🌋 Volcanoes on the Moon During Dinosaur Times? 🦖

🌓 Did you know the moon had active volcanoes while dinosaurs were walking the Earth? 🌋 Though most volcanoes stopped erupting a billion years ago, NASA has found evidence that some may have still been flowing with lava as recently as 100 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed! 🦖🌑 fact facts fun fact science

The Largest Lake in California has Disappeared, here is why

Formation and History of Lake Corcoran 🌍 What It Was: Lake Corcoran existed approximately 600,000 to 700,000 years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch. It covered a vast area in what is now California's Central Valley, stretching from present-day Bakersfield to the Sacramento area. Why Did It Disappear? Geological Shifts ⛰️ Change in Water Flow: Lake Corcoran was primarily fed by rivers draining the Sierra Nevada mountains. Initially, its waters flowed west into the Pacific Ocean through the Monterey Bay area. 🌊 Breakthrough to the Pacific: Over time, the lake's water eroded a natural dam in the area near what is now the Carquinez Strait. This catastrophic breakthrough caused massive drainage, redirecting the water into San Francisco Bay and effectively draining the lake. Tectonic Activity 🌋 Movement of Earth's Crust: The Central Valley's geology is heavily influenced by tectonic activity, including the uplift of the coastal ranges and the subsidence of the valley floor. These changes gradually shifted water flow patterns, preventing the lake from reforming. Climatic Changes ❄️ End of Glacial Periods: The lake existed during glacial periods when cooler temperatures led to higher water levels from snowmelt. As the climate warmed, reduced water inflow and evaporation accelerated the lake's disappearance. What Remains Today? 🏞️ Modern Central Valley: The fertile soils of California's Central Valley, one of the world's most productive agricultural regions, are partly a result of sediments deposited by Lake Corcoran. 🌊 Tulare Lake: Smaller remnants of Lake Corcoran, such as Tulare Lake, persisted for thousands of years before being drained by human intervention in the 19th century. Legacy 🧬 Impact on Evolution: Lake Corcoran's disappearance transformed the landscape, impacting ecosystems and species in the region. It played a role in shaping California's unique biodiversity. 💡 Geological Insight: The study of Lake Corcoran provides valuable insight into the dynamic relationship between climate, tectonics, and water systems over geological timescales. 🌐 The Big Picture: Lake Corcoran's story is a powerful reminder of how Earth's landscapes can undergo dramatic transformations due to natural forces. Its disappearance helped shape the region we know today. 🌎✨ facts fun fact science geography history