Not long ago, we learned for the first time that dandelion seeds fly thanks to a stable separated vortex ring that sits behind their bristly pappus. Building on that work, Keep reading
Tag: porosity
Plant Week: Dandelions in Flight
To kick off Plant Week here on FYFD, we’re taking a closer look at that ubiquitous flower: the dandelion. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, these little guys manage to get just about Keep reading
Ricequakes
Rockfill dams, sinkholes, ice shelves, and other geological features often consist of brittle, porous materials that are partially submerged. Over time, pressure and chemical reactions with the fluid around them Keep reading
How Rain Gets Its Smell
Light rain after a dry spell often produces a distinctive earthy scent called petrichor that is associated with plant oils and bacteria products. How these chemicals get into the air Keep reading
The Silence of Owls
Owls are nearly silent hunters, able to swoop down on their prey without the rush of air over their wings giving away their approach, thanks to several key features of Keep reading