We all know that everything is connected on this Earth, but periodically I come across a connection that amazes me. I want to explain how dust picked up from an ancient lake in Chad – which lies in the middle of the Sahara Desert in Africa – fertilizes the plant life of the Amazon Rainforest and more. Atmospheric scientist with a NASA satellite have studied dust movement for the past seven years and have found some interesting patterns.

The Amazon mostly re-fertilizes itself by leaf decomposition and the help of its wildlife. However, phosphorus and some other minerals are washed away into streams and rivers; therefore, phosphorus needs to be replenished for the Amazon plants to grow. In Chad, the Bodele Depression, an ancient dried up lakebed, is filled with rock minerals composed of dead microorganisms loaded with phosphorous. Throughout the year Earth’s wind patterns picks up over 182 million tons of dust from the Sahara Desert and spreads it around the world. About a sixth of it gets to the Amazon and weirdly that dust contains just about as much phosphorus as what is drained away from the forest each year. Also, a large portion of the dust lands in the oceans providing nutrients for phytoplankton. Which is a whole other story but here is just one bit you should know – that phytoplankton provides 50-80% of the oxygen we breath. Now along with the Amazon 20% basically the production of most of the oxygen we breath is dependent upon dust from the Sahara desert.

P.S. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

*Aries – The Lovers/Ten of Cups – OK, this is a two card week. The Lovers card wants another week to let you all do some creating, and the Ten of Cups wants you to find ways to enjoy yourself. Oh and the challenge is trying to do both at the same time…in other words try to have a great f-ing week my friends!

Taurus – Knight of Cups – The Knight of Cups continues the path of last week’s Empress – creating an emotional satisfying life. The Knight reminds you to keep the momentum going by directing your energy only to the things that move you emotionally.
Continue reading Tartotcast week of May 22, 2016 →