environment-and-science1.34 min read
"Southern California Shaken by Series of Earthquakes"
2 years ago•Source: ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV
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5.705 min•2 years ago
"Study Reveals Rapid Sinking of East Coast Cities Including New York and Washington"
A recent study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that critical infrastructure along the US East Coast is at risk due to land subsidence, with areas sinking by several millimeters annually, exacerbating the threat of sea-level rise. This subsidence, caused by factors such as sediment settling and groundwater extraction, affects millions of people and properties, with infrastructure like levees, roads, and railways also at risk. Differential subsidence, where different areas sink at varying rates, poses a particular threat to the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure. The study emphasizes the urgent need for detailed data and improved groundwater management to mitigate the risks and costs associated with subsidence.
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"Alaska Cancels Snow Crab Season Again Amid Continuing Population Decline"
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"Exploring Celestial Influences on Climate Change Beyond CO2"
Climate expert Willie Soon challenges the mainstream scientific consensus on climate change, arguing that changes in the sun's energy output, rather than rising carbon dioxide levels, are the primary driver of Earth's climate shifts. Soon, associated with The Heritage Foundation, emphasizes the importance of data over belief in science and discusses the sun's role in historical climate cycles. His views are part of a podcast series by The Daily Signal, where he seeks to correct what he sees as misconceptions about the causes of climate change.
"Polar Bear in Alaska Falls Victim to Global Spread of Lethal Bird Flu"
The highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1 has been detected in a dead polar bear in Alaska, marking the first known case in the species. This discovery adds polar bears to the growing list of mammals infected by the virus, which has caused a global outbreak affecting various species and has now reached every continent except Australia. The polar bear's infection is particularly concerning given the species' already vulnerable status.
"Satellite Data Uncovers the Vast, Unseen Industrialization of Our Oceans"
Researchers have utilized satellite imagery and deep learning to create a detailed global map of industrial activities at sea, revealing extensive fishing and non-fishing vessel activity that is not publicly tracked. This study, analyzing 2 petabytes of satellite data from 2017-2021, found that about 75% of global industrial fishing and 25% of other vessel activities evade public monitoring systems. The findings highlight the significant environmental impact of the 'blue economy' and the need for better oversight to ensure sustainable use of ocean resources. The data also show a decrease in fishing activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting with the stability or growth of transport and energy-related vessel traffic. The study underscores the importance of accurate mapping for managing human activities in the ocean and informs policies on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from maritime industries.
"New Studies Expose the Hidden Industrial Boom and Untracked Fishing Threatening Ocean Health"
Researchers from Global Fishing Watch have utilized satellite imagery and AI to create detailed maps of human activity at sea, revealing extensive industrial activity that was previously undetected. The study found that 75% of the world's industrial fishing vessels are not publicly tracked, with significant activity around Africa and South Asia. The maps also showed a surge in offshore energy development, particularly wind turbines in Europe and China. This new data is critical for global conservation efforts, especially as nearly every nation has committed to protecting 30% of Earth's land and waters by 2030. The research underscores the need for better management of maritime resources to prevent overexploitation and preserve biodiversity.
"1.7 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts New York City, Triggers Explosions in Queens"
A minor 1.7 magnitude earthquake struck near the Astoria section of Queens, New York City, causing a series of small explosions on Roosevelt Island, with no reported injuries or structural damage. The incident occurred early Tuesday and coincided with a 2.3 magnitude quake in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. There were no power outages, and the events did not affect transit, traffic, or utility services.
"1.7 Magnitude Earthquake in Queens Linked to Roosevelt Island Explosions"
A minor 1.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Astoria in Queens, NYC, coinciding with reports of small explosions on Roosevelt Island, which officials suspect were caused by the quake. No injuries or damage were reported. Earlier, a 2.3-magnitude earthquake occurred near Rockville, Maryland, felt across several states. While less common than in the west, East Coast earthquakes can affect larger areas due to older, denser rocks that transmit seismic waves more efficiently.
"Magnitude 1.7 Earthquake in NYC Sparks Explosion Scare and Shakes Multiple Boroughs"
A 1.7 magnitude earthquake centered near Astoria, Queens in New York City was felt early Tuesday morning, causing residents in parts of NYC and several areas of northern New Jersey to experience weak shaking. The tremor, which occurred around 5:45 a.m., also led to power outages in some areas and was reported as far away as Connecticut and Maine. Despite being a minor quake, it was enough to jolt some residents awake with what felt like an explosion.
"East Coast Cities Face Sinking Dilemma, Endangering Infrastructure"
A study by Virginia Tech and the U.S. Geological Survey has found that major East Coast cities like New York City, Baltimore, and Virginia Beach are sinking at rates exceeding global sea level rise, with some areas descending more than 5 millimeters per year. This subsidence poses significant risks to infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports, and increases flood risks. The research, which utilized space-based radar satellites to create high-resolution terrain maps, highlights the urgent need for addressing the impacts of land subsidence in conjunction with climate change-induced sea level rise.
"Magnitude 1.7 Earthquake Shakes Queens and Roosevelt Island, Sparks Explosion Concerns"
A minor 1.7 magnitude earthquake struck Queens, New York, particularly affecting the Astoria neighborhood and causing power outages on Roosevelt Island. No injuries or serious damage were reported, and city services remained operational. This event is notable as earthquakes are uncommon in NYC, with a similar incident occurring in Westchester County last year. Another small earthquake also occurred in Rockville, Maryland, with no reported injuries or damage.
"Massive 1,400-Pound Great White Shark Embarks on 34,000-Mile Odyssey to Florida's Shores"
A massive 1,400-pound great white shark named Breton, who has been tracked by OCEARCH since 2020, was spotted off the Florida coast near Daytona Beach after a 34,000-mile journey. Initially tagged in Nova Scotia, Breton's appearance coincides with the annual migration of various shark species to warmer waters during the winter months. This event highlights the migratory patterns of sharks in response to ocean temperature changes, with Breton and other sharks like Penny, a 522-pound juvenile, being monitored as they travel to Florida's coasts and the Gulf of Mexico.