06/18/2020
Shaconage (pronounced Sha-Kon-O-Hey) meaning "Land of Blue Smoke" is the Cherokee word for the Great Smoky Mountains. This region’s blue hues can be traced back to a surprising source: our green forests! In order to protect themselves on warm days, trees emit a compound called isoprene. Isoprene is highly reactive and appears blue as it combines with other gasses in the atmosphere.
📷 Brandon Altemose