Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits south-east of the Loyalty Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Loyalty Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits Greece.
5.0 earthquake hits Valparaiso, Chile.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Norman is located about 785 mi...1265 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...140 mph...220 km/h. Present movement...wsw or 250 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Super Typhoon 25w (Jebi), located approximately 253 nm northwest of Saipan, is tracking west-northwestward at 14 knots.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Miriam is located about 905 mi...1455 km e of Hilo Hawaii and about 1100 mi...1770 km e of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...90 mph...150 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
CO2 Capture
A Swiss company has received a $31 million investment to suck carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in an expensive process that uses high-tech filters and fans.
Climeworks AG says it now costs about $600 to extract a ton of carbon from the air, but the company hopes to bring down the cost enough to pull out 1 percent of man-made CO2 emissions by 2025.
Scientists now believe that only a combination of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and extracting existing CO2 from the air can reduce the effects of climate change brought on by the burning of fossil fuels.
Kelp Migration
Undersea kelp forests are being transformed by warming oceans, affecting the species that rely on them for food and shelter.
“The warm-water kelp Laminaria ochroleuca was actually first detected in the U.K. in the late 1940s, but is now a common sight along the southwest coast,” said Dan Smale of Britain’s Plymouth University.
The warmer water and resulting northward expansion of the kelp is causing warm-water fish to move north too.
It’s also allowing the cool-water species they are displacing to migrate into Arctic waters that are rapidly becoming warmer.
Bubbling Lakes in the Arctic
NASA has released videos of bubbling lakes in the remote Arctic tundra, where warming continues to release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at unprecedented rates.
The international research team, funded by NASA as part of their Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE), recently published their results in Nature Communications. What they found are bubbling lakes as greenhouse gases are released from the previously frozen ground, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and a warming positive feedback.
The Arctic is one of the largest natural reservoirs of organic carbon, trapped within the frozen soils. If a tree dies, say in the Amazon rainforest, it is quickly eaten (rot) away by bacteria, which respire the same as humans. As bacteria eat the tree they inhale oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Hence, the carbon taken up by the tree through photosynthesis is then released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide for the cycle to start all over again.
However, in the case of the Arctic, when something dies (trees, algae, animals, etc.) they are immediately frozen. This, in essence, stops the carbon cycle as both bacteria and their food are frozen in place for potentially tens of thousands of years. This means the Arctic continues to pack away carbon from the atmosphere and store it in frozen soil, which can be over 250 feet thick.
However, when that soil begins to thaw, the bacteria wake up and find a feast of untouched carbon laid out for them, they begin to eat the carbon, releasing carbon dioxide and methane gas as they do. In the NASA video what you see is the resulting carbon dioxide and methane gases released from the thawing of Arctic lake beds. As the sediment beneath these lakes begins to melt, they become greenhouse gas factories.
Bees get hooked on harmful pesticide - study
Bumblebees acquire a taste for food laced with a pesticide known to harm them, according to a study suggesting the chemicals pose an even greater threat to pollinators than previously thought.
In experiments, researchers showed that bees initially put off by sugar water containing neonicotinoids – the most widely-used class of insecticide worldwide – soon started seeking them out to the exclusion of untainted food. The findings were published on Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Neonicotinoids, earlier research has shown, disrupt the ability of bees to reproduce and lower their resistance to disease. Global bee populations are on the decline. And in Southwest China they have become so rare that fruit plantations are no longer being pollinated. Farmers are now doing it themselves.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1 degrees Celsius) in As Qaysumah, Saudi Arabia.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 116.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 82.2 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.
Climate Change Making People Sick
Man-made climate change is now so pervasive that it is making people sick, a leading expert warns.
Beyond the heat-related deaths and illnesses around the Northern Hemisphere this summer, Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of Boston University School of Public Health, says the warming climate is also sending disease-carrying insects into new territories.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that ailments caused by flea and tick bites tripled in the U.S. between 2004 and 2016, with Maine seeing a 20-fold increase in cases of tick-borne Lyme disease.
Galea describes climate change as acting like a disease, with its symptoms including polluted air, flooded streets, burning forests and death.
Mad cow disease found in Florida, USA
A cow in America has tested positive for deadly Mad Cow Disease - the ultra-contagious bug that was feared to have claimed 177 British lives after an outbreak in the 1990s.
The diseased animal had belonged to Florida livestock ranchers, and was destined to be slaughtered and sold for meat. The illness can be passed to humans who eat infected beef.
The cow is one of just six in America that has tested positive for H-type BSE - the bacteria that triggers the disease - in the last 15 years. It was detected on August 26 as part of a routine surveillance of cattle found to be unfit for slaughter.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 22 August -28 August 2018
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that there were three events and 12 explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 20-27 August, with ash plumes rising as high as 2.1 km above the crater rim and material ejected as far as 1.3 km. Crater incandescence was sometimes visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Ambrym | Vanuatu : On 22 August the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department reported that the lava lakes in Ambrym’s Benbow and Marum craters continued to be active, and produced sustained and substantial gas-and-steam emissions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5); the report reminded the public to stay outside of the Permanent Danger Zone defined as a 1-km radius from Benbow Crater and a 2.7-km radius from Marum Crater.
Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : Low-level unrest at Cleveland continued, though on 22 August AVO noted a pause in activity and lowered the Aviation colour Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. The report noted that elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images the previous day, suggestive of hot gas emissions from the summit crater vents.
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite data, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-23 and 25-28 August ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 17-24 August that sent ash plumes as high as 5.2 km (17,100 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted 235 km SE during 21-22 August, and a thermal anomaly was visible during 21-23 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 0838 on 24 August an event at Ibu generated an ash plume that rose 800 m above the crater rim and drifted S. Seismicity was characterized by explosions and rock avalanches. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.
Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that during an overflight on 25 August a small lava pond was visible deep within the vent at Kilauea’s Fissure 8 cone; the pond was no longer visible on 27 August. Lava continued to ooze into the ocean and produce minimal laze plumes, but by 27 August only a small single breakout from the Kapoho Bay lobe was active. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Pacaya | Guatemala : Based on information from INSIVUMEH, CONRED reported a slight increase in explosive activity at Pacaya, with 3-5 explosions per hour recorded by the seismic network. A 600-m-long lava flow originating from Mackenney Crater was visible on NW flank.
Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosions at Sabancaya averaged 25 per day during 20-26 August. Hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and low magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 4.5 km above the crater rim and drifted 50 km SE, E, NE, and N. The MIROVA system detected seven thermal anomalies, and on 25 August the sulfur dioxide gas flux was high at 2,230 tons/day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : Based on analysis of satellite images and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 23-27 August ash plumes from Semeru rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW, W, NW, and SE.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch on 17, 19, and 23 August; cloudy weather prevented views of the volcano on the other days during 17-24 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Sierra Negra | Isla Isabela (Ecuador) : IG reported that during 20-21 August both steam-and-gas emissions and incandescence from lava flows were visible on the Sierra Negra webcam. No activity was noted when the weather was clear during 22-28 August.
Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that during 27-28 August emissions from Turrialba rose continuously to 200 m above the crater rim, and drifted SW.
Yasur | Vanuatu : The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department reported that ongoing explosions at Yasur were sometimes strong during August. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-4). VMGD reminded residents and tourists that hazardous areas were near and around the volcanic crater, within a 395-m-radius permanent exclusion zone, and that volcanic ash and gas could reach areas impacted by trade winds.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits Costa Rica.
5.1 earthquake hits south-east of the Loyalty Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Norman is located about 600 mi...965 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...115 mph...185 km/h. Present movement...w or 275 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 25w (Jebi), located approximately 303 nm northeast of Anderson AFB, is tracking westward at 10 knots.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Miriam is located about 985 mi...1585 km ese of Hilo Hawaii and about 1195 mi...1920 km ese of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...80 mph...130 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 300 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Myanmar - As many as 85 villages were flooded in Myanmar after a dam failed, unleashing waters that blocked a major highway and forced more than 63,000 people from their homes, a state-run newspaper said on Thursday. The disaster spotlights safety concerns about dams in Southeast Asia after last month’s collapse of a hydroelectric dam in neighboring Laos that displaced thousands of people and killed at least 27. Firefighters, troops and officials launched a desperate rescue effort on Wednesday after the spillway of an irrigation dam burst at Swar creek in central Myanmar, sending a torrent of water through villages and the nearby towns of Swar and Yedashe. By Thursday morning the water was receding, but two people remained missing and were feared to have been washed away.
Extreme Heat ‘Cooks” Fish in California Lagoon
Some fish just can't take the heat. And unfortunately, that's probably why an estimated 2,000 striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) suddenly died in Malibu Lagoon and Malibu Creek in Southern California last week.
The higher-than-average water temperatures in the lagoon: 80 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 28 degrees Celsius) are thought to be the upper limit in which striped mullet can survive, causing the fish to effectively be cooked in the warm water.
A New 'Brown Tide' Could Make Florida's Dangerous Red Tide Worse
The beaches of southwest Florida are once again graveyards for marine life, thanks to a deadly "red tide" algal bloom floating just beneath the surface of the water offshore. The algae bloom has gone on way longer than usual, since November 2017. And it looks like things are going to get worse before they get better, as a separate bloom — this one called a "brown tide" — appears to be on track to intermingle with the ride tide and feed it.
Brown tides are caused by a cyanobacterium called Trichodesmium that derives its energy from the sun, just like Karenia brevis, the alga that causes toxic red tides. While Trichodesmium can produce toxins on its own, the real danger is that the brown tide could become a food source for the red-tide alga if they mix.
Currently, the ongoing red tide threatens wildlife and humans along about 145 miles (233 kilometers) of coastline between Pinellas and Collier counties in southwest Florida. The offshore brown tide is not yet known to have mixed with the red tide.
Global warming is intensifying El Niño weather
As humans put more and more heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere, the Earth warms. And the warming is causing changes that might surprise us. Not only is the warming causing long-term trends in heat, sea level rise, ice loss, etc.; it’s also making our weather more variable. It’s making otherwise natural cycles of weather more powerful.
Perhaps the most important natural fluctuation in the Earth’s climate is the El Niño process. El Niño refers to a short-term period of warm ocean surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, basically stretching from South America towards Australia. When an El Niño happens, that region is warmer than usual. If the counterpart La Niña occurs, the region is colder than usual. Often times, neither an El Niño or La Niña is present and the waters are a normal temperature. This would be called a “neutral” state.
The ocean waters switch back and forth between El Niño and La Niña every few years. Not regularly, like a pendulum, but there is a pattern of oscillation. And regardless of which part of the cycle we are in (El Niño or La Niña), there are consequences for weather around the world.
A new study just published in Geophysical Research Letters, has found that weather associated with El Niño events is becoming more severe. It means if you live in an area that is affected by an El Niño or La Niña, the effect is likely becoming magnified by climate change. For instance, consider California. There, El Niño brings cool temperatures with rains; La Niña brings heat and dry weather. Future El Niños will make flooding more likely while future La Niñas will bring more drought and intensified wildfire seasons.
Wildfires - Borneo
Vulnerable orangutans in West Borneo are under threat from wind whipped wildfires that have been exacerbated by the season’s extreme weather. Around 100 apes are safely housed in the International Animal Rescue (IAR) centre in Ketapang but local conservationists fear they will not be able to protect them if the blazes head their way. One large fire is already in the vicinity of the facility where the orangutans are undergoing rehabilitation.
The Indonesian government’s meteorology, climatology and geophysics agency (BMKG) warned last week of nearly 800 wildfire “hotspots” in the Bornean province of West Kalimantan. Tinderbox conditions have dried out vegetation and made fires far more likely in recent weeks, putting people’s health at risk as the resulting air pollution can lead to respiratory problems.
Nigeria - diarrhea outbreak
The Nigerian government says 1,068 people have been infected following an outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) in at least 10 local government areas of Borno State. Borno State Commissioner for Health Haruna Mshelia said the disease was becoming an epidemic.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 22 August -28 August 2018
Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that during 20-26 August activity at Etna was characterized by gas emissions at the summit craters, Strombolian activity, and ash emissions. Strombolian explosions continued from vents in Bocca Nuova (including from a vent that had opened on 16 August) and Northeast Crater (NEC). Activity at New Southeast Crater (NSEC) was characterized by modest and occasional explosions and Strombolian activity. Beginning at 1700 on 23 August Strombolian activity from the cone in the saddle between the Southeast Crater (SEC) and NSEC cone complex rapidly intensified; explosions ejected tephra 100-150 m above the vent rim. At 1730 Strombolian activity occurred at NSEC’s E vent, and a lava flow from the same vent traveled a few hundred meters towards the Valle del Bove. Just after 1730 lava overflowed the vent in the saddle cone and flowed N; Strombolian activity at that vent continued through the night and then stopped no later than 0620 on 24 August. At 0622 Strombolian activity from a vent on the S flank of NSEC produced a small lava flow that traveled a few dozen meters. During 25-26 August the activity at the saddle cone gradually decreased, and ash emissions were weak and occasional.
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that at 1807 on 23 August an event at Anak Krakatau generated a dense, black ash plume that rose about 700 m above the crater rim. Based on satellite data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 27-28 August ash plumes rose to altitudes of 1.2-1.5 km (4,000-5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and WSW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and visitors were warned not to approach the volcano within 2 km of the crater.
Manam | Papua New Guinea : RVO reported that an eruption at Manam began at around 0600 on 25 August after island residents reported increased activity beginning an hour before. According to the Darwin VAAC ash plumes visible in satellite data rose to 15.2 km (50,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW. The plume drifted W and NW, causing ash and scoria to fall in areas from Dangale in the NNE to Jogari in the SW part of the island. The most affected areas were Baliau and Kuluguma; residents reported fallen tree branches from the deposits, and conditions so dark that flashlights were needed to move around. Lava flows traveled down the NE valley and pyroclastic-flow deposits were evident in the NE valley all the way to the sea. The pyroclastic flows buried six houses in Boakure village though the occupants escaped to the nearby Abaria village. According to a news article about 2,000 people evacuated. The eruption ceased around 1030 with dense white emissions visible afterwards. During brief periods of good visibility after the eruption, and through 26 August, observers noted dense white vapor emissions and occasional light gray ash plumes.
Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the new lava dome within the fracture of Merapi’s 2010 dome grew at a rate of 4,300 cubic meters per day during 18-28 August, and by 28 August the volume of the lava dome was an estimated 44,000 cubic meters. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and resident were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.8 earthquake hits south-east of the Loyalty Islands.
6.4 earthquake hits the Anatahan Region, North Mariana Islands.
5.7 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.5 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits south-east of the Loyalty Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits south-east of the Loyalty Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Timor, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
5.0 earthquake hits south-east of the Loyalty Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Miriam is located about 1165 mi...1875 km ese of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...w or 275 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.
Tropical Storm Norman is located about 480 mi...775 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...w or 275 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 25w (Jebi), located approximately 392 nm east-northeast of Saipan, is tracking westward at 11 knots.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Post tropical Cyclone Lane is located about 330 mi...530 km ssw of French Frigate Shoals and about 575 mi...930 km wsw of Barking Sands Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...n or 355 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has published two satellite images of Kerala, comparing the photos of devastation caused by the floods across the state and the situation prior to that. The before and after images of the area surrounding the Vembanad lake, including areas in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Changanassery and Thiruvalla. The pictorial representations give a clear indication of what the situation in Kerala is after having undergone heavy rainfall for the past few weeks.
Wisconsin, USA - Rain-weary parts of Wisconsin were hammered once again by heavy rain Monday night into Tuesday, triggering flash floods that washed out roads, triggered mudslides and prompted evacuations. The line of severe thunderstorms raced across southern Wisconsin into Tuesday evening, enhancing already high water in southeastern Wisconsin.
Measles - Brazil
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new travel alert yesterday for Brazil due to an outbreak of measles. As of August 4, 2018, health officials in Brazil have reported over 5,000 cases of measles, of which more than 1,000 are confirmed.
Hand, foot and mouth disease - Malaysia
In an update on the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak in Malaysia this year, health officials have reported a 127 percent increase in cases over 2017 for the same period. From Jan.1 – Aug. 25, 2018, the Malaysia Ministry of Health (MOH) reported 55,391 HFMD cases. The death toll remains at two.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits Timor, Indonesia.
5.6 earthquake hits south of the Shetland Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits Timor, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits offshore Coquimbo, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits south-western Pakistan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Miriam is located about 1480 mi...2380 km ese of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 25w (Jebi), located approximately 604 nm east of Saipan, is tracking northwestward at 10 knots.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Lane is located about 385 mi...620 km s of French Frigate shoals and about 555 mi...890 km wsw of Barking Sands Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
Dolphin Shuts Down Beach in France
A sexually frustrated dolphin has closed down a beach in western France.
The 3-meter-long (10 feet) bottlenose dolphin, nicknamed Zafar by locals, started off as a friendly attraction in the Bay of Brest, according to The Telegraph. The bay had become the dolphin's hangout of choice for the last couple of months, and he would often amuse people on boats by playing around them and would sometimes even let swimmers hold on to his fin and swim with him.
But lately, the dolphin has developed a habit of rubbing up against both people and boats, a sign that he may be in search of, well, sex. He also lifted one woman into the air with his nose, and, in another case, refused to let a swimmer go back to shore. (That swimmer had to be rescued.)
Zafar's behavior got so bad that the mayor of one of the bayside towns, Landévennec, issued a bylaw banning swimming and diving whenever Zafar's presence is confirmed.
Dolphins are known to have recreational sex with other dolphins throughout the year and don't have specific time points for mating. But sometimes that sexual energy is directed toward other species, including humans.
Wildfires - Oregon, USA - Update
The Terwilliger Fire on the Willamette National Forest has grown to about 5,400 acres, authorities said Sunday as winds blew wildfire smoke into the Bend area and once again caused unhealthy air quality levels.
Stubblefield Fire – The fire is currently 95% contained and is 54,221 acres.
Lonerock Fire – This fire is now 95% contained and 5,056 acres.
Jennie’s Peak – This fire is 90% contained and 45,956 acres.
Wildfires - Idaho, USA
As the Wapiti Fire in Boise County continues to grow, four cabins and one outbuilding have been destroyed in the 6,190-acre blaze, according to officials. The fire, outside Grandjean, started on Saturday afternoon.
Scientists Discover New Ebola Virus Species
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown species of Ebola virus, called Bombali virus, that's carried by at least two species of bats in Sierra Leone. This is the first Ebola virus species detected in an animal before having been detected in humans.
Although researchers believe the virus is capable of infecting humans, it's unclear if it would cause disease.
The Bombali virus joins the five already-known Ebola virus species: Zaire virus, Bundibugyo virus, Sudan virus, Taï Forest virus and Reston virus. Of those five, all except the Reston virus are known to cause severe and often fatal disease in humans.
Hepatitis E - Namibia
The Namibian Ministry of Health has warned members of the public against shaking hands in order to minimize the spread of the Hepatitis E virus. At least 24 people have died and 3 000 suspected cases have been reported since the outbreak was detected in the capital Windhoek in December last year.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.0 earthquake hits the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.
5.0 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Miriam is located about 1405 mi...2265 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 25w (twenty-five), located approximately 226 nm west-northwest of Enewetak, is tracking northwestward at 13 knots.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Lane is located about 470 mi...760 km wsw of Honolulu Hawaii and about 385 mi...620 km sw of Barking Sands Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
NewsBytes:
South Africa - Snow, flood, gale force winds are among some of the extreme weather conditions experienced in the region around Cape Town on Sunday, the SA Weather Service said. Numerous roadways flooded as well as in formal settlements on the Cape Flats. More than 328 dwellings were flooded.
Hepatitis A - West Virginia, USA
The number of hepatitis A cases in the outbreak in West Virginia has risen to 1,031 as of Friday. The outbreak has prompted the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Public Health to request the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) technical assistance.
Typhoid - Zimbabwe
A typhoid outbreak is looming in Masvingo as the city has gone for almost a week without water supplies, leaving citizens to resort to unsafe water supplies. Local authorities seem unable to repair the water pumps at the local water works.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits western Iran.
6.0 earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits new Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands, Japan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Fifteen-E is located about 1140 mi...1840 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Lane is located about 255 mi...410 km wsw of Honolulu Hawaii and about 220 mi...355 km ssw of Lihue Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...w or 260 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Taiwan - Update - Six people have been killed by floodwaters in Taiwan, officials said Saturday, after days of heavy rain forced thousands to evacuate their homes. More than 6,000 people were evacuated with more than 1,100 still in shelters on Saturday morning.
Hawaii - Update - Tropical Storm Lane drifted away from the Hawaiian coast on Saturday as lingering showers spread across the island chain, threatening to trigger more flooding and landslides.
Wildfires - Global
Captured on August 22 this photo released on NASA’s Worldview application shows every fire burning on the planet right now.
Each of the countless red points overlaid on the image below represents an actively burning fire, as detected by NASA’s thermal bands. While some of these blazes are agricultural fires and controlled burns — used to clear crop fields of detritus and stimulate the pasture growth to support livestock — others are wildfires that have spread out of control.
The Worldview image, stitched together from full-resolution satellite imagery layers combined with current data, updates itself within three hours of observation, showing the whole planet as it looks “right now,” explains the space agency.
Of all the continents, Africa seems to be the most affected by raging fires and appears to be the “reddest” on the Worldview fire map. However, NASA points out that most of these red points are agricultural fires.
In contrast, the majority of blazes currently burning in North America and South America are wildfires. For instance, South America — and Chile in particular — has experienced “horrendous numbers of wildfires” in 2018, states NASA. The Chilean wildfires ravaging the country since the beginning of the year are being fed by a massive drought.”
Meanwhile, Brazil is also dealing with wildfires, in addition to planned agricultural fires, that have spread out of control “due to climate issues.”
As you might expect, Australia also has a large concentration of sizeable bushfires in the remote areas of the continent. This is by no means surprising, considering that 2018, specifically January through July, has produced the warmest period in the history of New South Wales since 1910.
Cholera - Algeria
Algerian authorities have announced the death of two people in a recent cholera outbreak that has left dozens hospitalised. Overall, 139 people have been hospitalised across the country since August 7, with at least 46 cases confirmed as cholera, the ministry said.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.
5.6 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.2 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms: 
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 22w (Soulik), located approximately 317 nm west-northwest of Misawa, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 30 knots.
Tropical depression 24w (Twenty-four), located approximately 58 nm west of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking westward at 16 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Lane is located about 135 mi...220 km ssw of Honolulu Hawaii and about 190 mi...305 km sse of Lihue Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 335 degrees at 3 mph...6 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Hawaii - Powerful hurricane Lane that already has dumped more than two feet of rain on parts of the Big Island is expected to keep soaking the state through the weekend, exacerbating dramatic flood conditions as residents hunker down and wait for the storm to pass. Officials downgraded Hurricane Lane to Category 2 on Friday morning but say threats of landslides, storm surge and flooding remain major concerns because the storm has slowed in speed. The storm has caused power outages, felled trees and shut down roads across the state. Drone video of downtown Hilo on the east side of Hawaii’s largest island shows large swaths of the area covered in brown, murky floodwaters. Some parts of the Big Island have experienced more than 31 inches of rain, more than double the 12 inches reported Thursday morning.
Taiwan - Two people have been killed and one seriously wounded after damage caused by a storm in Taiwan. A tropical depression, formed over Taiwan, triggered a massive deluge across the island. Violent waves caused five cargo ships and oil tankers to run aground off Kaohsiung Harbour. Of the 66 crew onboard the ships, 52 have been rescued so far. The Central Weather Bureau issued a rare advisory of 'extremely torrential rain' as the storm loomed, indicating that more than 500mm of rain was expected in just 24 hours. The alert prompted the closure of many schools and offices.
Glaciers Are Bursting, Causing Deadly Floods
Central Asia’s glaciers make up the third-largest mass of frozen fresh water on earth, the planet’s “third pole,” The region’s thousands of glaciers and regular snow melt form the headwaters for 10 of Asia’s biggest rivers, which bring drinking water, power and irrigation directly to 210 million people, while these river basins indirectly support more than 1.3 billion people.
That resource is now doubling as a hazard, with glaciers skipping the melting process altogether to rupture and flood in a region that has warmed at twice the global rate of climate change.
Last week, a glacier in northeastern Afghanistan burst and flooded the Panjshir River basin, killing at least ten people. The floodwater triggered landslides as it carved through the valley and damaged 56 houses, washed out two bridges, wrecked a highway, broke an irrigation canal, and swamped farmland.
That same week, a glacier in western China released 35 million cubic meters—or 14,000 Olympic swimming pools—of fresh water into the Yarkant River basin, prompting evacuations.
As glaciers heat up, meltwater can pool into lakes at their feet. The resulting glacial lakes sit behind walls of ice and debris collected by the glacier’s downhill slide called terminal moraines. These natural dams can break due to any number of environmental triggers, including rainfall. In the Panjshir flood, an icecap melted, reportedly triggering a small landslide, which then in turn caused a glacial flood.
Glacial lakes are more likely to form if the glaciers they are under intense heat, which is now very common amid global deglaciation. Different altitudes of the Yarkant River Basin have warmed between 2°C and 3.5°C since 1961. These kinds of floods are increasing in frequency and tend to occur at lower altitudes, where glaciers often sit closer to civilization.
Interesting Images Perfectly Preserved Baby Horse Unearthed in Siberian Permafrost
The foal died more than 30,000 years ago, yet everything from its hooves to the fine hairs in its nose remained intact.
Ebola - DR Congo
The number of people infected with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has topped 100 – including 63 who have died, the World Health Organization said on Friday.
The ongoing outbreak which has affected 103 people is largely focused in the east of the country in the province of North Kivu where a number militant groups currently operate.
Now, a case of the disease has been discovered in a doctor in the town of Oicho in North Kivu, 30 kilometres east of the trading city of Beni, raising concerns that more cases could be discovered in the area.
Oicha is almost entirely surrounded by ADF Islamist militia and can only be accessed with an armed military escort.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.6 earthquake hits the Peru – Brazil border region.
5.4 earthquake hits the Philippine Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the West Chile rise.
5.0 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits La Paz, Bolivia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 22w (Soulik), located approximately 168 nm east-northeast of Osan AFB, South Korea, is tracking northeastward at 09 knots.
Tropical Storm 23w (Cimaron), located approximately 161 nm west of Misawa, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 21 knots.
Tropical depression 24w (Twenty-four), located approximately 57 nm west-southwest of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking east-northeastward at 06 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Lane is located about 165 mi...260 km sw of Kailua-kona Hawaii and about 215 mi...345 km s of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...120 mph...195 km/h. Present movement...n or 350 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.
Invest 95L is an area of disturbed weather in the eastern Pacific Ocean that has the potential for further tropical development.
NewsBytes:
South Korea - Typhoon Soulik struck the southern island of Jeju in the early morning on 23 August, causing heavy rain and gale force winds. One person went missing and blackouts after more than 6,000 households. Soulik made landfall in South Korea on Thursday midnight. After landfall, Soulik will keep moving northeastwards to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday morning.
‘Stuck’ Weather
Recent extended heatwaves across Europe, North America and Asia are being driven by stalled weather patterns that are becoming more frequent due to record Arctic warmth, according to a new study by a team of international researchers.
It points to the polar region warming more quickly than any other part of the planet, which is slowing the jet stream and other large-scale planetary winds.
This means areas of high and low barometric pressure are getting stuck in the middle latitudes, resulting in longer periods of extreme weather, including heat waves.
Writing in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers say the more frequently stalled patterns turn sunny days into heat waves, dry conditions into wildfires and rains into floods.
Drought Refugees
Australia’s worst dry spell in a generation is sending flocks of emus into Outback towns in search of food and water.
The large, flightless birds have even taken refuge in the streets of Broken Hill, where residents are providing them with food and water.
While emus have been sighted in the mining town before (about 580 miles west of Sydney), they have never been seen in such great numbers.
“Now they’re actually walking down our main street. We’re seeing mobs of them,” said animal rescue spokeswoman Emma Singleton.
Interesting Images Deadly ‘Love Vines'
Smooth, shiny balls that cling to the undersides of oak leaves often hold a grim secret inside, or, depending on how you look at it, a crunchy surprise: the dried-up corpse of a wasp, killed by a parasitic plant known as the love vine.
These tiny spheres are leaf deformities called galls — swollen tumors of leaf tissue — and their growth is caused by a type of insect called the gall wasp. These parasitic wasps house their eggs and protect their young inside the galls.
When the scientists opened galls that were in the grip of the delicate orange vines, they found wasp mummies inside; the vines had penetrated the galls and drained the insects to husks for their nutrients.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50.0 degrees Celsius) in Death Valley, California.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 73.3 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.
MERS - England
For the first time in five years, health officials in England are reporting a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) case. The patient, a resident of the Middle East, was initially admitted to a hospital in Leeds. It is believed the patient have contracted the infection prior to traveling to the UK.
Zimbabwe - Another Cattle Disease Outbreak
Theileriosis, a cattle disease also known as January Disease, has spread to Mashonaland West Province, where it is killing hundreds of beasts. The first outbreak of the disease occurred in Mashonaland Central in January. The ministry of Lands' Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services has been treating thousands of cases of theileriosis with more than 2 000 cattle dying across the country. this year alone.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 15 August -21 August 2018
Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : According to the Darwin VAAC, a webcam recorded a diffuse ash emission from Agung rising to an altitude of 3.3 km (11,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the exclusion zone was stable at a 4-km radius.
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that there were four events and nine explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 13-20 August, with ash plumes rising as high as 1.7 km above the crater rim and material ejected as far as 900 m. Crater incandescence was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Ambae | Vanuatu : According to news reports all 10,000 residents of Ambae had been evacuated to Espiritu Santo (W) and Maewo (NE) islands by 14 August.
Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that unrest at Cleveland continued during 15-20 August, though nothing significant was detected in seismic or infrasound data. Steaming from the crater was sometimes visible in clear webcam views, and elevated surface temperatures were occasionally identified in satellite images. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Copahue | Central Chile-Argentina border : The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 14-15 August diffuse steam emissions with possible ash were visible in webcam views rising to an altitude of 3.6 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l.
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite data, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 15-21 August ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNW, NE, and E.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 11-17 August that sent ash plumes as high as 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. An ash plume drifted 52 km SE during 10-11 August, and a thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 12 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 18-21 August explosions at Fuego generated ash plumes that rose as high as 850 m above the crater and drifted 12 km NW, W, and SW. Incandescent material was ejected 150 m above the crater rim, and caused avalanches of material within the crater area and down drainages on the flanks. According to CONRED, as of 22 August, the number of people confirmed to have died due to the 3 June pyroclastic flows was 169, and 256 remained missing.
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 1742 on 20 August an event at Ibu generated an ash plume that rose 1.2 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 10 August; cloud cover prevented views during 11-17 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : On 17 August HVO lowered the Alert Level for Kilauea to Watch (the Aviation colour Code remained at Orange), noting reduced activity over the previous several days. Specifically, no collapse events had occurred at the summit since 2 August, lava ceased flowing in the channel from the Fissure 8 cone on 6 August, seismicity and ground deformation at the summit were negligible, and the combined rate of sulfur dioxide emission from the summit and the LERZ were lower than any time since late 2007. The small lava pond in Fissure 8 had crusted over by 17 August, with no observed incandescence. Lava continued to ooze into the ocean at a few areas, causing minimal laze plumes. During an overflight on 20 August gas jets ejected spatter from a small incandescent area deep within the Fissure 8 cone.
Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosions at Sabancaya averaged 27 per day during 13-19 August. Hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and low-magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3.7 km above the crater rim and drifted 50 km SE, E, and NE. The MIROVA system detected nine thermal anomalies, and on 19 August the sulfur dioxide gas flux was high at 3,100 tons/day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch during 12-13 August; cloudy weather prevented views of the volcano on the other days during 10-17 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Sierra Negra | Isla Isabela (Ecuador) : IG reported that lava effusion at Sierra Negra continued at variable intensities. The most intense pulses, recorded on 4 and 9 August, were accompanied by major episodes of seismic tremor; activity slightly declined after 9 August. On 15 August satellite images showed lava from Fissure 4 continuing to enter the ocean.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.9 earthquake hits offshore Sucre, Venezuela.
5.8 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua new Guinea.
5.6 earthquake hit the Balleny Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.5 earthquake hits south of Africa.
5.2 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.2 earthquake hits Guerrero, Mexico.
5.2 earthquake hits new Britain, Papua new Guinea.
5.2 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits south-west of Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Bali, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 22w (Soulik), located approximately 148 nm south-southwest of Kunsan AFB, South Korea, is tracking north-northeastward at 06 knots.
Typhoon 23w (Cimaron), located approximately 188 nm southeast of Iwakuni, Japan, is tracking northward at 20 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Lane is located about 235 mi...380 km ssw of Kailua-kona Hawaii and about 350 mi...565 km s of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...145 mph...230 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Wisconsin, USA - Recovery efforts continue in Mazomanie after historic flooding Monday and Tuesday. Several homes were severely damaged or destroyed by the flooding.
West Nile Virus - Europe
European health officials are reporting a spike in locally transmitted West Nile virus (WNV) cases in southern and central parts of the continent. In fact, infections have sharply increased in 2018 as compared to the previous 4 years. A total of 401 autochthonous human WNV infections have been reported by European countries this year.
Typhoid - Zimbabwe
In a follow-up on the typhoid outbreak in Gweru City, Midlands Province in central Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care reports a total of 1,460 suspected cases, including eight deaths (case fatality ratio 0.6%).
Measles - Ukraine - Update
In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Ukraine, the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reports there was finally a significant decrease in the incidence of measles last week. According to health officials, the operational data in the 33rd week of 2018, 615 people were infected with measles while the total case count is nearly 30 000.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 15 August -21 August 2018
Alaid | Kuril Islands (Russia) : The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 20 August an ash plume from Alaid identified in satellite images rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.
Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that earthquakes at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater typically occur at shallow levels, though on 15 August a swarm of deep volcanic earthquakes was recorded, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 4 (on a scale of 1-5). The earthquake hypocenters were about 5 km deep, below the SW flanks of Shindake, and the maximum magnitude was 1.9. They occurred at about the same place as the swarm that occurred just before the May 2015 eruption. Sulfur dioxide emissions had been increasing since the beginning of August; they were 1,600, 1,000, and 1,200 tons/day on 11, 13, and 17 August, respectively. No surficial changes in gas emissions or thermal areas were observed during 16-20 August.
Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that seismicity at Merapi increased on 18 July, and again on 29 July. On 11 August a large earthquake was detected, and coupled with rumbling heard by Deles residents, possibly signaled new lava-dome effusion. Drone photos on 12 August showed a new lava dome growing within the fracture of the 2010 dome. By 18 August the new dome was 55 m long and 25 m wide, and about 5 m below the 2010 dome surface. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and resident were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.
Telica | Nicaragua : SINAPRED reported that on 15 August an explosion at Telica generated an ash plume that rose 200 m above the crater rim.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.0 earthquake hits offshore Sucre, Venezuela.
6.6 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
6.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Oregon, USA.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 22w (Soulik), located approximately 190 nm southwest of Sasebo, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 10 knots.
Typhoon 23w (Cimaron), located approximately 142 nm west-northwest of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 18 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Lane is located about 335 mi...540 km s of Kailua-Kona Hawaii and about 480 mi...770 km sse of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...160 mph...260 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 290 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
The Arctic's Most Stable, Solid Patch of Ice Is Melting
A chunk of hard ice north of Greenland has disappeared.
It should be there; it's been there for longer than any other ice in the Arctic. It's never gone missing before in all the years that humans have been tracking it. Indeed, according to The Guardian, scientists used to refer to it as "the last ice area," thinking it would hold out at the edge of Greenland even as the warming planet melted all the ice around it. But now, according to satellite images, a big piece of that Greenland coastal ice suddenly vanished or was reduced to floating bits and slush.
February 2018 was a bizarrely warm winter month in the Arctic, with the region at one point climbing above freezing for 24 hours during a time when local waters usually pack on a thick crust of ice that can last throughout the year. In the result sea ice is collapsing in the summer.
A NASA satellite image shows where the ice has pulled away from Greenland's north coast, a phenomenon that's never been recorded before.
Northwest Passage a Reality
Maersk Line, the world’s largest container shipping company, is about to launch the first ever container ship on an Arctic route along Russia’s north coast, as melting sea ice promises to offer a possible future alternative to the Suez Canal.
The Venta Maersk, a new ice-class 42,000 ton vessel which can carry 3,600 containers, will leave Vladivostok on Russia’s east coast later this week.
The ship, carrying a cargo of frozen fish, will then follow the Northern Sea Route up through the Bering Strait between Russia and Alaska, before travelling along Russia’s north coast and eventually to St Petersburg by the end of September.
The route has seen growing traffic during summer months already, with cargos of oil and gas regularly making the journey.
Arctic sea ice hit a record low for January this year, and an “extreme event” was declared in March as the Bering Sea’s ice levels reached the lowest level in recorded history as temperatures soared 30 degrees above average.
Dead Sea Turtles Wash Up on Mexico Beach, and No One Knows Why
Over a period of less than three weeks, more than 100 endangered sea turtles washed up dead on an 18-mile (30 kilometers) stretch of beach on the Pacific coast of Mexico near Guatemala, and authorities aren't sure why.
The mass mortality event began on July 24, when 26 dead turtles were discovered in the small tourist beach town of Puerto Arista in the state of Chiapas, Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) reported. In the following days, officials recorded dozens more dead sea turtles in the area.
On Saturday (Aug. 18), PROFEPA reported that by Aug. 13, the number of dead turtles totaled 102 olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), six hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricate) and five Pacific black sea turtles (Chelonia mydas agassizii). All three species are classified by the Mexican government as critically endangered.
The dead turtles were all adults, including both males and females, and in various stages of decomposition. PROFEPA is performing necropsies on a few of the specimens and collecting tissue samples to help determine the cause of the deaths.
Wildlife experts suspect that some of the turtles died from interactions with fisheries operations in the area. Several of the turtles found on July 24 had injuries that appeared to come from a hooks or fishing nets.
The coastal waters off Puerto Arista are part of a protected marine sanctuary, but sea turtles in the area are occasionally caught in legal fishing nets and drown. On Aug. 2, authorities met with fishers in the region and urged them to practice responsible fishing techniques that ensure protection of the endangered sea turtles.
Water/Ice on the Moon
Nasa has unveiled its analysis of data collected from lunar orbit by a spacecraft from India.
The findings, published on Monday, mark the first time scientists have confirmed the presence of water on the moon’s surface — in hundreds of patches of ice deposited in the darkest and coldest reaches of its polar regions — by direct observation.
The discovery holds tantalising implications for efforts to return humans to the moon for the first time in half a century. The presence of water offers a potentially valuable resource not only for drinking but for producing more rocket fuel and oxygen to breathe.
Brazil: Two Chagas disease outbreaks
Health officials in Brazil are reporting two Chagas disease outbreaks in the northern state of Pará: two acute outbreaks of Chagas disease in the municipality of Acará, in the northeast of Pará. In all, there are 18 cases of disease, and one person died.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Samoa.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the Phoenix Islands, Kiribati region.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Babuyan Islands, Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 22w (Soulik), located approximately 205 nm northeast of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 13 knots.
Typhoon 23w (Cimaron), located approximately 173 nm north-northwest of Agrihan, is tracking northwestward at 16 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Lane is located about 500 mi...805 km se of Kailua-Kona Hawaii and about 670 mi...1075 km se of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...150 mph...240 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India -Update - More than one million people have packed relief camps to escape devastating monsoon floods that have killed more than 410 people in India’s southwestern state of Kerala, officials said Tuesday. About 50,000 homes have been destroyed, according to one Kerala legislator, and people are flocking to the camps as the scale of the desolation is revealed by receding waters. A total of 1,028,000 people were now recorded in about 3,200 relief camps across the state. Six more bodies were found Monday, taking the toll to more than 410 since the monsoon started in June. At Chengannur, one of the worst-hit towns, more than 60 centimetres (two feet) of water still blocked many roads as more rain fell Tuesday.
Italy - At least 11 people died in southern Italy in a flash flood that occurred when a creek in a deep mountain gorge swelled suddenly after heavy rainfall upstream. Local authorities said five people were still missing and 23 others had been rescued after the flooding in the Raganello river gorge in southern Cozenza province. In some places the Raganello creek, part of the Pollino national park, is at the bottom of a narrow, 1km-deep gorge in the mountain.
Wildfires - California, USA - Update
Overnight fire activity in the north and northeastern portions of the Mendocino Complex pushed more people out of their homes Sunday evening and early Monday morning as the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office announced mandatory evacuations. The Ranch Fire — the largest in state history — grew an additional 8,895 acres overnight, stretching to 349,942 acres total. Persisting dry and warm weather has driven the blaze over the past several days. Containment levels dipped from 76 percent Sunday to 74 percent Monday.
China: Human H5N6 avian influenza
The China National Health Commission reported an additional human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in Guangxi today. The patient had contact with live poultry before the onset of the disease.
Animal anthrax outbreak in the Hautes-Alpes, France
The deadliest anthrax outbreak in the past two decades is sweeping through the French countryside, leaving dozens of dead cows, sheep and horses in its wake, according to news reports.
Anthrax is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, and 28 farms in the Hautes-Alps region in the southeastern part of France have been affected since the outbreak was first detected two months ago. The first known case was identified on June 28 in the village of Montgardin, where it eventually killed six cows. Since then, 50 animals have died, but no cases in humans have yet emerged.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.9 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.7 earthquake hits Samoa.
5.6 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia
5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.5 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.4 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit Fiji.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the Volcano Islands off Japan.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the Lombok region, Indonesia.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Carlsberg Ridge.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 22w (Soulik), located approximately 322 nm west-northwest of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking west-northwestward at knots.
Typhoon 23w (Cimaron), located approximately 115 nm east of Alamagan, is tracking northwestward at 12 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Lane is located about 675 mi...1080 km se of Hilo Hawaii and about 885 mi...1425 km se of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...125 mph...205 km/h. Present movement...w or 275 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.
Wildfires - Oregon, USA - Update
Central Oregon fire managers said there were no major new fires on the High Desert over the weekend, allowing them to concentrate much of their efforts on major new rangeland fires to the east. Meanwhile, evacuations were ordered Sunday due to a Lake County fire that has grown to more than 16,000 acres, while the Seale Fire (8,000 acres and 15% contained) and Lonerock Fire (4,500 acres) also continued to grow.
African Swine Fever - China
China’s Ministry of Agriculture said on Sunday 88 pigs had died from African swine fever in the eastern city of Lianyungang, the third outbreak this month, as the highly contagious disease threatened to spread through the world’s largest pork producer.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
8.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
A massive quake of magnitude 8.2 struck in the Pacific Ocean close to Fiji and Tonga on Sunday but it was so deep that it did not cause any damage, authorities in Fiji said. The US Tsunami Warning Center also said the quake was too deep to cause a tsunami. The quake’s depth at 560 km would have dampened the shaking at the surface.
6.8 earthquake his Fiji.
6.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
6.2 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
6.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.8 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.8 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands off Japan.
5.6 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.6 earthquake hits the Panama-Colombia border.
5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.
Three 5.4 earthquakes hit Fiji.
5.4 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands, New Zealand.
5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.2 earthquake hits France.
5.2 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the southern East Pacific rise.
5.1 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua new Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits South Island, New Zealand.
5.0 earthquake hits Serbia.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits Costa Rica.
5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 22w (Soulik), located approximately 142 nm west of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking west-southwestward at 04 knots.
Tropical storm 23w (Cimaron), located approximately 308 nm east of Saipan, is tracking west-northwestward at 12 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Lane is located about 970 mi...1560 km ese of Hilo Hawaii and about 1180 mi...1900 km ese of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...125 mph...205 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
Arctic lakes speed up permafrost thawing, global warming: study
A new study found that a relatively less known process called abrupt thawing might speed up Arctic permafrost's expected gradual thawing and then the release of greenhouse gases.
The abrupt thawing takes place under a certain type of Arctic lake, known as a thermokarst lake that forms as permafrost thaws, according to the study published on Friday in the journal Nature Communications.
Its impact on the climate is an influx of permafrost-derived methane into the atmosphere in the mid-21st century, which is not currently accounted for in climate projections.
The Arctic landscape stores one of the largest natural reservoirs of organic carbon in the world in its frozen soils. Once thawed, soil microbes in the permafrost can turn that carbon into the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane.
American and German researchers found that abrupt thawing more than doubles previous estimates of permafrost-derived greenhouse warming.
Wildfires - California, USA - Update
Firefighters have made steady progress in containing some of California's largest and most destructive wildfires.
The Carr Fire has burned more than 224,000 acres and is 79 percent contained.
The Mendocino Complex Fires have cumulatively burned more than 331,000 acres and is 76 percent contained.
The Holy Fire in Orange County has burned nearly 23,000 acres and is 85 percent contained.
E Coli - Sweden
Swedish health officials (Folkhalsomyndigheten) report investigating an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened more than 50 people to date. The cases have been reported from several counties, but mostly from Uppsala and Västra Götaland. Both children and adults have fallen ill.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.
6.1 earthquake hits Costa Rica.
5.5 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands, Japan.
5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.2 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits northern Xinjiang, China.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Post-Tropical Cyclone Ernesto is located about 1020 mi...1640 km nne of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...ene or 60 degrees at 35 mph...56 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 22w (Soulik), located approximately 66 nm west of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking northward at 03 knots.
Tropical storm 23w (Twenty-three), located approximately 401 nm north of Oroluk, is tracking northwestward at 08 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Lane is located about 1310 mi...2110 km ese of Hilo Hawaii and about 1930 mi...3105 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...130 mph...215 km/h, Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Spain, UK - The Costa Blanca has been submerged under water after parts of Spain were swallowed up by flash floods following a severe weather warning that brought a swift end to the summer heatwave. The huge downpour saw drains become blocked with thick, muddy water that went on as far as the eye can see. As Storm Ernesto swoops across Britain from the US, bringing with it gale force winds and torrential rain the blast could mark the end of summer altogether. Ernesto has been travelling across the Atlantic Ocean at speeds of 40mph, as the subtropical storm smashes into the UK weather system. Showers, high pressure and conditions will arrive bringing severe storm conditions to the UK.
Red Tide - Florida, USA
Marine life in southwest Florida is dying en masse in the worst “red tide” the state has seen since 2006. The toxic algae and seaweed are also hurting tourism and making people sick. The tide, which began in October, stretches across 150 miles of southwest Florida’s shoreline. The toxic algae stay in the seaweed even after the red tide comes to an end. As a result, 267 tons of marine life, including fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and very large sharks, have washed up on Florida’s beaches.
Ebola – Democratic Republic of the Congo - Update
On 1 August 2018, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the town of Mangina, Mabalako Health Zone, North Kivu Province. Confirmed cases have since between reported from Beni and Mandima health zones, Ituri Province; however, all confirmed exposures and transmission events to date have been linked back to the outbreak epi-centre, Mangina. North Kivu and Ituri are among the most populated provinces in the country, share borders with Uganda and Rwanda, and experience conflict and insecurity, with over one million internally displaced people and migration of refugees to neighbouring countries.
As of 15 August 2018, 78 EVD cases (51 confirmed and 27 probable), including 44 deaths, have been reported.1 Since 9 August, 34 new confirmed cases have been reported: seven from Ituri Province (Mandima Health Zone) and 27 from North Kivu Province (one in Beni and 26 in Mabalako health zones). The 78 confirmed or probable cases reside in five health zones in North Kivu and one health zone in Ituri. The majority of cases (39 confirmed and 21 probable) have been reported from Mangina in Mabalako Health Zone. As of 15 August, 24 suspected cases are currently pending laboratory testing to confirm or exclude EVD.
Eight new confirmed cases among health care workers have been reported, bringing the total number of infected health care workers to 10 (nine confirmed and one probable deceased case).
Cholera - West Africa’s Lake Chad Basin
More than 20,000 cholera cases have been confirmed in the Lake Chad Basin states of Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon since January.
In its latest epidemiological analysis of the regional cholera outbreak, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said 255 deaths have been reported since January. “This is 8 times more than the average cholera case-load in the past four years. Nigeria is the most affected, with 18,000 cases. The outbreak has spread into neighboring Cameroon and Niger.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.4 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands off Japan.
6.3 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands off Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits the Andreanof islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Italy.
Island Rises
Satellite images reveal that the Indonesian island of Lombok was lifted upward by 10 inches in some places during the devastating Aug. 5 temblor that killed more than 460 people.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Ernesto is located about 715 mi...1145 km nw of the Azores and about 800 mi...1290 km e of Cape Race Newfoundland with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...ne or 50 degrees at 25 mph...41 km/h.
Invest 99L is an area of disturbed weather in the Atlantic Ocean that had the potential for further tropical development.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 20w (Bebinca), located approximately 99 nm south-southwest of Hanoi, Vietnam, is tracking west-southwestward at 10 knots.
Tropical storm 21w (Rumbia), located approximately 41 nm west of Shanghai, China, is tracking northwestward at 12 knots.
Typhoon 22w (Soulik), located approximately 111 nm south-southwest of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 16 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Lane is located about 1620 mi...2610 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California and about 1675 mi...2695 km ese of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...80 mph...130 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India - With the death toll in the devastating floods rising to 167 in Kerala, and more than one lakh people living in relief camps across the state, the Centre on Thursday deployed all three wings of the armed forces in a massive rescue operation. Torrential rains, overflowing rivers and a series of landslides have cut off vast swathes of land in the state. The Kochi International Airport has been shut till Aug 26 and Southern Railway and Kochi Metro have suspended their operations. On Thursday reports of 47 deaths came in mostly from Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta where rivers are in spate since August 8.
California Logs Its Hottest Month Ever
As wildfires burn huge swaths of California, the month of July blazed through climate records. It was not only the hottest July in California's history, but it was also the state's hottest month ever, according to a new report issued Wednesday (Aug. 15) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Kangaroo Invasion
Some of the Australian capital’s frostiest and driest wintertime weather on record has sent mobs of kangaroos hopping into town from the surrounding countryside in search of food.
Very little rain around Canberra during June and July has left hardly any fresh vegetation for the marsupials to eat. So the few remaining green lawns, sports fields and schoolyards in the city have proven to be irresistible to the roos.
A lone kangaroo halted play twice at a soccer field during a National Premier League match in Canberra.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48.3 degrees Celsius) in Death Valley, California.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 89.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 67.2 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.
Wildfires - British Columbia, Canada
The Canadian province of British Columbia has declared a state of emergency as thousands of firefighters battle more than 500 wildfires with little relief in sight.
About 566 wildfires are currently burning across the west coast province, prompting the evacuation of some 3,000 people. Another 18,000 residents have been warned that they may have to flee their homes at a moment’s notice.
So far this year more than 1,800 fires have charred some 380,000 hectares (939,000 acres), making it the province’s fourth worst fire season since it began keeping track in 1950.
The fires have left a wide swath of western Canada, including metro Vancouver, blanketed in a thick layer of smoke and haze. Public health officials are warning residents in some regions to avoid strenuous exercise and stay indoors as much as possible.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 8 August -14 August 2018
Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : According to the Darwin VAAC, a webcam recorded an ash emission from Agung rising to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) with the exclusion zone set at a 4-km radius.
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that there were five events and three explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 6-13 August, with ash plumes rising as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim and material ejected as far as 900 m. Crater incandescence was sometimes visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite data, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-14 August ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, and E.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 3-10 August that sent ash plumes as high as 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. An ash cloud identified in satellite data drifted about 65 km E during 7-8 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that on 9 August heavy rain triggered lahars that traveled down the Seca drainage on Fuego’s W flank and the Mineral drainage, carrying tree trunks and blocks as large a 2 m in diameter. During 12-14 August weak-to-moderate explosions generated ash plumes that rose almost as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted W and SW. Incandescent material was ejected 150 m high, and avalanches of blocks descended the Cenizas (SSW), Las Lajas (SE), and Santa Teresa (W) drainages. Ashfall was reported in Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I (8 km SW), and finca Palo Verde.
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 0259 on 13 August an event at Ibu generated an ash plume that rose 600 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 4 August, and an ash cloud drifted 50 km SE on 7 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that during 8-14 August activity at Kilauea was characterized by a slowly-circulating lava pond deep within the Fissure 8 vent (though the pond was crusted over by 14 August) and a billowing gas plume, and a few scattered ocean entries. The summit area was quiet except for occasional rockfalls into the crater. Fresh black sand from fragmented lava was transported SW by the ocean current, and accumulated in the Pohoiki harbor, creating a sandbar. The westernmost ocean entry was about 1 km NE of the harbor. Earthquake and deformation data indicated no magma movement or pressurization in the system.
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that during 8-13 August incandescence emanated from Anak Krakatau at night. According to the Darwin VAAC, satellite data showed an ash plume rising to an altitude of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W on 11 August. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and visitors were warned not to approach the volcano within 1 km of the crater.
Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 12-14 August Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 30 m above the crater rim. A 300-m-long lava flow originating from Mackenney Crater was visible on NW flank.
Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosions at Sabancaya averaged 23 per day during 6-12 August. Hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and low magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.9 km above the crater rim and drifted 40 km SE, E, and NE. The MIROVA system detected five thermal anomalies, and on 9 August the sulfur dioxide gas flux was high at 2,700 tons/day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch during 6-7 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Sierra Negra | Isla Isabela (Ecuador) : IG reported that the eruption at Sierra Negra continued during 7-14 August. Incandescence from active NNW lava flows was visible almost nightly. A steam-and-gas plume rose 1.8 km a.s.l. and drifted W on 7 August.
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that during 3-10 August white plumes rose as high as 1 km above the rim of Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater, and incandescence from the crater was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that pulsating, passive ash emissions rising from Turrialba and drifting W were visible during periods of clear weather on 10 August. The next day a strong sulfur odor was reported in parts of Heredia (38 km W) and San José (36 km WSW).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.6 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.0 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Subtropical Storm Ernesto is located about 605 mi...975 km se of Cape Race Newfoundland with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...nne or 30 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.
Invest 98L is an area of disturbed weather in the Atlantic Ocean that had the potential for further tropical development.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 19w (Leepi), located approximately 97 nm north-northeast of Pusan, South Korea, is tracking northeastward at 08 knots.
Tropical storm 20w (Bebinca), located approximately 110 nm east-southeast of Hanoi, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 10 knots.
Tropical storm 21w (Rumbia), located approximately 145 nm east-southeast of Shanghai, China, is tracking west-northwestward at 06 knots.
Tropical storm 22w (Soulik), located approximately 478 nm south of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 18 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Lane is located about 1390 mi...2235 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India - Update - The death toll brought on by floods, landslides and bridge collapses in India's monsoon-hit state of Kerala has risen to 77 as heavy rainfall threatened new areas. Authorities in the southern state, which is home to 33 million people, have placed local agencies on the highest alert level in what has turned out to be Kerala's worst monsoon in almost a century. More than 60,000 people have sought shelter in relief camps and the army and navy have been called in to assist with rescue operations, airlifting people to hospital, according to the official. Unconfirmed local media reports mentioned a much higher toll and cited ongoing efforts to reach many flooded areas.
Wildfires - Australia
A number of homes on the New South Wales south coast remain under threat from two out-of-control bushfires being whipped up by increasingly strong winds. An emergency warning has been issued for people near Yankees Gap Road at Bemboka and for the Mount Kingiman fire south of Ulladulla.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 8 August -14 August 2018
Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that during 6-12 August activity at Etna was similar to the previous week, characterized by gas emissions at the summit craters, Strombolian activity, and ash emissions. Strombolian explosions continued from vents in Bocca Nuova, and were particularly visible at night. Activity at Northeast Crater (NEC) consisted of frequent ash emissions and Strombolian explosions. Explosions at the E crater on the E flank of the New Southeast Crater (NSEC) generated gray-brown ash plumes that sometimes rose several hundred meters above Etna’s summit and quickly dissipated.
Great Sitkin | Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that a small phreatic explosion at Great Sitkin was recorded by the seismic network at 1105 on 11 August. The event was preceded by small local earthquakes. Cloudy satellite images prevented views of the volcano during 12-14 August. The Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.
Nevados de Chillan | Chile : Servicio Nacional de Geología and Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) and ONEMI reported that at 1212 on 8 August an explosion-type earthquake was recorded by Nevados de Chillán’s seismic network. A grayish ash plume rose 1.5 km above Nicanor Crater and incandescent material was ejected around the vent. The Alert Level remained at Orange, the second highest level on a four-colour scale, and residents were reminded not to approach the crater within 3 km. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the communities of Pinto, Coihueco, and San Fabián.
Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that a three-minute-long eruption at Rincón de la Vieja began at 1828 on 14 August. Foggy conditions prevented webcam views and an estimate of a plume height.
Sangay | Ecuador : In a special report IG stated that a new phase of activity at Sangay began on 8 August, with surficial activity characterized by low-energy ash emissions rising as high as 2.3 km above the crater rim and a possible new lava flow on the SE flank. The Washington VAAC reported that prior to 1500 on 8 August an ash emission rose to an altitude of 5.8 km (19,000 ft) a.s.l., or 500 m above the crater rim, and drifted SW. On 11 August a possible ash plume rose to 7.6 km (25,000 ft) a.s.l., or 2.3 km above the crater rim, and drifted WNW. Thermal anomalies were identified in satellite data on 14 August. That same day a webcam image showed incandescence on the upper part of the SE flank, suggesting a lava flow from the Ñuñurco dome. The report stated that no activity at Sangay had been observed since the last eruption ended in November 2017.
