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The Earth has changed over millions of years. Natural landscapes evolve, disappear, or are reshaped by forces that have been changing over the Earth's lifetime. Some sites once teeming with life and beauty have since disappeared into history and now exist only in memory and records. Such lost places remind us of the dynamic character of the Earth and the continue effect of natural phenomena as well as human endeavor. Here are five such incredible places that no longer exist on Earth, each of it unique in its own story and importance
East Island
East Island is the name given to a small, isolated island in the Hawaiian Archipelago's French Frigate Shoals. It had been known for its important habitat for vulnerable species like the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle and the monk seal. Regrettably, in 2018, massive Hurricane Walaka completely washed away East Island with its storm surge. The loss of the island sheds light upon the vulnerability of low-lying islands toward extreme weather events and rising sea levels, which is a pressing call for urgent actions on climate.
The Pink and White Terraces
The Pink and White Terraces of New Zealand were likened to the "Eighth Wonder of the World," for they had something about them that was just amazing in beauty. These natural silica formations were created from geothermal activities. The hot mineral-rich water cascading down the terraces produced distinct pink and white hues. However, in 1886, the Mount Tarawera eruption destroyed the terraces and buried them under volcanic ash and mud. Until now, all efforts to find any rest of the terraces went in vain as they remain lost except by historical accounts and paintings capturing their former glory.
Guaíra Falls
Guaíra Falls was reportedly positioned across the border between Brazil and Paraguay. It was reportedly one of the most potent falls in the world regarding water flows. Even as the average flow rate of Guaíra was two times more than that of Niagara Falls, the area itself was a beauty to be seen. However, in 1982, the building of the Itaipu Dam forced the flooding of the falls as well as the adjacent area to be perpetually submerged. Today, the site lies at the bottom of the reservoir created by the dam. It is also a stark reminder of the environmental implications of human engineering.
Bering Land Bridge
Beringia also referred to as the Bering Land Bridge, was once the land connecting Asia and North America during the last Ice Age. It allowed for easy migration from Asia into North America and vice versa. This movement of human beings, animals, and plants came in handy as far as the people of the Americas were concerned. With the rising sea levels of the ice epoch, Beringia was flooded out and left to the currents, the only survivor of which was the Bering Strait. The flooded land bridge is evidence of the changing geography of Earth and the archaic migrations that had played their role in forming human civilization.
Irharhar River
Irharhar River was a river that flowed through the Sahara Desert in history and formed a lifeline for ancient civilizations and diverse ecosystems. This ancient river has left behind fossilised river beds and other leftovers of flora and fauna. For thousands of years, the change in climatic conditions led to the river's disappearance and further transformed the region into one of the planet's driest deserts. The disappearance of the Irharhar River is a clear indication of the effects of climate change and continues to remind of the changing Earth's landscape.
Aral Sea
The Aral Sea, once one of the world's largest lakes located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, has drastically shrunk over the past few decades. The diversion of rivers for irrigation purposes has led to the sea's near disappearance, transforming it into a series of smaller lakes and desert areas. This ecological disaster has had severe impacts on local communities and ecosystems.
Rapa Nui's Forests
Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, was once covered with dense forests of palm trees, which played a crucial role in sustaining its early inhabitants. Over centuries, the island's resources were overexploited, leading to deforestation and severe soil erosion. Today, the landscape is mostly barren, with the famous moai statues standing as silent witnesses to a lost environment. The collapse of Rapa Nui's ecosystem highlights the consequences of unsustainable resource use and serves as a poignant lesson in environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
These lost places remind us of the Earth's ever-changing nature, shaped by both natural forces and human actions. From islands and rivers to forests and lakes, their disappearance highlights the impact of climate change, extreme weather, and unsustainable practices. These stories serve as powerful lessons about the need to protect our planet and its fragile ecosystems before more of its wonders are lost forever.
