Scientists have figured out how to form a “fairy ring” – BBC

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An international team of researchers has discovered the so-called fairy ring (fairy circles) in Australia. The discovery confirms one of the theories of their origin. More information about the study can be found in the journal PNAS

fairy ring, referred to in the study -. It is devoid of vegetation dry patches of soil. Until recently, they were observed only in the arid grasslands of Namibia. However, Professor Stephen Gettsin of the Center for Environmental Research Helmholtz and his colleagues found a similar formation in the arid regions of Australia. Study of new community includes the study of the properties of heath soil, determination of the temperature and humidity of the upper soil layer. Also, scientists interested in the possible signs of ants and termites in the region. Despite the fact that the composition of the soil of the Australian community is different from the soil in Namibia, the researchers found a similar nature they occur on different continents.

There are several theories of the formation of fairy ring. According to one of them, in the formation of such structures fault termites destroying roots, which leads to destruction of vegetation. Other researchers believe that plants are killing toxic emissions of carbon monoxide. A third theory suggests that fairy ring formed by themselves with a combination of certain conditions of humidity and soil characteristics.

Scientists have created a computer model, according to which the circles are the result of plant competition for water and other resources, the amount of which is not enough to create a continuous vegetation cover. However, many researchers are skeptical of such a theory of education fairy ring, as the following were found in only one region of the world.

Opening fairy ring for 10 thousand. Km of arid Namibia’s regions confirms the theory of their origin as a result of self-organization vegetation, especially that no termites were found at the scene of the Australian community. The researchers plan to continue the search for fairy ring in other arid regions of the Earth

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