[Verse 1] Did you ever think We’d see Neversink On fire? (On fire!) By the time you blink You’re on the brink Of fire (On fire!)
[Chorus] The mountain’s on fire Our situation’s dire We lay our eyes And realize
[Bridge] Look out (there she blow’s) Fire, shout! (so everyone knows) Shout! (Shout it out) On fire (On fire!)
[Verse 2] Did you ever think We’d see coasts sink No higher? (No higher) Sink in and think ’cause Neversink’s On fire (On fire!)
[Chorus] The mountain’s on fire Our situation’s dire We lay our eyes And realize
[Bridge] Look out (there she blow’s) Fire, shout! (so everyone knows) Shout! (Shout it out) On fire (On fire!)
[Bridge] The hand of Man Cannot understand The low is sinking (The high is burning) What’s he thinking? Acquisition yearning (Leaves Earth scorning) Everything, but the kitchen sink… (Stop! To think.)
[Outro] Neversink’s sunk You’re fired
A SCIENCE NOTE Reading, PA — Crews continued battling a wind-driven fire on Neversink Mountain November 9, which had broken out just after midnight. Visible from miles away, the blaze produced dense smoke and a striking ring of flames along the mountain’s edge, visible from Reading’s Pagoda landmark. Evacuations were ordered for residents in areas where flames neared structures, including neighborhoods from South 9th to 14th and 17th to 18th streets.
Climate change is contributing to the increased intensity and frequency of wildfires through a combination of factors that create favorable conditions for wildfires to ignite, spread, and become more destructive.
A report by the USDA and the U.S. Forest Service found that the risk of wildfires has been drastically underestimated. The updated model concluded that wildfires pose a high risk to one-third of all U.S. residents and buildings. “We’re more accurately reflecting climate changes that we’ve seen in the last few years,” said Kelly Pohl, associate director at the nonprofit Headwaters Economics, which released the findings with the Forest Service.
Here are some key ways in which climate change influences wildfires:
Higher Temperatures:
Impact: Rising global temperatures increase the likelihood of extreme heat events.
Effect on Wildfires: Higher temperatures contribute to drier conditions, leading to increased evaporation and moisture loss from vegetation. Dry and hot conditions provide a more conducive environment for wildfires to ignite and spread.
Drought Conditions:
Impact: Changes in precipitation patterns and prolonged droughts are linked to climate change.
Effect on Wildfires: Drought conditions result in dry vegetation, making it more susceptible to ignition. Reduced soil moisture levels also contribute to the flammability of ecosystems.
Changing Rainfall Patterns:
Impact: Climate change alters regional rainfall patterns, leading to more intense rainfall in some areas and prolonged dry spells in others.
Effect on Wildfires: Areas experiencing reduced rainfall may face prolonged dry seasons, creating conditions favorable for wildfires. Intense rainfall in certain regions can lead to the growth of vegetation, which later dries out and becomes potential fuel for fires.
Warming Winters:
Impact: Warmer winter temperatures can affect snowpack and contribute to earlier snowmelt.
Effect on Wildfires: Reduced snowpack and earlier snowmelt can result in drier soil and vegetation earlier in the year, extending the wildfire season and increasing the period of vulnerability to fire ignition.
Extended Fire Season:
Impact: Changes in climate contribute to longer and more intense fire seasons.
Effect on Wildfires: A longer fire season means that conditions conducive to wildfires persist for a more extended period, increasing the likelihood of ignition and the potential for wildfires to become larger and more destructive.
Insect Infestations:
Impact: Warmer temperatures allow for the proliferation of certain insects, such as bark beetles.
Effect on Wildfires: Insect-infested trees become more susceptible to disease and wildfire. Dead and dry trees contribute to the fuel load, increasing the intensity and spread of wildfires.
Wind Patterns:
Impact: Changes in climate can influence wind patterns.
Effect on Wildfires: Changes in wind patterns can contribute to the rapid spread of wildfires. Strong winds can carry embers over long distances, leading to the ignition of new areas.
Thawing Permafrost:
Impact: Warming temperatures contribute to the thawing of permafrost.
Effect on Wildfires: Thawing permafrost releases stored carbon, creating flammable conditions. It can also lead to changes in vegetation types, altering fuel availability for wildfires.
The combination of these factors creates feedback loops, where more intense and frequent wildfires release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to further climate change. This cycle reinforces the importance of addressing both the causes and consequences of climate change to mitigate the impact on wildfire risk. While the beautiful sunsets during forest fires create captivating visuals, it’s essential to recognize the environmental and health impacts associated with wildfires. Wildfires can cause significant damage to ecosystems, contribute to air pollution, and pose risks to human health. The mesmerizing sunsets are a visible reminder of the interconnectedness of atmospheric processes and the far-reaching effects of natural events like wildfires.
A SCIENCE NOTE
Bread rises primarily due to a process called fermentation, driven by yeast or, in some cases, baking soda or baking powder. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
Yeast Activation and Fermentation: When bread dough is mixed, yeast (a type of fungus) consumes sugars present in the flour, breaking them down through a process called fermentation. As yeast metabolizes these sugars, it produces carbon dioxide (CO₂) and ethanol (alcohol) as byproducts. This CO₂ creates bubbles in the dough, which causes it to expand and rise.
Gluten Structure: Gluten, a protein in wheat flour, becomes stretchy and elastic when kneaded, forming a mesh-like structure that traps the CO₂ bubbles. This structure provides the dough with its elasticity, allowing it to hold gas and expand.
Proofing: During the proofing stage (when the dough is left to rise before baking), the yeast continues to produce CO₂, which builds up inside the dough, making it expand even more.
Baking: Once the dough is placed in the oven, the heat accelerates yeast activity, causing a rapid production of CO₂ in what’s known as “oven spring.” The dough’s internal temperature then rises enough to kill the yeast and stop fermentation. The gluten structure solidifies, setting the bread’s shape and texture.
In recipes that use baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast, the rising effect comes from a chemical reaction. Baking soda, when combined with an acid (like buttermilk or vinegar), or baking powder, when mixed with heat or moisture, releases CO₂, causing the dough or batter to expand. This method is common in quick breads and muffins, as it doesn’t require time to ferment or proof.
In short, bread rises due to the production of carbon dioxide, either from yeast fermentation or chemical reactions, combined with the gluten structure that traps gas bubbles and allows expansion.
[Intro]
Soon to discover
On the verge of boiling over
(Rolling, rolling, rolling)
[Verse 1]
Clock is ticking
Air is sticking
(Boiling, boiling, boiling)
Soon to discover
On the verge of boiling over
(Rolling, rolling, rolling)
[Chorus]
Did you check the temperature
(Are you sure)
Get ready for the thrill of a spill
(Not a drill)
[Bridge]
Rolling (rolling)
More than a boil
Rolling (rolling)
Pain is royal
[Verse 2]
Counting it down
Smile turns to frown
(Boiling, boiling, boiling)
Soon to discover
On the verge of boiling over
(Rolling, rolling, rolling)
[Chorus]
Did you check the temperature
(Are you sure)
Get ready for the thrill of a spill
(Not a drill)
[Bridge]
Rolling (rolling)
More than a boil
Rolling (rolling)
Pain is royal
[Chorus]
Did you check the temperature
(Are you sure)
Get ready for the thrill of a spill
(Not a drill)
[Bridge]
Rolling (rolling)
More than a boil
Rolling (rolling)
Pain is royal
[Outro]
Soon to discover
On the verge of boiling over
(Rolling, rolling, rolling)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Water on the verge of boiling over can be described as being at a “rolling boil” or “near boiling point.” In cooking, a rolling boil typically refers to water that is bubbling vigorously and consistently, often just before it boils over. If it’s right on the edge of spilling, you might also call it about to boil over or at the boiling point, indicating the stage just before it spills out of the pot or container.
This stage occurs when the water has reached or slightly exceeded its boiling temperature (100°C or 212°F at sea level) and the rapid expansion of steam creates a turbulent bubbling action.
