Radiation from Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor has been found on the shores of Vancouver Island, The Associated Press reports. This is the first time radiation from the disaster has been detected on North American land.
Cyclone Pam and DigitalGlobe FirstLook coverage
This last weekend Tropical Cyclone Pam struck the Islands of Vanuatu in the South Pacific causing widespread devastation. We were asked by a GEB reader whether the satellite imaging companies would be collecting and publishing satellite imagery of Vanuatu. DigitalGlobe has a subscription service called ‘First Look’ that provides access to timely satellite imagery for disaster zones. It is targeted … Read More
California fault lines and earthquake probabilities
We have in the past looked at the some of the California fault lines where earth quakes are likely to occur. A recent story in the news is that a recent report by the Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities (WGCEP) shows that the probability of an 8.0 magnitude earthquake happening in the next 30 years in the California region … Read More
New long-term earthquake forecast for California
A new California earthquake forecast by the U.S. Geological Survey and partners revises scientific estimates for the chances of having large earthquakes over the next several decades.
Global flood toll to triple by 2030
People affected by river flooding worldwide could triple by 2030, with climate change and population growth the main factors, says a new report.
High Resolution Data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission to Be Made Publicly Available
Recognizing the importance of high resolution data in climate resiliency planning, President Obama has announced a release of high resolution versions of data from the collaborative Shuttle Radar Topography Mission.
A Red Dirt Town: An Enduring Legacy Of Toxic Pollution in Southern Waters
Originally Published by Yale 360 – “A Red Dirt Town,” the second-place winner of the Yale Environment 360 Video Contest, examines the legacy of pollution in Anniston, Alabama, the former home of a Monsanto chemical factory.
Thousands Rescued From Deadly Flash Floods in India, Pakistan
Originally Published by ENS – Hundreds of people have lost their lives in the the heaviest monsoon rains to fall for 50 years in the Himalayan region of Jammu & Kashmir. Thousands are still trapped on rooftops, and a massive rescue and evacuation is in full swing.
Major Earthquake Rattles San Francisco Bay Area
Originally Published by Information Week – At 3:20 am Sunday, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the small community of American Canyon in California’s wine-growing Napa County, causing power outages and damaging roads, homes and businesses. No fatalities were reported.
Inside California's $7.5 billion drought-survival plan
Originally Published by New Scientist – With reservoirs at record lows and groundwater being rapidly depleted, the state is considering extreme measures to ride out an epic dry spell.