On the road again, chasing scientific curiosities as I travel!
The ride along the 138 is full of stunning landscapes I had never seen in Quebec.
As we ventured beyond the 50° N parallel on our route toward Kegaska, we were treated to the sight of the quintessential boreal flora.
Scientific highlights I wanted to share from this trip to Côte-Nord:
Erosion's art in Mingan Archipelago
The Mingan Archipelago monoliths may seem like Mother Nature's attempt at modern art, shaped by centuries of relentless weathering and erosion. The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is famous for being the largest concentration of erosion monoliths in Canada.
These geological masterpieces have been dated to be over 450 million years old. But what's even more mind-boggling is that some of these monoliths are now hanging out far inland. The coastline has moved significantly over the centuries, giving these rocks a front-row seat to the ever-changing drama of Earth's geology.
These calm-looking and sturdily cool rocks must have seen it all - from tectonic shindigs to erosion extravaganzas!
Hydroelectric wonders of Northern Quebec
Travelling along Route 138, the undeniable hydroelectric potential of the region unfolds before your eyes. Even at the end of summer, the rivers we encountered continue to flow with impressive vigor.
It's no wonder that Northern Quebec hosts numerous dams harnessing this natural energy source. This comes with local concerns, with many residents worried about the possibility of even more dams being constructed...
St-Lawrence River has a salty attitude
Up north, along the scenic St. Lawrence River, you'll quickly spot some intriguing quirks: colossal tides and a surprising saltiness that could rival the sea. What's truly fascinating is that this river boasts a rare mix of freshwater from the Great Lakes and the briny touch of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
While the saltiness tapers off near Québec City, the tidal influence continues for an additional 150 km, proving that the ocean's reach extends far beyond its shores!
Meaning that the tides can wake you up during your nap on the beach...
Not pictured: the excitement of seeing whales!
Cheers to fermentation
I couldn't resist exploring another facet of scientific marvels in Quebec – the world of brewing. Brewing in this province is no laughing matter; it's a captivating journey through the intricate chemistry of beers.
With just the basic H2O and CH3-CH2-OH (water and ethanol), plus a few additional ingredients, the brewing process transforms into a symphony of flavors and wonders. It's incredible to witness how the precise combination of these elements can give birth to an astonishing variety of tastes. The chemistry behind the transformations occurring in Quebec's breweries is simply delectable.
Curious about more scientific wonders?
Dive into my other blog posts on scientific curiosities as I explore scientific beauties along the way.