On this week’s news update…
An invention that collects fresh water from the air…
Water From Air
The volcanic eruptions creating new landforms…
Volcanic Landforms
And the scientists using laser technology in the Amazon rainforest.
Laser Technology
First up…
Getting access to clean drinking water can be a challenge for many people around the world.
Now, scientists from the University of California, in the USA, have invented a device that produces fresh water from the air!
You can’t see them, but there are tiny bits, or molecules, of water in the air around us.
molecules
The invention uses a special type of powder that soaks up these molecules from the air – a bit like a sponge.
The powder is then heated, causing the water molecules to rise back into the air…
Only now, the box is sealed, so the fresh water collects inside, ready to drink!
The scientists say it could be used to collect water in parts of the world where there’s not much rain.
Next up…
Last month, we reported on the Kilauea volcanic eruption on the island of Hawaii.
Kilauea volcano, Hawaii
The eruption caused huge cracks in the surrounding area called fissures, which are created when lava bursts through the ground.
fissures
Over the last few weeks, lava has continued to erupt from some of the fissures.
This amazing footage shows the lava flowing into the ocean.
When the lava meets the seawater, it produces a toxic steam called laze.
laze
And as the lava hardens, it makes a new land formation, known as a lava delta.
lava delta
Scientists are continuing to monitor the volcano and these incredible geological changes.
And finally, it’s Eco Zone.
This is the Amazon rainforest in Brazil – the largest rainforest in the world.
Amazon rainforest, Brazil
During very dry periods, when there is little rainfall, the trees are more at risk of dying because they can’t get enough water from the soil.
Finding out how many trees are affected is very difficult.
Researchers can carry out surveys on foot, but they can only cover a small area.
Now, NASA scientists are using laser technology to survey a much larger area.
Lasers pulses are fired from a plane, and that information is used to create a detailed 3D model of the forest.
This technology will help them understand how dry weather and warming temperatures could affect the rainforest in years to come.
That’s all for this week – we’ll see you next time!