Iinzrai Geographic Location in Megastructure | World Anvil
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Iinzrai

Íinzràí (Vjin: /íinzràí/) is the Griavin homeworld. It is the second of seven planetary moons of a gas giant commonly referred to as Názràí (Vjin: /názràí/, also used to refer to gas giants in general) orbiting in turn a star called Dzàazràí (Vjin: /dzàazràí/, lit. "sun").   Íinzràí is known for its extreme geological features, such as the famous cliffs of Íxáanrìan, created by a combination of low gravity and complex tidal cycles.

Geography

The most unusual feature of Íinzràí's geography are its extreme cliffs and rock formations caused by tidal erosion. Large valleys lie dry during part of the tidal cycles, and are then flooded during high tide. Due to this effect, low-lying areas are either part of floodplains or permanently part of the ocean, with only mountainous areas and some high plateaus permanently on dry land.   Cliff faces along the edge of the dry areas can reach several hundred meters in height, with particularly areas just inside the extend of the permanent oceans showing extreme features. Of particular note is the area near Íxáanrìan, where a small bay houses dozens of islands, spires and arches up to 300m tall.

Ecosystem

Ecosystems on Íinzràí are highly dependent on the tidal cycles, with even the water cycle in mountain areas varying with the amount of ocean nearby.   Plants in the coastal and floodplain areas are highly resistant to environmental changes and flooding and often either capable of growing unusually strong root systems in even rocky places or surviving without roots for extended periods while drifting on the ocean. Several families of plants grow on cliff faces and primarily obtain water during tidal floods. Compared to plants from higher-gravity planets, the structural stability of these plants is low, however relative to the local gravity Íinzràí plants are among the most robust structurally as well.   Animals are subject to similar pressures, with climbing and gliding being very common adaptations, aided by the low gravity. Cliffside ecosystems are the most diverse in terms of animal life, particularly areas which go through frequent wet-dry cycles. Somewhat surprisingly, true amphibious life is relatively uncommon, though many aquatic species are able to survive in a catatonic state when on dry land and vice versa. This type of adaptation tends to be present particularly in species prevalent in ares which frequently see changes in water level, while species in other areas often have evolved behavioral adaptations to avoid dry spells or floods.
Type
Planetoid / Moon
Included Locations
Inhabiting Species

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Cover image: by Zhuriel

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