Ancient Sea-Level Rise and Projections for Future Increase
The seas are creeping higher as the planet warms, but scientists have not yet reached a consensus about how high they may go. Projections for the year 2100 range from inches to several feet, or more.
Chevron Suspends Brazil Oil Output Following New Spill
The US oil company Chevron has temporarily halted production operations off southeastern Brazil, after a fresh oil leak was discovered. It has detected what it calls a “small new seepage” of oil on the seabed close to a well in the Frade field, where there was a major leak in 2011…
Santorini Shows Signs of Volcanic Unrest, Greece
The volcanic caldera on the picturesque island of Santorini is showing signs of unrest. The Greek island was the site of one of the most massive volcanic eruptions in history 3,600 years ago. That eruption, which created tsunamis 40 feet (12 meters) tall, may have spawned the legend of the lost city of Atlantis. The volcano last erupted in 1950, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Asia and Pacific: climate disasters displace 42 million
Climate-related disasters have displaced more than 42 million people in Asia over the past two years. The environment is becoming a significant driver of migration in Asia and the Pacific as the population grows in vulnerable areas, such as low-lying coastal zones and eroding river bank.
Controversial dam projects – in pictures
To mark the international day of action for rivers on Wednesday, a look is taken at some of the world’s most contentious dam projects, from the Three Gorges in China to Brazil’s Belo Monte dam.
Rising Sea Levels Seen as Threat to Coastal U.S.
About 3.7 million Americans live within a few feet of high tide and risk being hit by more frequent coastal flooding in coming decades because of the sea level rise caused by global warming, according to new research.
Some Relief for the Reef
United Nations experts will be presented with a petition that has more than 100,000 signatures on it, calling for an end to dredging and development near the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland.
Earthquakes Jolted Japan’s Coast
A 6.1 earthquake, which caused substantial shaking in Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures east of Tokyo, followed just a few hours after a magnitude 6.8 quake jolted northern Japan. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted after that earthquake.
The Seafloor Focuses and Merges Tsunami Waves
Scientists have known for years that the shape of the seafloor plays a role in how tsunami waves build up as they approach the coastline. A year after the earthquake and tsunami, rebuilding Japan’s coastal cities to withstand tsunamis remains a challenge.