https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/environment-and-nature/20170516/california-cracks-down-on-last-beachfront-sand-mining-operation-in-us
In the article "California cracks down on last beachfront sand-mining operation in U.S." by Paul Rogers, the controversy over the last sand mining operation is being discussed. The state of California needs the Mexican-based company to get a permit and pay state taxes for the plant or it will shut down. The site has been seen by many as a villain that robs the public's resources for its own. The CEMEX Lapis plant, which operates there argues that they mine in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Scientists condemn CEMEX and say that the plant has caused a great amount of erosion of Monterey's beaches. Unless the company gets a lease among doing scientific studies, it could be subject to shutting down.
It is quite interesting that the CEMEX plant is the last sand-mining facility in the United States. It used to stand uncontested. The plant allows for 3-6 feet of beach erosion yearly, which is why many scientists and environmental groups argue for its closure. If it were to shut down, that number would decrease to about 1-2 a year. A sad result of the accelerated erosion is the demolishment of a WW2 officer's club. It was being threatened by the cliff erosion and it could have very well plummeted into the ocean. The beautiful beaches of Monterey would be eroding at half the rate if CEMEX were to shutdown.
It is quite interesting that the CEMEX plant is the last sand-mining facility in the United States. It used to stand uncontested. The plant allows for 3-6 feet of beach erosion yearly, which is why many scientists and environmental groups argue for its closure. If it were to shut down, that number would decrease to about 1-2 a year. A sad result of the accelerated erosion is the demolishment of a WW2 officer's club. It was being threatened by the cliff erosion and it could have very well plummeted into the ocean. The beautiful beaches of Monterey would be eroding at half the rate if CEMEX were to shutdown.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/08/29/hurricane-harvey-shows-how-we-underestimate-flooding-risks-in-coastal-cities-scientists-say/?utm_term=.8b6a314333e3
In the article, "Hurricane Harvey shows how we underestimate flooding risks in coastal cities, scientists say" by Chelsea Harvey in the Washington Post, two types of flooding are claimed to be the cause of Harvey's devastation. Hurricane Harvey's flooding is being described by scientists as compound flooding. The surging ocean waters and terrestrial flooding are the factors being attributed to Harvey's record water levels. Studies done at UC Irvine and University of Salento in Italy highlight the need to take both factors into play for flooding prevention. The high risk cities also have the ring water levels from climate change that can make floods even worse. Overall, the combination of sea water being pushed into the shore and the building water levels on land, as shown by Houston, need to be taken into consideration for flood preparation of other coastal cities.
It is absolutely heart-breaking to see all the destruction and despair brought by Harvey. The record flood numbers are interesting and will make Harvey one of the most infamous natural disasters to occur in the US. one should read this article among the countless others that have been written this week. Most highlight the changing climate and future natural disasters it will cause and how the intensity of said disasters is to increase. If one lives in a coastal city, their awareness and preparedness for an event like Harvey must be increased. Another unprecedented natural disaster is not far, people must become educated and ready to respond.
It is absolutely heart-breaking to see all the destruction and despair brought by Harvey. The record flood numbers are interesting and will make Harvey one of the most infamous natural disasters to occur in the US. one should read this article among the countless others that have been written this week. Most highlight the changing climate and future natural disasters it will cause and how the intensity of said disasters is to increase. If one lives in a coastal city, their awareness and preparedness for an event like Harvey must be increased. Another unprecedented natural disaster is not far, people must become educated and ready to respond.
HTTPS://WWW.NYTIMES.COM/2017/09/07/US/IRMA-FLORIDA-COVERAGE.HTML?MCUBZ=0
In the article "Hurricane Irma: What's Happened and What's Next" by Christine Hauser of the NY Times, the immense now category 5 hurricane's status is being updated. Updates of the damage it has already been caused is discussed also. The first time it hit land, the winds speeds were upwards of 185 mph! Irma has devastated islands in the Caribbean and government officials are expecting the worst in Florida. Most models are pointing the idea that Irma will infect cause mass devastation to southern Floridians. Links are attached to the article detailing evacuation preparation, video of Irma's damage, as well as what to do if you are in the path of the storm.
I cannot fathom what horrible consequences will come from Irma's presence. As if Harvey wasn't bad enough for the US, now Irma is most likely going to be of similar strength of Harvey and in all possibilities, be more devastating. The information regarding what one should do when evacuating as well as other ways to prepare are quite helpful and interesting. Good thought and good vibes are being sent to all those that will be directly affected by hurricane Irma. This next week will be hard to read about what destruction Irma will leave behind.
I cannot fathom what horrible consequences will come from Irma's presence. As if Harvey wasn't bad enough for the US, now Irma is most likely going to be of similar strength of Harvey and in all possibilities, be more devastating. The information regarding what one should do when evacuating as well as other ways to prepare are quite helpful and interesting. Good thought and good vibes are being sent to all those that will be directly affected by hurricane Irma. This next week will be hard to read about what destruction Irma will leave behind.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/09/08/us/houston-hurricane-harvey-harzardous-chemicals.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront
In the article 'More Than 40 Sites Released Hazardous Pollutants Because of Hurricane Harvey " highlights the terrible consequences that we are seeing from this Hurricane. The title itself is terrifying. With a significant number of sites being flooded and contaminated, much fear is being aroused about the possibility of waterborne sicknesses from the toxic spilling. Many of the power plants had to shutdown in preparation for the storm, and once they started up, huge amounts of air pollutants were released due to the restarting of the plants. From oil, to air, to sewage, many toxic and hazardous material has been set free due to Hurricane Harvey and experts are saying that long term consequences should be expected and feared.
It scares me to see how much crap (in a somewhat literal sense) is going bad thanks to Harvey. The statistics from all these plants and spills really amplifies the already dangerous position that residents were in just from the storm. It was interesting to see that so much air pollution occurs when these power plants restart. It seems like we just keep having one natural disaster after another and it is frustrating and heartbreaking seeing the results.
It scares me to see how much crap (in a somewhat literal sense) is going bad thanks to Harvey. The statistics from all these plants and spills really amplifies the already dangerous position that residents were in just from the storm. It was interesting to see that so much air pollution occurs when these power plants restart. It seems like we just keep having one natural disaster after another and it is frustrating and heartbreaking seeing the results.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-the-mexico-city-earthquake-shook-up-disaster-predictions/
In the article "Why the Mexico City Earthquake Shook Up Disaster Predictions" updates the recent earthquake that rocked Mexico. The death toll is already above 200 people. The effects the earthquake were very much amplified in Mexico City. It was built on a lakebed. So, the sediment and what the buildings are built upon are loose because a lake once was there. The article compares it to a bowl of Jell-O. The waves of the earthquake become amplified by the sediment and actually make the earthquake stronger than it would be on solid land. This earthquake has sparked much debate and discussion on its origins as well as what it means in the future regarding faults and earthquakes. Building designs and codes are being discussed and updated for the future.
Once again tons of people are harmed by a natural disaster. I found it interesting that it was exactly 32 years to the day since Mexico's last big earthquake. The is no connection between them and their date. It was just a crazy coincidence shocked everyone. I have family in Mexico, but none in Mexico city. I was fearful at first when I heard about the quake but I relaxed a little once I knew my family wasn't in danger. Good thoughts going out to Mexico and everyone affected.
Once again tons of people are harmed by a natural disaster. I found it interesting that it was exactly 32 years to the day since Mexico's last big earthquake. The is no connection between them and their date. It was just a crazy coincidence shocked everyone. I have family in Mexico, but none in Mexico city. I was fearful at first when I heard about the quake but I relaxed a little once I knew my family wasn't in danger. Good thoughts going out to Mexico and everyone affected.
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41427689
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41427689
In the article "New Species of Rat Discovered On the Solomon Islands" by BBC News, the reader is informed of a new species of rat and is given background information of it. This was the first new rat species discovery on the island in eighty years. The rat is four times larger than the urban rats that most people know of. its home, the Solomon Islands are located about 1,000 miles off the coast of Australia. It has a developed tai that is described as scaly. Researchers believe it is lie this to help the rat cling to trees and give it more grip. Scientists will continue to document thus rat and any future findings.
I think it is interring that everyday people are discovering life n Earth that people haven't seen yet. It is mind-boggling to think about. The fact that our earth has so many different types of life and there are still many different animals we haven't discovered as well. I wonder what has allowed these rats to become so huge compared to their urban opposites. I wonder what new animal is going to be discovered tomorrow.
I think it is interring that everyday people are discovering life n Earth that people haven't seen yet. It is mind-boggling to think about. The fact that our earth has so many different types of life and there are still many different animals we haven't discovered as well. I wonder what has allowed these rats to become so huge compared to their urban opposites. I wonder what new animal is going to be discovered tomorrow.