漂浮在南极半岛西部海域的拱形冰山, 南大洋 Arched iceberg floating off the western Antarctic Peninsula, Southern Ocean (© Steven Kazlowski/Nature Picture Library)

海洋中冰封的大教堂 An ocean's frozen cathedral

南极半岛西部，南大洋，拱形冰山

在南极半岛沿岸，一道冰雕般的拱形结构从南大洋拔地而起，而南极半岛是地球上变暖速度最快的地区之一。这道拱形结构最初是由积雪压实而成，历经数千年演变为冰川。最终，冰川或漂浮冰架的一部分断裂脱落——这一过程被称为冰崩——形成了漂浮的冰山。

冰山按大小和形状分类。要符合冰山的定义，冰山的高度必须超过海平面约16英尺（约4.9米），但其近90%仍隐藏在水面之下。顶部平坦的“板状”冰山在南极洲很常见，而像图中这种拱形冰山则属于不规则的非板状冰山。

这些看似荒芜的漂浮巨物，实则孕育着生命。藻类附着在它们的底部，为成群的磷虾提供食物，而磷虾又为鱼类、海豹和鲸鱼提供养分。随着冰层融化，释放出的营养物质滋养着周围的水域，使这些冰雕变成了移动的生态系统。

Arched iceberg, western Antarctic Peninsula, Southern Ocean

A sculpted arch of ice rises from the Southern Ocean along the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth. This formation began as compacted snow that turned into glacial ice over thousands of years. Eventually, part of a glacier or floating ice shelf fractured and broke free—a process known as calving—creating a drifting iceberg.

Icebergs are classified by size and shape. To qualify, a mass must tower more than about 16 feet above sea level, yet nearly 90% of it remains hidden below the surface. Flat-topped 'tabular' forms are common in Antarctica, while eroded features like this arch fall into irregular, non-tabular categories.

Though seemingly barren, these floating giants support life. Algae cling to their undersides, feeding swarms of krill, which sustain fish, seals, and whales. As ice melts, it releases nutrients that fertilize surrounding waters, turning these frozen sculptures into mobile ecosystems.

萨克赛瓦曼遗址俯瞰图，库斯科，秘鲁 Aerial view of the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Cusco, Peru (© Creative-Family/Getty Images Plus)

坚如磐石的奇观 A rock-solid marvel

萨克塞华曼遗址俯瞰图在库斯科，秘鲁

萨克塞华曼（Sacsayhuamán）坐落于秘鲁库斯科的高处，通过石材展现了印加帝国的宏大雄心。这座宏伟的建筑群始建于15世纪，曾是印加帝国神圣都城的一部分。从高空俯瞰，其布局清晰呈现：梯田、开阔的广场以及塔楼遗迹，共同构成了一座经过精密规划的卫城。其中最为壮观的墙体由巨型石块砌成，至今依然屹立不倒。部分石材高度超过 27 英尺（约 8.2 米），且在未使用灰浆的情况下实现了极度精确的无缝拼接，这使得该结构历经数百年的地震仍完好无损。

考古学家认为，萨克塞华曼遗址兼具祭祀与战略双重用途，既是举办祭祀印加太阳神“因蒂”（Inti）等集会与仪式的场所，也承担着俯瞰并守卫下方城市的作用。其名称源于克丘亚语（Quechua），通常译为“心满意足的猎鹰”，体现了猛禽在安第斯信仰中的重要地位。如今，这处遗址仍是印加工程技术的有力见证——其设计、象征意义以及庞大的规模，从任何角度审视都令人叹为观止。

Aerial view of the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Cusco, Peru

Set high above Cusco in Peru, Sacsayhuamán reveals the ambition of the Inca Empire in stone. Built in the 15th century, this vast complex once formed part of the sacred capital of the Incas. From above, the layout becomes clear: terraces, open plazas, and the remains of towers forming a carefully planned citadel. The largest walls, built from enormous blocks, still stand strong today. Some stones rise more than 27 feet tall and were fitted together so precisely—without mortar—that the structure has endured centuries of earthquakes.

Archaeologists believe Sacsayhuamán served both ceremonial and strategic purposes, hosting gatherings and rituals dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god, while also overlooking the city below. Its name comes from Quechua, often translated as 'Satisfied Falcon,' reflecting the importance of birds of prey in Andean belief. Today, the site remains a powerful reminder of Inca engineering—where design, symbolism, and sheer scale continue to impress from every angle.

特雷莫拉公路在圣哥达山口，艾罗洛，瑞士 Tremola Road on the Saint Gotthard Pass in Airolo, Switzerland (© Sandro Bisaro/Getty Images)

蜿蜒而上 Twist your way up

特雷莫拉公路在圣哥达山口，艾罗洛，瑞士

沿着那如丝带般盘旋的连续弯道，您将领略到瑞士最具传奇色彩的驾驶路线之一：特雷莫拉公路（Tremola Road）。它是位于艾罗洛（Airolo）上方、通往圣哥达山口（Saint Gotthard Pass）的历史悠久的南坡入口。该公路始建于 19 世纪初期，并在 1951 年的重建中基本定型，被公认为瑞士最长的历史道路建筑纪念碑。其最引人入胜的一段路程在短短 2.5 英里（约 4 公里）内爬升了约 980 英尺（约 300 米），在花岗岩鹅卵石铺就的 24 个著名发卡弯中盘旋而上，路缘筑有坚固的挡土墙。全路段长约 7 英里（约 11 公里），总计 37 个弯道。请减速慢行——每一处曲线都像是一场穿越时空的旅行，虽然牺牲了车速，却能换取壮丽的山地景观，并俯瞰上勒文蒂纳山谷（upper Leventina Valley）的广阔视野。无论您是驾驶、骑行还是停车拍照，都请留意那个以此标志性“之”字形道路为背景的“瑞士环游之路”（Grand Tour of Switzerland）摄影打卡点。

探险建议：请尽量选择晴朗干燥的天气前往——因为鹅卵石路面带来的震动感本身就是这种惊险刺激体验的一部分。

Tremola Road on the Saint Gotthard Pass in Airolo, Switzerland

Follow the glowing ribbon of switchbacks and you'll find one of Switzerland's most legendary drives: Tremola Road, the historic southern approach to the Saint Gotthard Pass, above Airolo. Built in the early 1800s and largely shaped by a 1951 reconstruction, this route is celebrated as Switzerland's longest monument to historic road construction. Its showstopper stretch climbs about 980 feet in just 2.5 miles, curling through 24 named hairpin bends on granite cobblestones, with sturdy retaining walls edging the way. Overall, it runs about 7 miles and features 37 bends in total. Take it slow—every curve feels like a step back in time, trading speed for sweeping mountain scenery and big views toward the upper Leventina Valley. Whether you're driving, cycling, or pulling over for photos, look for the Grand Tour of Switzerland photo spot framing those iconic zigzags.

Adventure tip: Aim for clear, dry conditions—the cobbles are part of the thrill.

大烟山国家公园，田纳西州，美国 Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA (© Mint Images/Getty Images)

岁月雕琢，风景始成 Aged to scenic perfection

大烟山国家公园迎来了92周年生日！

这些山随着时间慢慢形成——1934年6月15日，它们得到了保护。这一天，大烟山国家公园在田纳西州和北卡罗来纳州成立。公园面积超过522,000英亩，名字来源于漂浮在山脊上的天然烟雾。作为阿巴拉契亚山脉的一部分，这些山峰已有超过三亿年的历史。

美洲原住民在这些山里狩猎已有大约14,000年。考古学家在动物迁徙路线沿线发现了古旧时代的投射点，而林地时期的遗址则展示了约2,000年前的陶器和早期农业实践。

公园被称为“世界蝾螈之都”，是一个生物多样性热点，栖息着大约30种蝾螈、黑熊、麋鹿、200多种鸟类以及成千上万种植物。这里的森林随海拔高度变化，支持着多样的生态系统。Kuwohi是最高点，可以欣赏到开阔的景色。同时，Cades Cove和Cataloochee Valley保存了反映公园建立前当地生活的建筑。

Great Smoky Mountains National Park turns 92!

These mountains were shaped over time—and June 15, 1934, helped protect them. That's when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in Tennessee and North Carolina. Covering over 522,000 acres, the park takes its name from the natural smoky haze drifting over its ridgelines. Part of the Appalachian Mountains, these peaks are over 300 million years old.

Native Americans have hunted in these mountains for around 14,000 years. Archaeologists have found Archaic-period projectile points along animal migration routes, while Woodland-period sites reveal 2,000-year-old ceramics and early farming practices.

Recognized as the Salamander Capital of the World, the park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to around 30 salamander species, black bears, elk, over 200 bird species, and thousands of plant varieties. Its forests shift with elevation, supporting a wide range of ecosystems. Kuwohi is the highest point, offering sweeping views. Meanwhile, Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley contain preserved buildings that reflect life in the region before the park's creation.

落日，恶地国家公园，南达科他州，美国 Sunset in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA (© Troy Harrison/Getty Images)

岁月的层峦 Layers of change

南达科他州恶地国家公园的落日

层叠的嵴线横跨南达科他州的恶地国家公园。随着光影变幻，饱受侵蚀的山峰与沟谷悉数呈现在眼前，其间交织着粉红、灰白与金黄的岩层条带。时至今日，风力和流水仍在持续重塑这片地貌，不断剥蚀着质地松软的沉积岩，从而让数百万年的地球历史展露无遗。这些岩层分别由远古河流的沉积物、火山灰，以及该区域曾被浅海覆盖时期的沉积物交替堆积而成。

在这片崎岖不平的地表之下，埋藏着全球最丰富的化石群之一。这里保存了曾漫步于该区域的早期哺乳动物遗骸，例如古马类以及现代犀牛的近亲。然而，恶地国家公园不仅是一扇窥探过去的窗口。在当下，美洲野牛在开阔的普利里草原上觅食，大角羊在陡峭的嵴线间穿行，而黑尾土拨鼠则以活跃的集群形式聚居于草场之上。

景观公路与观景点顺应着地形的起伏绵延，为访客提供了极目远眺的壮阔视野。即便在此时此刻，随着地貌的缓慢演变，那些尘封于过去的岩层仍在不断破土而出。

Sunset in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Layered ridges stretch across Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Their bands of pink, gray, and gold shift with the light as eroded peaks and valleys come into view. Wind and water continue to shape this terrain, steadily wearing away soft sedimentary rock and exposing millions of years of Earth's history in layers formed by ancient rivers, volcanic ash, and periods when shallow seas covered the region.

Beneath this rugged surface lies one of the world's richest fossil beds, preserving the remains of early mammals such as ancient horses and relatives of modern rhinoceroses that once roamed the region. The Badlands are only a window into the past. Today, bison graze the open prairie, bighorn sheep move along steep ridges, and prairie dogs gather in active colonies across the grasslands.

Scenic roads and overlooks trace the contours of the land, offering sweeping views. Even now, layers of the past continue to emerge as the landscape slowly transforms.

退潮时裸露在乌尔萨海滩海岸上的帽贝, 葡萄牙 Limpets exposed at low tide on the coast of Praia da Ursa, Portugal (© Theo Bosboom/Nature Picture Library)

沉静的力量 Quiet strength

退潮时裸露在乌尔萨海滩海岸上的帽贝, 葡萄牙

乌尔萨海滩（Praia da Ursa）深藏在欧洲大陆最西端——罗卡角（Cabo da Roca）附近的陡峭悬崖之下，置身其中，仿佛来到了大陆的尽头。沿着一条狭窄崎岖的小径便可抵达这片隐秘的沙滩。在葡萄牙的大西洋沿岸，风、岩石与惊涛骇浪共同塑造了这里的地貌。当潮水退去，海岸线短暂地变得宽阔，平滑的岩石显露出来，随之而来的还有微小的生命迹象。帽贝紧紧贴在裸露的岩石上，在海浪平日拍打的地方顽强地驻守。

这些其貌不扬的海螺已完全适应了此地的环境：它们凭借强劲的吸附力与低矮的螺壳，从容抵御着海浪的冲击、气温的骤变以及长时间的离水曝晒。每逢涨潮或被海水淹没之时，它们便以海藻为食；待潮水退去，又会回到各自熟悉的栖息之地。乌尔萨海滩（Praia da Ursa）地处偏僻，正因如此，这些细微的瞬间往往容易被游人忽略，而一旦留心察觉，便会倍感惊喜与充实。在这片以宏大尺度与磅礴力量为主调的海岸景观中，哪怕是最微小的幸存者，亦折射出了大西洋海岸那份宁静而坚韧的生命力。

Limpets at low tide on the coast of Praia da Ursa, Portugal

Tucked away beneath steep cliffs near Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Praia da Ursa feels like the edge of the continent. Reached by a narrow, rugged trail, this secluded beach along Portugal's Atlantic coast is shaped largely by wind, stone, and powerful waves. When the tide recedes, the shoreline briefly widens. Smooth rocks emerge, and with them, small signs of life. Limpets cling tightly to the exposed stone, holding fast where the ocean usually breaks.

These modest marine snails are well adapted to conditions here, using strong suction and low shells to withstand surf, shifting temperatures, and long periods exposed to air. During high tide or when submerged, they graze on algae, then return to familiar spots as the sea recedes. Praia da Ursa's isolation makes these moments easy to miss and rewarding to notice. In a landscape defined by scale and force, even the smallest survivors reflect the Atlantic coast's quiet resilience.

赫瑙萨波鲁尔火山口, 菲亚拉巴克自然保护区, 兰德曼纳劳加尔, 冰岛 Hnausapollur volcanic crater lake, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Landmannalaugar, Iceland (© Juan Maria Coy Vergara/Getty Images)

一抹蓝色 A splash of blue

赫瑙萨波鲁尔火山口湖, 冰岛

从空中俯瞰，湖泊平静的湖面与周围崎岖的地形形成鲜明对比。赫瑙萨波鲁尔火山口湖（也称布拉赫鲁尔湖）位于菲亚拉巴克自然保护区的中心地带，这片位于冰岛高地的偏远地区，其地貌更多地受到火山活动而非人类活动的影响。火山口的形成源于岩浆与地下水的接触，引发了一场爆炸，最终雕琢出如今可见的圆形盆地。

随着时间的推移，雨水、融水和地下水在盆地内积聚，形成了今天我们看到的这幅引人注目的湖泊景象。湖水的颜色会随着光线和天气的变化而变化，晴空万里时常呈现出碧绿的色泽，而云雾缭绕时则会变成深蓝色或灰色。周围的山坡上清晰可见火山物质的层理，记录着曾经席卷这片土地的多次火山喷发。

菲亚拉巴克至今仍基本保持未开发状态，其地质特征和广袤的开放空间受到保护。从空中俯瞰，很容易看出强大的自然力量如何塑造了赫瑙萨波鲁尔，以及冰岛高地为何持续吸引着游客——在这里，地球躁动不安的能量依然清晰可见。

Hnausapollur crater lake, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland

From above, the lake's smooth surface contrasts sharply with the rugged ground surrounding it. Hnausapollur crater lake—also known as Bláhylur—lies in the heart of Fjallabak Nature Reserve, a remote area of Iceland's highlands shaped more by volcanic activity than by human settlement. The crater formed when magma met groundwater, triggering an explosion that carved out the circular basin visible today.

Over time, rain, meltwater, and groundwater accumulated within the basin, forming the striking lake seen in today's image. Its color shifts with light and weather, often glowing turquoise under clear skies and appearing deeper blue or gray when clouds pass overhead. The surrounding slopes reveal distinct layers of volcanic material, recording successive eruptions that once spread across the landscape.

Fjallabak remains largely undeveloped, protected for its geology and vast open spaces. From this aerial perspective, it's easy to see how powerful natural forces shaped Hnausapollur and why Iceland's highlands continue to captivate visitors—a place where the Earth's restless energy remains visible at the surface.

韦尔纳扎, 五渔村, 利古里亚, 意大利 Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy (韦尔纳扎, 五渔村, 利古里亚, 意大利)

品尝日落 Taste the sunset

韦尔纳扎, 五渔村, 利古里亚, 意大利

韦尔纳扎是意大利利古里亚大区五渔村的一个海滨小镇。它围绕着该地区唯一的天然港口而建，自古以来就与大海紧密相连。韦尔纳扎最早的文字记载可追溯到1080年，当时它是一个设防的定居点和海上基地，后来成为热那亚共和国海岸防御体系的一部分。时至今日，小镇依然保留着昔日的风貌，多利亚城堡的遗址和俯瞰海湾的瞭望塔诉说着它的历史。在水边，矗立着圣玛格丽塔·安提阿教堂，这座教堂最早的文字记载可追溯到1318年，并在之后的几个世纪中不断扩建，如今教堂的钟楼俯瞰着港口。房屋和狭窄的街道上方，陡峭的梯田上种植着葡萄园和橄榄树，这些梯田是由一代又一代的工匠用石头精心雕琢而成，构成了五渔村国家公园的景观，而五渔村国家公园本身也是联合国教科文组织世界遗产的一部分。想象一下这里的餐前小酌：一杯当地白葡萄酒，港口景色尽收眼底，还有利古里亚的特色美食，如佛卡夏面包和罗勒香蒜酱——简直就是一张可以品尝的明信片。

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy

Vernazza is a small seaside town in Cinque Terre, in Italy's Liguria region. Built around the area's only natural harbor, it has long been tied to the sea. First recorded in 1080 as a fortified settlement and maritime base, it later became part of the Republic of Genoa's coastal defenses. To this day, the village preserves its past in the ruins of Doria Castle and the watchtowers overlooking the bay. At the water's edge stands the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, first mentioned in 1318 and expanded in later centuries, with a bell tower overlooking the port. Above the houses and narrow lanes, steep terraces support vineyards and olive groves, shaped by generations of stonework in a landscape protected within Cinque Terre National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picture an aperitivo here: a glass of local white wine, the harbor in view, and Ligurian favorites like focaccia and basil pesto—basically a postcard you can taste.

在海洋中游动的狮鬃水母 Lion's mane jellyfish swimming in the ocean (© Alexander Semenov Images/Shutterstock)

随波逐流 Drift with the current

世界海洋日

今天是世界海洋日，让我们跟随这种随波逐流的生物的脚步吧！想看看狮鬃水母吗？那就去寒冷的北方海域寻找吧。它的伞状体分为八个瓣状结构，伞状体下方垂着长长的触手和口腕。随着水流漂移，它身上的刺细胞会捕获浮游生物和小鱼。对人类来说，被蜇一下会很疼。每个人的反应都不一样，即使是搁浅在海里的触手也可能造成疼痛。所以，记住一条简单的原则：欣赏它，然后就不要打扰它。北极水域的一些狮鬃水母伞状体直径超过6英尺（约1.8米），但大多数目击到的都是风暴或强流过后靠近海岸的小型个体。

世界海洋日不是一场说教，而是一个提醒：海洋健康是一个环环相扣的链条，从浮游生物到捕食者，无一例外。减少一次性塑料的使用，支持更清洁的航运和捕鱼规则，并在你居住的地方支持栖息地保护。维护海洋的健康，野生动植物才能得以生存。

World Oceans Day

Today is World Oceans Day, so follow the lead of a creature that goes wherever the water takes it. Want to spot a lion's mane jellyfish? Look in cold northern seas. Its bell is split into eight lobes, and beneath it hang long tentacles and oral arms. As it drifts with the current, stinging cells snare plankton and small fish. For humans, the sting can be painful. Reactions vary, and even a washed-up tentacle can still hurt. The rule is simple: admire it, then leave it alone. Some lion's manes in Arctic waters have bells more than 6 feet across, but most sightings are smaller animals near shore after storms or strong currents.

World Oceans Day is not a lecture. It is a reminder that ocean health is a chain, from plankton to predators. Cut single-use plastic, back cleaner shipping and fishing rules, and support habitat protection where you live. Keep the ocean working, and the wild stays with it.

邓塞弗里克城堡遗址, 安特里姆郡, 北爱尔兰 Ruins of Dunseverick Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland (© Krzysztof Rogalski/Getty Images)

最后一堵墙矗立着 The last wall standing

北爱尔兰邓塞弗里克城堡遗址

在邓塞弗里克城堡，历史仿佛就悬挂在原地——确切地说，就悬挂在原地。残垣断壁依附在大西洋上方的玄武岩峭壁上，证明即使是废墟也能屹立不倒。两千年前，这里是爱尔兰五大道路之一——斯莱格·米德卢赫拉（Slige Midluachra）的终点，这条道路连接着通往塔拉山（Hill of Tara）王室的旅人。据说，公元5世纪，圣帕特里克曾到访此地，并为当地居民奥尔坎（Olcán）施洗。传说中，用于为爱尔兰国王加冕的“命运之石”（Lia Fáil）就是从这片海岸被带往苏格兰的。

维京人在9世纪末袭击了这里。1642年，苏格兰陆军军官罗伯特·芒罗将军破坏了城堡，后来在克伦威尔征服爱尔兰期间，城堡又遭到进一步破坏。然而，一座小塔楼一直屹立到1978年，最终被海水吞没。

如今，在国民信托的管理下，这里免费开放，保留着原始风貌，令人耳目一新——距离巨人堤道仅几步之遥。没错，这里是一处遗址——但它拒绝悄然消逝。