Strong earthquake hits off El Salvador coast
A strong magnitude-7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of El Salvador followed an hour later by a magnitude-5.4 aftershock; a tsunami alert off the central American coast was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
Arctic Sea Ice Drops below 2007 Record
On August 26, 2012, the extent of Arctic water covered by sea ice fell below 4.17 million square kilometers (1.61 million square miles), the record minimum set in 2007. The new record low for sea ice in 2012 fits into a larger pattern of a changing Arctic. Regarding the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice, NSIDC director remarks, “What is perhaps most surprising is that we are no longer surprised…”
Florida Beaches and Dunes Face Erosion Risk During TS Isaac
Seventy-eight percent of Florida’s west central coast and 23 percent of the Panhandle are very likely to face beach and dune erosion as Tropical Storm Isaac moves into the area early next week.
Public Wave Energy Test Facility Begins Operation in Oregon
One of the first public wave energy testing systems in the United States began operation this week off the Oregon coast near Newport, and will allow private industry or academic researchers to test new technology that may help advance this promising form of sustainable energy.
Isaac drenches Haiti, Cuba, heads toward Florida
Tropical Storm Isaac pushed into Cuba on Saturday after sweeping across Haiti’s southern peninsula, where it caused flooding and at least three deaths, adding to the misery of a poor nation still trying to recover from the terrible 2010 earthquake. The latest track of Storm Isaac puts more than $36 billion in Gulf Coast residential property at risk of flooding from storm surges.
Rhode Island’s Eroding Coast: A Serious Problem
Rhode Island’s coastline is in a natural and constant state of flux. The coastline is altered most during big storms such as hurricanes and nor’easters. High waves wash away or damage dunes that protect land further inland.
Peru Seizes 16,000 Dried Seahorses Headed to Asia
Police in Peru have seized more than 16,000 dried seahorses which were to be exported illegally to Asian countries.
Scientists Explore Changing Arctic Ocean
Scientists are setting sail on August 25 to study ocean acidification in the Arctic and what this means for the future survival of marine and terrestrial organisms. The Arctic Ocean is one of the most vulnerable places on the planet for acidification, yet it is the least-explored ocean.
New Climate History Adds to Understanding of Recent Antarctic Peninsula Warming
Results published this week by a team of polar scientists from Britain, Australia and France adds a new dimension to our understanding of Antarctic Peninsula climate change and the likely causes of the break-up of its ice shelves.