Still on the road. Today I drove to the Tri-Cities (Richland-Kennewick-Pasco) on the Columbia River in Washington, where I have a meeting tomorrow. The area is adjacent to the Hanford Site(1960 photo below). The unofficial motto of the Tri-Cities area is at the bottom of this post: "It glows as it grows." BTW - Elaine Hanford is unrelated to the namesake of the Hanford Site (see her comment).
I suspect most of you have heard of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota) and perhaps even the Quad Cities, straddling the Mississippi River in Iowa (Davenport and Bettendorf) and Illinois (Moline, Rock Island and East Moline). The astute observer will note that the QCs have five cities, so it should be Quint Cities. But the Chamber of Commerce is sticking with Quad Cities since that is so ingrained in the USA's psyche. Then again, West Richland would make the Tri-Cities the Quad Cities.
I might add that in the fourth grade I won a Geography Bee by correctly naming all four Quad Cities. I even had to convince the nun that it was Bettendorf, not Burlington. In the pre-Internet days a map sufficed.
This is tiring.
Thank a veteran today.
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Geoscience Bulletin Board – 11 November 2019 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
Toeing the “global warming alarmists” line: world “scientists” warning of climate emergency
- https://www.capeandislands.org/post/more-11000-international-scientists-declare-climate-emergency#stream/0
- Paper: https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biz088/5610806
Possible explanation as to why sea level was much higher during previous interglacial (125,000 to 118,000 years ago) even though CO2 levels were only 280 ppm compared to 410 ppm today
- https://phys.org/news/2019-11-scientists-sea-years-results.html
- Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12874-3
CRS In Focus: Wildfire Statistics – most (85%) caused by human activity
- https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10244
- https://www.nps.gov/articles/wildfire-causes-and-evaluation.htm
- https://www.livescience.com/63458-wildfires.html
Perspective: The Earth in Naturesince 1869
Improving satellite rainfall estimates from ground radar and TRMM radar
Tracing glacier dynamics in the Grand Tetons
Thermal convection without compositional buoyancy can drive the dynamo generating magnetic field of Earth
“Successfully predicted” EQ in China was not so successfully predicted
Complex hazard cascade culminated in sector collapse on Anak Krakatau
- https://eos.org/articles/the-hazard-cascade-that-led-to-the-anak-krakatau-landslide
- Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12284-5
Changes in high-altitude South Pacific westerly winds create long-term effects
- https://phys.org/news/2019-11-high-altitude-south-pacific-long-term-effects.html
- Paper: https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2019/10/29/1905847116
Perspective: synoptic ocean survey is needed to address Arctic challenges
Great Cascadia EQ of 1700 with estimated M9.0 similar to features of EQ in 2011 Japan & 2010 in Chile
Oldest managed aquifer recharge system in Europe is Espino recharge channel in southern Spain
More than 7,000 EQs in West Texas in 2019 represents significant increase in seismic activity
- https://www.newsweek.com/west-texas-earthquakes-oil-gas-1469819
- https://www.courthousenews.com/earthquakes-on-the-rise-in-west-texas-amid-oil-boom-study-finds/
Elderly man died from fall into a lava tube on his property in Hilo, Hawaii
- https://www.hawaiipolice.com/11-06-19-hilo-man-dies-following-fall-into-a-lava-tube
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-man-dies-in-hawaii-after-falling-into-a-lava-tube-in-his-yard/ar-AAJXRro
New mode of fossilization of ancient microbes discovered
Evolution of a volcanic island in the Tongas
- https://www.euronews.com/2019/11/07/volcano-sinks-pacific-island-then-forms-a-new-one
- https://matadornetwork.com/read/volcanic-eruption-tonga-sinks-entire-island/
Studying Kolumbo submarine volcano in Santorini using 3D seismic
25 newly discovered faults could pose seismic risk to Hamilton, New Zealand
Paper: detecting long-lasting transients of EQ activity on fault system
Model may facilitate forecasting induced EQ activity from O&G wastewater injection
“Virtual Earth” model suggests 60% of tectonic movement results from shallow lithospheric forces
- https://www.livescience.com/earth-mantle-crust-supercontinents.html
- Paper: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/10/eaax4295
Argyle Mine produced 90% of pink diamonds – 865M carats in rough stones – mine closure looming
Rethinking danger of meltwater pond to Antarctic ice shelves and sea level
Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP) aquifer mapping continues using low-flying airborne survey
Jellyfish in the Twilight Zone
Chevron supports research on anhydrite mineral behavior in fault zones
A walk along the oolitic rocks east of Boise, Idaho
Exploring the East Antarctic Ice Sheet
Geology – not CO2 – controlled monsoon activity over millions of years
Paper: harnessing paleo-hydrologic modeling to solve prehistoric mystery
Environmental Science Bulletin Board – 11 November 2019 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
Toeing the “global warming alarmists” line: World “scientists” warning of climate emergency
- https://www.capeandislands.org/post/more-11000-international-scientists-declare-climate-emergency#stream/0
- Paper: https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biz088/5610806
Possible explanation as to why sea level was much higher during previous interglacial (125,000 to 118,000 years ago) even though CO2 levels were only 280 ppm compared to 410 ppm today
- https://phys.org/news/2019-11-scientists-sea-years-results.html
- Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12874-3
“Carbon capture” only reduces small fraction of emissions & usually increases air pollution – but now predicted to potentially become “big business”
- http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Stanford_study_casts_doubt_on_carbon_capture_999.html
- https://phys.org/news/2019-11-carbon-dioxide-capture-big-business.html
- Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1681-6
Stabilizing global population – “right answer, wrong reason”
Joshua Tree National Park marks 25thAnniversary – elevated to Park status under Desert Protection Bill
Perspective: Wastewater improvements need to be priority in resilience planning in Florida
Study says tunnels are feasible approach to coping with flood waters in Houston, Texas
Fires deliberately set in Amazon to clear land for cattle grazing – small farmers suffer
Perspective: Let them eat steak: Hold the shame, red meat is not bad for you or climate change
Collateral consequences of shutting down coal powered power plants on the Navajo Nation
Perspective: “No one dares question progressive orthodoxy” – environmental & social consequences in California
“Wizard rock” and other boulders stolen from Prescott National Park in Arizona – Wizard rock returned!
- https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/road-trips/2019/10/28/prescott-landmark-wizard-rock-boulder-missing/2492032001/
- https://weather.com/news/news/2019-11-03-wizard-rock-returned-prescott-national-forest-arizona
Habitat fragmentation is splintering undeveloped areas
US Army COE upgrades risk of Mohave River Dam failure from “low” to “high urgency of action”
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/californias-mojave-river-dam-could-fail-in-an-extreme-storm-put-300000-at-flood-risk-officials-say/ar-AAJLG8Q?ocid=spartandhp
- https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/2006597/army-corps-reclassifies-mojave-river-dam-risk-characterization/
- Photo: https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/Images/igphoto/2002205293/
Pebble Mine versus Alaska and the salmon – can choose development & the environment (and jobs)?
California homeowners may lose option to purchase insurance in areas with high wildfire risk
High lead levels detected in drinking water in cities of Montreal & Regina, Canada
Saudi Arabia is tapping ancient Mega Aquifer System (MAS)
Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe first identified Ebola in 1976 – now getting credit for his work
Book Review: “On the Backs of Tortoises – Darwin, the Galapagos and the Fate of an Evolutionary Eden”
“Strategy to reality: Getting smart cities to deliver for the environment” – disconnect between environmental policies and smart city strategies
- http://www.infrastructure-intelligence.com/article/nov-2019/cities-are-missing-smart-environmental-opportunities-says-new-eic-report
- EIC Report: http://www.sustainablesmartcities.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Strategy-to-Reality-Low-Res.pdf
Marking progress on new hydroelectric dam on Peace River in British Columbia
- https://biv.com/article/2019/11/concrete-pours-site-c-spillway-foundation-finished-ahead-schedule-bc-hydro-says
- Peace River project: http://www.prhp.ca/#about-the-project
- Site C project: https://www.sitecproject.com/
New decree in Argentina opens door to become dumping ground for global waste exports
- https://www.treehugger.com/plastic/argentina-has-signed-become-worlds-dumping-ground.html
- https://www.treehugger.com/plastic/recycling-hard-s-why-we-have-eliminate-single-use-packaging-and-not-get-distracted.html
Repairing river bank erosion – a success story in Queensland, Australia
Cannibal ants in nuclear bunker in Poland were not totally trapped inside
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-cannibal-ants-escaped-from-a-nuclear-bunker/ar-AAJQJNY
- Paper: https://jhr.pensoft.net/article/38972/element/4/43//
Chile canceling the next Global Climate Summit
Using geospatial mapping to pinpoint current and emerging livestock disease hotspots
Volunteer effort to build footbridge in Rwanda using mostly locally harvested wood
Work begins on $777M northwestern Ontario transmission line
Sterling Highway MP 45-60 Project will include larges bridge in Alaska – will bypass Cooper Landing
- https://www.peninsulaclarion.com/news/work-on-bypass-to-begin-in-2020/
- Project: http://www.sterlinghighway.net/
The value of our natural resources in the US: minerals, land, timber, coal, natural gas & oil
Update: SCOTUS case – application of Clean Water Act to sewage treatment plant discharge in Hawaii
- https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/469255-justices-wrestle-with-reach-of-clean-water-act
- https://www.enr.com/articles/48096-supreme-court-delves-into-scope-of-clean-water-act-permits
Toxic air quality – Delhi, India, versus Beijing, China
“Be more eco-friendly this holiday season” – some of these ideas are much better than the others – tis almost the season to shop till you drop buying things that are not needed and going into debt to do it
Paper: Distress due to displacement & repatriation of Ambae Island population volcanic eruption
For positive mental health – get a dog!
Rescued puppy turns out to be an endangered alpine dingo – will be part of breeding program
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/adorable-rescue-puppy-turns-out-to-be-wild-dingo/ar-AAJTY3h
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandi_dingo/?hl=en
Road dust includes legacy of heavy metals, paint, asphalt that pose health risks
- https://eos.org/articles/road-dust-a-health-hazard-hidden-in-plain-sight
- Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019301941?via%3Dihub
One-third of methane emissions in California traced to a few “super-emitter” point sources
Melting Arctic sea ice may be linked to emergence of deadly virus (PDV) in marine mammals
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191107112926.htm
- Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51699-4
Connectivity of life in the ocean – structural, demographic, functional & genetic (gene flow)
USAID Predict Program shutting down decade after lunch due to H5N1 bird flu outbreak – part of effort to identify new zoonotic diseases in developing countries
Three landscape conditions across the world should help determine approach to conserving biodiversity
China searching global meat markets to replace millions of pigs killed by and culled due to African swine fever
Schools in Pakistan closed because of dangerous levels of air pollution
“Recovery” of a species is defined by the numbers – IUCN developing Green List of Species
Two-year review cites 1,688 high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition & pose risk
Highly sensitive new system uses smartphone to rapidly detect toxin-producing algae in water
City of Vancouver launches new strategy to manage rainwater
Pakistan accused of cover-up as new outbreak of “eradicated” polio type 2 is recognized
Humans seem unwilling to co-exist with wolves – Naya & pups likely killed in Belgium
Feral hogs alter ecosystems, spread disease, have economic impacts in North America
New group M strain of HIV identified
Officials seize shipment of $400K in opioids from India to home in New Jersey
Toxic air quality – Delhi, India, versus Beijing, China
Coastal Zone Management Bulletin Board – 11 November 2019 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
New simulation & data tool to improve accuracy of predictions of wave impacts on sea defenses
AAPA concerned that US Senate cuts more than two thirds of funding for MARAD Port Infrastructure Development Program
• https://www.maritimeprofessional.com/news/aapa-says-senate-cuts-port-352404
Upwelled water (and nutrients) is trapped along the coast & then transported offshore with POC
• https://phys.org/news/2019-11-scientists-discovery-coastal.html
• Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12783-5
Homes at risk from storm surges, coastal flooding & strong winds get damaged & then rebuilt –
need to reconsider housing growth in 10-year flood risk zones
• Updated report: https://ccentralassets.s3.amazonaws.com/pdfs/2019Zillow_report.pdf
• Interactive map: https://rzh.climatecentral.org/#12/40.7297/-74.0070?show=zillow_k17&projections=1&level=5&unit=feet&pois=hide
Fall storms, sea ice & coastal erosion will be focus of northern Alaska research cruise
Public input sought on Oregon coastal issues: wetlands, hazards, marine debris, aquaculture, public access
• https://newportnewstimes.com/article/local-input-sought-on-coastal-issues
Abundance of microbe diversity is key to healthy coastal ecosystem & symbiotic relationships
• https://phys.org/news/2019-11-abundance-microbe-diversity-key-healthy.html
• Paper: https://msystems.asm.org/content/4/4/e00280-19
North Carolina WRC purchased 6,310 acres for public use under Game Lands Program
• https://www.coastalreview.org/2019/11/north-river-game-lands-expands-6000-acres/
Perspective: China needs its coastal wetlands: coral reefs, mangroves & shallow seabeds
• https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/china-needs-its-coastal-wetlands
East Side Coastal Resiliency plan to subcommittee vote – the Land Use Committee & City Council
Ice balls on the beach in Hailuoto, Finland
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/weird-balls-of-ice-have-covered-a-beach-infinland/ar-AAJTIbB
Paper: Individual responses to severe weather media messages
Photo-essay: coastal erosion exposed landfill site – toxins now leaking into the Thames
• https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/landfill-site-exposed-coastal-erosion-20828206
Using site-specific watershed data to determine most cost-effective ag BMP to improve Chesapeake Bay
• https://phys.org/news/2019-11-cost-effective-sites-bay-cleanup.html
US Coast guard responded to oil spill from cargo ship into Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii
CRS InSight Report: “Harbor Dredging: Issues & Historical Funding”
• https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11133
"It glows as it grows." - Unofficial motto of the Tri-Cities area, which borders the Hanford Site
Just for clarity....I should note I have absolutely no relationship to the Hanford Site (nor to Hanford, California)!
Hanford Site is one of the few major Superfund sites in Region X that I did not work on while a technical/policy consultant to USEPA.
Posted by: Elaine Hanford | Wednesday, 13 November 2019 at 07:52 AM