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- In an effort to curb disturbances caused by tourists seeking the perfect shot of Mount Fuji, a town in Japan has implemented measures to maintain peace and preserve the beauty of the iconic peak. This comes in the wake of recent incidents prompting nearby destinations to take drastic actions.
- Mount Fuji stands as Japan's loftiest summit, soaring to 3,776 meters above sea level. Positioned a mere 100 kilometers west of Tokyo on Honshu Island, it graces the skyline near the Pacific Coast. Unlike its counterparts in other parts of the world, Mount Fuji stands alone, not part of a sprawling mountain range. A dormant stratovolcano since its last eruption in 1707, it remains classified as active by geologists, boasting a majestic summit crater and fashioned from countless basaltic lava flows.
- Its gentle slope and expansive base form a picturesque silhouette, tapering to an awe-inspiring peak. Geologically, its volcanic activity is attributed to the Pacific Plate descending beneath the Philippine Plate. Despite this activity, Fuji's summit is cloaked in snow throughout much of the year, adding to its allure.
- Recognizing its significance, UNESCO bestowed World Heritage status upon Mount Fuji in 2013, affirming its global importance and cultural value. Efforts to manage tourist behavior around the site reflect a commitment to safeguarding its splendor for generations to come.
- During a recent expedition to the Abyssal Plains in the Pacific Ocean, a trove of captivating marine life was uncovered, including translucent sea cucumbers, rosy sea pigs, and basin-shaped sponges.
- The Abyssal Plains:
- Abyssal plains are expanses of flat ocean floor, typically located at the foot of continental rises.
- Their depth variation is generally minimal, ranging from 10 to 100 centimeters per kilometer of horizontal distance.
- Extending over vast distances, these plains form colossal undersea plateaus.
- They predominantly lie off the coasts of major continents, with a notable concentration in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Although fewer in number, some abyssal plains can be found in the Indian Ocean, while they are relatively scarce in the Pacific.
- These plains cover around 40% of the Earth's ocean floor.
- The largest among them is the Sohm Plain, spanning a staggering 900,000 square kilometers in the North Atlantic.
- Abyssal plains are situated at depths exceeding 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) below sea level and are composed chiefly of basalt, a dark volcanic rock rich in iron and magnesium silicate minerals.
- Layers of sediment, deposited by deep ocean turbidity currents or the remains of marine organisms, cover the basalt.
- Additional components of abyssal plain sediment include wind-blown particles, volcanic ash, chemical precipitates, and sporadic meteorite fragments.
- Scattered across these plains are abyssal hills and submerged volcanic peaks known as seamounts.
- Typically, on the opposite side of the plain lies an oceanic trench, where the seafloor plunges dramatically.
- The spotlight intensifies on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, recognized as one of Earth's foremost hazards.
- About the Cascadia Subduction Zone:
- Situated off the western coastline of North America, the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) spans from northern California to southern British Columbia.
- At this active convergent boundary, the Juan de Fuca Plate descends beneath the North American Plate.
- This subduction process holds significant implications for seismic activity throughout the region.
- Earthquake and Tsunami Risks:
- The CSZ possesses the potential to generate colossal earthquakes, some surpassing magnitudes of 9.0, which in turn can trigger tsunamis towering over 100 feet.
- A parallel fault off the coast of Japan played a pivotal role in the catastrophic 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
- A recent quantum computing study suggests that a breakthrough in the manipulation of "quantum data" has brought us closer to realizing the potential of the quantum internet.
- About Quantum Data:
- Quantum data pertains to information processed and stored using the principles of quantum mechanics.
- In contrast to classical data represented by binary states (0s and 1s), quantum data is encoded using quantum bits or qubits.
- Qubits possess the unique ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to superposition, and can be entangled with one another, enabling interconnectedness and correlation beyond classical bits' capabilities.
- Applications of Quantum Data:
- Cryptography: Quantum key distribution (QKD) utilizes quantum mechanics to establish secure communication channels resistant to eavesdropping.
- Optimization Problems: Quantum algorithms hold promise in efficiently solving complex optimization problems compared to classical counterparts.
- Simulation of Quantum Systems: Quantum computers offer the capability to simulate other quantum systems, aiding in understanding chemical reactions, materials science, and fundamental physics.
- Machine Learning: Quantum machine learning algorithms have the potential to handle large datasets and intricate models more efficiently.
- As per reports from defense officials, interest has been expressed by two South American nations in acquiring the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers.
- About Pinaka:
- The Pinaka stands as a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL), devised by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a wing of the DRDO.
- Its inaugural utilization dates back to the Kargil War, where its deployment proved instrumental in neutralizing Pakistani Army positions entrenched on the mountain summits.
- Capable of delivering potent and swift fire, the Pinaka targets a diverse array of area objectives, including exposed enemy troops, armored vehicles, communication hubs, air terminals, and storage facilities.
- Features:
- Comprising a multi-tube launcher vehicle, replenishment-cum-loader vehicle, replenishment vehicle, and command post vehicle.
- The rocket launcher is outfitted with two pods, each housing six rockets, enabling the neutralization of an area spanning 700 × 500 square meters in a mere 48 seconds.
- Hydraulically actuated outriggers support the launcher system during firing operations.
- With an impressive range of 60 to 75 kilometers, the Pinaka system is mounted on a Tatra truck, ensuring mobility across varied terrains.