Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua new Guinea.
5.9 earthquake hits west of MacQuarie Island
5.3 earthquake hits the Ceram Sea.
Three 5.2 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Namibia - The Zambezi River in the north of the country is in flood after heaving rains in its catchment area. Schools and villages have been cut off by the floodwaters. Villagers have been warned to move their livestock to higher ground.
Europe - Large parts of Europe have been hit by a freak winter storm, bringing rare snow and plummeting temperatures on much of the continent. Some parts of the UK are expected to feel colder than the Arctic Circle throughout the week.
Yellow fever – Brazil
During the first four weeks of 2018, a rapid increase in the number of confirmed human cases of yellow fever was observed in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. From 1 July 2017 through 16 February 2018, 464 confirmed human cases of yellow fever have been reported in Brazil, including 154 deaths.
Cholera - Uganda
Cholera has killed 29 people in Hoima District, medical officers have confirmed. The cholera outbreak was last week confirmed to have hit Congolese refugees in Kyangwali settlement camp who fled from fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "We have registered 962 (Cholera) cases out of which 29 people have died," said Dr Joseph Ruyonga, the Hoima district health officer on Tuesday.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits the Ceram Sea.
Two 5.7 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.6 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.5 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.5 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.4 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits Unimak Island, Alaska.
Three 5.1 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Four 5.0 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindoro in the Phillippines.
At least 14 people have died after yesterday’s powerful earthquake caused landslides in a remote region of Papua New Guinea (PNG), officials say. The 7.5-magnitude quake rattled villages and a large gold mine in the country's Enga province on Monday morning. There are unconfirmed reports that the death toll could be as high as 30, with details of "extensive" damage emerging. The tremor caused ExxonMobil to shut its $19bn (€15bn) liquefied natural gas plant, PNG's biggest export earner. A number of buildings collapsed and roads were blocked by the landslides. Some phone lines were also cut, Reuters news agency reports.
Unusually Warm Arctic
During the Arctic winter, when the sun hides from October to March, the average temperature in the frozen north typically hovers around a bone-chilling minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius). But this year, the Arctic is experiencing a highly unusual heat wave.
On Feb. 20, the temperature in Greenland not only climbed above freezing — 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) — it stayed there for over 24 hours and on Saturday (Feb. 24) the temperature on Greenland's northern tip reached 43 degrees F (6 degrees C) - much warmer than it was in most of Europe at the time.
Weather conditions that drive this bizarre temperature surge have visited the Arctic before, typically appearing about once in a decade, experts told Live Science. However, the last such spike in Arctic winter warmth took place in February 2016 — much more recently than a decade ago. And climbing Arctic temperatures combined with rapid sea-ice loss are creating a new type of climate feedback loop that could accelerate Arctic warming, melting all Arctic sea ice decades earlier than scientists once thought.
Rift Valley fever – Gambia
On 3 January 2018, the Ministry of Health (MoH), Senegal notified WHO of a case of Rift Valley fever, a 52-year-old Korean man who was a resident of Gambia. The case was reported from a hospital in Dakar.
Yemen - Diphtheria and Cholera - Update
In an update on the diphtheria and cholera outbreak situation in war-torn Yemen, as of Feb. 10, there are 1,032 probable diphtheria cases, including 64 associated deaths, in 161 districts among 20 governorates in the country.
According to the World Health Organization, 1,068,520 cholera cases and 2,261 deaths as of February 25. The current outbreak started on Apr. 27, 2017. While the outbreak has slowed in recent months, UN health officials say that may change with the upcoming rainy seasons.
Chikungunya – Mombasa, Kenya
From mid-December 2017 through 3 February 2018, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Kenya reported 453 cases, including 32 laboratory-confirmed cases and 421 suspected cases, of chikungunya from Mombasa County.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.5 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
No injuries were immediately reported.
6.0 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.6 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.5 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.5 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua new Guinea.
Two 5.4 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Nine 5.0 earthquakes hit New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Indonesia - Hundreds of houses in three villages in Situbondo Regency, East Java, inundated by flash floods as a result of river overflow after high intensity of rain poured over several areas in Situbondo. In addition to swamping hundreds of houses, flash floods also engulfed around 40 hectares of agricultural land belonging to local residents.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the Babuyan Islands in the Philippines.
5.1 earthquake hits the south-western Ryukyu Islands, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hit northern Sumatra, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Australia - The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra has cancelled all classes and events for Monday after a storm triggered flash flooding in parts of the city on Sunday and forced several roads to close. Some parts of the city received more than February's average rainfall in just a few hours. The city recorded 66.2mm, compared with the average rainfall for February of 51.2mm. Several adjacent suburbs were also flooded, local media said, with much of the floodwaters carried by Sullivans Creek, which runs through the middle of the campus.
Ontario, Canada - A state of emergency and flood warnings remain in place in southwestern Ontario, though officials say damage from a local river appears to be less than expected. The Thames River, swollen by days of heavy rains and melted snow, is reaching its peak in most areas covered by the state of emergency.
Bolivia - The Bolivian government is mulling whether to declare a "national disaster" due to severe flooding that has driven 85,000 people from their homes across the country. After touring flood-ravaged areas in Guanay, a town in north of La Paz department, Defense Minister Zabaleta told reporters in the capital that the heavy rains sparked by the La Nina weather phenomenon have claimed eight lives, washed away thousands of homes, and damaged cropland, bridges and roadways.
Midwest USA - Flooding that prompted evacuations in parts of the Midwest persisted Friday in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio and was expected to last through the weekend in areas that have been swamped by high water from heavy rains and melting snow. Waters receded in South Bend and Goshen, Indiana, but flooding remained there and elsewhere. The National Weather Service said a number of Michigan rivers could see record levels in the coming days. In Ohio, water swamped more roadways and basements and forecasters expected the Ohio River could reach levels not seen since the region's deadly 1997 floods. Restaurants and other business and recreation spots from Cincinnati for miles east along the river closed, as water cut off roadways and swamped parks. Forecasters warned people living along rivers, streams and creeks in southern Ohio, southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky to be especially cautious and prepared for rapid rises.
Australian Dingo Protects Native Wildlife after Bushfires
The much-maligned dingo has emerged as an unlikely hero in a study of the relationship between bushfires and feral pests.
Normally foxes and feral pests like cats enter recently burnt areas to pursue affected wildlife. but in areas where dingoes enter a burned area, foxes and cats stay away, effectively protecting the other species. The dingoes hunt mainly kangaroos, but will hunt and kill foxes and cats as well when they are found in their area, creating a ‘landscape of fear’ keeping the other predators away.
Cholera – Uganda
Officials with the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency say they are “deeply alarmed” with the deteriorating situation in the Kyangwali area, where as of Thursday, 668 cholera cases have been reported in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Hoima District in western Uganda. Of these, 26 died.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.0 earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
South Africa - Heavy rains have hit the Lowveld with localized flooding in some areas. Up to 85mm in 24 hours was recorded in Barberton, Sabie and Hazyview.
Australia - Torrential rain has flooded south-east Queensland. Eight people have been rescued after being caught in flash flooding on the Sunshine and Fraser Coasts as much of the state continues to be hammered by heavy rain. In Brisbane, cars have been stranded in low-lying areas. On the Sunshine Coast, Nambour reported 96mm on Friday morning. But most of the severe weather system was starting to impact the Gold Coast. The highest falls have been in the hinterland, Mount Tamborine received 145mm in 6 hours on Friday.
Midwest, USA - A state of emergency has been declared across Kentucky as it prepares for more heavy rain through the weekend. The Ohio River is approaching its highest level in 20 years and more rain is forecast across the region. In Louisville some residents are going to work by boat.
German Measles - Syria
An IDP camp north of Raqqa, Syria has reported 60 cases of German measles (rubella) in the past few days. The cases were reported in children and some adults. One death of a child was reported. The Ain Issa camp, about 50 km north of Raqqa, includes approximately 3,000 tents and inhabited by more than 20,000 displaced people from Raqqa and Deir Al-Zour.
Legionnaires Disease - Australia
Victoria's health regulator is investigating three cases of legionnaires' disease possibly linked to contaminated cooling towers in central Melbourne. Three men, aged between 52 and 72, reported visiting the CBD before they contracted the bacterial infection in early to mid-February.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Midwest, USA - Hundreds have been forced from their homes across the Midwest and South as floodwaters continue to rise following days of rainfall and snowmelt accelerated by milder conditions, killing at least three people. In numerous towns from Texas to Michigan, homes have been turned into islands and school days have been canceled because there's no way to get to the building. At least six Lansing neighborhoods were issued voluntary evacuations in areas where the Grand River was expected to overtake homes.
Sleep Singing Finches
Argentine researchers have found that zebra finches seem to be practicing their songs while they sleep without actually making a sound.
It’s long been known that the birds’ brains spontaneously reproduce the same patterns in their sleep that they use when singing during the day. But scientists from the University of Buenos Aires have found that the finches’ vocal muscles are also moving during their avian slumber.
The only thing keeping the tiny birds from actually singing while sleeping is the absence of an air flow through their throats. Scientists think the sleep “singing” may be how the birds learn new songs or keep their existing tunes stable.
Primates in Peril
Roughly half of the orangutans living on Borneo have disappeared over the past 16 years due to hunting and vast destruction of their habit.
Researchers say much of the loss of 100,000 of the island’s orangutans is due to logging operations that clear the land to make way for palm plantations and mining.
Field researcher Serge Wich says targeted killings and other direct conflicts between the orangutans and humans are pushing the primates beyond their well-known ability to adapt to a changing landscape.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44.4 degrees Celsius) in Jervois, South Australia.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 69.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 56.1 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Wildfires - Cuba
A wildfire ignited mines laid by the Cuban military decades ago and jumped the fence line at the U.S. Navy base at Guantánamo Bay on Thursday, threatening buildings and forcing evacuations of six neighborhoods for much of the day. No one was injured.
Yellow fever: Brazil
The Brazil Ministry of Health has confirmed 545 yellow fever cases and 164 deaths in the period from July 1, 2017 to February 20 this year, according to a news release Wednesday (computer translated). This is up from 409 cases and 118 deaths one week ago - 136 new cases in the past week.
Nigeria: meningococcal meningitis
According to Nigerian health authorities yesterday, 31 meningitis C cases were reported in Niger State, including four fatalities.
Listeriosis - South Africa
The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) said 915 cases of the disease have been confirmed since January last year, up from the previous figures given last month of 61 deaths and 720 confirmed cases.
The government said the source of the outbreak was still unknown.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 14 February - 20 February 2018
Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that an event at Agung recorded at 1149 on 13 February generated an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 4.5 km (14,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 1-4) and the exclusion zone continued at a 6-km radius.
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that very small events occurred at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 13-16 and 19 February. An explosive event at 0820 on 19 February generated a plume that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim up into meteorological clouds. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Ambae | Vanuatu : Based on satellite and webcam observations, the Wellington VAAC reported that during 17-19 February ash plumes from Ambae rose to altitudes of 3-5.5 km (10,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.
Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that low-level unrest continued at Cleveland. Thermal anomalies were identified in satellite data during 15-16 February, and possibly on 17 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 15-20 February ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, S, SW, and W.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Based on observations by volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions during 9-10 and 14 February generated ash plumes that rose as high as 2.2 km (7,200 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 9 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : Based on information from the Yelizovo Airport (UHPP) and satellite images, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 18 February an ash plume from Klyuchevskoy rose to an altitude of 5.2 km (17,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.
Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya was similar to the previous week; there was an average of 19 explosions recorded per day during 12-18 February. Seismicity was dominated by long-period events, with signals indicating emissions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted 30 km NW, SW, and S. The MIROVA system detected three thermal anomalies. The sulfur dioxide flux was the highest value yet registered during the eruption, at 9,270 tons per day on 15 February. The report noted that the public should not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
San Miguel | El Salvador : SNET reported that during 0800-1100 on 19 February gas-and-ash emissions from San Miguel rose 350 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. Ash fell on the upper flanks of the volcano, and a sulfur odor was reported in La Piedra farm.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 9-11 and 15 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hit south-west of Africa.
5.0 earthquake hit the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge.
5.0 earthquake hit the Ionian Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico.
5.0 earthquake hits the West Chile rise.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Michigan, USA - In the wake of heavy rainfall, metro Detroiters are coping with major flooding affecting roads, causing sewage overflows and the evacuation of entire neighborhoods in some parts of the state.
Midwest, USA - Crews used boats to help residents evacuate their homes in northern Indiana after rainstorms sweeping across the Midwest on Wednesday combined with melting snow to flood rivers, roads and other low-lying areas in several states. The storm system starting pushed heavy rain, snow and ice into the region this week, and the weather has already been blamed for hundreds of car crashes and several fatalities, including the deaths of four people in a crash along a slippery interstate in Nebraska. About 19 people had been evacuated from homes in Elkhart, a town just east of South Bend, by early Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for parts of several states in the central and southern U.S., spanning from Texas to Illinois and Ohio to Arkansas, where strong winds topped power lines and damages buildings. Winter weather advisories also were issued, including in for Oklahoma and Kansas.
Illinois, USA - Officials in the city of Marseilles, in LaSalle County, have ordered mandatory evacuations for dozens of homes, as the Illinois River continues to flood in the wake of heavy storms over the past couple days.
Ontario, Canada - A three-year-old boy is missing in the Orangeville, Ont., area after a van left a roadway and wound up in the Grand River as southern Ontario communities deal with flooding. Heavy rains and a deep thaw are behind the flooding and high water along rivers and streams across southern Ontario, with the Grand River watershed seeing the worst of the effects so far.
Zimbabwe - Several people, including 85 school pupils, have been left stranded in Mashonaland Central province following floods that hit some areas recently after successive days of rains.
Lassa Fever - Nigeria
Nigerian health officials reported 68 new confirmed Lassa fever cases during the past week from seven States Edo (35), Ondo (19), Bauchi (1), Ebonyi (7), Anambra (4), Imo(1) and FCT (1) with four new deaths in confirmed cases from two states Ondo (2), and Bauchi (2).
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 14 February - 20 February 2018
Mayon | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that during 14-20 February daily activity at Mayon continued to be characterized by lava effusion from the summit crater, rockfalls, lava fountains, steam emissions, advancing lava flows on the flanks, and pyroclastic flows. Weak and sporadic lava fountaining events each lasted between 5 and 239 minutes, and were sometimes accompanied by rumbling sounds audible with a 10-km radius. Heavy rainfall on 14 February caused lahars in the Anoling drainage, and sediment-laden streams in most channels where pyroclastic flow deposits were emplaced. During 16-17 February lava fountains were 200-500 m tall and generated steam plumes that drifted SW, WSW, and NW. A lava-fountaining event that began at 0103 on 17 February lasted for 12 hours and 18 minutes. Lava flows 3.3 km, 4.5 km, and 900 m long in the Mi-isi (S), Bonga (SE), and Basud (E) drainages, respectively, continued to be active. Pyroclastic flows traveled 4.2-4.6 km in the Mi-isi, Bonga, and Basud drainages. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a 0-5 scale) and the public was warned to remain outside of the Danger Zone, defined as an area within an 8-km radius.
Sinabung | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that at 0853 on 19 February a large explosive event at Sinabung generated a dark gray plume with a high volume of ash that rose at least to 16.8 km (55,000 ft) a.s.l. According to the Darwin VAAC, ash plumes that were identified in satellite images, recorded by webcams, and reported by PVMBG continued to rise throughout the day to 13.7 km (45,000 ft) a.s.l. and drift 320 km NNW. Parts of the ash plumes drifted in multiple directions at lower altitudes. As many as 10 pyroclastic flows were observed, traveling as far as 4.9 km SSE and 3.5 km E. Ash and tephra as large as pebbles fell in areas downwind including Simpang Empat (7 km SE), the Namanteran district, Pqyung (5 km SSW), Tiganderket (7 km W), Munthe, Kutambaru (20 km NW), Perbaji (4 km SW), and Kutarayat. Conditions in five districts were so dark that visibility was only about 5 m. Some residents outside of the evacuation zone self-evacuated. The event was possibly the largest since the beginning of the current eruption, which began in September 2013. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions of 7 km on the SSE sector, 6 km in the ESE sector, and 4 km in the NNE sector.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Yellowstone Swarm
A swarm of more than 200 earthquakes struck Yellowstone National Park over the past two weeks. The 200 temblors began on Feb. 8 and ramped up on Feb. 15 in an area about 8 miles (13 kilometers) northeast of West Yellowstone, Montana, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In reality, many more tiny quakes hit the region but were simply too small for seismometers to pick them up, according to the USGS.
These swarms occur when stress levels shift along smaller faults in an earthquake region, according to the USGS. Swarms typically have two ultimate causes: shifting at major tectonic plates; or movements of water, gas or magma under the surface.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
New Zealand - New Zealand has begun cleaning up after being hit by the remnants of Cyclone Gita, which damaged buildings and left thousands without power. Four regions across the country remain in a state of emergency, though the status has been lifted for the city of Christchurch. Up to 1,000 people are still stranded in Golden Bay on the South Island due to flooding. Authorities say they may send ferries to pick them up. Numerous roads still remain closed across the country as repair efforts begin.
Mozambique - Humanitarian organisations are making frantic efforts to assist thousands of Mozambicans recently displaced by floods that killed at least 14 people. The northern provinces were hit by a tropical depression which brought heavy rains. A total of 80 000 people were affected in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa. In Nampula, following a government request, the World Food Programme (WFP) is providing food support to 37 000 people.
Wisconsin, USA - Several busy roads are closed Tuesday due to flooding across Rock County, Wisconsin. People in areas with flooding are encouraged to drive carefully and slowly on Wednesday, and until the icy roads are cleared up. The cold weather may freeze the flooded areas creating dangerous conditions.
Saudi Arabia - MERS
The World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO-EMRO) issued their Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) situation update for January 2018, which reveals 25 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS, including 8 associated deaths in the Kingdom.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits near the south coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits the central mid-Atlantic Ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits offshore Antofagasta, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 501 nm northwest of Wellington, New Zealand, is tracking southwestward at 28 knots.
Newsbytes:
Hawaii - Flash flood watches have been issued for the entire state as Hawaii continues to be drenched by a Pacific storm front. Heavy rainfall - in some cases record-setting for the date - fell across much of the state Saturday. Vehicles were reportedly stranded in two to three feet of water with a current moving at about 17 mph.
Carbon Dioxide Turns Oceans Acidic
Sea creatures are literally being eaten away and ‘dissolved’ by pollution, scientists have discovered.
It’s feared that high levels of carbon dioxide in the water could cause irreparable damage to marine ecosystems after tests found acute levels of the gas cause starfish to dissolve.
A team of marine scientists conducted a four-day experiment at Loch Sween on Scotland’s west coast to measure the response to short-term carbon dioxide exposure.
Previously, tests had focused on the effect high levels of the gas had on individual plants or animals, leaving a gap in knowledge about how whole marine ecosystems respond to sudden influxes of carbon dioxide.
When high levels of carbon dioxide enters the oceans it causes them to become more acidic.
The experiment revealed acute exposure led to net dissolution, meaning calcified organisms such as the coralline algae and starfish were dissolving.
Wildfires - California, USA
A wind-driven wildfire in rural central California threatened hundreds of buildings Monday, including a historic railroad station, but officials said they made some gains after the flames exploded in size.
The blaze scorched 3½ square miles of chaparral bush and shrub oak in the small town of Bishop on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada that is popular for hiking, fishing, climbing and hunting.
Officials ended most evacuations that were ordered near the town but warned that strong winds were expected in the area and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Cholera – Mozambique
On 27 October 2017, the Ministry of Health in Mozambique notified WHO of an outbreak of cholera. From 14 August 2017 through 11 February 2018, 1799 cases and one death (case fatality rate = 0.06%) of cholera were reported from the two provinces; Nampula (1580 cases) and Cabo Delgado (219 cases). Underreporting of the number of cases and deaths is likely.
Fiji: Dengue Fever
Fiji health officials have declared a dengue fever outbreak in the subdivisions of Nadi and Ba in the Western Division, according to local media reports. A total of 312 confirmed cases have been recorded and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services says the confirmed cases continue to rise.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
5.5 earthquake hits Iceland.
5.0 earthquake hit Java, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Panama.
5.0 earthquake hit North Island, New Zealand.
5.0 earthquake hits south-west of Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Shikoku, Japan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 331 nm southwest of Kingston Australia, is tracking west-southwestward at 18 knots.
Newsbytes:
Turkey - Two soldiers were saved and two were killed after an armored military personnel vehicle got caught in a flooded river in the Akçakale district of the southeastern Turkish province of Şanlıurfa. The incident took place amid strong winds in the province, which is on the border with Syria.
African penguins succumb to avian flu in the Cape
African penguins have succumbed to the highly pathogenic H5N8 avian flu along the coastline of the Western Cape.
The department of agriculture confirmed on Monday that seven cases from six different sites across the province had tested positive in penguins. Of the seven cases‚ one has survived.
Infected birds are being treated‚ as African penguins are an endangered species. Treatment protocols are similar to those for flu in humans. They include nutrition‚ hydration‚ vitamins and administration of anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics for secondary infections‚ if necessary.
Malawi - Cholera
Cholera cases in Malawi have tripled and four more people have died, the Ministry of Health said on Monday, a month after the spread of the disease from Zambia was thought to have been contained.
Ministry of Health spokesman Joshua Malango said the number of cases had increased to 527 from 157 recorded in January, and that deaths had doubled from four to eight. He said new cases continued to emerge in Central and Northern Malawi districts, including the administrative capital, Lilongwe where 10 new cases were recorded at the weekend.
Australia – acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis
WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Kimberley public health staff are advising Kimberley communities that there is currently an outbreak of Acute Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (APSGN) in the Kimberley region primarily affecting Aboriginal children aged between two and 13 years. Younger children, adolescents and adults can also be affected.
APSGN is a kidney disease that can develop after certain skin and throat infections. You cannot give APSGN to other people, however, the bacteria that cause the skin infections and sore throats can be passed from person to person.
Michigan, USA – hepatitis A
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported last week they continue to see an elevated number of hepatitis A cases in the state.
Since the beginning of the outbreak in August 2016 through February 14, 751 cases, including 609 hospitalizations have been reported. This includes 25 fatalities.
Hong Kong – Parrot fever
Hong Kong health officials have reported investigating two linked cases of psittacosis, or parrot fever, a bird-borne disease. Preliminary investigation revealed that the pair had no recent travel history. However, they reported having visited the Bird Garden in Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok, twice last month and had purchased a parrot from a bird shop there.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.1 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
5.0 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 371 nm south-southwest of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking west-southwestward at 09 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 10s (Kelvin), located approximately 85 nm south-southwest of Broome, Australia, is tracking eastward at 06 knots. This is the final warning for this system.
Newsbytes:
Cyprus - Overnight torrential rain in Limassol caused thousands of euros in damage, as dwellings flooded and motorists were stranded on deluged roads and parking lots along the coast. Dozens of crews worked to restore the damage caused by the floods, which affected almost all areas of Limassol with emergency services pumping water out of flooded homes and buildings.
Zambia - Kabwe has been hit by floods following heavy rains. Numerous houses in Luangwa Extension and New Kawama in Kabwe, Central province, have been flooded following heavy rains.
Maldives - The streets of Rathafandhoo island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll have been severely flooded due to the ongoing heavy rain in the southern atolls.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.3 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
A powerful earthquake that rattled south and central Mexico caused little apparent destruction but rekindled fears in a population that still sees daily reminders of deadly earthquakes five months ago which killed more than 300 people.
5.8 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
5.1 earthquake hit North of Severnaya Zemlya, Russia.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Africa.
5.0 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 170 nm south of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking west-southwestward at 08 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 10s (Kelvin), located approximately 119 nm west-southwest of Broome, Australia, is tracking east-southeastward at 02 knots.
Newsbytes:
Ohio, USA - Emergency officials found themselves busy with area flooding in creeks, streams, and even streets in the city of Wheeling, Thursday night after a drenching downpour brought flash floods to the Ohio Valley; while the potential for the Ohio River to overflow this weekend concerns those in both West Virginia and Ohio.
Climate Change Affecting Bat Migrations
What started out as a simple study of how to safely monitor migrating bat colonies turned into a major discovery. Climate change is causing bats to migrate sooner, and in some cases, not migrate at all.
When they travel, bats usually do so in a swarm consisting of millions. When Mexican free-tailed bats bats migrate from Mexico to the Bracken Cave in San Antonio, Texas, the size of the swarm is so large it can be tracked using weather radar.
The researchers found that the bats are migrating to Texas roughly two weeks earlier than they were 22 years ago. They now arrive, on average, in mid March rather than late March.
Additionally, as of 2017, roughly 3.5 percent of the bat population is staying through the winter. Climate change is causing spring to begin sooner, in turn prompting insects to move to Texas sooner and giving the bats something to eat without having to migrate.
Light pollution – Chile
It seems nothing can escape the inexorable spread of light pollution — not even the giant telescopes probing the heavens above northern Chile, a region whose pristine dark skies, long considered a paradise for astronomers, are under increasing threat.
The Atacama desert, 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) north of the capital Santiago, provides ideal conditions where astronomers study the stars in darkness so profound they appear like diamonds on velvet.
Scientists estimate that by 2020, Chile — a critically important country for optical and radio astronomy — will host 70 percent of the globe’s astronomical infrastructure.
But the ever-expanding use of cheap light-emitting diode (LED) lighting in the booming South American country is starting to concern astronomers desperately trying to safeguard some of the world’s darkest skies.
“Unfortunately, as we have more and more white lights, the deterioration of the skies has increased by up to 30 percent compared to the end of the last decade,” said scientist Pedro Sanhueza.
Chile takes the problem of light pollution so seriously that Sanhueza heads up an organization called the Office for the Protection of Quality of the Sky (OPCC).
Its main task is to make the people of northern Chile aware of the particularly high night-sky quality and the negative impacts of light pollution.
At the Paranal Observatory deep in the Atacama desert, staff are doing all they can to limit light leaking out into the atmosphere
Rabies – Democratic Republic of the Congo
An outbreak of rabies has killed at least 11 displaced people in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and African media reports that thousands are at risk. Dogs are the main source of the rabies in the conflict-torn North Kivu Province where a lack of capacity to respond to the disease has been noted.
Novovirus – Olympics
In a follow-up on the norovirus outbreak at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, Korean health officials now put the number of confirmed cases at 261, as of Friday, with 111 cases reported from the Horeb Youth Centre, 74 from PyeongChang and 76 from Gangneung. Forty-four of the cases remain under quarantine, according to officials. The Swiss Olympic team reports that two of its athletes have been affected.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.2 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Rota region in the north Mariana Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 174 nm east-southeast of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking west-southwestward at 10 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 10s (Ten), located approximately 46 nm west of Broome, Australia, is tracking southwestward at 10 knots.
Newsbytes:
La Nina Fading - The La Niña ocean cooling across the tropical Pacific is predicted to disappear during the next few months, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. The phenomenon is typically less disruptive to weather patterns than its warming counterpart, El Niño. But the last two months have seen much of North America, Europe and Asia plunged into the coldest polar vortex chills in years. And drought-prone California has suffered from a protracted dry spell this winter.
First ship crosses Arctic in winter without an icebreaker
A ship has made a winter crossing of the Arctic without an icebreaker for the first time during the coldest period of winter as global warming causes the region’s ice sheets to melt.
The tanker, containing liquefied natural gas, is the first commercial vessel to make such a crossing alone during the winter months.
The voyage is a significant moment in the story of climate change in the Arctic and will be seized on by those with concerns about thinning polar ice and its implications for the environment.
Ant Triage
A species of sub-Saharan ant has been observed administering medical care to wounded comrades after battle by intently licking the injury.
Matabele ants are among the largest on Earth, and were already known to carry those wounded in battle back to the nest for treatment, where most lived to fight again.
In further studies, lead researcher Erik Frank of the University of Lausanne found that the soldier ants actually conduct a type of triage on the battlefield.
Writing in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Frank said it is actually the wounded ant that decides whether it lives or dies by simply not cooperating with the helpers if it feels too injured to recover.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44.4 degrees Celsius) in Boulia, Queensland.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 62.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 52.2 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Lassa fever – Nigeria - Update
In a follow-up on the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria, nineteen new confirmed cases were recorded from seven States– Edo (3), Ondo (7), Bauchi (2), Nasarawa(1), Ebonyi(2) Kogi(2) and Taraba(2) with six new deaths in confirmed cases from four states Ondo (2), Edo(1), Bauchi (2), and Nasarawa (1).
Yellow fever – Brazil Update
According to the Ministry of Health today, from July 1, 2017 to February 15 of this year, 409 cases of yellow fever were confirmed in the country, 183 in São Paulo, 157 in Minas Gerais, 68 in Rio de Janeiro and 1 in the Federal District. There were also 118 deaths throughout the country.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 7 February - 13 February 2018
Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : On 10 February PVMBG reported that activity at Agung had declined during the previous month or two leading the observatory to lower the Alert Level to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and adjusted the exclusion zone to a 4-km radius. The report noted that the tallest eruption plume in January was 2.5 km above the crater rim, occurring on 19 January, and the last event on 24 January generated a plume that rose 1 km. The volume of erupted lava was an estimated 20 million cubic meters in December 2017, and had not significantly changed. Seismicity continued to fluctuate, though the number and magnitude of events had declined. Satellite data showed a decrease in thermal output reflective of a reduced lava flow rate. PVMBG warned that activity at Agung is still high and unstable; tiltmeter data showed low rates of inflation (GPS patterns were stable) and gas-emission data indicated magma movement at depth, though at a lower intensity compared to values measured at the end of November 2017. An event at 1149 on 13 February generated as ash plume that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim.
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that very small events occurred at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 7-9 February. Crater incandescence from the summit crater was visible during 8-10 February. An event at 2201 on 11 February generated a plume that rose 1 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Ambae | Vanuatu : Based on satellite, pilot, and webcam observations, the Wellington VAAC reported that during 8-9 February ash plumes from Aoba rose to altitudes of 2.7-3 km (9,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and E.
Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 7-8 February ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE.
Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that there was no evidence of significant activity at Cleveland since the last explosion was detected on 18 December 2017. The Aviation colour Code was lowered to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory. AVO noted that low-level unrest continued.
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 7-13 February ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and SE.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Based on observations by volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions during 5-8 February generated ash plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km (7,900 ft) a.s.l. Ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk on 8 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 3 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 7-13 February HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. Webcams recorded incandescence from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of Pu'u 'O'o Crater. Surface lava flows were active above and on the pali, and on the coastal plain.
Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 7-13 February Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material 30 m above the main cone. Lava flows were at most 150 m long on the SW and W flanks.
Popocatepetl | Mexico : Each day during 7-13 February CENAPRED reported 25-101 emissions from Popocatépetl, with emissions during 11-13 February containing slight amounts of ash. Explosions were detected at 0130 and 2213 on 7 February, at 0457 on 8 February, at 1729 on 12 February, and at 0631 on 13 February. Minor crater incandescence was visible on the morning of 9 February, and at night during 11-12 February. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two.
Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya was similar to the previous week; there was an average of 18 explosions recorded per day during 5-11 February. Seismicity was dominated by long-period events, with signals indicating emissions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 3.9 km above the crater rim and drifted 50 km NW, SW, S, and SE. The MIROVA system detected three thermal anomalies. The sulfur dioxide flux was high, at 2,062 tons per day on 10 February. The report noted that the public should not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
Santa Maria | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that explosions at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex, detected by the seismic network during 7-13 February, generated ash plumes that rose as high as 700 m and drifted SW. Avalanches of material descended the E and SE flanks of the lava dome. Ash fell on La Florida ranch (5 km S) on 10 February.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 1-4 and 7 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : On 7 February AVO reported that seismic and infrasound activity from Shishaldin declined to background levels during the previous month, prompting the observatory to lower the Aviation colour Code to Green and the Volcano Alert Level to Normal.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.2 earthquake hits North of Ascension Island.
5.1 earthquake hits the Bismarck Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific: Tropical depression 02w (Sanba), located approximately 70 nm south -southeast of Puerto Princesa, Philippines, is tracking north-northwestward at 08 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 407 nm east of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking west-southwestward at 08 knots.
Fiji - Rising Waters
In Fiji, villages need to move due to climate change.
The headman of Vunidogoloa village was born here in 1960 on a river estuary in Natewa Bay, on Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu.
Today, all that remains of his childhood home is the concrete bathroom foundation and three wooden stumps sticking out of the dark, muddy sand. The beach is just a few metres wide, precariously situated between a grassy elevation leading to the main part of the old village and the bay.
By 2006, regular flooding, soil erosion and the unabated rise of water surrounding their community forced the villagers to ask the Fijian government for help.
In January 2014, Vunidogoloa moved two kilometres inland, becoming the first village in Fiji to relocate because of the effects of climate change.
For much of the world, climate change is a catastrophe unfolding in slow motion, with consequences that can still seemingly be ignored.
But in island nations across the Pacific, climate change has well and truly arrived and is already posing an existential threat to communities.
Rising sea levels have swallowed up five of the Solomon Islands since the mid-20th century.
For Kiribati, a small island nation made up of coral atolls, rising waters pose a threat so dire that in 2014 the government purchased a 20-square-kilometre piece of land in Fiji, to be used to re-settle climate refugees.
Fiji itself has recorded a six-millimetre sea level increase each year since 1993.
China reports 1st known human H7N4 avian influenza case
The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) reported confirming a human case of avian influenza A (H7N4). According to the NHFPC, this is the first case of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N4) in the world.
The patient had contact with live poultry before the onset of symptoms. Upon analysis, the genes of the virus were determined to be of avian origin.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 7 February - 13 February 2018
Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that explosions at Fuego during 7-13 February generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.5 km and drifted 10-12 km N, NW, SW, and S. Avalanches of material traveled down the Seca (W), Ceniza (SSW), and Taniluyá (SW) drainages on 12 February, and down the Las Lajas (SE) and Honda (E) drainages on 13 February. Ash fell in areas downwind on 13 February including Morelia (9 km SW) and Panimaché (8 km SW).
Kadovar | Papua New Guinea : RVO reported that on 9 February the lava dome at Kadovar’s SE Coastal Vent collapsed, causing 5-6 minor tsunamis, less than 1 m high, observed by residents on Blup Blup’s E and W coasts. The waves were reported at 1050, before the main collapse of the dome. In a 12 February report RVO noted that activity from Main Crater consisted of white plumes rising 20 m and drifting a few kilometers SE and weak nighttime crater incandescence.
Mayon | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that during 7-13 February activity at Mayon continued to be characterized daily by lava effusion from the summit crater, rockfalls, lava fountains, steam emissions, advancing lava flows on the flanks, and pyroclastic flows. Numerous rockfall events were generated from the front and margins of advancing lava flows. Lava fountaining was nearly continuous during 6-10 February, with around 290 lava-fountaining events recorded by the seismic network from 0557 on 5 February until around 0700 on 10 February. The events each lasted between 3 and 233 minutes, and were accompanied by rumbling sounds audible with a 10-km radius. Lava fountaining was sporadic during 11-13 February. Lava fountains during phases of both nearly continuous and sporadic activity rose as tall as 400 m, and produced steam plumes up to 2.5 km above the crater that drifted in multiple directions. Lava flows advanced to 3.3 km, 4.5 km, and 900 m in the Mi-isi (S), Bonga (SE), and Basud (E) drainages, respectively. Pyroclastic density currents traveled 4.2-4.6 km in the Mi-isi, Bonga, and Basud drainages. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a 0-5 scale) and the public was warned to remain outside of the Danger Zone defined as an area within an 8-km radius.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Kepulauan Aru, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific: Tropical depression 02w (Sanba), located approximately 180 nm south of Puerto Princesa, Philippines, is tracking westward at 07 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 208 nm south-southwest of Suva, Fiji, is tracking west-southwestward at 07 knots.
Newsbytes:
South Africa - At least nine people have died in two separate incidents in the Western Cape after their vehicles were washed away in flash floods after heavy rain in some areas.
New Zealand - Heavy rain has caused major slips and flooding in Northland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. The Metservice issued a severe weather warning with heavy rain expected to continue tonight. A month worth of rain fell in 24 hours in Ōpōtiki causing the Ōtara River to overflow.
Indonesia - Thousands of houses in Brebes, Central Java, were flooded by the overflow of Pemali River, on Monday. At least three sub-districts flooded, namely Jatibarang, Warnasari, and Brebes.
Warming is accelerating sea level rise as Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets melt
Melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are speeding up the already fast pace of sea level rise, new satellite research shows.
At the current rate, the world’s oceans on average will be at least 2 feet (61 cm) higher by the end of the century compared to today, according to researchers who published in Monday’s Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences.
Sea level rise is caused by warming of the ocean and melting from glaciers and ice sheets. The research, based on 25 years of satellite data, shows that pace has quickened, mainly from the melting of massive ice sheets.
Of the 3 inches (7.5 cm) of sea level rise in the past quarter century, about 55 percent is from warmer water expanding, and the rest is from melting ice.
But the process is accelerating, and more than three-quarters of that acceleration since 1993 is due to melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, the study shows.
Like weather and climate, there are two factors in sea level rise: year-to-year small rises and falls that are caused by natural events and larger long-term rising trends that are linked to man-made climate change.
Global sea levels were stable for about 3,000 years until the 20th century when they rose and then accelerated due to global warming caused by the burning of coal, oil and natural gas.
Greenland has caused three times more sea level rise than Antarctica so far, but ice melt on the southern continent is responsible for more of the acceleration.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.
5.7 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific: Tropical storm 02w (Sanba), located approximately 374 nm southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking westward at 11 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 211 nm southeast of Suva, Fiji, is tracking westward at 10 knots.
Newsbytes:
Tonga - Tonga’s neighbours scrambled to deliver emergency relief on Tuesday after Cyclone Gita tore across the Pacific island nation in the middle of the night, flattening the parliament, tearing roofs off homes and causing widespread flooding. There were no confirmed reports of deaths from the Category 4 storm, but there were a lot of injured people. About 5,700 people sought shelter in evacuation centres overnight, and it is expected these numbers will increase substantially tonight. The cyclone was heading towards Fiji’s southern islands on Tuesday, with some forecasts reporting it intensifying towards a Category 5 storm.
Syphilis – Argentina
Cases of the sexually transmitted infection, syphilis, has tripled between 2011 and 2017 in Argentina, according to data from the Ministry of Health. In 2011, Argentina saw 3,875 syphilis cases and six years later in 2017, the country reported 11,709, mostly in young adults.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits the Panama-Costa Rica border.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Palau.
5.0 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific: Tropical storm 02w (Two), located approximately 806 nm east of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, is tracking westward at 15 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 296 nm southwest of Niue, is tracking westward at 16 knots.
Newsbytes:
Kentucky, USA - Officials in several southeastern Kentucky counties declared emergencies as flooding caused by heavy rain in the region threatened homes in spots, according to state authorities. More than 100 homes were evacuated.
Wildfires - Hawaii, USA
Big Island firefighters and multiple agencies continued their efforts Sunday to extinguish a brush fire burning hundreds of acres in Waikoloa. The fire is estimated to have burned between 830 to 900 acres over the last 24 hours, officials said. At last check, the fire was 35 percent contained.
Wildfires - Chile
About 1,000 hectares of forest have been destroyed in the past 24 hours in Chile's central region of Valparaiso, while authorities have declared the red alert in five areas on Sunday. The fires have been fed by a prolonged drought and temperatures that have topped 40 degrees Celsius.
Wildfires - Australia
A bushfire is burning out-of-control in Perth's southern suburbs, shutting a major freeway. Kwinana Freeway has been shut in both directions from Mortimer Road and Mundijong Road due to smoke from a fast-moving fire in Baldivis.
Up to 150 firefighters, two air tankers and about 13 bulldozers and tractors will spend today strengthening and building containment lines on the Mt Canobolas blaze that’s already destroyed more than 790 hectares, a NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman said.
Anthrax: Turkey
A suspected anthrax outbreak in the Black Sea coast city of Trabzon, in northeastern Turkey has affected 73 people, killing one. An anthrax-tainted cow was butchered in the city’s Akçabat district and the meat was distributed to neighbours.
Diarrhoea in Kolkata, India
As many as 650 people in six municipal wards in Kolkata were suffering from diarrhoea caused by an alleged contamination of drinking water and 28 of them were admitted in a city hospital since Saturday night, an official said on Sunday. Kolkata Municipal Corporation collected samples from different places to detect the cause of the outbreak.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
5.4 earthquake hits near the coast of southern Peru.
5.1 earthquake hits Guatemala.
5.0 earthquake hits south-west of Africa.
5.0 earthquake hits the Izu Islands, Japan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific: Tropical storm 02w (Two), located approximately 92 nm east-southeast of Koror, Palau, is tracking westward at 16 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 122 nm south-southeast of Niue, is tracking southwestward at 07 knots.
Newsbytes:
Bolivia - Intense rains continue to fall across much of Bolivia. The rain and floods over the past nine days have left at least three people dead, including a minor. Six others have been reported as missing, according to Reuters, and at least 20 municipalities have been left in a state of disaster.
Scores of monkeys killed in Rio yellow fever panic
Fears of spreading yellow fever are behind the illegal killing of scores of monkeys in Rio de Janeiro, complicating efforts to fight the virus, authorities say.
Locals, mistakenly believing that the animals can spread yellow fever to humans, are blamed for the surge in killings.
Just this year, 238 monkeys have been found dead in Rio state, compared to 602 in all of 2017, said the city sanitation service, launching a campaign against the killings.
Of those, 69 percent showed signs of human aggression, mostly being beaten to death and some poisoned. Last year, the proportion found killed by humans was 40 percent.
The rest died of natural causes.
Wildfires - USA
A wildfire is burning near the Dragoon Mountains southeast of Tucson. The fire started on on Saturday.
The Knob Hill Fire started on private land west of the Dragoon Mountains and has burned over the top toward the east side of the mountains into Coronado National Forest Land. The fire was human caused but is still under investigation.
The wildfire is estimated to have burned 2,000 acres, according to a Monday morning update from the incident command on Inciweb.
Guinea - Lassa Fever
The Guinea Ministry of Health reported Wednesday the first Lassa fever case/death in a resident in more than two decades.
Influenza - USA
A special education teacher in Texas is reportedly on life support after contracting both strains of influenza, as the worst flu season in years engulfs the United States.
The nationwide flu outbreak is shaping up to be the worst on record, and federal health officials say they can’t predict when the deadly epidemic will end.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a grim report on Friday, revealing that at least 63 children have died from influenza for the 2017-2018 season so far. Ten of them died in the past week alone.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits Colima, Mexico.
5.7 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.2 earthquake hits Antigua and Barbuda.
5.1 earthquake hits Samoa.
5.0 earthquake hits the Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Sumbawa region, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific: Tropical depression 02w (Two), located approximately 242 nm east-southeast of Yap. Micronesia, is tracking west-southwestward at 19 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 136 nm north-northeast of Niue, is tracking southeastward at 13 knots.
Newsbytes:
Argentina - More than 10,000 people in the northern Argentine province of Salta have now fled their homes after the Pilcomayo River burst its banks, causing extensive flooding. Salta is home to several of Argentina's remaining indigenous communities.
Malawi - Floods caused by heavy rains that hit Salima on Wednesday night have left at least 27 families homeless. A total of 105 families were affected by the floods that hit most parts of Kalonga and Pemba. The rains on Wednesday night also caused flooding and led to damage of houses in parts of Lilongwe and Karonga. In Karonga, the heavy downpour caused the flooding of the North Rukuru River, affecting a number of households.
Belize - Flash floods have affected families in western and southern Belize after heavy rains on Wednesday.
Sun Expected to Dim by 2020
A periodic solar event called a "grand minimum" could overtake the sun perhaps as soon as 2020 and lasting through 2070, resulting in diminished magnetism, infrequent sunspot production and less ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching Earth — all bringing a cooler period to the planet that may span 50 years.
The last grand-minimum event — a disruption of the sun's 11-year cycle of variable sunspot activity — happened in the mid-17th century. Known as the Maunder Minimum, it occurred between 1645 and 1715, during a longer span of time when parts of the world became so cold that the period was called the Little Ice Age, which lasted from about 1300 to 1850.
But it's unlikely that we'll see a return to the extreme cold from centuries ago, researchers reported in a new study. Since the Maunder Minimum, global average temperatures have been on the rise, driven by climate change. Though a new decades-long dip in solar radiation could slow global warming somewhat, it wouldn't be by much, the researchers' simulations demonstrated. And by the end of the incoming cooling period, temperatures would have bounced back from the temporary cooldown.
Asteroid in Close Approach to Earth
An asteroid that was only spotted on Sunday (Feb. 4) by the Catalina Sky Survey passed close by Earth yesterday. Early estimates of 2018 CB's size range between 50 and 130 feet (15 and 40 m) in diameter. The object flew by Earth at about 5:30 p.m. EST (2:30 p.m. PST) at less than 20 percent of the distance from the Earth to the moon. That's about 238,855 miles (384,400 km) from us. The asteroid was larger than the one that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia on February 15, 2013.
Hepatitis E - Namibia
The capital city of Windhoek is on high alert after an outbreak of Hepatitis E that has claimed three lives, while 554 people are undergoing treatment. Namibia has been battling Hepatitis E since mid-December 2017, after the first cases were detected in an informal settlement of Windhoek. The number has since been rising steadily.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits offshore Bio-Bio, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific: Tropical depression 02w (Two), located approximately 203 nm south-southeast of Andersen AFB, is tracking west-southwestward at 09 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Cebile), located approximately 1177 nm south-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking westward at 13 knots. This is the final warning for this long-lived system.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 09p (Gita), located approximately 110 nm west-southwest of Avata, Samoa, is tracking eastward at 14 knots.
Newsbytes:
Borneo - The flood situation in Selangau is the worst in 15 years, with over 1,000 people displaced from their homes. The hardest hit area are Nanga Tajam, Batang Mukah and Ulu Arip, with longhouses severely inundated and road access cut off.
Argentina - Heavy flooding across parts of South America claimed at least six lives after a deluge lasting days. In footage that has emerged from Argentina, a man narrowly escaped death when the ground he was walking on collapsed just a second after he stepped over it. The incident happened on the banks of the River Pilcomayo in northern Argentina as the waters rose to seven metres in places. The deluge has affected more than 60,000 people in the region, said Argentinian authorities. Meanwhile, Bolivia’s Deputy Minister of Civil Defence said that at least 50,000 people in seven of the country’s nine departments have been left homeless. The worst-affected areas are near the southern border with Argentina and Paraguay.
Plastic Threat
Scientists warn that tiny bits of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans and other bodies of water are putting filter-feeding marine animals like whales and manta rays at great risk of contamination. That’s in addition to the nearly 600 other species thought to be harmed by the pollution.
“Marine filter-feeders are likely to be at risk because they need to swallow hundreds to thousands of cubic meters of water daily in an effort to capture plankton,” researcher Elitza Germanov of Australia’s Murdoch University explained in her findings. “They can ingest microplastics directly from polluted water or indirectly through contaminated prey.”
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 109 degrees Fahrenheit (42.8 degrees Celsius) in Twee Riviere, South Africa.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 60.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 51.1 degrees Celsius) at Verhoyansk, Siberia.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Viral Winds
Scientists have for the first time determined that astounding numbers of viruses are being swept up from the Earth’s surface and blown around the world in the planet’s atmospheric circulation.
Researchers from Spain, Canada and the United States believe there are at least 800 million viruses per square meter from just above the surface to the stratosphere.
The global winds are spreading them, as well as bacteria, for thousands of miles, possibly from one continent to another.
The scientists say the bacteria and viruses become airborne after winds pick them up in dust and sea spray.
South Sudan declares end to cholera outbreak
A cholera outbreak was declared in South Sudan in June 2016 and resulted in 20,000 suspected cases and 436 deaths through Dec. 2017–the longest and largest cholera outbreak the country has seen. After not reporting any cholera cases in more than seven weeks, South Sudan declared the end of the outbreak this week.
Listeriosis: South Africa
The listeriosis outbreak in South Africa, of which the source still remains elusive, grew by 32 cases since last reported one week ago – the total is now 852 laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases through Feb. 5 with 107 deaths.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 31 January - 6 February 2018
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that very small events occurred at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) on 1 and 3 February. Crater incandescence from the summit crater was visible during 2-3 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that unrest at Cleveland continued during 31 January-6 February, though nothing significant was detected in seismic or infrasound data. Moderately elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 30-31 January; cloudy weather prevented observations the rest of the week. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 31 January-6 February ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and ESE.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Based on observations by volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions during 26-27 and 29-31 January generated ash plumes that rose as high as 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk on 29 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that an ash plume from Karymsky was identified in satellite images drifting 80 km NE on 27 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 31 January-6 February HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. Webcams recorded incandescence from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of Pu'u 'O'o Crater. Surface lava flows were active above and on the pali, and on the coastal plain.
Nevados de Chillan | Chile : Servicio Nacional de Geología and Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) reported that growth of the lava dome in Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater was 2,540 m3/day, determined by photos taken during overflights on 23 and 31 January. The total volume of the lava dome was an estimated 106,700 m3. A small area of deposits from collapses of the dome walls was observed. Temperatures on the surface of the dome were 305 and 480 degrees Celsius, mainly from a crack which generated the explosions. A larger explosion from a possible partial dome collapse was recorded at 1202 on 2 February, generating a gas-and-ash plume that rose about 2.5 km above the crater rim. Shock waves from the explosion were reported in the community of Las Trancas (10 km) and at the Gran Hotel Termas de Chillan (5 km). Explosive activity continued through 6 February. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the middle level on a three-colour scale, and the public was reminded not to approach the craters within a 4-km radius.
Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya decreased compared to the previous week; there was an average of 22 explosions recorded per day during 29 January-4 February. Seismicity was dominated by long-period events, with signals indicating emissions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 3.5 km above the crater rim and drifted 50 km NW, SW, and S. The MIROVA system detected two thermal anomalies. The sulfur dioxide flux was high, at 3,388 tons per day on 31 January. The report noted that the public should not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images on 1 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that an event at Turrialba at 0830 on 5 February generated a plume that rose 200 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. An event at 0730 on 6 February generated an ash plume that rose 1 km and drifted SW. Ashfall was reported in Goicoechea and Heredia.
South Korea - Outbreak of Norovirus at the Winter Olympics
An outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, affected at least 41 Olympic security guards who were taken to the hospital after suffering from vomiting and diarrhea on Sunday. To keep the disease from spreading, 1,200 security guards were pulled from their jobs and replaced with 900 members of the South Korean military who will conduct security checks and searches until the sick guards are better.
The guards who got sick were all staying in the same building together and buses and accommodations are being disinfected to try to prevent the spread of the disease.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.5 earthquake hits the Greenland Sea.
5.3 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.2 earthquake hits off the coast of Coquimbo, Chile.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Cebile), located approximately 1192 nm south-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-northwestward at 08 knots.
Newsbytes:
Malaysia - The flood situation in Sarawak has worsened with the number of victims increasing as at 8am on Thursday. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department in its latest report said 5,562 people from 1,682 families have been evacuated from longhouses, villages and also boarding schools statewide. There are currently 31 relief shelters operating statewide. Among the worst hit areas are Samarahan, Bintulu, Limbang and Baram.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 31 January - 6 February 2018
Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the first Strombolian eruption at Fuego in 2018 began on 31 January, after a thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images the day before. Explosions produced ash plumes that rose 1.5 km above the crater and drifted 20 km SW. Lava fountains rose 300-500 m, and fed lava flows that traveled 800 m W in the Seca (Santa Teresa) drainage and 600 m in Las Lajas (SE) and Honda (E) drainages. On 1 February the eruption style changed to Vulcanian. Pyroclastic flows mainly descended the Seca, Trinidad (S), Las Lajas, and Honda drainages. Ash plumes from explosions rose 3.2 km and drifted more than 60 km NE, SW, and W. Ashfall was recorded in areas downwind including Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Finca Palo Verde, San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), Ciudad Vieja (13.5 km NE), Antigua Guatemala (18 km NE), and W and SW Ciudad de Guatemala. CONRED reported that 2,880 people were evacuated. At 1630 INSIVUMEH noted that the Strombolian-Vulcanian eruption phase had finished, 20 hours after it had begun. Explosions continued, generating ash plumes that rose just under 1 km and drifted 15 km SW. On 2 February there were 3-5 weak explosion recorded per hour, with ash plumes rising 750 m and drifting 5-8 km W, SW, and S. Shock waves and rumbling were noted, and the lava flows remained visible. During 4-5 February ash plumes from explosions (about 5 per hour) produced ash plumes that rose 700 m and drifted W and SW. Incandescent material was ejected 200 m above the crater, causing weak avalanches of material around the crater area and in some vegetated areas.
Kadovar | Papua New Guinea : RVO reported that the eruption at Kadovar continued during 31 January-1 February at a low level. Sulfur dioxide emissions and seismicity had both decreased. Dense white vapor plumes rose 100 m from Main Crater and drifted SE. Continuous but dull glow emanated from the crater. The lava dome at the SE Coastal Vent continued to grow. A new lobe 20-30 m long grew out from the seaward side of the dome boundary, channeled by levees which had developed on the sides of the dome. White steam plumes rose 100 m above the island and drifted SE. At 1830 on 1 February a collapse of the N part of the dome produced a gray plume, vigorous steaming at the collapse site, and nighttime incandescence. The main part of the dome had bulged up, and a valley developed in between the dome and the island’s flank.
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : In a VONA issued on 2 February, PVMBG reported an eruption at Karangetang, characterized by crater incandescence and an ash plume that rose 600 m. The Aviation colour Code was raised from Unassigned to Yellow.
Mayon | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that during 31 January-6 February daily activity at Mayon continued to be characterized by lava effusion from the summit crater, rockfalls, pyroclastic flows (31 January-1 February), ash and steam emissions, advancing lava flows on the flanks, and weak and sporadic lava fountains. Numerous rockfall events were generated by the growing and collapsing summit lava dome and from the front and margins of advancing lava flows. On 31 January pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 2 km in the Mi-isi (S), Basud (E), and Bonga (SE) drainages. White-to-light-gray ash plumes generally rose to low heights, though five events generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim. An event on 2 February also produced an ash plume that rose 1 km. The first of two lava fountaining events on 4 February lasted sporadically for 114 minutes, generated an ash plume that rose 500 m, and produced booming sounds heard within a 10-km radius. During 5-6 February high volumes of effused lava extended the lava flows in the Mi-isi, Bonga-Buyuan, and Basud drainages to 3.2, 4.5, and 3 km, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a 0-5 scale) and the public was warned to remain outside of the Danger Zone defined as an area within an 8-km radius.
San Miguel | El Salvador : On 2 February SNET reported that seismicity at San Miguel was decreasing, along with a decrease in emissions. RSAM values fluctuating between 63 and 114 units; normal values are between 50 and 150. Small pulses of gas near the crater rim were visible.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.4 earthquake hits Taiwan.
Rescue workers scrambled to search for survivors in buildings left tilting precariously on their foundations in the Taiwanese city of Hualien on Wednesday, after an overnight earthquake killed four and injured more than 200. Authorities said they could not verify how many residents were still missing after the 6.4-magnitude quake which hit the popular tourist city late on Tuesday.
5.4 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.3 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.2 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.1 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
5.0 earthquake hits Tajikistan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Cebile), located approximately 1430 nm east-southeast of La Reunion, is tracking southwestward at 03 knots.
Newsbytes:
Torres Strait - Australia's Torres Strait Islands have been hit by a literal perfect storm, causing devastating floods. In a world where natural disasters are common, ones where there have been no deaths don't always get attention. However, these floods provide a frightening preview of the future for island populations worldwide as climate change accelerates, and of governmental failure. There are more than 200 small islands, 14 of them inhabited, in the Torres Strait, which separates Australia from Papua New Guinea. The islands are legally part of Australia, and have a unique culture. Some of the islands never rise more than a meter (3 feet) above sea level, making them very vulnerable to unusually high tides, like those that occur when the Moon is either full or new. When this happens the gravitational influence of the Sun and Moon combine, rather than counteracting. If this occurs when the Moon's in the closest part of its orbit its pull is magnified, creating a “King Tide”. While half the world was enjoying the supermoon eclipse, low islands worldwide were struggling with the resulting King Tide, worsened in the Torres Strait by the monsoon rains. Climate change-induced sea level rise has removed what little protection the lower islands previously had.
A key part of the Earth’s ozone layer is failing to heal - and Scientists don’t know why
The rescue of the planet’s protective ozone layer has been hailed as one of the great success stories of modern environmental regulation - but on Monday, an international team of 22 scientists raised doubts about whether ozone is actually recovering as expected across much of the world.
“We’ve detected unexpected decreases in the lower part of the stratospheric ozone layer, and the consequence of this result is that it’s offsetting the recovery in ozone that we had expected to see,” said William Ball, a scientist with the Physical Meteorological Observatory in Davos, Switzerland.
In 1987, countries of the world agreed to the Montreal Protocol, a treaty designed to phase out chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, responsible for destroying ozone in the stratosphere. The protocol has worked as intended in reducing these substances, and early healing of the ozone “hole” over Antarctica has been subsequently hailed by scientists.
But the study by Ball and his colleagues - a team of scientists including researchers based in the United States, Britain, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden and Finland - focused instead on the lower latitudes where the vast majority of humans live.
There, the scientists found a relatively small but hard-to-explain decline of ozone in the lower part of the stratosphere, the layer of the atmosphere that extends from about six miles to 31 miles above the planet’s surface, since the year 1998. Meanwhile, the upper stratosphere has been recovering.
A Ticking Time Bomb of Mercury Is Hidden Beneath Earth's Permafrost
According to a new study published Feb. 5 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, theremay be more than 15 million gallons (58 million liters) of mercury buried in the permafrost of the Northern Hemisphere — roughly twice as much mercury as can be found in the rest of Earth's soils, ocean and atmosphere combined. And if global temperatures continue to rise, all that mercury could come pouring out.
In geology, permafrost is defined as any soil that has been frozen for more than two years. In the Northern Hemisphere, permafrost accounts for about 8.8 million square miles (22.79 million square kilometers) of land — or roughly 24 percent of exposed Earth, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Over time, naturally occurring compounds in the atmosphere, such as mercury and carbon dioxide, can bind with organic material in the soil and be frozen into permafrost, potentially remaining trapped underground for thousands of years before it thaws.
Using the mercury contents of 13 cores drilled in various sites across the North American permafrost as a springboard, the researchers estimated the total amount of mercury sealed away below North American permafrost to be roughly 793 gigagrams — or more than 15 million gallons.
Measles - Ukraine
In a follow-up to a report on the measles outbreak in Ukraine, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (computer translated) puts the outbreak case tally at 3,554 in January– 1,165 adults and 2,389 children. The majority of cases were registered in Ivano-Frankivsk (804), Odesa (640), Zakarpattia (549), Chernivtsi (444) and Lviv (242) regions.
India - Monkey Fever
At least 19 people have died from an outbreak of 'monkey fever' in India, according to local reports. Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD), spread by ticks, has struck down 322 people since the killer outbreak was confirmed. Victims often report a fever or severe bleeding, but it can lead to tremors, mental disturbances.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands, off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Maule, Chile.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Cebile), located approximately 1231 nm south-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking southward at 05 knots.
Newsbytes:
Indonesia - Indonesia's capital braced for floods Monday as torrential rain triggered landslides in neighboring West Java, killing at least two people. Hundreds of people including police, soldiers and residents were digging through the debris with their hands, shovels and hoes for four people who were still missing. Jakarta, with more than 30 million people in its greater metropolitan area, has raised its flood alert to the highest level. Flooding was already occurring in the east of the city in areas close to the Ciliwung River. More than 6,500 residents in low-lying areas in Jakarta were evacuated to shelters on Tuesday (Feb 6) morning following torrential rains that caused widespread floods across the Indonesian capital and landslides in satellite cities. They were among more than 11,000 people who were affected by the floods, officials said.
Switzerland reports swine influenza A(H1N1)v case
A 48-year-old Swiss male farm worker tested positive for swine influenza A(H1N1)v virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports.
Lassa Fever - Nigeria
For the first 28 days of 2018, Nigeria has reported a total of 297 suspected cases and 22 deaths (case fatality rate 7.4%). Cases have been reported from 13 active states (Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau, and Taraba). Ten healthcare workers have been affected in four of the states.
Lassa Fever - Benin
In a follow-up on the Lassa fever outbreak in Benin, health officials put the outbreak case tally at 21, plus eight deaths since Jan. 8.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.8 earthquake hits the Savu Sea.
5.5 earthquake hits Taiwan.
Two 5.3 earthquakes hit Taiwan.
5.3 earthquake hits north of Svalbard.
5.2 earthquake hits off the East Coast of North Island, New Zealand.
5.2 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.1 earthquake hits north of Svalbard.
5.0 earthquake hits Reykjanes ridge.
5.0 earthquake it the Auckland Islands, New Zealand
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Cebile), located approximately 1083 nm south-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking southward at 08 knots.
Newsbytes:
Bolivia - In Bolivia six people have been killed due to heavy rains and flooding. One person drowned in a crested river and five others were killed in a vehicle accident caused by the rains in the department of Potosi in the country’s southern region where rains have been strongest. Additionally, over 3,100 families are now displaced due to floods in the department of Beni, alongside the border with Brazil, says the minister of defense, Javier Zavaleta. The Rural and Land Development Minister Cesar Cacaric says that around 2,180 hectares of crops have been taken out so far due to the excess of water.
Albania - Heavy rains flooded riverbanks and led to the death of a power company worker Sunday, the Adriatic country's government said. A government statement said the worker was killed while repairing an electric line in northern Albania. Many roads were temporarily blocked by water or mudslides, ports were temporarily closed and hundreds of soldiers and police officers were sent into threatened areas.
