10 Strange Nat Geo Discoveries of 2009

National Geographic News’s most popular coverage of 2009 scientific finds is swarming with megamouth sharks, giant snakes, a transparent-headed fish, “Jacques Cousteau” clouds , and rare species rescued from obscurity—then eaten.

Top 10 National Geographic Discoveries of 2009

10. Ultra-Rare Megamouth Shark Found, Eaten
In March, the 41st megamouth shark ever found went from swimming in Philippine waters to simmering in coconut milk.
9. Ancient Gem-Studded Teeth Show Skill of Early Dentists
The glittering “grills” of some hip-hop stars aren’t exactly unprecedented. Sophisticated dentistry allowed Native Americans to add bling to their teeth as far back as 2,500 years ago, a May study said.
8. Alien Giant Snakes Threaten to Invade Up to 1/3 of U.S.
Nine giant snakes could be on the verge of causing ecological catastrophe if they establish themselves in the U.S. wild—at least two have already set up shop in Florida—according to an October report.
7. Biggest Snake Discovered; Was Longer Than a Bus
The 60-million-year-old reptile was also heavier than a car, scientists said in February, adding that the fossil could shed light on climate change.

6. Gold Rush-Era “Ghost Ship” Wreck Found
With boots thrown hastily on deck and cooking utensils scattered, the last moments of the crew aboard the gold rush-era paddleboat A.J. Goddard are preserved in the ship’s recently found wreck, archaeologists announced in November.

5. Oldest Skeleton of Human Ancestor Found
There was never a chimp-like missing link between humans and today’s apes, according to an October fossil-skeleton study that could rewrite human evolutionary history. Said one scientist, “It changes everything.”

4. “Extinct” Bird Seen, Eaten
Long believed to be extinct, a rare quail from the Philippines was photographed for the first time ever—then sold at a poultry market, experts said in February.
3. New Cloud Type Discovered?
Nicknamed “Jacques Cousteau” clouds, these “turbulent” seas in the sky could be examples of the first official new cloud type since 1951, experts said in June.

2. Fish With Transparent Head Seen Alive for First Time
Perhaps the most bizarre nature discovery of the year—though Stephen Colbert put it a bit less delicately—a Pacific barreleye fish shows off its transparent head and barrel-like eyes in pictures released on February of the first specimen ever found alive.
1. “Missing Link” Found: Fossil Connects Humans, Lemurs?
The 47-million-year-old, exceptionally preserved primate fossil “Ida,” unveiled on May 20, was hailed by some as a major discovery in human evolution.
The publicity frenzy made National Geographic News’s brief coverage our most viewed page of the year—and inspired a backlash as some experts, including one here at Nat Geo HQ, suggested Ida was more media event than milestone.

Most Strangest Dangerous Craziest Rivers Of The World

The sight of a river fascinates everyone. We always think about a river as calm flowing water that brushes more than stones at the bottom of the river. May be we envision some fishes in it too. Whatever we think, not all the rivers are calm, and there are some dangerous rivers in the globe as well.

1. Amazon River

Amazon River: The first to top the list is the Amazon River. The Amazon River located in South America is the largest and most dangerous river in the world because of its length, width and sheer volume. It accounts for about 20% of the world’s river flow into the oceans. Because of its vast dimensions, it is sometimes called the River Sea. It is so big that there aren’t any two points which can be crossed by a bridge. It is more than 150 feet deep. During a flood season, the Amazon widens to cover its banks and the islands in the middle of the river. The Amazon River is known for high tidal waves as well.

2. Congo River

Congo River: The Congo River, earlier recognized as the Zaire River, is in Western Central Africa. It is Africa’s most powerful river and the second most voluminous river in the world. It is about 2992 miles long. The river is one among the dangerous ones because still it begins peacefully; it picks up speed and becomes turbulent until it enters the “Gates of Hell”, a 75 mile long canyon of treacherous rapids. There are about 32 cataracts, having as much power as all the rivers and falls in the United States. At the Upper Congo, the river ends with the Stanley waterfall, a 60 mile draw out of rapids.

3. Orinoco River

Orinoco River: The Orinoco River is the third longest river in South America and is about 1330 miles long and flows through Columbia and Venezuela. Huge tropical forests cover the southwestern parts and large portions are still virtually inaccessible. Over 200 rivers are tributaries to this mighty river. It begins at the Delgado Chalbaud Mountain and as the river passes the forested terrain and waterfalls it slows. Navigation on this part is through shallow dugout or canoe. Farther on, the waterfalls become rapids and are very difficult to navigate. It drains into the Atlantic Ocean. It often posts a threat to the people who live close to the river due to its coastal upwelling throughout the year.

4. Yangtze River

Yangtze River: The Yangtze River is the largest and longest river in Asia as well as China. It is about 3964 miles long and it finally empties into the East China Sea. With plenty of rainfall all year round, it is also called the Golden Watercourse. The river has gorges along its way which are known for its dangerous with fast-moving water also numerous shoals. At several points there are deceitful whirlpools and the waters are extraordinarily turbulent. The river is also known for its flooding and dams which have been constructed have proved to be of no use. The tides of the Yangtze River are much stronger and hence the flooding. It has always been a powerful source of electricity.

5. Brahmaputra River

Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River has its origin in the South Western Tibet and flows through Tibet, China, India and Bangladesh. It is about 1800 miles long. It is known for its flooding when the snow in the Himalayas melt and also for its tidal bare. This makes it more dangerous and stronger.