Nature
Exploring "Why" questions about Nature
487 articles
Why is it that in all the video I’ve seen of the deep ocean, the sand seems loose? Shouldn’t it be hard and compact do to the weight of the ocean water?
The pressure of the ocean isn't directed downwards, it comes from all directions. That's why a diver doesn't get squeezed to the ocean floor, he feels a squeeze all over his body.
Why are there high tides on the opposite side of the world at the same time?
[This image explains it well](_URL_0_). Basically, tides are caused by the moon's gravity. The closer something is to the moon, the more it is affected by its gravity.
Why does it always seem to be exceptionally quiet during/after a snowfall?
Snow is puffy. It muffles the sounds by actually absorbing sound waves by its puffiness.
why does it look like big (really big) things fall slower than smaller things?
They appear to move slower relative to themselves. Consider a ball 1 cm across, and one 10 meters across. In the first second of falling, each will fall the same distance; about 5 meters.
Why no 3rd Party has gained serious contention in American politics, despite Americans being dissatisfied with the 2 current choices.
Candidates A, B, and C are all running for office. I personally am closer in thinking to C, followed by A, and i disagree with just about everything B says. I want to vote for C, but the vote will be
Why do train tracks always rest on rocks/pebbles?
The rocks can flex against each other. Solid earth (or when mud fills the spaces between the rocks) won't flex, and the ties work themselves into loose holes. There are [machines](_URL_1_) that stir u
Why is AWD better than FWD and FWD better than RWD driving on snow?
There is a video going around that shows a RWD car will do better with good tires than an AWD car will do with shit all seasons. Basically, it boils down to traction. Rear wheel drive powers only the
Why do post menopausal women still desire sex even though they can no longer produce offspring?
Because sex still feels good. Why stop? Hell, it's *better* because you don't have to worry about unwanted pregnancies.
Why can we look directly at the sun at sunset and sunrise?
Actually you really shouldn't. There's still enough UV radiation to damage your eyes. The reason it seems like you can is that much of the visible light is being refracted off, and what's left is filt
Why are noises louder during winter?
Sound travels better through cold air because it's denser. This means that the soundwaves are stronger when they reach you than they would have been in warmer, less dense air, so they sound louder.