A Walk for Others
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909865,00.html
An 11-year-old travels to Washington, D.C., to raise help for kids
By Joyce C. Tang
Zach Bonner is "pretty tired," he says. Instead of going to camp this summer, Zach, 11, decided to walk 668 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Why? Zach hopes to raise awareness about the plight of homeless kids. His journey to help others began two years ago. Zach walked from his home in Tampa, Florida, to Tallahassee. Then, in 2008, he did it again, this time walking from Tallahassee to Atlanta.
From Zach's House to the White House
Since May, Zach has traveled 12 miles every day in his trusty Adidas shoes. Along the way, he has collected more than 1,000 letters about homeless children. He hopes to give the letters to President Barack Obama. Zach says he wants his walk to make a difference.
More than 1 million children in the United States live in shelters or on the streets. During his pilgrimage, Zach spent 24 hours with a group of homeless children so he could learn the difficulties they face.
On Thursday, Zach walked the last mile of his long journey. More than 500 supporters, including 300 homeless kids, joined Zach. They marched with him down the National Mall. "It was a long walk," Zach says, "but it was definitely worth it."
A History of Service
In 2005, Zach participated in an episode of the television show "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." He says that helping to build homes made him realize there were people who didn't have anywhere to live. That's when he decided that he wanted to help homeless youth. He was also inspired by a movie he saw about Mildred Norman, an activist who promoted world peace by walking 25,000 miles. Zach thought that walking would be a good way to draw attention to his cause.
Zach is also the founder of the Little Red Wagon Foundation. The purpose of the non-profit is to help needy youth. Through his group, Zach has raised money and donated school supplies. "A lot of homeless youth don't get the opportunity to succeed in school because they don't have supplies," he says.
Zach's volunteerism has even inspired a Hollywood movie based on his life. "He's the most extraordinary ordinary kid I've ever met," says Michael Guillen of the Philanthropy Project, who is making the movie. "He hasn't just talked the talk. He has literally and figuratively walked the walk."
As difficult and tiring as the journey was, Zach won't be trading in his walking shoes. "When homeless kids get tired of being homeless, they don't get to quit. So why should I quit when I get tired of walking?"
To find out more about Zach Bonner and his walk to the White House, visit zachtracker.com.
Max-I think Zach is a good person because of helping poor and homeless children. He donated money to the children that are poor and homeless to buy things, and even walking from his house to the white house to help children! I hope more and more people will join Zach and help children.
2009/07/16
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
Visitors climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown for the first time since September 11, 2001
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1908850,00.html
After terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, officials closed the Statue of Liberty and its surrounding grounds on Liberty Island. They worried that the site wasn't safe. In 2004, visitors could access the island and the base of the statue again, but not the crown. On Independence Day, as a special gift to the American people, the White House reopened the crown.
The skyline of downtown Manhattan, seen from the top of Lady Liberty.
A Big Climb
Anthony Weiner, who represents New York in the House of Representatives, pushed for years to have the crown reopened. "It's nice to stand and breathe the air on Liberty Island, but you really haven't lived the experience until you've gone up to the crown," he said. "A lot of Americans are able to see that now."
Andrea Balfour and her daughter, Mona, were among the lucky few to climb to the top on July 4, which happened to be Mona's 13th birthday. Mona earned the honor by winning an essay contest sponsored by the New York Daily News. Andrea Balfour takes the Staten Island ferry to get to work. "I pass it every day and we just wave to it or take pictures. Now we actually get to go inside," she said.
The spiral staircase inside the statue has 354 steps. It is dark and narrow. Some steps are too small to fit an entire foot. That's why only ten people at a time are allowed to go into the crown. A lottery system decides who can go up. Visitors are guided by park rangers during the climb.
Visitor Chris Bartnick and his daughter Aleyna enjoy the view from the Statue of Liberty's crown on July 4.
Symbol of Freedom
Before September 11, 2001, nearly 6 million people toured Lady Liberty each year. After, the number of visitors fell by almost half. Now that the crown is open, about 14,500 tickets have been sold. Most of them are for visits taking place this summer. Tickets for re-opening weekend sold out in just hours.
The 305-foot statue came to the U.S. in 1885. It was a gift from the people of France, honoring the 100 years of friendship between the countries since the American Revolution. The statue came to symbolize freedom, democracy and a safe haven for immigrants.
Max-The Statue of Liberty is very beautiful but was been closed after the attack. The terrorists are so evil that after the attack they closed the statue! Now it reopens, so we need to protect the statue so we won’t let the evil terrorists attack it again!
Visitors climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown for the first time since September 11, 2001
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1908850,00.html
After terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, officials closed the Statue of Liberty and its surrounding grounds on Liberty Island. They worried that the site wasn't safe. In 2004, visitors could access the island and the base of the statue again, but not the crown. On Independence Day, as a special gift to the American people, the White House reopened the crown.
The skyline of downtown Manhattan, seen from the top of Lady Liberty.
A Big Climb
Anthony Weiner, who represents New York in the House of Representatives, pushed for years to have the crown reopened. "It's nice to stand and breathe the air on Liberty Island, but you really haven't lived the experience until you've gone up to the crown," he said. "A lot of Americans are able to see that now."
Andrea Balfour and her daughter, Mona, were among the lucky few to climb to the top on July 4, which happened to be Mona's 13th birthday. Mona earned the honor by winning an essay contest sponsored by the New York Daily News. Andrea Balfour takes the Staten Island ferry to get to work. "I pass it every day and we just wave to it or take pictures. Now we actually get to go inside," she said.
The spiral staircase inside the statue has 354 steps. It is dark and narrow. Some steps are too small to fit an entire foot. That's why only ten people at a time are allowed to go into the crown. A lottery system decides who can go up. Visitors are guided by park rangers during the climb.
Visitor Chris Bartnick and his daughter Aleyna enjoy the view from the Statue of Liberty's crown on July 4.
Symbol of Freedom
Before September 11, 2001, nearly 6 million people toured Lady Liberty each year. After, the number of visitors fell by almost half. Now that the crown is open, about 14,500 tickets have been sold. Most of them are for visits taking place this summer. Tickets for re-opening weekend sold out in just hours.
The 305-foot statue came to the U.S. in 1885. It was a gift from the people of France, honoring the 100 years of friendship between the countries since the American Revolution. The statue came to symbolize freedom, democracy and a safe haven for immigrants.
Max-The Statue of Liberty is very beautiful but was been closed after the attack. The terrorists are so evil that after the attack they closed the statue! Now it reopens, so we need to protect the statue so we won’t let the evil terrorists attack it again!
Walrus Worries
Walrus Worries
Biologists in Alaska are counting walruses in the Arctic Ocean. The goal: To decide whether the walrus is an endangered species
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1905849,00.html
In 1990, biologists counted 201,039 walruses in the Arctic Ocean. Now, almost 20 years later, there seem to be fewer. After three years of counting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that there are only 15,164 walruses in the area. But, scientists say, they're not finished counting.
"We're still working on the final population estimate," said Suzann Speckman. She is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Endangered Species?
What's a possible reason for the lower walrus count? Brendan Cummings, a spokesperson for the Center for Biological Diversity, thinks many walruses are dying. He believes global warming is melting the ice in the waters between Alaska and Russia. That's the area where most walruses live. The chubby mammals with the big tusks use the ice to dive and hunt from.
But other scientists aren't so sure that the walruses are dying out. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Doug Burn said, "We realized we were missing a lot of walrus groups." So the walrus count goes on. The counting hasn't been easy. Scientists sometimes have to guess the number of walruses that are underwater. And some technical problems made counting more difficult. A method that counts the mammals using body heat did not work. It delayed the operation by a whole year.
U.S. law requires scientists to count the walruses every three years. Then, if the mammals turn out to be an endangered species, they will be counted every year. As the current count goes on, it will become clearer to scientists just how the walrus is doing in the wild.
Max-I think that the main cause of fewer and fewer walruses is global warming. Because hotter temperatures will let the ice in the Arctic Ocean melt faster, causing the walruses have no place to live and starting to die. So we need to reduce carbon dioxide to let the walruses have place to live, not to let them extinct!
Biologists in Alaska are counting walruses in the Arctic Ocean. The goal: To decide whether the walrus is an endangered species
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1905849,00.html
In 1990, biologists counted 201,039 walruses in the Arctic Ocean. Now, almost 20 years later, there seem to be fewer. After three years of counting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that there are only 15,164 walruses in the area. But, scientists say, they're not finished counting.
"We're still working on the final population estimate," said Suzann Speckman. She is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Endangered Species?
What's a possible reason for the lower walrus count? Brendan Cummings, a spokesperson for the Center for Biological Diversity, thinks many walruses are dying. He believes global warming is melting the ice in the waters between Alaska and Russia. That's the area where most walruses live. The chubby mammals with the big tusks use the ice to dive and hunt from.
But other scientists aren't so sure that the walruses are dying out. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Doug Burn said, "We realized we were missing a lot of walrus groups." So the walrus count goes on. The counting hasn't been easy. Scientists sometimes have to guess the number of walruses that are underwater. And some technical problems made counting more difficult. A method that counts the mammals using body heat did not work. It delayed the operation by a whole year.
U.S. law requires scientists to count the walruses every three years. Then, if the mammals turn out to be an endangered species, they will be counted every year. As the current count goes on, it will become clearer to scientists just how the walrus is doing in the wild.
Max-I think that the main cause of fewer and fewer walruses is global warming. Because hotter temperatures will let the ice in the Arctic Ocean melt faster, causing the walruses have no place to live and starting to die. So we need to reduce carbon dioxide to let the walruses have place to live, not to let them extinct!
Ants Invade!
Ants Invade!
Scientists have made some amazing discoveries about one species of ant
by Joyce C. Tang
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909337,00.html
One type of South American ant is spreading around the world and is living in huge super-colonies. Not only that, but these natural fighters seem to know they are family and get along, according to the latest scientific findings.
Super-colonies of Argentine ants may be separated by oceans, but they still recognize each other.
The light brown Argentine ants are originally from South America. Over the years, the Argentine ant has moved to other parts of the globe, possibly by hiding in people's luggage and in cargo. This hasn't always been a good thing since the insects can destroy local plants and affect what animals in that area eat.
Ants are fierce fighters. They protect their territory from invaders, including other types of ants and insects. But Argentine ants, though they live on separate continents, don't fight when they come together, scientists say. "Our research found Argentine ants from three continents were rather friendly, and not hostile towards each other," researcher Eiriki Sunamura told the New Zealand Herald.
Are Ants Taking Over?
There are three known super-colonies of Argentine ants. In Europe, one super-colony is located along the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed to be 3,700 miles long. That's even wider than the United States. Another super-colony is located in California. It covers about 560 miles, or about half of the California coast. The third super-colony is on the west coast of Japan.
Scientists in Japan and Spain have discovered that the insects in the three super-colonies share similar chemical profiles. This helps them recognize one another. To prove this, the scientists matched each super-colony with ants from a different colony in a similar part of the world. The Mediterranean ant colony couldn't get along with a smaller one from Spain. And the colony from the west coast of Japan couldn't get along with ants from another area in Japan. But when the ants from the three super-colonies came together, they got along just fine. In fact, they acted like old friends. And how do old ant friends greet one another? By rubbing antennas to say hello.
All in the Family
The scientists think that the Argentine ant super-colonies are one big family. Because they have similar chemical profiles, the scientists believe they are genetically related. The ants recognize each other by the chemical makeup of their outer shells.
Max-I think the Argentine ants are good ants because it only fights with other colonies, but even the Argentine ants’ colonies are separated into different places, they won’t even fight. I think it is a special kind of ant. But the colonies are too big, they are going to take over the world!
Scientists have made some amazing discoveries about one species of ant
by Joyce C. Tang
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909337,00.html
One type of South American ant is spreading around the world and is living in huge super-colonies. Not only that, but these natural fighters seem to know they are family and get along, according to the latest scientific findings.
Super-colonies of Argentine ants may be separated by oceans, but they still recognize each other.
The light brown Argentine ants are originally from South America. Over the years, the Argentine ant has moved to other parts of the globe, possibly by hiding in people's luggage and in cargo. This hasn't always been a good thing since the insects can destroy local plants and affect what animals in that area eat.
Ants are fierce fighters. They protect their territory from invaders, including other types of ants and insects. But Argentine ants, though they live on separate continents, don't fight when they come together, scientists say. "Our research found Argentine ants from three continents were rather friendly, and not hostile towards each other," researcher Eiriki Sunamura told the New Zealand Herald.
Are Ants Taking Over?
There are three known super-colonies of Argentine ants. In Europe, one super-colony is located along the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed to be 3,700 miles long. That's even wider than the United States. Another super-colony is located in California. It covers about 560 miles, or about half of the California coast. The third super-colony is on the west coast of Japan.
Scientists in Japan and Spain have discovered that the insects in the three super-colonies share similar chemical profiles. This helps them recognize one another. To prove this, the scientists matched each super-colony with ants from a different colony in a similar part of the world. The Mediterranean ant colony couldn't get along with a smaller one from Spain. And the colony from the west coast of Japan couldn't get along with ants from another area in Japan. But when the ants from the three super-colonies came together, they got along just fine. In fact, they acted like old friends. And how do old ant friends greet one another? By rubbing antennas to say hello.
All in the Family
The scientists think that the Argentine ant super-colonies are one big family. Because they have similar chemical profiles, the scientists believe they are genetically related. The ants recognize each other by the chemical makeup of their outer shells.
Max-I think the Argentine ants are good ants because it only fights with other colonies, but even the Argentine ants’ colonies are separated into different places, they won’t even fight. I think it is a special kind of ant. But the colonies are too big, they are going to take over the world!
2009/07/15
Swine Flu(H1N1)
April 27, 2009
What is Swine Flu?
TFK answers this and other questions about the flu outbreak
By Nellie Gonzalez Cutler
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1894138,00.html
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that 40 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the United States. People have fallen ill in several states. All of those who have come down with the flu have either recovered or are recovering. Many of them visited Mexico recently.
The flu is taking a serious toll on Mexico. Officials believe that swine flu may have sickened 1,614 people since April 13. The virus is suspected to have caused more than 100 deaths. The Mexican government has closed all public schools and canceled hundreds of public events in the country's capital, Mexico City. Soldiers handed out six million face masks, hoping the masks will stop the spread of the virus.
Governments around the world are taking steps to stop the spread of the illness. They are questioning travelers and encouraging citizens to take precautions. The WHO is keeping a close watch on the situation. No one wants the illness to become a pandemic (pan-dem-ik), or worldwide outbreak. In 1918, the severe "Spanish flu" killed an estimated 40 to 50 million people worldwide. But the world is better prepared for a flu outbreak today. Antiviral drugs can help fight swine flu. Doctors and hospitals are better equipped than they were 100 years ago.
Here are answers to questions you may have about swine flu:
What is swine flu?
Swine influenza, or flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs. Type A influenza viruses cause it. Humans do not normally get swine flu. But when they do, infections are believed to spread from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has determined that swine flu is contagious.
How does swine flu spread?
Flu viruses are mainly spread when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes near another person. Droplets from an infected sneeze move through the air. Sometimes people become infected when they touch a surface that is infected and then touch their mouth or nose.
Can I get swine flu from eating pork?
No. The flu is not spread through eating or preparing food.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. Your doctor can prescribe drugs that will help you feel better.
Should I be worried?
Officials say that the swine flu situation is serious. You should take precautions, but there is no need for you to worry. On Sunday, the U.S. government declared a public health emergency. The government is working hard to determine how best to deal with the flu outbreak. More than 12 million doses of flu-fighting medications are being shipped to states. President Barack Obama said on Monday that the threat of spreading swine flu infections is a matter of concern but "not a cause for alarm."
What can I do?
• Wash your hands often with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm rather than your hand.
• Let your parents know if you are not feeling well.
• Stay home from school if you are sick.
Max-I think that swine flu is a dangerous disease, because of some people spreading diseases to other people, until many people in the country get the disease and we need to move away. So you can wash your hands when coughing and sneezing, and stay away from other people, and don’t go to places with too many people inside.
What is Swine Flu?
TFK answers this and other questions about the flu outbreak
By Nellie Gonzalez Cutler
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1894138,00.html
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that 40 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the United States. People have fallen ill in several states. All of those who have come down with the flu have either recovered or are recovering. Many of them visited Mexico recently.
The flu is taking a serious toll on Mexico. Officials believe that swine flu may have sickened 1,614 people since April 13. The virus is suspected to have caused more than 100 deaths. The Mexican government has closed all public schools and canceled hundreds of public events in the country's capital, Mexico City. Soldiers handed out six million face masks, hoping the masks will stop the spread of the virus.
Governments around the world are taking steps to stop the spread of the illness. They are questioning travelers and encouraging citizens to take precautions. The WHO is keeping a close watch on the situation. No one wants the illness to become a pandemic (pan-dem-ik), or worldwide outbreak. In 1918, the severe "Spanish flu" killed an estimated 40 to 50 million people worldwide. But the world is better prepared for a flu outbreak today. Antiviral drugs can help fight swine flu. Doctors and hospitals are better equipped than they were 100 years ago.
Here are answers to questions you may have about swine flu:
What is swine flu?
Swine influenza, or flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs. Type A influenza viruses cause it. Humans do not normally get swine flu. But when they do, infections are believed to spread from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has determined that swine flu is contagious.
How does swine flu spread?
Flu viruses are mainly spread when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes near another person. Droplets from an infected sneeze move through the air. Sometimes people become infected when they touch a surface that is infected and then touch their mouth or nose.
Can I get swine flu from eating pork?
No. The flu is not spread through eating or preparing food.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. Your doctor can prescribe drugs that will help you feel better.
Should I be worried?
Officials say that the swine flu situation is serious. You should take precautions, but there is no need for you to worry. On Sunday, the U.S. government declared a public health emergency. The government is working hard to determine how best to deal with the flu outbreak. More than 12 million doses of flu-fighting medications are being shipped to states. President Barack Obama said on Monday that the threat of spreading swine flu infections is a matter of concern but "not a cause for alarm."
What can I do?
• Wash your hands often with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm rather than your hand.
• Let your parents know if you are not feeling well.
• Stay home from school if you are sick.
Max-I think that swine flu is a dangerous disease, because of some people spreading diseases to other people, until many people in the country get the disease and we need to move away. So you can wash your hands when coughing and sneezing, and stay away from other people, and don’t go to places with too many people inside.
Return of the Blue Whales
Return of the Blue Whales
After decades away, the giant marine mammals have been spotted in the waters off Alaska
By Suzanne Zimbler
Blue whales living in the Pacific Ocean used to travel north toward Alaska for food every spring. But around 1966, the giant mammals stopped making the trip north. Now, after more than 40 years, scientists say blue whales are returning to the northern waters.
Blue Whales' Blue Tale
Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet. The average blue whale is about 80 feet long. That is twice the length of a large yellow school bus. But being huge has not kept these animals safe from harm.
In the early part of the 20th century, an estimated 350,000 blue whales swam the world's oceans. Then whalers began hunting the animals for their blubber. Blubber is a thick layer of fat under the whale's skin that is boiled down to make oil. The animals were hunted almost to extinction. In 1931 alone, more than 29,000 blue whales were killed.
Hunting blue whales was banned in 1966. But recovery has been slow. According to the American Cetacean Society, there are now between 8,000 and 14,000 blue whales in the world. About 2,000 blue whales live in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California.
A Whale of a Trip
For decades, blue whales living in the Pacific Ocean have not swum north. "No one had seen blue whales in these waters since the end of whaling," says scientist Jay Barlow. Then, in 2004, three blue whales were spotted in the waters off Alaska. Scientists compared pictures of these animals with pictures that had been taken of blue whales in the waters off the coast of California. They realized that at least one was a match. The same blue whale that had been photographed near California was now swimming near Alaska. Researchers now have evidence that 15 blue whales seen off the coast of Canada and in the Gulf of Alaska are part of the California group of 2,000 animals.
Scientists believe the animals may be traveling north in search of food. Blue whales eat four tons of krill, a tiny shrimplike animal, every day. A change in ocean temperature, which normally occurs every 10 years, may have pushed the krill farther north. "When the food dries up, these animals wander over enormous ranges," said Bruce Mate, director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University.
Max-Now that blue whales are getting fewer and fewer, we need to protect them! I think that the whalers are evil, they are doing bad things to the whales, even killing them because they want to eat the whale’s fin! Because of this reason, in the past few months, I saw advertisements on the TV propagate to the people not to kill whales.
After decades away, the giant marine mammals have been spotted in the waters off Alaska
By Suzanne Zimbler
Blue whales living in the Pacific Ocean used to travel north toward Alaska for food every spring. But around 1966, the giant mammals stopped making the trip north. Now, after more than 40 years, scientists say blue whales are returning to the northern waters.
Blue Whales' Blue Tale
Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet. The average blue whale is about 80 feet long. That is twice the length of a large yellow school bus. But being huge has not kept these animals safe from harm.
In the early part of the 20th century, an estimated 350,000 blue whales swam the world's oceans. Then whalers began hunting the animals for their blubber. Blubber is a thick layer of fat under the whale's skin that is boiled down to make oil. The animals were hunted almost to extinction. In 1931 alone, more than 29,000 blue whales were killed.
Hunting blue whales was banned in 1966. But recovery has been slow. According to the American Cetacean Society, there are now between 8,000 and 14,000 blue whales in the world. About 2,000 blue whales live in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California.
A Whale of a Trip
For decades, blue whales living in the Pacific Ocean have not swum north. "No one had seen blue whales in these waters since the end of whaling," says scientist Jay Barlow. Then, in 2004, three blue whales were spotted in the waters off Alaska. Scientists compared pictures of these animals with pictures that had been taken of blue whales in the waters off the coast of California. They realized that at least one was a match. The same blue whale that had been photographed near California was now swimming near Alaska. Researchers now have evidence that 15 blue whales seen off the coast of Canada and in the Gulf of Alaska are part of the California group of 2,000 animals.
Scientists believe the animals may be traveling north in search of food. Blue whales eat four tons of krill, a tiny shrimplike animal, every day. A change in ocean temperature, which normally occurs every 10 years, may have pushed the krill farther north. "When the food dries up, these animals wander over enormous ranges," said Bruce Mate, director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University.
Max-Now that blue whales are getting fewer and fewer, we need to protect them! I think that the whalers are evil, they are doing bad things to the whales, even killing them because they want to eat the whale’s fin! Because of this reason, in the past few months, I saw advertisements on the TV propagate to the people not to kill whales.
2009/07/11
Largest Sandstorm in History?
Largest Sandstorm in History?
A huge sandstorm is covering parts of Iraq
By Joyce C. Tang
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909339,00.html
One of the worst sandstorms in history has blanketed Iraq for more than a week. On the streets, the fine dust has coated everything. People's hair and clothes are a rusty orange color. Residents aren't leaving their homes without the protection of face masks.
A sandstorm, also known as a dust storm, occurs when high winds blow loose sand and dust. Last Sunday, a NASA satellite took pictures of the giant sandstorm at its height. Some parts of the storm were so thick that the ground below was not visible. The sandstorm has caused health problems, delayed flights, and interfered with local businesses and government activity. Even U.S. Vice President Joe Biden had to call off plans to visit the Iraqi president. As many as 300 people have complained of difficulty breathing at a hospital in Baghdad, the nation's capital.
Because visibility is only a few yards, the Baghdad airport was shut down. Police are directing traffic on the streets. It's not only the outdoors that is dangerous, however. The dust creeps under doorways and through cracks in windows, covering the insides of buildings as well. It even leaves an iron–like taste in people's mouths.
Rain, Rain, Come Again
Iraq is a desert country, so sandstorms are common. The situation this year has been worse because of several recent years of drought. Little rainfall has left the land drier than usual, causing it to become dustier. The dust has even blown over to Iran and Saudi Arabia—two neighboring nations. Government offices in Iran, and schools in Tehran, Iran's capital, have declared Tuesday and Wednesday public holidays so they could close down because of the storms.
Experts say that sandstorms have become more frequent in Iraq. They blame the drought, the growth of cities into areas that once grew crops, and military vehicles removing the upper crust of sand. Sandstorms usually last for a day, but this one has stretched on for more than a week. It may end up being the largest dust storm in modern history.
Max-I wish that the sandstorm will weaken its power after a few days so that the people in Iraq will become healthier and not go to the hospital. If the sandstorm became stronger, some people will even die of difficult breathing. I wish there is no more sandstorms stronger than this one.
A huge sandstorm is covering parts of Iraq
By Joyce C. Tang
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909339,00.html
One of the worst sandstorms in history has blanketed Iraq for more than a week. On the streets, the fine dust has coated everything. People's hair and clothes are a rusty orange color. Residents aren't leaving their homes without the protection of face masks.
A sandstorm, also known as a dust storm, occurs when high winds blow loose sand and dust. Last Sunday, a NASA satellite took pictures of the giant sandstorm at its height. Some parts of the storm were so thick that the ground below was not visible. The sandstorm has caused health problems, delayed flights, and interfered with local businesses and government activity. Even U.S. Vice President Joe Biden had to call off plans to visit the Iraqi president. As many as 300 people have complained of difficulty breathing at a hospital in Baghdad, the nation's capital.
Because visibility is only a few yards, the Baghdad airport was shut down. Police are directing traffic on the streets. It's not only the outdoors that is dangerous, however. The dust creeps under doorways and through cracks in windows, covering the insides of buildings as well. It even leaves an iron–like taste in people's mouths.
Rain, Rain, Come Again
Iraq is a desert country, so sandstorms are common. The situation this year has been worse because of several recent years of drought. Little rainfall has left the land drier than usual, causing it to become dustier. The dust has even blown over to Iran and Saudi Arabia—two neighboring nations. Government offices in Iran, and schools in Tehran, Iran's capital, have declared Tuesday and Wednesday public holidays so they could close down because of the storms.
Experts say that sandstorms have become more frequent in Iraq. They blame the drought, the growth of cities into areas that once grew crops, and military vehicles removing the upper crust of sand. Sandstorms usually last for a day, but this one has stretched on for more than a week. It may end up being the largest dust storm in modern history.
Max-I wish that the sandstorm will weaken its power after a few days so that the people in Iraq will become healthier and not go to the hospital. If the sandstorm became stronger, some people will even die of difficult breathing. I wish there is no more sandstorms stronger than this one.
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