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Best Earth Images of the Week - Jan. 6, 2012

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Scars, Ice and Swirling Clouds

Swirling clouds von Karman vortex

The von Karman vortex causes these swirled clouds. (Image credit: USGS EROS Data Center)

Recovery Sure, but Slow

(Image credit: NASA Earth Observatory)

Every hundred years or so fire returns nutrients to the soil and replaces old stands and ground debris with young forest. In 1988 one of those infrequent, severe fires burned 793,000 acres at Yellowstone National Park.

In this image taken in 2011, the scar is faded but still very apparent. [Full Story: How Yellowstone Recovers from Forest Fires.]

Evidence of Low Temps

This 250 meter resolution image shows ice forming in the upper bays of Lake Superior.

This 250 meter resolution image shows ice forming in the upper bays of Lake Superior. (Image credit: NOAA)

The National Ice Center has begun daily analysis of ice to help ensure safety and aide weather prediction.

On January 2, 2012, ice is already forming in the upper bays of Lake Superior. [Full Story: Winter Brings Ice to Great Lakes]

Spinning, Swirling Clouds

Swirling clouds von Karman vortex

The von Karman vortex causes these swirled clouds. (Image credit: USGS EROS Data Center)

The meteorological phenomenon known as a von Karman vortex creates strange, swirling clouds over the Alexander Selkirk Island. [Full Story: Strange Swirls Spied in the Clouds]

Deep-Sea Discovery

Yeti Crabs

A new species of yeti crab piles around the hydrothermal vents in Antarctica. The vents may be a safe haven for crabs, which typically can't tolerate cold waters. (Image credit: NERC ChEsSo Consortium)

Scientists exploring Antarctic deep-sea vents have discovered new species living around the hydrothermal vents. And even among the unique world of deep-sea vents, discoveries here stand out.

This never-before seen species of yeti crab seems to grow "gardens" of bacteria to provide sustenance. This then makes them targets for predatory sea stars. [Full Story: Yeti Crabs & Ghost Octopus! Unique Life Found at 1st Antarctic Deep-Sea Vents]

Not So Extraterrestrial Mineral

Tranquillityite Crystals

A microscopic image of a rock with red-brown tranquillityite crystals as well as brightly colored pyroxene crystals and grey-white-black feldspar crystals. (Image credit: Birger Rasmussen.)

A mineral once found only on the moon, tranquillityite, has been discovered in Australia. This terrestrial version of the mineral was found in billion-year-old rocks in Western Australia.

Research suggests the mineral is widespread, but minor in the area. Researchers think the method of study typically used to examine rocks may explain why tranquillityite has not been found before.

These findings may help scientists understand the relationship between the Earth and the moon. [Full Story: Moon Mineral Found in Ancient Australian Rock]

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
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