Glenn Kong’s Post

One aspect I love about #earthobservation (and a core element of my research at #KAUST) is the capacity to look back in time and see how environments have changed and/or stayed the same. One of my students, Jorge L. Rodriguez Galvis, has been discovering this image-based "time-travel" for himself, exploring declassified data from the US Governments Keyhole program (Hexagon KH-9). The example below is taken from #Hegra in Al Ula, an area of incredible natural beauty and of important cultural and historical significance to #SaudiArabia (and where we are currently doing some work with The Royal Commission for AlUla). The sequence shows KH-9 imagery from 1977, transposed against more recent #MAXAR image (from 2023). It reveals not only persistent geological features, but also the rapid terrestrial transformations that have occurred in this time - with Al Ula now one of the Kingdoms pre-eminent tourist destinations. Such historical #EO data provide an incredible tool for looking back into the recent past. They help us understand landscape development and change, capture the impact of humanity's footprint on the Earth, and aid in efforts to preserve, protect and restore these important landscapes. #SaudiArabia #Conservation #RemoteSensing #EarthObservation

🪸 French Polynesia mobilises the world to confirm the synchronised global spawning of the coral Porites rus 🪸 The Polynesian association Tama No Te Tairoto (Children of the Lagoon) has launched a #global initiative, ‘Connected by the Reef – Te firi a’au.’ This first-of-its-kind #citizenscience project which unites more than 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ observers in 3️⃣3️⃣ countries to confirm the worldwide synchronisation of the spawning of Porites rus corals, a vital reef-building species. 📅 When? January 18–19, 2025 (depending on time zones). 🌍 Where? Across the globe, with observations spanning the Pacific Islands, Asia, the Indian Ocean, and East Africa. 🔖 This initiative #ForCoral is part of the UN Ocean Decade and a recipient of the 2024 TO’A Reef Awards Grand Prize by Initiative Française pour les récifs coralliens (Ifrecor) Polynesia. It is endorsed by the French Initiative for Coral Reefs (Ifrecor) and International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). With the threat of their potential disappearance looming, Tama no te Tairoto’s initiative is a timely call to #action and a testament to the power of global collaboration. 🐠 Get Involved: We encourage our network to support this inspiring initiative. Here’s how you can participate: 1️⃣ Join the Observation Team: If you live near a coral reef in the Pacific or Indian Oceans, there’s still time to sign up. 2️⃣ Share Your Story: Record videos, take photos, and share them on social media using #ConnectedbytheReef and #TamaNoTeTairoto, tagging Tama No Te Tairoto. 3️⃣ Log Observations: Use the “Tama no te Tairoto” app to register your findings—whether you see coral spawning or not! Learn More ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eNiR6AJV Muriel Pontarollo

Port cities have a complicated relationship with the sea. On one hand, they promise access to it; on the other, they deny it. The shoreline is often inaccessible, hidden behind the port's gates and breakwater dams. In such cities, not everyone has the resources to access the water. In this editorial for Lapilli+, I draw a comparison between Taranto and Genoa, observing what happens when a maritime city turns its back on the sea. Thanks to my editors at Magma Magazine, Guia Baggi and Lucia De Stefani. https://lnkd.in/dXQgaZvt

Ecuador: A Geophysical Landmark on the Equatorial Line Ecuador, a country in South America, is uniquely situated on the equator, which is the zero-degree latitude line dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This geographic distinction gives Ecuador its name and positions it as one of the few countries traversed by the equatorial line. The equator runs just north of Ecuador's capital, Quito, where a popular tourist site, the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), marks its approximate location. At this monument, visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere, an experience that symbolizes Ecuador’s significant geographic positioning. Ecuador’s equatorial location influences its climate, leading to relatively consistent temperatures year-round. However, the country’s diverse topography, which includes the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, and Pacific coastline, creates various microclimates. This diversity supports a rich biodiversity, making Ecuador one of the world's most ecologically diverse nations. The equator’s passage through Ecuador also has historical and scientific significance. French geodesic missions in the 18th century measured the shape of the Earth here, contributing to our understanding of its oblate spheroid shape. These scientific efforts are commemorated at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo monument. Overall, Ecuador's straddling of the equator enriches its cultural, climatic, and ecological landscapes, making it a unique and intriguing destination for both tourists and scientists alike #education #management #travel #engineering #design #climatechange #analytics

🌍✨ Preserving Heritage in a Changing Climate The Mediterranean Basin—a cradle of civilisation—is now on the frontlines of climate change. Rising temperatures, pollution, and land use shifts threaten both our environment and cultural heritage. Alarmingly, 45% of our historical memory is at risk of being lost. 🔍 What’s at Stake? Historic sites and traditions are vanishing. Natural hazards like flooding, wildfires, and coastal erosion are intensifying, endangering monuments, archaeological sites, and the intangible heritage that defines our identity. 💡 The Management Challenge Heritage preservation requires a dynamic approach: • 🌐 Digital tools: Virtual reconstructions protect access and preservation. • 🤝 Community engagement: Local traditions and knowledge are essential. • 📜 Interdisciplinary strategies: Collaboration across archaeology, climate science, and policy is key. 🎯 A Call to Action Heritage preservation is about securing the future. Sustainable tourism, climate-resilient policies, and education must become priorities to protect the Mediterranean’s unique cultural identity. Together, we can ensure this heritage inspires future generations. #CulturalHeritage #Medecc

Julien Mader, Director of Marine Technology, has been appointed member of the Executive Directors Board at the EuroGOOS, European Global Ocean Observing System General Assembly, a recognition of his outstanding work in #operationaloceanography. This achievement is a recognition for Julien that also strengthens #AZTI's position in the development of European Operational Oceanography and its contribution to the global ocean observing system. Julien's experience and expertise will be key in driving forward the structuring of the European ocean observing system and initiatives that improve the understanding and management of the oceans, addressing global challenges such as #climatechange and the conservation of #marinebiodiversity. A step forward in our mission to lead #research and innovation in operational oceanography, contributing to the well-being of marine ecosystems and sustainable marine-related economic development. ✨ Zorionak Julien for the appointment and to all the operational oceanography team for making it possible! Anna Rubio, Aritz Abalia Patiño, Jon Berregui, Luis Cuesta, Iñaki de Santiago, Andrea del Campo, Irati Epelde, Luis Ferrer, Roland Garnier, Ivan Manso Narvarte, Pedro Liria Loza, Asier Nieto Ibirriaga, Irene Ruiz Muñoz, Yolanda Sagarminaga, Lohitzune Solabarrieta, Iker Urtizberea. #TheAnswerLiesInScience

#Atlantis is now Caribbean-plate, Cocos-plate, several microplates beneath central America, the city itself is buried on the Yucatan peninsula, beneath millions tonnes limestone, currently referred to as "Chicxulub-crater"... https://lnkd.in/e4n7sf-R "Clad in scuba gear, edging through narrow tunnels, researchers discovered the stone ruins of eleven sacred temples"... ...highly edited, removing any mentions of "pyramids", but these female archaeologists found columns, buildings, roads, in caves, underwater, roads going nowhere... "26ky" precessional-cycle- ...just as we have since this cataclysm, when our Moon had broken Pangaea apart, hitting Mediterranean sea 13kya, initiating "a time without a moon", Berbers move to Morocco, Basque move to Spain, Clovis/Solutrean go out explore, giants build Malta for the protection of dwarfs,.. until a comet hit Hudson Bay 11kya, releasing attraction, washing over rebuild, allowing our Moon to again revolve, causing all life to again devolve, through cyclical-catastrophism, the only way for life to evolve, because evolution is cyclical, this is our timeframe, & IF we're unable to return our pilfered technologies, there's no way for humanity to make it into our future... YDB... -asteroseismology- -1812Project: -much information taken December 16, 1811, when the Mississippi-embayment was resurfaced, shifting continents at compressional-boundaries,.. or we all would know what pyramidal-complexes were built for, charging capacitors known as "obelisks",.. why cathedrals & starforts are so important for healthcare, no one would think helium to be "rare", mercury "too toxic", copper "outdated", & would have never made gold illegal, nor so "expensive",.. it would just be common knowledge that lighthouses extract hydrogen & helium for airships,.. we would still have regenerational-braking on all our trains, trolleys, subways,.. on & on... & our calendars would still be timing with Sacred+Geometry of our Circadian+Rhythm, for much healthier biofields... -with our Moon's orbital-elements, "life-cycles"- Shock-Dynamics: https://lnkd.in/gKAjNRfD -there is overwhelming proof, the article linked is "the smoking-gun"!!!- -in fact, at this point, there is no doubt, our forefathers lived much healthier, much happier lifestyles, & we have yet to reimplement any of their advancements- by design!!!- -remember- +bring back our lost Antiquitech+"find the truths behind the myths" https://lnkd.in/eDqK3jEP

WE HAVE JUST PUBLISHED OUR 100th BLOG ON THE Snoogle.ai WEBSITE! It's about one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world! Check it out here. https://lnkd.in/dvPzT7Hg #lakebaikal #tourism #naturalwonders #100 #briefbioblogs #snoogle #snoogle.ai

ℹ️ The name “Bahamas” originates from the Spanish term “Baja Mar”, translating to “shallow sea”. This name is a fitting tribute to the region’s unique geography, which is characterised by the crystal-clear and shallow waters that give Bahamian coastline their extraordinary turquoise colour. The term perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Bahamas, highlighting the unique and enchanting marine environment that sets the Bahamian islands apart. The astonishing Bahamian marine environment and the need for its preservation is one of the main reasons that drive the Bahamas Shipowners Association’s initiatives for the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. Learn more about the Bahamas Shipowners Association policies: https://bit.ly/4h0UMzF #TravelBahamas #Bahamas #BahamasShipownersAssociation #BSA #MarineEnvironment #BajaMar #DidyouKnow #interestingfacts

📢Meet the REEVALUATE Consortium!! 🔎Partner: Fondazione Aquileia (AQUILEIA) 📌Brief Description: The FONDAZIONE AQUILEIA , having as partners the Ministry of cultural assets and activities, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the City of Aquileia and the Archdiocese of Gorizia, was born in 2008 to manage and promote the extraordinary archaeological heritage of Aquileia, UNESCO site since 1998. Fondazione Aquileia can act as an essential tool to prepare strategic plans, promote the development of cultural tourism, co-sponsor actions, indirectly manage enhancement initiatives, and make research, conservation and restoration of the sites granted for use. 📌Role in the project: A CHI, managing the ancient city of Aquileia (sites and artefacts), who will participate in the implementation and evaluation of the project framework in the third pilot case. 💻Visit: https://bit.ly/3J4XuV0 #REEVALUATEproject #AQUILEIA #HorizonEurope #CulturalHeritage #DigitisationManagement