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Science & nature

Evidence-backed explainers about nature, science, weather, geology and the environment.

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Evidence-backed · Science & nature · 6 minGreat Gable: 10 Things to Know About the Lake District's Iconic PyramidGreat Gable (899 m) is the pyramidal centrepiece of the Wasdale valley, the emblem of the Lake District National Park, and a mountain steeped in climbing history. From its war memorial summit and the birthplace of British rock climbing at Napes Needle to the classic Moses' Trod ascent and the Westmorland Cairn viewpoint, this guide covers the essential facts for walkers and enthusiasts.
Evidence-backed · Science & nature · 5 minutesWindermere: England's Longest Natural LakeWindermere is England's longest natural lake and a central feature of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches approximately 10.5 miles (16.9 km) and reaches depths of 66 metres (217 ft), formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. The lake supports diverse wildlife, including the rare vendace fish, and serves as a major recreational hub for boating, fishing, and watersports. Its shores are lined with Victorian towns like Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, reflecting its development as a tourist destination from the 19th century onward.
Evidence-backed · Science & nature · 5PFAS in the Arctic OceanThe Arctic Ocean, though remote and pristine in perception, faces significant contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These 'forever chemicals' travel vast distances through air and water, accumulating in Arctic wildlife and indigenous communities. Research indicates that melting ice and changing currents are redistributing these pollutants, turning the Arctic into a sink for global contamination. Understanding this transport is critical for global pollution policy.