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What is the reason the highest mountains in each of the five countries of the British Isles are all within about 10 miles of the coast? And what stops us from processing weeds into tasty and edible food?

6 July 2022

Ben Nevis from Corpach Sea Port in Scotland; Shutterstock ID 595069727; purchase_order: 090722; job: NS; client: NS; other:

Shutterstock/Harry Feather

The highest peaks in each of the five countries of the British Isles are all within around 15 kilometres of the coast. Is there any geological reason why they are all so close to the sea?

Damian Rodgers, North Muskham, Nottinghamshire, UK

 

Close Up Of Gardening Hand In Glove Pulling Out Weeds Grass From Soil. Work In Garden.; Shutterstock ID 1175231776; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Elena Masiutkina/Shutterstock

What stops us from processing weeds into tasty and edible food?

Tony Quigley, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

 

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please…

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