By K. Nepsa A young reader asked me why his nose runs when he eats spicy food. I admitted to him that my nose does it too. Although, I also admit that my nose recently started to run when eating any foods, not just the spicy variety. I was curious about this phenomenon when it first started, but it took my young reader’s question to motivate the...
By K. Nepsa As we experience one of the best monsoon seasons in recorded history, many people have witnessed the raging waters running through the Pantano Wash. The Pantano Wash runs through our community of Vail and its seasonal waters act like an intermittent heartbeat for our local ecosystems. The section of the Pantano Wash we see in Vail is...
By K. Nepsa Last month, we discussed the science behind the visceral response we often have to BBQ. Whether you’re a beginner to the BBQ or a seasoned pitmaster, you may have experienced what’s called the “plateau” or the “stall.” The temp rises steadily for a couple of hours and then, to your chagrin, it stops. It sticks. It stalls for four or...
By K. Nepsa Grills are being wiped down, skewer sticks are being re-located and patio furniture is being wiped clean as summer is in full swing. After a long year of isolation, many of us are looking forward to once again attending barbeque shindigs with friends and family. I know I am! But why do so many of us feel the call of the BBQ in a way we...
By K. Nepsa Last month we discussed a few lakes located in southern Arizona to explore and to enjoy for recreation. Here are a few more lakes in the area: Pena Blanca Lake:Located in the Pajarito Mountain foothills of Nogales, Arizona and along the southern end of Ruby Road, Pena Blanca Lake was created in 1957 when the Arizona Game and Fish...
By K. Nepsa As summer approaches, it’s natural that people will look to recreate in areas with cooler temperatures or at the very least, any place with water. Water soothes our heated skin and it’s a way our taxed and overheated bodies can find solace and comfort for a few hours. As an avid outdoor explorer, I have found water in the desert in the...
By K. Nepsa Last month, we talked about ancient art, its possible meaning(s), as well as posed the question as to why the artistic expression appears similar each time we see one on a rock face. Ancient drawings on rock (petroglyphs) were created much earlier than ancient paintings (pictographs) and both have been discovered all over the world...
By K. Nepsa Recently, I took a hike through the desert and came across some petroglyphs. As I stood viewing the rock art before me, I couldn’t help but wonder what the meaning behind these images was in ancient times. The images were clear and precise as it was specifically sheltered under a huge boulder. After admiring the stunning detail of...
By K. Nepsa How did geologic processes affect our specific region? Lori Stiles, in an article in UA News titled, “New Guide to Geologic History of Tucson Mountains” references a book written by University of Arizona planetary scientist David A. Kring, titled, “Desert Heat – Volcanic Fire.” Stiles summarizes Kring’s work by...
By K. Nepsa Understanding geologic importanceWhy is geology so important for us to understand? What is it about the Earth’s layers of rock and soil that can help us understand our past better as well as predict our future, as a planet? This is Part 1 of understanding “rad rocks.” Geologic Interactions with theLiving Community Scientists at the...
