Here on Mauna Loa, air is collected on a 40 meter (130 foot) tower (left) and analyzed for CO2 content. At right, a powerful laser beam is used to measure aerosols and particles in the air up to 45 km into the stratosphere.
Similar to the global trend, warmer Southern States have more venomous species than North States. Arizona is the clear winner (or loser) with over 30 species.
Animal Species:Inland Taipan, Oxyuranus microlepidotus. Often cited as the worldâs most venomous snake, the Inland Taipan is far from the most dangerous. Unlike its congener, the common and fiery-tempered Coastal Taipan, this shy serpent is relatively placid and rarely encountered in its remote, semi-arid homeland. Inland Taipan. Photographer: John Weigel Â© John Weigel.