MathsEnvironment
Why is the sky blue?
It is something we take for granted. The sky is not yellow, green or purple – it's blue, very blue. The reason for this very distinct hue is due to the way sunlight dances through the Earth's atmosphere.
Trouble in coral city
Underwater coral reefs are often mistaken for rocks or plants, but in fact they're made up of millions of tiny animals called polyps.
A bug's life
Most cicadas live for just a few years, but periodic cicadas live much longer, with lifespans of 13 or 17 years depending on the species.
Environment: Who employs mathematicians?
Maths graduates may not always be aware of the various employment opportunities available to them. This page offers a list of employer websites divided into several categories.
Leaving messy footprints
The ‘carbon footprint’ is a measure of the amount of pollution that is created by doing certain things; but why does that matter, and what does it actually mean?
Metals in the food chain
An example of how maths helps ecologists study the transport of pollution, biologists study its affect on animals and plants, doctors advise on preventing health problems, and the general public take control of their well-being.
Keep a weather eye
The weather is one of the biggest external influences on human society, as well as providing the English with an inexhaustible topic of conversation. It is also extremely complicated!
Waste not, want not
Think recycling is too much hard work? It can actually be easier than throwing waste away.
Is it gonna blow?
Volcanic eruptions can destroy entire towns, so learning to predict them is a matter of life and death.
Caring for the environment
Carson was a lone voice speaking out for statistical scientific studies on pesticides, which helped spark the environmental movement.
The answer is blowing in the wind
Howling gales might not be much fun, but they could light up the country.
Taking Earth's temperature
Climate change is a serious threat, and the only way to know what we're facing is through statistics and simulation.
In the line of fire
Fire is a terrifying, destructive force. Studying its complicated dance saves lives and property.
Whale watching
How do you count the whale population when there are only a few hundred of them and they keep out of sight?