the world. It covers most of the area of Africa and extends from the Red Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. There are few sand dunes in Sahara that have a height of about just about 180 meters. Sand dune is basically a small mountain made up of sand. Now let’s have a look at some other Sahara desert facts for kids.

    A Quick Guide To Sahara Desert Facts For Kids

    Area: 9,400,000 sq. km

    Highest Region: Emi Koussi

    Lowest Region: Qattara Depression

    Driest Region: Tanezrouft

    Length: 4,800 kilometers

    Width: 1,800 kilometers

    Basic Sahara Desert Facts For Kids

    Introduction

    1. It is the hottest desert of the world.
    2. It is the third biggest desert around the world.
    3. It is the biggest desert of Africa. Majority of Africa is covered by this desert.
    4. It is the biggest subtropical desert of the world.
    5. The size of Sahara desert is just about the size of USA.
    6. It is one of those places on earth that has the most unkind climate.
    7. The driest part of Sahara desert is called Tanezrouft.
    8. It is one of the most arid deserts around the world because the precipitation of Sahara is at a very low level.

    Temperature

    1. The average temperature of Sahara during summer is very high and varies from 38oC to 46oC.
    2. The average low temperature of Sahara varies from 21oC to 29oC.
    3. In the hottest regions of Sahara, the temperature can reach to more than 50oC for a very long time.

    Sunshine

    1. The area of the Sahara desert that receives maximum sunshine during the year is called Eastern desert. There are some regions in this desert that have more than 4,000 hours of sunshine per year. Thus, some places of Sahara are the sunniest regions around the world.
    2. In Sahara desert, there are normally 10 hours of sunshine in a 24-hour day.
    3. Sahara desert has the maximum insolation all over the world. Insolation is the amount of solar energy received by a specific part of the earth.

    People

    1. The Berber people are the most widespread ethnic groups that live in Sahara.
    2. The Greeks came here in around 500 BCE.
    3. From 1200 BCE to 800 BCE, the Phoenicians lived in this desert.

    More Sahara Desert Facts For Kids

    1. ‘Sahara’ is an Arabic-language word.
    2. The highest mountain of Sahara is called Emi Koussi. It is 3,445 meters high. It is a volcano and stretches at almost 80 kilometers in width.
    3. Almost 50 percent of the area of this desert receives not more than 20 mm of shower in a year.
    4. There are about 2800 species of plants in Sahara desert. These plants are called tracheophytes. They are also known as Vascular plants.
    5. Fennec fox and Pale fox are some of the species of fox that live on this desert.
    6. The pattern of rainfall in Sahara is extremely irregular. If it rains, the amount of rain in 24 hours may exceed total amount of rain in one year. Conversely if it does not rain, it may continue to remain dry for years.
    7. There are few sections of Sahara desert that are extremely dry so much so that they receive the lowest amount of shower by any area on Earth. This region of Sahara receives below 5 mm of shower and is located at the south of Egypt. That is why it is the driest area of Earth just like Atacama Desert.
    8. Sahara is thought to be a genuine barren region on Earth. It is divided into three zones: arid, hyper-arid and semi-arid. The semi-arid zone is also known as Sahel.
    9. There are some places on Sahara that have lowest relative humidity, staying below than 20 percent at all times.

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  • River Nile Facts For Kids | Longest River Of The World

    River Nile Facts For Kids | Longest River Of The World

    River Nile is the world’s longest river. It supplies water to 11 countries but it is the main water source for two countries: Egypt and Sudan. That is why it is also called ‘International River’. There are two tributaries of River Nile. These are Blue Nile and White Nile. The mouth of this river is at the Mediterranean Sea. Now let’s take a look at some other River Nile facts for kids.

    A Quick Guide To River Nile Facts For Kids

    Length: 6,853 kilometers

    Width: 2.8 kilometers

    River Nile as water source: 11 countries

    Two tributaries: White Nile and Blue Nile

    Main Source: White Nile

    Height of White Nile: 2,700 meters

    Secondary Source: Blue Nile

    River Mouth: Mediterranean Sea

    Basic River Nile Facts For Kids

    1. The longest river of the world is River Nile.
    2. The Nile River is divided into two channels (branches) in the city of Egypt named Cairo. One branch is called Rosetta branch and it is toward the western side. The second branch is called Damietta branch and it is toward the eastern side.
    3. This river supplies water to 11 countries. That is why it is generally known as ‘International’ river.
    4. The two countries that enjoy most of its waters are Egypt and the north of Sudan.
    5. River Nile has two most important streams called tributaries. These are named as Blue Nile and White Nile.
    6. The two tributaries join together in the city of Khartoum. Khartoum is the capital of Sudan.
    7. The White Nile begins from East Africa.
    8. The Blue Nile makes a start in Ethiopia.
    9. Almost 10 percent of the total size of Africa is hidden by the drainage basin of this river.
    10. Gish Abay is the source of River Nile. Previously, it was thought that Lake Victoria was the source of Nile River.
    11. The water of the Nile flowing toward the southern part of Sudan is known as Bahr al Jabal which means ‘Mountain River’.
    12. Bahr al Jabal is also known as White Nile because the water of Bahr al Jabal comes from White Nile.
    13. Bahr al Jabal meets Bahr al Ghazal in a small lake known as ‘Lake No’.
    14. Bahr al Jabal is also known as Al Sudd.
    15. The word ‘Bahr al Jabal’ means ‘Mountain River’.
    16. After Lake No, the water of the River Nile is called as Bahr al Abyad.
    17. More than 50 percent of the water of the River Nile evaporates in Al Sudd.
    18. The White Nile meets with Sobat River in the city of Sudan called Malakal.
    19. In Malakal, the rate of average water flow of White Nile is just about 924 m3/s.
    20. There is a city in South Sudan named as Renk. White Nile enters Sudan in this region and then it is joined by Blue Nile in the city of Khartoum.
    21. The people of Egypt used to celebrate the ‘flooding of River Nile’ every year. This celebration lasted for about 14 days starting from August 15 and is also called Wafaa El-Nil in Arabic. However after Aswan Dam was completed in 1970, the flooding of Nile no longer occurs in Egypt.
    22. River Nile joins Atbarah River in the north of Sudan’s city named Atbara. Atbarah is the last branch of Nile because after this, Nile goes into the Mediterranean Sea. This 800-km-long Atbarah river begins in Ethiopia.
    23. River Nile is the most important river giving birth to ancient civilization of Egypt. There were three cycles of Nile and the ancient people of Egypt even set their calendar according to these three seasons. The names of these three were Akhet, Peret and Shemu. Every season consisted of 4-month-cycle.

    More River Nile Facts For Kids

    1. There are 6 cataracts of the Nile River. Cataracts are basically those lengths of water that are not deep and consist of many big rocks, sticking out of the water. These six cataracts start from Aswan and end at Khartoum.
    2. The 6 cataracts of Nile are called ‘Great Bend’.
    3. Almost 90 percent of the water of Nile begins in Ethiopia.
    4. The White Nile has two main branches. These are Sobat River and Bahr al Ghazal.

    Did you really find these river Nile facts for kids helpful? Is it what you’re looking for? Please comment and help us improving this article.Thanks for reading it!