祖马亚的复理层，巴斯克地区，西班牙 Layers of flysch in Zumaia, Basque Country, Spain (© Eloi_Omella/Getty Images)

随海而流的岩石！ Rocks that flow with the sea!

祖马亚的复理层，巴斯克地区，西班牙

这些壮观的岩层坐落于西班牙北部的祖马亚海岸，面向坎塔布连海。对于喜爱徒步的人来说，这里设有沿悬崖而建的远足路线，可通往邻近的德巴和穆特里库等小镇，沿途风光令人叹为观止。你知道吗？这里还是《权力的游戏》部分场景的取景地。它如同电影画面般的美景不仅吸引了无数好奇的旅行者，也吸引了众多地质学家前来考察。祖马亚是探索地球历史与自然之美的理想之地，一旦踏足，定会被它的奇岩异石与丰富地貌深深吸引。

雪崩湖步道，阿迪朗达克高峰区，纽约州，美国 Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York (© Posnov/Getty Images)

溪流入梦 Stream a little dream

雪崩湖步道，阿迪朗达克高峰区，纽约州，美国

在这片高峰密布的区域，一座面积仅约9英亩的高山湖泊静静地坐落在近2,900英尺的海拔处，位于科尔登山与雪崩山之间。湖泊由远古冰川雕刻而成，四周环绕着陡峭的峭壁和崎岖的地形，清晰地保留着冰川时代留下的印记。其中最引人注目的地貌特征是“陷阱裂缝”，一条高达1,200英尺的岩石峡谷，峭壁险峻，是阿迪朗达克地区最令人震撼的自然奇观之一。正是过去发生的大规模雪崩，塑造了这一地形，也因此得名“雪崩湖”。 雪崩湖步道始于著名的阿迪朗达克小屋，这里是进入高峰区进行徒步、登山等户外活动的热门起点。全程约9.6英里，累计爬升约1,350英尺，虽然看似是一段轻松的行程，实则沿途地形复杂、变化多端，是对体力与意志的双重挑战。

Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York

There's no easing into the wild here—the Avalanche Lake Trail carves a bold path through rock scrambles, narrow ledges, and alpine serenity. Tucked away in New York's Adirondack High Peaks, this 9-acre alpine lake sits at nearly 2,900 feet between Mount Colden and Avalanche Mountain. Shaped by ancient glaciers, the lake is framed by dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain that echo its icy origins. Its most striking feature is the Trap Dike—a towering 1,200-foot rock canyon flanked by steep walls, making the lake one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the Adirondacks. Massive avalanches carved these cliffs, leaving behind the dramatic landscape that gave Avalanche Lake its name. The Avalanche Lake Trail begins at the Adirondack Loj, a well-known launch point for adventures in the High Peaks. Spanning about 9.6 miles round trip with a 1,350-foot elevation gain, the hike may seem manageable on paper—but it's the uneven terrain that truly tests your mettle.

灵维格灯塔，维泽桑讷，丹麦 Lyngvig Lighthouse, Hvide Sande, Denmark (© Caroline Brundle Bugge/Getty Images)

眺望大海的高塔 One tall way to spot the sea

国际灯塔灯船周

为抵御风暴并引导船只安全靠岸，灯塔最初应运而生。如今，它们不仅是导航工具，更成为文化遗产、建筑奇迹和人类与海洋之间深厚联结的象征。每年 8 月的第三个周末，世界各地都会迎来“国际灯塔灯船周”活动，让人们齐聚一堂，共同庆祝这些海岸地标。该活动由苏格兰艾尔业余无线电小组成员约翰·福赛思和迈克·达尔里姆普尔于 1998年发起，旨在提高对灯塔与灯船保护的意识，同时推广业余无线电通信，并促进国际友好交流。

丹麦的林格维格灯塔便是传承这一精神的代表之一，正如今日图片所示。这座灯塔建于 1906 年，高达 120 英尺，矗立在日德兰半岛西海岸一处 55 英尺高的沙丘之上，是丹麦最西部的地标性建筑。它以混凝土为基底、砖墙构造，门窗采用耐候性强的柚木制成。最初由三名守塔人轮班维护灯光，直到 1965 年实现全自动化。尽管因结构安全问题在2024年一度暂停开放，如今它已完成修复，重新欢迎公众前来参观。

International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend

Built to brave storms and steer ships to safety, lighthouses now glow as symbols of heritage, wonder, and connection. Each year on the third weekend of August, the International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend brings together people from around the globe to celebrate these coastal icons. The event was launched in 1998 by John Forsyth and Mike Dalrymple of Scotland's Ayr Amateur Radio Group. It aims to raise awareness about preserving lighthouses and lightships while also promoting amateur radio and encouraging international goodwill.

Among the many lighthouses that carry this legacy forward is the Lyngvig Lighthouse in Denmark, featured here. Standing over 120 feet tall, this tower was built in 1906 atop a 55-foot dune along the west coast of Jutland—the country's westernmost region. Made with a concrete foundation and brick walls, and finished with teak-framed windows and doors, the lighthouse originally required a team of three keepers. They maintained its light until 1965. It has been operating automatically ever since. Following a temporary closure in 2024 due to structural concerns, the lighthouse is now open to the public again.

皮兹奈尔山缆车站, 格劳宾登州, 瑞士 Cable car station on Piz Nair mountain, Graubünden, Switzerland (© Roberto Moiola/Alamy)

从山顶俯瞰 Taking it from the top

皮兹奈尔山缆车站, 格劳宾登州, 瑞士

瑞士有一座山，它总是在俯瞰着你，但别太在意。皮茨奈尔峰坐落于阿尔布拉阿尔卑斯山脉，海拔高达10,026英尺，俯视着格劳宾登州的恩加丁山谷。从圣莫里茨出发，先乘坐缆索铁路抵达科尔维利亚，再换乘缆车直达山顶。登顶后，等待你的是观景平台、著名的阿尔卑斯野山羊雕像，以及一间独具特色的玻璃立方体餐厅，在这里可享受 360 度全景用餐体验。

这座高山曾在1948年冬奥会上大放异彩，如今仍拥有瑞士最著名的滑雪道之一。“皮茨奈尔壁”以其极具挑战性的高山速降而闻名，2003年世界锦标赛速降项目也曾在此举办。进入夏季，积雪融化，但登山路线依然备受欢迎。徒步爱好者与山地车骑手纷至沓来，探索高山草甸，在寂静与辽阔中沉醉。得益于导览服务和完善的路径指示，游客可轻松踏上这场旅程。无论你追求的是皑皑雪景、灿烂阳光，还是只想逃离海平面的日常，皮茨奈尔都能让你真正体验一场“高处不胜寒”的精神洗礼。

Cable car station, Graubünden, Switzerland

There's a mountain in Switzerland that's always looking down on you—but don't take it personally. At 10,026 feet, Piz Nair of the Albula Alps keeps an eye over the Engadine valley in Graubünden. Start in St. Moritz: hop on the funicular (a type of cable railway system) to Corviglia, then ride the cable car to the summit. At the top? A viewing platform and that famous ibex (an alpine goat) statue. There's also a restaurant where you can eat inside a glass cube with 360° views.

This alpine peak hosted the 1948 Winter Olympics and still boasts some of the most famous ski runs in the country. The 'Piz Nair Wall' is known for its challenging downhill skiing and events like the 2003 World Championship downhill race. Come summer, the snow clears but the trails stay hot. Hikers and mountain bikers flock here to explore alpine meadows, and soak in a different kind of silence. Guided tours and well-marked paths make it easy to find your footing. So, whether you're chasing snow, sun, or just a break from sea-level boredom, this Swiss giant will lift your spirits—literally.

一名男子从摩押附近的科罗纳拱门索降, 美国 A man rappels off Corona Arch near Moab, Utah (© Grant Ordelheide/TANDEM Stills + Motion)

地球的公开秘密 Earth's open secret

摩押附近的科罗纳拱门，犹他州

通往它的科罗纳拱门步道起初较为平坦，但沿途风光壮丽：穿越铁路轨道、攀爬光滑岩石，甚至需借助金属缆绳前行，让这段旅程远不只是一次在犹他州拱门国家公园之外，有一处如同通向天空的巨大门户般的自然奇观，吸引着摄影师、自然爱好者和徒步旅行者，那就是今日图片中所见的科罗纳拱门。这座巨大拱形岩石由纳瓦霍砂岩构成，是一处充满冒险却不拥挤的旅行目的地。普通的沙漠散步。步行约1.5英里后，你将抵达这座令人震撼的天然拱门，它宽达140英尺，高约105英尺，庞大的规模令人叹为观止。过去曾有人在拱门上系绳荡秋千，这种极限活动后来因安全原因被禁止。即便没有刺激的冒险，这次徒步旅程仍能让你在红岩地貌的心脏地带，欣赏到令人震撼的自然景观，留下难忘回忆。科罗纳拱门也被称为“小彩虹桥”，因其外形酷似鲍威尔湖附近的著名彩虹桥，但它独自坐落于更为宁静的天地之中，绽放着独特的自然魅力。

Corona Arch near Moab, Utah

Just outside Arches National Park in Utah lies a natural wonder that rises like a colossal doorway against the sky, drawing photographers, nature lovers, and hikers. Welcome to Corona Arch, seen in today's image, a towering Navajo sandstone formation that offers big adventure without the big crowds. The Corona Arch Trail starts off easy but packs a punch of scenery: railroad tracks, slickrock scrambles, and even a metal cable assist make it more than just a walk in the desert. After 1.5 miles of walking, the payoff is big: a massive arch that's 140 feet wide and 105 feet high. It's so large that people once swung from it on ropes, until that was banned for safety reasons. Even without the adrenaline stunts, the hike offers beautiful views and unforgettable moments in the heart of Red Rock Country. Also known as Little Rainbow Bridge, it shares visual similarities with the iconic Rainbow Bridge arch near Lake Powell—but Corona Arch holds its own in a more peaceful setting.

圣玛格达莱娜, 多洛米蒂山, 意大利 Village of Santa Maddalena, Dolomites, Italy (© Sakrapee Nopparat/Getty Images)

来自山巅的明信片 Postcard from the peaks

圣玛格达莱娜, 多洛米蒂山, 意大利

位于意大利北部阿尔卑斯山的南蒂罗尔州，圣玛格达莱娜村坐落于福内斯山谷中，宛如明信片上描绘的理想村落。村中标志性的尖顶教堂，背后耸立着刀削斧刻般的多洛米蒂山峰，是该地区最常被拍摄的景致之一。多洛米蒂山脉本身被联合国教科文组织列为世界遗产，山体主要由淡色石灰岩构成，日落时泛起柔和的粉红色光芒，当地人称之为“日照粉红”现象。

圣玛格达莱娜村安静而质朴，深受拉丁语系与蒂罗尔传统文化影响。木屋星罗棋布地点缀在郁郁葱葱的山坡上，奶牛悠闲地在如画的牧场中吃草。尽管位置偏远，这里却是进入多洛米蒂核心徒步区域的门户，其中包括穿越普耶兹-奥德莱自然公园的热门步道。冬季，这里成为雪地健行和越野滑雪的宁静据点。游客来到此地，并非追求城市的喧嚣或热闹夜生活，而是为了静谧的氛围、壮丽的自然景观。圣玛格达莱娜村是自然与文化交融的典范，无需滤镜，自成风景。

Village of Santa Maddalena, Dolomites, Italy

Tucked into the northern Italian Alps, the village of Santa Maddalena is a postcard-perfect hamlet in South Tyrol's valley of Val di Funes. With its iconic church steeple set against the jagged peaks of the Dolomites—a mountain range in the Alps—it's one of the most photographed spots in the region. The Dolomites themselves—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—rise dramatically behind the village, their pale limestone faces glowing pink at sunset in a phenomenon locals call 'enrosadira.'

Santa Maddalena is small, quiet, and deeply rooted in local Ladin and Tyrolean traditions. Wooden chalets dot the green hills, and cows graze in meadows that seem painted into place. Although it feels remote, the village is a gateway to some of the Dolomites' best hiking, including trails through Puez-Odle Nature Park. In winter, it's a peaceful base for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Visitors come not for crowds or nightlife, but for silence, scenery, and a sense of timelessness. Santa Maddalena is where nature and culture meet in harmony—no filter needed.

陶波湖上的 Ngātoroirangi 矿湾毛利石刻, 新西兰 Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō, New Zealand (© Joppi/Getty Images)

致敬原住民之声 Honoring Indigenous voices

世界土著人民国际日

每年8月9日，联合国都会庆祝“世界土著人民国际日”，这一日是纪念原住民社区坚韧精神、智慧和丰富文化的时刻。在美国，这一天也成为反思美洲原住民部落历史与贡献的契机，同时鼓励人们与全球各地的土著人民携手共进。

在遥远的太平洋彼岸，新西兰展现了原住民遗产的震撼实例。位于陶波湖的悬崖之上，矗立着恩加托罗伊朗伊矿湾的毛利岩石雕刻，这是一份对毛利祖先的深情致敬。这些石刻由艺术家马塔希·瓦卡塔卡-布赖特韦尔亲手雕刻，仅能乘船前往，象征着敬意与坚韧不拔。它们提醒着我们：原住民文化并非静止的历史遗迹，而是充满生命力、不断演进、并与土地紧密相连的文化传承。

在我们纪念这一天的同时，让我们承诺去倾听、学习，并支持本国及世界各地原住民的权利。无论是通过教育、倡导，还是文化交流，每一项行动都有助于守护那些长期以来守护地球的声音。

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Each year on August 9, the United Nations observes the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples—a moment to recognize the resilience, wisdom, and cultural richness of Indigenous communities around the globe. In the US, this day invites reflection on the histories and contributions of Native American nations, while also encouraging solidarity with Indigenous peoples worldwide.

One striking example of Indigenous heritage is found across the Pacific in New Zealand. Carved into the cliffs of Lake Taupō, the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings stand as a powerful tribute to Māori ancestors. Created by artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, these towering figures are accessible only by water, symbolizing both reverence and resilience. They remind us that Indigenous cultures are not relics of the past—they are living, evolving, and deeply connected to the land.

As we honor this day, let's commit to listening, learning, and supporting Indigenous rights—both at home and abroad. Whether through education, advocacy, or cultural exchange, every action helps preserve the voices that have long protected our planet.

伊瓜苏瀑布的三火枪瀑布, 阿根廷 Three Musketeers Falls at Iguazú Falls, Argentina (© Mark Meredith/Getty Images)

奔流不息，为你为我 All for falls and falls for all

伊瓜苏瀑布的三火枪瀑布, 阿根廷

没有任何声音能盖过伊瓜苏瀑布的轰鸣。但令人震撼的不仅是那轰鸣的声浪。这座横跨阿根廷与巴西边境的自然奇观，以其磅礴气势令人无法抗拒。广阔的瀑布群绵延近两英里，汇聚了270多道独立瀑布，每一处都展现出独特的水流奔腾和水雾蒸腾之景。

今日图片展示的是阿根廷一侧的壮观景观三火枪瀑布。三股强劲水流并肩倾泻入伊瓜苏河，四周被郁郁葱葱的亚热带雨林环绕。有趣的是，虽然这些瀑布位于阿根廷境内，却只能从巴西一侧看到并进入。

瀑布属于伊瓜苏国家公园，这里是联合国教科文组织认定的世界遗产地，致力于保护该地区丰富的生物多样性，并为游客修建了步道与栈道，方便全景观赏与近距离感受那雷鸣般的水势。打开你的感官去感受大自然的奇观，同时别忘了回馈它的慷慨：不留下痕迹，只带走美好记忆。

Three Musketeers Falls at Iguazú Falls, Argentina

No voice is loud enough to drown out the roar of Iguazú Falls. But it's not just the sound. The sheer presence of this natural wonder is overwhelming as it straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil. This vast waterfall system stretches nearly 2 miles and features more than 270 individual cascades, each offering a unique display of tumbling water and shimmering mist.

Today's image captures one of the spectacular sights on the Argentine side—the Three Musketeers Falls, a trio of powerful streams plunging side by side into the Iguazú River below, framed by lush subtropical rainforest. Interestingly, although the falls are located in Argentina, they are only visible and accessible from the Brazilian side.

The falls are part of Iguazú National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects the region's rich biodiversity and offers visitors a network of trails and catwalks for panoramic views and close-up encounters with the thundering water. Open your senses to nature's wonders—and return its generosity. Leave no trace and take only memories with you.

加斯帕里拉岛灯塔后导标灯, 博卡格兰德, 佛罗里达州, 美国 Gasparilla Island Rear Range Light, Boca Grande, Florida (© Wiltser/Getty Images)

海岸的密码 

国家灯塔日

在GPS尚未为船只导航之前，灯塔就是航海者的重要领航标。每座灯塔都拥有独特的闪光模式，即使在漆黑的夜晚，水手们也能凭此确定自身所处的位置。今天是美国国家灯塔日，正是向这些沿海守护者致敬的良机。1789年，美国国会通过法案，规定所有灯塔由联邦政府统一维护。不论你是历史爱好者、海岸探险者，还是单纯钟爱经典工程建筑的人，这一天都值得你去深入了解灯塔的故事，或与亲朋好友一同参观灯塔。

如同世界上许多灯塔一样，佛罗里达州的加斯帕里拉岛灯塔至今仍屹立于海岸。今日图片中所示的加斯帕里拉岛后方灯塔，有着一段曲折的历史。它最初在特拉华州组装，1927年迁至此地。然而在2014年，这座灯塔被美国海岸警卫队废弃。所幸，这座灯塔在2017年经过修复，2018年再次点亮。如今，它每六秒闪烁一次白光。这两座灯塔均已被列入美国国家史迹名录。灯塔周边区域及其博物馆在特定季节对外开放，向人们讲述这片海域的航运历史。

National Lighthouse Day

Before GPS told ships where to go, lighthouses lit the way—each with its own flash pattern so sailors could figure out where they were, even in total darkness. It's National Lighthouse Day, a perfect excuse to give these coastal workhorses some credit. In 1789, Congress passed a law to make sure all lighthouses were taken care of by the federal government. Whether you're a history buff, coastal explorer, or just into old engineering, today is a great day to learn more about lighthouses or visit one with your friends and family.

Like many lighthouses around the world, Florida's Gasparilla Island Lights still hold their ground. The Gasparilla Island Rear Range Light, seen in today's image, has had quite a journey. Originally assembled in Delaware, it found its forever home here in 1927 but was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 2014. The lighthouse was restored to its former glory in 2017 and was switched on again in 2018. Today, it blinks white every six seconds. Both lights are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse grounds and museum are open to visitors seasonally, offering insights into the area's shipping past.

拉霍亚的潮汐池‌, 加利福尼亚州, 美国 Tide pools in La Jolla, California (© Andrew Shoemaker/DanitaDelimont.com)

潮起潮落 Tide and seek

拉霍亚的潮汐池‌, 加利福尼亚州

并非每堂科学课都需要在教室里进行。在加利福尼亚州的拉霍亚，退潮后形成的潮池就在你脚下，向你揭示海洋的奥秘。在圣地亚哥这个沿海社区的岩石海岸线上，当潮水退去，海水被困在天然的凹坑中，就形成了潮池。这些浅水池自然分布在拉霍亚的砂岩和礁石之间，尤以风之海海滩、贝壳海滩、南卡萨海滩和医院角附近最为典型。海水停留在这些岩石凹槽中，为海兔、脆皮海星等多样的海洋生物提供了独特的栖息地。潮池的形成要归功于长期的侵蚀作用。海浪日复一日拍击砂岩和石灰岩的海岸，逐渐雕刻出能够蓄水的小坑洼。每天两次，随着潮水的涨落，这些潮池不断被海水淹没又重新显露，内部的生物也因此必须适应极为多变的环境。冬季白天潮水最低，是探索潮池的最佳时机。需要注意的是，这些潮池受到加州《海洋生物保护法》的保护。你可以欣赏这里的美景、观察潮池中的居民并拍照留念，但请不要触碰或打扰其中的任何生物。这是一堂免费的海洋生物课程，正在你眼前生动上演。

Tide pools in La Jolla, California

Not every science lesson requires a classroom. In La Jolla, California, tide pools teach you about ocean life—right at your feet. Along the rocky shoreline of this San Diego coastal neighborhood, tide pools form during low tide as seawater gets trapped in natural depressions. These shallow pools form naturally along La Jolla's rocky shorelines, especially near Windansea Beach, Shell Beach, South Casa Beach, and Hospital Point. The water that remains trapped in sandstone and reef depressions creates habitats for everything from sea hares to brittle stars. Over time, the tide pools are created through the process of erosion—waves hit the sandstone and limestone coastlines until they carve out pockets that hold water. Twice a day, as the tide moves in and out, these spaces flood and drain, challenging the survival skills of everything inside. Winter months, when tides are lowest during daylight hours, are ideal for observing them.