Images Dated 28th July 2015

Natural stone circles caused by cryoturbation (aka frost churning), Arctic desert habitat, Palanderbukta (Palander Bay) Zeipelodden, Nordaustlandet, Svalbard, Norway

In gelisols (permafrost soils), cryoturbation (frost churning) refers to the mixing of materials from various horizons of the soil down to the bedrock due to freezing and thawing. Cryoturbation occurs to varying degrees in most gelisols. The cause of cryoturbation lies in the way in which the repeated freezing of the soil during autumn causes the formation of ice wedges at the most easily erodible parts of the parent rock. If the parent rock is hard, this can cause quite deep erosion of the rock over many years. As this process continues, during the summer when an active layer forms in the soil this eroded material can easily move both from the soil surface downward and from the permafrost table upward

© Cindy Miller Hopkins/Danita Delimont

San Martin Church and Plaza de las Sirenas, Segovia, Spain

A view on the church called Inglesia de San MartA?n and a part of the square called Plaza de las Sirenas'. in the old city of Segovia, Castilla y LeA?n, Spain. The church originates from 1117 and the architecture includes elements of the Mozarabes and the Romans. The square includes several Sculptures, including one of the two sculpture which depict a mermaid, designed by Francisco Bellver and installed in 1850. Unesco World Heritage Site

© Sebastiaan Kroes

Rural view on city of Segovia, Spain

An overview on a part of the old city of Segovia, Castilla y LeA?n, Spain. Including a view on the tower of the Cathedral of Segovia and several other structures which form the skyline of the old city, such as the faA?ade and of the Alcazar or Castle of Segovia. Built in around 1120 as an Arabic style fortress Nowadays it serves as a museum. Viewed against a mountain range in the background. Unesco World heritage Site. Colourful