Barrel sponge

Giant barrel sponge
(Redirected from Xestospongia muta)
Jump to: navigation, search
Giant barrel sponge
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Haplosclerida
Family: Petrosiidae
Genus: Xestospongia
Species: X. muta
Binomial name
Xestospongia muta


Xestospongia muta, commonly known as the giant barrel sponge, is one of the largest species of sponge found in the Caribbean. It grows at depths of 10 metres (33 ft) or more and it grows between 60 cm and 1.8 m. It is brown-grey to reddish in color, with a hard or stony texture. There is little scientific information about the species, although it has been monitored since 1997.

X. muta has been called the "redwood of the reef" due to its up to 2000 year lifespan as well as its size and color.

Beautiful Geodes

Diamonds

Diamonds are geologists' discoveries; society must know Geology if they love their diamonds, gold,platinum & building materials; life with this awareness makes you a CITIZEN SCIENTIST

Carvings

Carvings are best done by weathering

Volcanic landscapes-Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, which bubble, pop, steam, and burst. In fact, the park contains the highest concentration of geothermal features in the world. It is also home to a sublime wilderness of evergreen forests, deep canyons, and broad valleys where robust herds of American bison, elk, deer, and pronghorn antelope roam.

Huge rock block is left high & hanging

 An ice pedestal is seen at basecamp on Mount Everest.

Ice melts & drifts away

Date: 16-Apr-12
Country: RUSSIA

Birds sit on melting ice as it floats on the river Neva past a reflection of the Peter and Pavel Fortress in St. Petersburg April 13, 2012.