Archive for September, 2010
Posted by feww on September 30, 2010
Powerful 7.4Mw Earthquake Strikes NNW of Dobo, Kepulauan Aru Islands, Indonesia
Indonesia’s Geophysics officials measured the earthquake at 7.4Mw while the USGS/EHP faulty equipment [;)] recorded two shocks measuring 6.2 and 7.2Mw respectively.
Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS. Enhanced by FEWW
Earthquake Details
- Magnitude: 7.4 [As recorded by Indonesian seismologists]
Date-Time:
- Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 17:11:24 UTC
- Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 02:11:24 AM at epicenter
- Location 4.920°S, 133.783°E
- Depth: 12.3 km (7.6 miles)
- Region: NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Distances:
- 105 km (65 miles) NNW of Dobo, Kepulauan Aru, Indonesia
- 310 km (190 miles) WSW of Enarotali, Papua, Indonesia
- 900 km (560 miles) NNE of DARWIN, Northern Territory, Australia
- 2,985 km (1850 miles) E of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
- Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 13.7 km (8.5 miles); depth +/- 2.6 km (1.6 miles)
- Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D
Casualties
There was no report of damage and casualties as of posting.
Tsunami
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued NO tsunami warning for the region.
September 30, 2009
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake killed more than 1,000 people in Padang, western Sumatra, exactly a year ago today..
FEWW Forecast
Indonesia Earthquakes
Related Links:
Posted in earthquake, earthquake 2010, earthquake forecast, Earthquake Information | Tagged: Dobo quake, feww quake forecast, Indonesia earthquake, Indonesia quake, Kepulauan Aru | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 29, 2010
2nd Heat Wave in a Month Hits SoCal
L.A. heat wave breaks all time record
A scorching heat wave sent temps soaring to a record high of 45ºC (113ºF) in downtown Los Angeles.
Previous record of 44.4ºC (112ºF) was set in June 1990. Temperature records for the L.A. area started in 1877.
Max Temps. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).
Tremendous power demand yesterday caused several transformers to explode resulting in a massive power blackout, which left about 30,000 people in Los Angeles area without electricity today, L.A. Department of Water and Power said.
“At the Santa Fe Dam, NWS’s online tracking system recorded a high of 116 degrees at 2:57 p.m.,” According to a report.
Three-digit temperatures are stretching as far north as the state capital, Sacramento, reports say.
Related Links
Posted in Drought, drought an deluge, record heat, record temperature, temp forecast | Tagged: calif Heat, calif temps, heat wave, Santa Fe Dam, SoCal Heat Wave | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 28, 2010
More Megaquakes, More Volcanic Activity Along Atacama Trench, Chile Ridge
NAZCA Plate. Source: NOAA
The Nazca Plate, an oceanic tectonic plate, located in the eastern Pacific Ocean basin off the coast of South America (Peru and Chile), subducts the South American Plate along the Peru-Chile Trench. Existing as an independent plate, the Nazca Plate interacts with the Pacific Plate to the west and the Antarctic Plate to the south via the East Pacific Ridge and the Chile Ridge.
Peru-Chile Trench. Source: NOAA
Chile Ridge. Source: NOAA
Peteroa Volcano, part of the Andean Planchón-Peteroa Volcanic complex on the border between Chile and Argentina, spewed ash on September 26, 2010, following an eruption on September 6. The natural-color satellite image above was captured by ALI aboard EO-1. Source: NASA E/O. Click image to enlarge. Download large image (4 MB, JPEG)
Related Links:
Posted in Andean orogeny, earthquake, Nazca Plate, Peteroa Volcano, Planchón-Peteroa Volcanic complex, volcano | Tagged: Atacama Trench, Chile Ridge, Peru-Chile Trench | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 27, 2010
Will Arabia Be So Lucky Next Time?
A swarm of at least 30,000 tremors that struck Harrat Lunayyir, an ancient lava field in western Arabia, between April and June 2009 was a ‘failed eruption,’ US and Arabian geologists say.
An aerial view of one of the volcanoes in the Al-Aayiss area.
Based on the ground deformation satellite data, depth and signature of the shockwaves, the researchers have concluded that the seismic activity was related to a ‘failed volcanic eruption.’ They say magma has now moved very close to the surface, increasing the probability of an eruption.
The Arabian peninsula’s western side comprises lava fields [harrat] measuring up to 200,000 square kilometers, which were formed over the past 30 million years, after Arabia split from Africa.
Fissures formed when the earthquake swarm struck Harrat Lunayyir, western Arabia, between April and June 2009. Image source: Arabian media. Image may be subject to copyright.
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Posted in volcanic activity, volcanic eruption, volcanism, volcano | Tagged: Arabian Peninsula, Harrat Lunayyir, lava fields | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on September 26, 2010
Matthew to dump about 10 inches of rain
Matthew had inundated vasts parts of Central America by midday Sunday
MATTHEW – Visible/IR Satellite Image
Tropical Storm MATTHEW – Visible/IR Satellite Image. Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
A woman washes clothes as she stands in flood waters near the Ulua River in the El Progreso neighborhood of Cortes, Honduras, Saturday Sept. 25, 2010. Tropical Storm Matthew caused flooding and thousands to evacuate. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix). Image may be subject to copyright.
Infrared Image of Tropical Storm MATTHEW Taken by NASA AIRS
Aqua satellite’s AIRS instrument generated infrared imagery of Matthew on Sept. 24 at 07:05 UTC (3:05 a.m. EDT). The coldest cloud top temperatures (colder than -63 Fahrenheit) appeared around the center of Matthew’s circulation already giving the appearance of an eye. Source: NASA
TRMM data from Sept. 24 at 0159 UTC showed moderate to heavy rainfall (red) southwest of Matthew’s center of circulation. The approximate center of circulation is shown by a red tropical storm symbol. Source: NASA
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Posted in Central America flooding, storm, Tropical Storm Matthew | Tagged: Guatemala, Guatemala flooding, Guatemala landslides, storm MATTHEW | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 25, 2010
Tropical Storm MATTHEW Set to Dump 25cm of Rain Over Honduras
MATTHEW , the 13th named storm of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, threatens to inundate coffee and sugar fields that are already flooded by earlier rains
Tropical Storm MATTHEW – IR (NHC Enhancement). Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
Tropical Storm MATTHEW – IR-WV Diff. . Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
Tropical Storm MATTHEW – IR Satellite Image Projected Paths. Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
More rain in Guatemala could cause more deadly landslides. So far about 300 people have been killed by earlier storm-related disasters this year.
Related Links:
Posted in mudslide, Sinkholes, storm | Tagged: Guatemala flooding, Honduras flooding, MATTHEW Projected Paths, Tropical Storm MATTHEW, TS MATTHEW | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 24, 2010
Large Parts of Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota Inundated
The lingering storm system, which has dumped more than 33cm (13 inches) of rain over a swath of western Wisconsin and southern Minnesota since Wednesday, has flooded hundreds of homes forcing residents to be evacuated; many businesses have shut down; scores of schools are canceled in many communities; roads have been washed out; large segments of I-35 in the region are closed.
Click images to update.
Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).
TRMM Rain Accumulation
SPC Mesoscale Analysis
Click image to update.
- Sep 24, 2010 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
- Sep 24, 2010 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook
Current NWS Weather Hazard Warnings (U.S.)
Related Links:
Posted in flood, flood disaster, flooding, severe storm, storm | Tagged: 2010 disasters, collapse, flooding upper midwest, Minnesota flooding, Wisconsin flooding | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 23, 2010
DROUGHT: EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO REGION
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the US, reached lowest level since June 1937
Formed by water impounded by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. It reached its lowest ever level in August 2010.
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, formed by water from Colorado River impounded by the Hoover Dam, hydrates Nevada, southern California, Arizona, and northern Mexico. It is receding to its lowest level since the 1930s, when it was first filled. Image source unknown. Click images to enlarge.
Lake Mead is located on the Colorado River, about 48 km (30 miles) southeast of Las Vegas and west of the Grand Canyon.
Extending about 180 km (112 miles) behind the dam, Lake Mead holds about 28.5 million acre feet (35 km³) of water, and provides hydroelectric power for the region.
[NOTE: An acre-foot is the amount of water that covers one acre to a depth of one foot.]
Lake Mead held only 10.35 million acre-feet, 37 percent of its capacity on August 11, 2010, when this image was taken. Source: NASA E/O. Download largest image (3 MB, JPEG).
This image acquired on August 22, 1985 shows the lake holding about 24.8 million acre-feet. Source: NASA E/O. Download largest image (3 MB, JPEG). Full caption available here.
The water elevation stood at 331 meters (1,087 feet) above sea level in August 2010 compared with August 1985 lake level of 370m (1,213 feet). Water restrictions will be imposed should the water elevation drop to 328m (1,075 feet). [See Lake Meade Elevation at Hoover Dam.]
Related Links:
Posted in Colorado river, drought and deluge, Hoover Dam, Rocky Mountains, Water restrictions | Tagged: Arizona, collapse, EXISTENTIAL THREAT, Lake Mead, Nevada | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on September 22, 2010
SICK OF CHINA’S EMPTY THREATS?
Japan to Jiabao: You Don’t Have the Balls!
Image of the day:
The detained Chinese fishing trawler is flanked by two Japanese Coast Guard vessels during an investigation by Japanese authorities near Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture of Japan Sept. 12, 2010. (Xinhua, File Photo). Image may be subject to copyright.
Chinese PM Wen Jiabao has demanded Japan ‘swiftly and unconditionally’ release the trawler’s detained captain.
Japan seized a Chinese trawler, and has held its Chinese captain and 14 crews in detention since September 7, after the boat collided with two Japanese coast guard vessels in waters off the disputed Islands, despite strong protests from China.
Chinese PM Wen Jiabao has demanded Japan swiftly and unconditionally release the trawler’s captain. But, Japan isn’t impressed.
The Diaoyu Islands have been Chinese territory since the early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Maps printed in Japan in 1783 and 1785 that marked out the boundary of the Ryukyu Kingdom show that the Diaoyu Islands belonged to China.
Jiang also said China has complete sovereignty and jurisdictional rights over the Chunxiao oil and gas field 450 kilometers southeast of Shanghai, adding that Chinese activities in the area are “reasonable and lawful.”
“Japan has extended the detention of the trawler’s captain to Sept. 29,” the report said.
Could this situation escalate, or would Japan blink?
The dispute arises from the two countries territorial claims over the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands in Chinese), a group of uninhabited islands situated northeast of Taiwan and west of Okinawa. The Japanese government says the islands are a part of Okinawa prefecture. The Chinese say the islands have been part of China’s territory since ancient times.
NOTES:
- Clearly, China doesn’t really believe in its own sovereignty claims over the islands; otherwise, why pussyfoot about for so long?
- Japan’s deranged policymakers continue to remain in their delusional prewar imperial stupor.
Posted in Chunxiao oil and gas field, Ishigaki Island, Ming Dynasty, Okinawa prefecture, sovereignty claims | Tagged: China, Diaoyu Islands, East China Sea, Japan, Senkaku Islands | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on September 21, 2010
IF YOUR KIDS HAVE A GROWTH PROBLEM …
GM Food Companies Have a Quick Answer!!
But there’s just one tiny niggling issue: They don’t want you to know what you’re eating!
AquaBounty Technologies GM Salmon, aka ‘Frankenfish,’ (background) have a growth problem. They grow to the 8-pound market weight in 18 months instead of the normal 36. Image source: AquaBounty. Image may be subject to copyright.
AquaBounty’s mission Statement (from their website):
… to play a significant part in “The Blue Revolution” – bringing together biological sciences and molecular technology to enable an aquaculture industry capable of large-scale, efficient, and environmentally sustainable production of high quality seafood. Increased growth rates, enhanced resistance to disease, better food-conversion rates, manageable breeding cycles, and more efficient use of aquatic production systems are all important components of sustainable aquaculture industry of the future.
AquaBounty’s Main Problem:
They haven’t provided enough information to address major concerns about allergens and other potential risks, FDA panel says.
AquaBounty’s Main Concern:
They don’t want the consumer to know their product is different from natural fish by way of annoying labels.
“People will perceive a label as some sort of warning,” AquaBounty Chief Executive Officer Ronald Stotish said in a news conference.
Related Links:
Posted in Chinook salmon, GM food, North Atlantic salmon | Tagged: AquaBounty Technologies, Biotech Salmon, Frankenfish, Ronald Stotish, The Blue Revolution | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on September 20, 2010
IT MAY BE THE DROUGHT AND AEROSOLS IN THE AIR!
Drought and Air Quality Map (August 2010)
Download large image (4 MB, PNG)
Drought and Air Quality Map (August 2009)
Download large image (4 MB, PNG)
The two maps show aerosols as measured by MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. Top image was acquired August 1 – 31, 2010, above image exactly a year earlier on August 1 – 31, 2009,. Source: NASA E/O. For full caption click here.
How Aerosols Penetrate Atmosphere
- Car exhausts and industrial emissions heated by high temperatures
- Fires
- Dust storms
- Volcanic eruptions
- Drought, strong winds and heatwaves accelerate formation of chemical aerosols.
Aerosol concentrations
- Are influenced by the weather
- Affect weather patterns
- Help/hinder cloud formation
- Filter light, making regional temperatures cooler
- Absorb energy, heating the atmosphere.
Worst Affected Areas in August 2010
- Russia (drought and heatwaves causing fires)
- South America (Drought over the Amazon basin causing fires; volcanic eruptions)
- Canada (wildfires caused by drought in Canada’s boreal forest)
- Central Africa (fires started by farmers to clear land for farming)
- North Africa, Arabian peninsula, and southwest Asia come (caused by dust storms)
- China, Europe, and the U.S. (industrial emissions, mainly from burning coal; vehicle exhaust)
Related Links:
Posted in aerosols, Air Quality Map, Drought and Air Quality Map, Drought Map, wildfire | Tagged: chemical aerosols, Drought, Dust storms, heatwave, moscow heatwave | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 19, 2010
La Niña Conditions Continue to Strengthen Across the Equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Above map shows a 10-day average of sea-surface height and was acquired by the Ocean Surface Topography Mission/Jason-2 satellite on September 6, 2010. Higher water surface areas signifying warmer temperatures are shades of red-brown, and areas of lower water surface (cooler) are blue. White areas are normal condition. “The El Niño weakens the westward trade winds that normally blow over the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Those winds keep eastern Pacific waters cool and concentrate warm waters in the western Pacific. A weakening of trade winds enables warm waters to gradually spread eastward, heating up the central Pacific. La Niña typically follows El Niño, and causes essentially the opposite conditions. La Niña strengthens the trade winds, spreading cool water from the South American coast to the central Pacific. This see-saw pattern of El Niño and La Niña can drive large-scale weather changes, especially in the tropics.” Full caption here… Source: NASA E/O. Click image to enlarge. Download large image (1 MB, PNG).
Sea Surface Temperatures
50 KM Global Analysis – updated weekly.
Current Conditions
Source: NWS/CPC/NOAA
Current SST Anomalies
SST Anomalies During El Niño
Above image shows SST Anomalies during the 2009 El Niño episode, saved on July 27, 2009 and included for comparison.
Related Links:
Posted in El Niño, El Niño conditions, El Niño episode, El Niño impact, La Niña, La Niña episode | Tagged: negative ONI, SST anomalies, Trade winds, tropical Pacific Ocean | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 19, 2010
FANAPI Wreaks Havoc Across Taiwan
Typhoon FANAPI hit the island of Taiwan earlier today, forcing the closure of govt offices and schools, disrupting train services and flights, as the authorities evacuated up to 10,000 people in mountainous areas.
Typhoon FANAPI struck Taiwan on its way to China. Image source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
FANAPI was a category 3 hurricane as it made landfall in Taiwan, delivering heavy precipitation and strong winds. The hurricane is expected to regain strength and strike South East China as a category 3B – 3C hurricane later on today or early tomorrow local time.
FANAPI was expected to cause substantial damage along its path over Taiwan.
When typhoon MORAKOT struck Taiwan last year, it killed about 1,000 people and left thousands more homeless.
Related Links:
Satellite Imagery (GOES 12 Floater/NOAA/SSD)
Loops/ Satellite Animations
Additional Satellite Images:
Posted in storm, STORM INFORMATION, typhoon FANAPI, typhoon hits Taiwan | Tagged: FANAPI, typhoon, Typhoon Morakot | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on September 18, 2010
Fast-Moving Freak Storm Spawns Deadly Tornadoes in NYC
One of a dozens of cars crushed by fallen tree in Brooklyn. Photo credit: AP. Image may be subject to copyright.
A freak storm traveling from Staten Island across New York harbor, carved a 14-mile (22km) path of destruction from Brooklyn to the Bayside area in Queens, spawning a microburst with speeds of about 125mph (200 km/h), and two deadly tornadoes.
The tornadoes, which struck on Thursday, uprooted at least 1,000 trees, cut power to as many homes, crushing dozens of cars, and killing at least one person whose car was hit by a falling tree.
New York City was hit by tornadoes for the second time this year, but only 9th time since 1950, National Weather Service said.
Related Links:
Posted in Brooklyn tornado, storm, Tornado | Tagged: New York City, NYC, NYC microburst, NYC tornadoes | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 17, 2010
KARL, IGOR, JULIA and FANAPI
The Four Hurricanes
(L to R) Hurricanes KARL, IGOR, Julia and FANAPI. Image Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
KARL was a cat 3B hurricane as of posting [FEWW estimate.]. Image source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
IGOR was a cat 4A hurricane as of posting [FEWW estimate.]. Image source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
JULIA was a cat 1 hurricane as of posting [FEWW estimate.]. Image source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
FANAPI, about 12 times larger than the are of its target, Taiwan, was a cat 2B hurricane as of posting [FEWW estimate.]. Image source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
Related Links:
Satellite Imagery (GOES 12 Floater/NOAA/SSD)
Loops/ Satellite Animations
Additional Satellite Images:
Posted in hurricane, hurricane force, Hurricane IGOR, Hurricane JULIA, storm, storm disaster | Tagged: Hurricane FANAPI, Hurricane KARL | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 16, 2010
4 More Storms Including 2 Hurricanes Deliver Huge Amounts of Precipitation Globally
(L to R) TS KARL, Hurricanes IGOR and Julia, TS FANAPI. Image Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
SSMI/AMSRE-derived Total Precipitable Water – Global
Timed at: Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:15:30 UTC. Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
Animated Version of the above image:
Source:CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
Related Links:
Satellite Imagery (GOES 12 Floater/NOAA/SSD)
Loops/ Satellite Animations
Additional Satellite Images:
Posted in hurricane, hurricane force winds, Precipitable Water, storm disaster, STORM INFORMATION, Tropical storm | Tagged: Hurricane IGOR, Hurricane Julia, STORM QUATRO, TS FANAPI, TS KARL | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 15, 2010
IGOR POWERS ON OVER ATLANTIC
Hurricane IGOR – IR (NHC Enhancement) Satellite Image. Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
Related Links:
Satellite Imagery (GOES 12 Floater/NOAA/SSD)
Loops/ Satellite Animations
Additional Satellite Images:
Posted in hurricane, storm | Tagged: Hurricane IGOR | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 14, 2010
Image of the Day
IGOR and JULIA Pinwheeling?
Hurricanes IGOR and JULIA Could Engage Pinwheeling, Causing Unprecedented Destruction Along Their Path
(L-R) IGOR and JULIA Over Atlantic. GOES East RGB Satellite Image. Source NOAA. Click image to update.
Projected Path of Hurricane IGOR. Source: JTWC. Click image to enlarge.
Most models predict IGOR would be heading north; however, if pinwheeling (Fujiwara Effect) occurs between the two systems, JULIA could force IGOR to move in a westerly direction toward the Caribbeans or WNWesterly toward the U.S. coast, with a probability of occurrence of about 30%.
Related Links:
Satellite Imagery (GOES 12 Floater/NOAA/SSD)
Loops/ Satellite Animations
Additional Satellite Images:
Posted in Fujiwhara Effect, Hurricane IGOR, Hurricane JULIA, TS Julia | Tagged: pinwheeling, pinwheeling hurricanes, Tropical storm Julia | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 13, 2010
2011 SIX TIMES MORE DISASTROUS THAN 2010
Global Disasters in 2011 Could Impact 1/3 to 1/2 of the Human Population
The impact of anthropogenic and human-enhanced natural disasters on the population will be 600 percent more severe in 2011 compared with 2010: Fire-Earth Forecast
Earth is critically wounded and diseased as a result of human assault and battery.
Humans’ first wave of serious [near-fatal] assault on the planet began in the early 1980s and has since heightened in severity.
Our feverish planet‘s fight against the “human pathogens” is entering a critical phase. The earth is reacting by deploying geophysical phenomenon in her defense mechanism, as a result of which the impact of natural disasters on human population is intensifying.
In 2007 EDRO models showed that the intensity of disasters caused as a result of the human assault on the planet, and the planet’s struggle to heal herself, would lead to the first wave of collapse of the population centers globally by about 2012.
It already has!
The collapse has already started and would ultimately lead to the extinction [possibly near-extinction] of human race.
For the EDRO forecast to be true, the final years leading to the start of collapse, namely 2010, 2011 and 2012, must necessarily be progressively more disastrous.
Based on their models, Fire-Earth Moderators forecasted in December 2009 that the year 2010 would prove to be the most disastrous year on record. And with more than 100 days left to the end of this year, their forecast has already proven to be true and accurate.
What about 2011?
Fire-Earth models show that the impact of anthropogenic and human-enhanced natural disasters would be about 600 percent more severe in 2011 compared with this year.
Based on their findings, the Moderators estimate that between one-third and one-half of the world population could be affected in some way by various disasters that are forecasted to occur in 2011.
Related Links:
Links to 2010 Disasters Calendar
January 2010 | February 2010 | March 2010 | April 2010 | May 2010 | June 2010 | July 2010 | August 2010 | September 2010 |
Posted in Extreme Rain Events, global heating, Global Seismicity, Global Volcanism, rising temperatures | Tagged: 2010 disasters, 2011 disaster forecast, Climate Change, extreme climatic events, Global Disasters | 9 Comments »
Posted by feww on September 12, 2010
Image of the Day
Hurricane IGOR Powers Up to a Cat 4C Force Moving West Over Atlantic
IGOR has strengthened to a Cat 4C hurricane over the Atlantic, spinning menacingly westward. IGOR should continue to become a super storm, but it’s highly uncertain right now whether it would make a landfall.
Summary of Hurricane’s Current Status:
- Location: Near 17.8N, 47.3W
- Max Sustained Winds: 240 km/hr
- Wind Gusts: 280 km/hr
- Movement: West (270 degrees) at 22 km/hr
- Position: 1,800km E of Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands
- Estimated by FEWW
- Source: JTWC and others
Hurricane IGOR: Target Uncertain!
Hurricane IGOR – IR (NHC Enhancement) Satellite Image. Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.
Related Links:
POES Composite – (Daily Sea Surface Temps)
For more images and animation, click Satellite Imagery
For hurricane watches and warnings, click Hurricane IGOR Public Advisory
Posted in storm, super storm | Tagged: Hurricane IGOR, storm 11L | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 12, 2010
The Pace of Global Volcanism Accelerating; More Dormant Volcanoes Becoming Active
In the next few years you could have dozens of volcanoes erupting simultaneously.
VolcanoWatch Weekly [12 Sept 2010]
Summary of Weekly Volcanic Activity Report [Source: SI/USGS]
New Activity/Unrest (1 September – 7 September 2010)
- Ekarma, Kuril Islands (Russia) — [Group J]
- Etna, Sicily (Italy) — [Group B]
- Kliuchevskoi, Central Kamchatka (Russia) — [Group J]
- Manam, Northeast of New Guinea (SW Pacific) — [Group K]
- Planchón-Peteroa, Central Chile-Argentina border — [Group D]
- Seulawah Agam, Sumatra (Indonesia) — [Group K]
- Sinabung, Sumatra (Indonesia) — [Group K]
- Villarrica, Central Chile — [Group D]
NOTE: Based on Fire-Earth Model, more volcanic activity/unrest may be expected in areas/groups shown in red.
Map of Volcanoes. Background Map: University of Michigan. Designed and enhanced by Fire Earth Blog. Click image to enlarge.
Ongoing Activity:
- Batu Tara, Komba Island (Indonesia)
- Bezymianny, Central Kamchatka (Russia)
- Cleveland, Chuginadak Island
- Dukono, Halmahera
- Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia)
- Kilauea, Hawaii (USA)
- Pacaya, Guatemala
- Sakura-jima, Kyushu
- Sangay, Ecuador
- Santa María, Guatemala
- Shiveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia)
For additional information, see source.
Volcano Links:
FEWW Volcanic Activity Forecast
Other Related Links:
Posted in volcanic activity forecast, volcano, volcano alert, Volcano Hazard, Volcano Watch | Tagged: Ekarma, Kliuchevskoi, Manam, Seulawah Agam, Sinabung | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 11, 2010
Syria’s drought pushing 3 million people into “extreme poverty”—UN Senior Rep
Syria has experienced 4 consecutive droughts since 2006, with the 2007-2008 causing the most devastation.
Download large image (4 MB, JPEG) – Image acquired April 30, 2008. Source: NASA E/O.
At least 1.3 million people have been affected by the 4-year drought, about 1 million of whom have had their livelihoods destroyed, Olivier de Schutter, UN special rapporteur on the right to food, said.
“The losses from these repeated droughts have been significant for the population in the northeastern part of the country, particularly in Al-Hasakeh, Deir Ezzor and Al-Raqqa.” He said.
“Small-scale farmers have been worst affected. Many farmers have not been able to cultivate enough food or earn enough money to feed their families. Herders have also lost 80-85 percent of their livestock since 2005, according to UN figures.” A report said.
The drought is also threatening food security as demand for wheat reached 3.8 million tons, with the yield lagging behind by about 500,000 tons, forcing the government to import the shortfall.
“Thousands have left northeastern areas and live in informal settlements or camps close to Damascus. Experts warn, off the record, that the true figure of those living in ‘extreme poverty’ could be higher than the 2-3 million estimate.” UN OCHA reported.
Related Links:
Posted in Drought, drought and deluge, drought in syria | Tagged: collapse, fertile crescent, right to food, syria | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 10, 2010
Massive gas line explosion rocks San Bruno, Calif
A San Bruno neighborhood (Bay Area, California) was consumed by fire caused by a gas line explosion.
Cars and homes were incinerated after a massive explosion at a gas line triggered an inferno that consumed an entire residential neighborhood in San Bruno, SF Bay Area, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma). Image may be subject to copyright. See FEWW FAIR USE NOTICE.
The inferno killed at least one person, incinerated 5 dozen homes and left dozens of people injured, many with severe burns.
“The blast, which occurred shortly after 6 pm [Current time zone offset: UTC -7 hours,] ignited a wind-driven fire that quickly destroyed or damaged more than 170 homes, set treetops on fire and illuminated the sky for miles around. Hours after the explosion, fire crews from throughout the state continued to rush to the scene, but their efforts were hampered by winds that reportedly reached more than 30 mph,” a report said.
Related Links:
Posted in Firemageddon | Tagged: bay area gas explosion, Calif explosion, San Bruno explosion | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 9, 2010
NO FOOD, NO CROPS (MONEY), NO SEED NEXT YEAR
Indus river carves a new path in Sindh Province
Pakistan Flooding Satellite Images
Download large image (7 MB, JPEG) Image acquired July 19, 2010
Download large image (9 MB, JPEG),. Image acquired August 11, 2010
Download large image (9 MB, JPEG). Image acquired September 7, 2010. Click images to enlarge.
Above images, which span a 50-day period, were taken by MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite on July 19, before lower Indus flooded, August 11, and September 7, when floodwater reached the Manchhar Lake.
“These images use a combination of infrared and visible light to increase the contrast between water and land. Water ranges in color from electric blue to navy. Vegetation appears bright green. Bare land ranges in color from pink-beige to brick red. Clouds appear pale blue-green.” Full caption available at Flooding in Pakistan.
Flooding has destroyed about 4 million hectares (10 million acres) of farmland in Pakistan, reports say.
Related Links
Posted in collapse, Collapse Mechanisms, Collapsing Cities, first wave of collapsing cities, pakistan collapse | Tagged: Indus River, Manchhar Lake, pakistan flooding, Pakistan Flooding Satellite Images, Sindh Province | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 8, 2010
El Niños Growing Stronger: Study
“A relatively new type of El Niño, which has its warmest waters in the central-equatorial Pacific Ocean, rather than in the eastern-equatorial Pacific, is becoming more common and progressively stronger, according to a new study by NASA and NOAA.”
Sea surface temperature anomaly during the peak of the 2009-10 El Niño, the strongest Central Pacific El Niño observed to date.High resolution (Source: NASA JPL).
Current Conditions
Source: NWS/CPC/NOAA
Above is a freeze frame of the top animation posted for comparison.
A new type of El Niño that has been occurring with since the early 1990s. Called “central-Pacific El Niño,” “warm-pool El Niño,” “dateline El Niño” or “El Niño Modoki” (Japanese for “similar but different”), this El Niño causes its maximum ocean warming in the central-equatorial, instead of the eastern, Pacific. “Such central Pacific El Niño events were observed in 1991-92, 1994-95, 2002-03, 2004-05 and 2009-10. Studies have hypothesized that global warming due to human-produced greenhouse gases could shift the warming center of El Niños from the eastern to the central Pacific, further increasing the frequency of such events in the future.” The “new” El Niño appears in the tropical Pacific Ocean on average every 3 to 5 years, researchers say. More…
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Posted in central-Pacific El Niño, dateline El Niño, ENSO, warm-pool El Niño | Tagged: eastern-equatorial Pacific, El Niño, El Niño episode, El Niño Modoki, El Niño-Southern Oscillation | Leave a Comment »
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