CRS InFocus Report: 'The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-Background and FY2025 Appropriations' bit.ly/3TWeDXl
All material below this line (except for the quote at the bottom) was compiled by Elaine J. Hanford.
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Geoscience Bulletin Board – 31 March 2024 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
Federal government program results in landowners in select Nevada Counties being willing to surrender groundwater rights in exchange for cash payments
International Union of Geological Sciences ruling denies appeal & rejects Anthropocene proposal as a formal geological term – an overdue reality check: “placing Homo sapiens center stage, … deepens a stark & inaccurate distinction between humanity and the planet that sustains us
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https://mronline.org/2024/03/23/top-geology-body-denies-appeal-rejects-anthropocene-proposal/
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https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/opinion/anthropocene-planet-geology.html
Plume of sulfur dioxide from recent eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland is traversing northern Europe
Importance of plankton in the marine environment – often ignored by global ocean policy making
Just in case you missed it: the Anthropocene is a short-lived human cultural epoch, NOT a geological time unit – Earth is still in the Holocene which includes expansion of human culture since the last Ice Age
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https://phys.org/news/2024-03-human-era-earth-geological-history.html
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https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/opinion/anthropocene-planet-geology.html
The story behind “climate change” movement – The Cold Truth about the anti-science (1:19:15 video) – models are based on false assumption that CO2 drives increase in temperature which explains why models are wrong
Now considering “highly contentious” SAI geoengineering efforts to block sun to stop temperature rise – expensively & foolishly risking catastrophic collateral damage
Draft NIST report on Surfside investigation of 2021 condo building collapse expected in May 2025
Retrospective on David Dale Owen – first state geologist in Arkansas beginning in 187
Multi-decadal variability over the short term (1955-1994 versus 1995-2017) in rate of AMOC circulation – do not buy into “Hollywood fantasies” – Too short a record to fully understand natural variabilities
Massive avalanche on La Balme sector in the Aravis range in the French Alps (video)
Report on state of bridges in Oregon – bridge scour significant problem (see report pages 10 -13)
Part 1: M7.3 Hegben Lake EQ & Madison Landslide – 1959
Lessons learned from the March 2014 Oso landslide in Snohomish County, Washington
Appeals Court ruling says Swedish landowner can keep meteorite that fell upon his land in 2020 – cannot be separated from “immovable property”
Alaska DGGS maps and data are valuable tool for Alaskan miners
Zircon crystals reveal billion years of geological history
Collecting fossils in Florida and required permits
Regional magnetics survey of anomalies at Relevant Gold’s Bradly Peak & South Pass Gold Camps
Deepwater seismic survey potential for natural gas exploration between Nile Delta & Herodotus Basin
Pollution threat to groundwater resources in South Africa
Ogallala Aquifer Summit 2024 & “mixed” results in western & south-central Kansas resulting from mis-guided expectation that regional aquifer will “reset” quickly
Revised draft regional and water resources management plans in England
New insight into formation of Archean continents – does not require plate tectonics or external factor
Giant terror birds were apex predators on Seymour Island, Antarctica, in the Eocene
UK bidding to hose 2028 International Geological Congress in Glasgow, Scotland
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https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/uk-bidding-to-host-the-international-geological-congress-2028/
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IGC 2028 website: https://igc2028glasgow.org/
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Geological heritage: https://igc2028glasgow.org/why-glasgow/geological-heritage/
Visualizing mapped lithium opportunities in the US by project size
Largest gold nugget ever found in the UK weighs 64.8 grams from the Shropshire Hills
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https://www.sciencealert.com/largest-gold-nugget-ever-in-uk-found-treasure-hunter-reveals-his-secret
Soil and dirt are not the same thing
Very small tabletop device measures changes in gravitational field (tides) of Earth – DLMO
Reassessing the volcanic hazard of Santorini volcano
Moderate M5.3 earthquake had intermediate depth of 119 km beneath epicenter in Papua New Guinea
Another landslide in the Hollywood Hills
Seismic attenuation & stress on San Andreas Fault at Parkfield – assessing criticality
Groundwater model of the Harney Basin in SE Oregon where groundwater level declines of 40 to more than 100 feet resulted in some wells going dry
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https://www.usgs.gov/publications/groundwater-model-harney-basin-southeastern-oregon
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SIR 2024-5107: https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2024/5017/sir20245017.pdf
Dust storms may also spread bacteria and fungi around the world – e.g., Sahara Desert to Houston, Texas
The palaeontologic record of horses in North America
Hubris: Suggesting ice melt due to “man-made global warming” is more important factor in rate of Earth rotation than friction of tides, long-period tidal variations, gravitational effects of the Moon, glacio-isostatic rebound, axial orientation, movement within the Core …
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Link to paper: https://www.space.com/climate-change-and-polar-ice-melting-could-be-impacting-the-length-of-earths-day
Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) appears to be speeding up – need to understand true cause of variation in the speed of this current – what causes long-term and short-term variability
Environmental Science Bulletin Board – 31 March 2024 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
More dire warnings of sea-level rise due to “man-made global warming” – NASA violating their own guidance in using 30-year satellite record as a ”long-term dataset”
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/ar-BB1kpZvp
- https://www.nasa.gov/earth/oceans/nasa-analysis-sees-spike-in-2023-global-sea-level-due-to-el-nino/
Perspective: Delusional “green energy” plan is degrading American life to pre-1800s levels
Despite push for “green energy” Biden is ironically fueling a “hush-hush” oil boom
Counterproductive, unjustifiable Paris Accord CO2 limits adversely impacting Germany
Documenting invasive species & resultant changes in native habitats – Nature does not care where a species originates
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/opinion-the-invasive-species-overrunning-our-habitats-won-t-be-easy-to-dislodge-but-there-are-a-few-things-we-can-try/ar-AA1hbypd
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-a-single-honey-bee-colony-led-to-a-species-invasion/ar-BB1j7h6j
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/nature-doesn-t-care-where-a-species-is-from/ar-BB1hFL0s
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/invasive-asian-honeybees-defy-evolutionary-expectations/ar-BB1j88m7
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/experts-uncover-new-information-about-invasive-armyworm-that-destroys-corn-crops-this-pest-is-part-of-the-system/ar-BB1kpIGC
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/human-mediated-ant-dispersal-a-global-shift-in-biodiversity-dynamics/ar-BB1kgNHZ
With global human population of around 8 billion, humans want more global land area
Nevada to have first ever moose hunt season this fall - “population of more than 100 justifies…harvest”
Call for increased awareness of emerging diseases – zoonotic, waterborne, vector borne – humans are less healthy now and more prone to illnesses
Toxic chemicals leach out of plastics into the environment – fatal impacts on aquatic species
Nature did not “heal” during covid lockdowns – just did not suffer as badly
Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) are most critically endangered animals in New Hampshire
New York City Mayor cancels intended trip to US Southern Border due to safety concerns
Human activity impacts biodiversity among arthropods (insects & spiders) that play essential role in the ecosystem
Humans domesticating animals coincided with rise of animal-borne diseases
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/domesticating-animals-changed-human-health-forever-and-not-for-the-better/ar-AA1iZnGY
- Paper: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.06.561165v1.full
First transplanted genetically modified pig kidney – previously transplanted into brain-dead donors – two men who received heart transplants from pigs died within months of surgery
Industrial fishing for krill for pet foods, pills & fish farms – decimating food source for whales in Antarctic waters – not a new problem that is only getting worse
- 2013: https://seashepherd.org/2013/04/16/krill-fisheries-the-next-collapse/
- 2014: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/fact-sheets/2014/10/protecting-antarctic-krill
- 2018: https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/antarctic-krill-fishing-the-pink-oil-rush/
- 2021: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/07/license-to-krill-the-destructive-demand-for-a-better-fish-oil%202022
- 2022: https://theferret.scot/antarctic-krill-fishing-boosted-fish-farming/
- 2022: https://news.mongabay.com/2022/10/fish-feed-industry-turns-to-krill-with-unknown-effects-on-the-antarctic-ecosystem/
- 2023: https://epaper.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202307/04/WS64a3555da3109411cfdc89b4.html
- 2023: https://news.mongabay.com/2023/10/amid-record-melting-countries-fail-again-to-protect-antarctic-waters/
Potential adverse impacts from indirect extraction of lithium using water in the West
Keeping a land line telephone is a very good idea for many people for many reasons – even better than VoIP when loss of power means loss of internet access
Plant-based “meat” will no longer be vegan – sales drop - planning to add animal fat to the mix – “meat substitutes” and “meat alternatives not necessarily healthy
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/plant-based-meat-companies-experiment-with-surprising-ingredient-added-to-products-there-have-to-be-alternatives/ar-BB1jXkqo
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/health-news/everything-that-s-not-healthy-about-plant-based-meat-substitutes/ar-AA1lYhsH
Federal government failing to protect Southern Border – Arizona Senate approves extension of “castle doctrine” self-defense law
- https://www.wmicentral.com/news/az-senate-approves-extension-of-castle-doctrine-self-defense-law/article_0bb06911-83f9-5983-a78b-3d13b80d8663.html
- https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2024/03/14/debate-fiery-over-expansion-of-self-defense-law/
- Doctrine: https://www.jacksonwhitelaw.com/criminal-defense-law/blog/arizona-castle-doctrine/
US District Judge issues temporary restraining order on “clean-energy” transmission line through Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge – potential for irreversible harm – land swap
Understanding Coyotes (Canis latrans) – diet, behavior & habitat – your small pet could be lunch
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/understanding-coyotes-facts-and-misconceptions/ar-BB1iYeCt
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/how-dangerous-are-coyotes-really/ar-BB1kdCOB
Comparing a portion of the “lifecycle” GHG emissions of EV vs gasoline powered vehicle
Fatal mountain lion attack in Sierra Nevada in Placer County, California – mountain lion was tracked and “dispatched” by officials – attacks are rare and most verified encounters are not fatal
- https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/mountain-lion-kills-man-northern-172716678.html
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/you-might-spot-a-mountain-lion-in-california-but-attacks-like-the-one-that-killed-a-man-are-rare/ar-BB1kzWPr
The story behind “climate change” movement – The Cold Truth about the anti-science (1:19:15 video) – models are based on false assumption that CO2 drives increase in temperature which explains why models are wrong – scientists marginalized – follow the money and the politics to create false “consensus”
Now considering “highly contentious” SAI geoengineering efforts to block sun to stop temperature rise – expensively & foolishly risking catastrophic collateral damage
Almost half of US tap waters tested show contamination with at least one or more types of PFAS forever chemicals
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/terrifying-map-shows-nearly-half-of-all-us-tap-water-contaminated-with-dangerous-chemicals/ar-BB1kuV9E
- USGS: https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/tap-water-study-detects-pfas-forever-chemicals-across-us
- Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412023003069?via%3Dihub
- Interactive Dashboard: https://geonarrative.usgs.gov/pfasustapwater/
Oakland, California, struggling to cope with nearly 14,000 stolen, abandoned cars over past 6 months
Wild turkeys are abounding, especially in urban areas – Benjamin Franklin would be pleased
The most intense emergence of cicadas will be noisiest in these regions of the US
More than 3.7 million cars recalled due to fire risk – “park outside” & “do not drive” recall orders
- https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/report-more-than-72k-cars-massachusetts-recalled-due-fire-risk/VXVF2QF3EJCBHFTVLWRE2S57MA/
- Recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/consumer-alert-kia-and-hyundai-park-outside
Trying to link PM2.5 air pollution to antibiotic resistance in pathogens – “association” is not cause-effect
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/study-reveals-stunning-reason-bacteria-are-getting-better-at-resisting-medicine-among-the-greatest-threats-to-global-health/ar-AA1gCp8r
- Paper: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00135-3/fulltext
Conservation programs appear to be working – increase in world wild tiger population
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/conservationists-announce-exciting-new-head-count-for-vulnerable-wild-tigers-extraordinary-conservation/ar-BB1ksq8U
- https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/new-tiger-population-estimate-of-5-574-wild-tigers-announced-by-global-tiger-forum
Government agencies, medical bodies & social media platforms rightfully accused of “stifling dissenting opinions” on plandemic that in hindsight proved to be correct
Significant sources of pollution caused by EVs – mining, refining & manufacturing processes, battery materials, improper disposal of batteries, increased energy demands, tire wear & brake dust, infrastructure demands, weight degrades roadways, supply chain emissions
New unknown illness adversely impacting dairy cattle across several states
Quaternary ammonium compounds (also called “quats” or QACs) & organophosphate flame retardants – chemicals in common household products linked to poor brain health & neurological disorders
Some clothing, incense, toothpaste, sugar-filled cereals, fake meats, astroturf & wet wipes – convenient but toxic to your health: “Fatal Conveniences”
Outbreaks of whiskey fungus (baudoinia compniacensis) are cause for concern – “no known health risks”
Mega-pylons are shattering rural dreams – onslaught of colossal high-voltage power line stanchions in Scotland & elsewhere
Proposed “rain tax” in Toronto is sparking outrage & criticism - would add to tax burden of property owners
The killing of Laken Riley by a criminal illegal alien – deliberate omission of information on the crime & criminal
Trying to justify salvaging high-speed rail projects
Multi-million dollar “sustainable” city in Dubai has failed & has yet to start a trend
Large-scale protests by farmers effectively reverberating around Europe – raised concerns over reductions in fuel subsidies, competition, regulations, “climate change” and green-lit plans
Teenage brains especially susceptible to harm from THC in cannabis – modern weed much stronger now
Journalist was deliberate deception by “experts” on origins of covid – experts did not want to disclose the truth for political reasons – “the beans eventually get spilled” by Congressional investigation
Carbon offsetting markets do not need to be “fixed” – they need to be eliminated
NTSB testimony proves lack of communication & concern for officials & residents of East Palestine, Ohio, following train derailment & open burning of toxic vinyl chloride
966 accidents involving toxic vinyl chloride average “once every five days since 2010” – makes poisoning of “modern life possible”
- https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26032024/toxic-vinyl-chloride-accidents-commonplace/
- Report: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eda91260bbb7e7a4bf528d8/t/65fdd19e425d887c075d1826/1711133093346/BP_EJ_TFF+Comments+with+Technical+Report+and+Appendices.pdf
Fermented red yeast rice pills (beni kōji) linked to death & dozens of hospitalizations in Japan
Perspective: Rising extremism threatening teachers in the classroom, online & offline, harassment, intimidation
“Hunting” for evidence that Javan Tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) may not actually be extinct
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/indonesia-hunts-extinct-javan-tiger/ar-BB1kyHW6
- Paper: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/is-the-javan-tiger-panthera-tigris-sondaica-extant-dna-analysis-of-a-recent-hair-sample/5F407FD1D97836F8C26DE46CCFA08D73
Thousands of panels on solar farm SW of Houston destroyed/damaged by hail storms in Texas
Geoengineering for “global warming” is getting deserved backlash over regulatory gaps & unknown risks – messing around with forces beyond their ability to grasp
Roughly half of all suspected cases of chickenpox in the US may not be chickenpox
Hundreds of marae (communal or sacred place serving religious and social purposes in Polynesian societies) face potential exposure to risk of floods, landslides & other natural hazards
Przewalski’s horse (tahki) are no longer on the brink of extinction – but there is still reason to worry
The dangers of AI are already here! “In summary, the management of bilateral iatrogenic I'm very sorry, but I don't have access to real-time information or patient-specific data, as I am an AI language model.”
Fauci in Congressional testimony admits covid leaked from Wuhan lab & that policies & regulations were flawed – systemic failures in public health system & procedural concerns with public health authority – has refused to reveal any royalties received from Big Pharma
Update: SCOTUS oral arguments on Texas vs New Mexico on Colorado River waters
- TX vs NM: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2023/22O141
- https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4545304-rio-grand-water-dispute-texas-new-mexico-federal-government-supreme-court/
- https://hls.harvard.edu/today/supreme-court-tackles-water-rights-in-the-west-in-texas-v-new-mexico-and-colorado/
- https://arizonastatelawjournal.org/2024/03/12/texas-v-new-mexico-how-the-courts-decision-for-the-rio-grande-may-affect-colorado-river-negotiations/
- Case history thus far: https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/texas-v-new-mexico-and-colorado/
- Transcript of Oral Arguments: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2023/141-orig_2_g314.pdf
“Smart meters” are not working properly – low estimate of 2.7M has been revised dramatically upward – technology clearly does not work
Colorado River plans must also address environmental conditions for endangered desert pupfish
US has 13.7M illegal immigrants – surged by 3.7M since 2020 – only 18% approve of Biden border policies
Recognizing the vast extent of criminal activities of illegal immigration
Federal government to “loan” $1.5B to restart Palisades nuclear power plant in SW Michigan – questions of safety remain for the plant that was first built in 1971 and shut down in 2022 – “zombie reactor”
Transgender players on women’s teams pose serious risks to players – rival teams warned against forfeiting games
Another call for caution in moving toward deep-sea mining – concern that ISA is rushing rules for commercial mining of metals that will damage deep-sea floor environment
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Coastal Zone Management Bulletin Board – 31 March 2024 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapses after hit by Singapore-flagged chartered cargo ship ‘Dali’ – searching for victims complicated by tidal estuary currents – Port closed until further notice – not the first time this ship has crashed a port
- Video & photos: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/26/photos-video-baltimore-bridge-francis-scott-key/73102504007/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/26/baltimore-francis-scott-key-collusion/73102358007/
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-ship-that-caused-the-baltimore-bridge-collapse-also-crashed-in-a-european-port-in-2016/ar-BB1kyJ26
- CRS In Focus: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12619
Update: Cargo Ship Dali carried hazardous materials that leaked into water below Francis Scott Key Bridge collision site – 2 bodies recovered other still missing – to change bridge design – black box data
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/faulty-ship-that-caused-baltimore-bridge-collapse-carried-explosive-cargo-that-leaked-into-river/ar-BB1kIv9C
- https://www.constructiondive.com/news/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-protections-change/711618/
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/cargo-ship-black-box-reveals-intense-moments-leading-up-to-baltimore-bridge-collapse/ar-BB1kJcpM
Probiotics may help alleviate stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD)
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/scientists-have-found-a-new-way-to-protect-one-of-america-s-most-valuable-natural-resources-another-tool-in-the-toolbox/ar-AA1bd5ZC
- Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-04590-y
Update: seeking solutions to influx of raw sewage, industrial waste & stormwater from Tijuana, Mexico
2 crew members die on Holland America ship & another fire breaks out on Carnival Cruise ship
Genesis Marina lab & office campus in Brisbane, California, becomes first TURE certified project due to waste reduction, reuse & recycling practices
The dangers of texting & cruising – passenger presumed dead after falling (intentionally?) overboard
Perspective: Biden wind farm plan is destructive for fishing industry in the Northeast US
Tidal marsh restoration on the Fraser River – Sturgeon Bank Sediment Enhancement Pilot Project
Four Superfund sites located in coastal town in Glynn County, Georgia – Brunswick Wood Preserving, LCP Chemicals, Hercules 009 Landfill & Terry Creek Dredge Spoils/Hercules Outfall
Issues associated with dredging of waterways, ports & harbors – biennial WRDA
Temporary expansion of beach closure at Cape Hatteras National Seashore due to petroleum pollution
“Potential Maximum Storm Tide” (PMST) proposed as new indicator of coastal flooding risk – be sure to understand it is not all due to sea level rise but is a consequence of land subsidence in many areas
- https://eos.org/editor-highlights/where-and-how-sea-level-rise-threatens-coastal-areas-and-communities
- Paper: https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023AV000996
- https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27032024/sea-level-rise-flooding-coastal-cities/
Sea cucumbers play critical role in health of coral reefs
Update: Red Hill underground fuel tank farm jet fuel leak into drinking water in Pearl Harbor – 104M gallons drained
Cameron, Louisiana, has history of hurricane impacts & rebuilding – 90% of population has left
"We need to correct some misinformation. The new endowed chair in business ethics was indicted but never convicted." - @ass_deans
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