Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.8 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.2 Earthquake hits off the coast of Oregon, USA.

5.0 Earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

Environment

Sandstorm in Beijing.

Beijing and other parts of northern China were stung by hazardous air pollution levels Thursday as strong winds blew a sandstorm through the region.

Air in the capital turned a yellowish hue as sand from China's arid northwest blew in, turning the sky into a noxious soup of smog and dust.

Beijing's municipal government issued a yellow-haze warning late Wednesday while state media urged citizens to stay indoors or to take precautions such as donning face masks before venturing outside.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): The seismic signal signal has increased and probably shows both increased tremor and continuous rockfalls on the Sciara del Fuoco. Activity has increased significantly, judging from visible and seismic data. Small overflows of lava are again occurring from the NE crater and tremor is at comparably high levels.

Etna (Sicily, Italy): Today, we observed an eruptive episode characterized by strombolian explosions and ash emissions took place from a new "player", the Voragine summit crater (NOT Bocca Nuova). The New SE crater has stayed calm, but now at night, an incandescent fumarole and some glow from its crater are visible (although the latter could still be from the Voragine).

Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala): No changes in activity occurred at the volcano, which continues to produce small to moderate ash explosions from the dome and weakly alimented block lava flows on its flanks.

Pacaya (Guatemala): INSIVUMEH reports that the small explosions have ceased for now, but expects strombolian activity to resume soon, as the seismicity remains elevated.

Fuego (Guatemala): Weak to moderate strombolian explosions with ash plumes rising about 600 m and drifting for 10 km were reported today.

Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia): Increased SO2 emissions are visible today.

Sabancaya (Peru): (26 Feb) A strong seismic swarm and increased fumarolic activity triggered an eruption warning for Sabancaya volcano (Arequipa, Peru) and the Civil Defense of the Regional Government of Arequipa raised the alert level to yellow, which involves implementing actions to prepare for a probable volcanic eruption. On 24 Feb INGEMMET reported a seismic swarm with 536 earthquakes between 22 and 23 February (more than 20 per hour) and continuous fumarolic emissions from the volcano.

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An dramatic image of volcano smoke blending with a sunset:

Wildfires

Wildfire in Lone Pine, California

A wildfire has burned a 406-acre area east of Lone Pine, California.

Nearly 500 firefighters are struggling to control the blaze.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Rusty

Rusty made landfall in Pardoo town in Western Australia.

A red alert has been issued by Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services for Pardoo and nearby Whim Creek. Similarly a blue alert is in effect between Nullagine and Newman.

Three main iron ore ports (including Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals) in the Pilbara region (also the world's largest source of iron ore) were closed, but Port Hedland has escaped the brunt of the cyclone.

Tropical cyclone Rusty is forecast to bring rain to most parts of the Goldfields from today.

Rusty is the third tropical cyclone in Western Australia this season.

The death toll from tropical cyclone Haruna and heavy rains that battered Madagascar has risen to 23 with 16 people still missing

A tornado between Harbour Island and Davis Island in Tampa, Florida has damaged vehicles and roofs of several houses.

Flooding in Agusan del Sur, Philippines

Recent floods in Agusan del Sur have killed one and affected 49,000 persons.

Floods across Veruela, San Luis, Sta. Josefa, La Paz, Prosperidad and Loreto have also destroyed agricultural croplands.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.4 Earthquake hits the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

5.2 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.1 Earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Kermedec islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits southeast of the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Etna (Sicily, Italy): For now, Etna has stayed quiet. It seems that - if the series continues - the intervals between paroxysms are getting again longer.

Kizimen (Kamchatka): Lava effusion and dome growth continue accompanied by moderate seismic activity.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka): KVERT reports only weak seismic activity today, indicating the volcano is in a phase of lower activity.

Tolbachik (Kamchatka): The eruption continues with little changes. Lava erupts with strombolian activity at the vent on the southern fissure at 1600 m altitude and continues to feed the vast lava flow field that sttreches until the cinder cone Belaya Gorka, 15 km to the west from the vent. Some lava flow fronts to the east were also visible on recent MODIS images. The process is accompanied by stable and still high, although somewhat decreasing levels of tremor.

White Island (New Zealand): Over the weekend, the active vent began producing ash. During a visit yesterday, the crater was found quiet again. Ash emissions had ceased and were replaced by steam and gas explosions from the active vent. Tremor has dropped again to low levels at the same time. Strong continuous volcanic tremor has returned and is now higher than ever, mixed with earthquakes. No unusual activity is visible at the surface.

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): No significant changes in activity have occurred. The rate of steam-gas emissions has risen to almost 2 per hour, with some producing small puffs of ash. Incandescence from the crater remains visible at night.

Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala): Weak to moderate explosions generate light ash plumes that drifted to the east towards the las Aldeas Belén and Calaguache areas. The lava flows at the flanks of the dome produced constant avalanches, INSIVUMEH reports today.

Pacaya (Guatemala): The re-awakening of the volcano progresses: Today, INSIVUMEH reports some weak, perhaps strombolian explosions that ejected some material above the Mackenney crater. No further details about this activity were given.

Fuego (Guatemala): Mild strombolian activity continues, with incandescent pulses of about 100 m heigh and ash plumes rising up to about 700 m above the crater.

Sangay (Ecuador): (25 Feb) VAAC Washington reports pilot observations of ash emissions to 25,000 ft (7.5 km) altitude on 22 February. Since the volcano is very remote and one of Ecuador's most active, it is fair to assume that it might be in a state of elevated activity.

Heard (Australia, Southern Indian Ocean): (25 Feb) A MODIS hot spot was visible yesterday at the summit of the volcano, despite the usual dense cloud cover. This indicates that some sort of activity likely continues.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Rusty

Tropical Cyclone Rusty was located approximately 70 nm north-northeast of Port Hedland, Australia and has been stationary over the past six hours.

Australia's north-west coast is being buffeted by high winds, hours before the powerful cyclone is expected to make landfall as a category four storm. Weather experts say that the slow speed of Cyclone Rusty is likely to prompt extensive flooding. As much as 600mm of rain (24in) was being forecast over a 24-hour period, the equivalent of Perth's entire winter rainfall could fall in just three days.

Flooding in Macedonia

Heavy rainfall has flooded around 300 homes in Josifovo, Macedonia.

Floods in Macedonia have also destroyed two bridges.

Around 20,000 people in Sveti Nikole are without electricity.

Flash floods in Kigali, Rwanda

Torrential rains have killed four people in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.

Floods also damaged roads and bridges in Kigali.

Landslide in Mati City, Philippines

Landslide in Mati City, southern Philippines has killed three people.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the Tagabacid area in Davao Oriental.

Flooding in Kelantan, Malaysia

Flash floods have affected people in Kuala Krai, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah in Kelantan and Setiu in Terengganu.

All nine schools in Rantau Panjang will be closed tomorrow.

Floods in Malaysia are regular natural disasters which happen every year during the monsoon season.

Thailand authorities in Trang province have issued a ban on people playing in six different waterfalls due to concern of flash floods. Kachong and Toneplew waterfalls (Na Yong), Sairung waterfalls (Yan Ta Khao), Toete, Tontok and Lamploke waterfalls (Palian) are on alert.

Winter storm in Oklahoma, USA

Recent winter storms in Woodward have killed one person.

Winter storms have caused blizzard conditions in Oklahoma, Texas and parts of Kansas.

A state of emergency has been declared in northwest Oklahoma.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.4 Earthquake hits the southern Pacific Ocean.

5.4 Earthquake hits southeast of the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Environment

Extreme Weather

Extreme weather events have been on the rise in the last few decades, and man-made climate change may be causing them by interfering with global air-flow patterns, according to new research.

The Northern Hemisphere has taken a beating from extreme weather in recent years — the 2003 European heat wave, the 2010 Pakistan flood and the 2011 heat wave in the United States, for example. These events, in a general sense, are the result of the global movement of air. Giant waves of air in the atmosphere normally even out the climate, by bringing warm air north from the tropics and cold air south from the Arctic. But a new study suggests these colossal waves have gotten stuck in place during extreme weather events.

2003 Heat Wave - France

A recent study found is that during several recent extreme weather events these planetary waves almost freeze in their tracks for weeks. So instead of bringing in cool air after having brought warm air in before, the heat just stays put. How long these weather extremes last is critical, the researchers say. While two or three days of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) pose little threat, 20 days or more can lead to extreme heat stress, which can trigger deaths, forest fires and lost harvests.

The researchers created equations to model the motion of the massive air waves, determining what it takes to make the waves plough to a stop and build up. The team then used these models to crunch daily weather data from the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction. During extreme weather events, the waves were indeed trapped and amplified, the scientists found. They also saw a significant increase in the occurrence of these trapped waves.

Here's how the waves may be getting trapped: The burning of fossil fuels causes more warming in the Arctic than in other latitudes, because the loss of snow and ice means heat gets absorbed by the darker ground, not reflected (as it would by the white snow). This warming lessens the temperature difference between the Arctic and northern latitudes like Europe. Since these differences drive air flow, a smaller difference means less air movement. Also, land areas warm and cool more easily than oceans. The result is an unnatural pattern of air flow that prevents the air waves from circulating over land.

The study's results help explain the spike in summer weather extremes. Previous research had shown a link between climate change and extreme weather, but did not identify the mechanism. "This is quite a breakthrough, even though things are not at all simple - the suggested physical process increases the probability of weather extremes, but additional factors certainly play a role as well, including natural variability." The 32-year period studied provides a good explanation of past extreme weather events, the researchers say, but is too short to make predictions about how often such events may occur in the future.

Transportation

Egypt Balloon Crash

Three Britons have died and another is in hospital after a hot air balloon crashed near the Egyptian city of Luxor.

Reports suggest 19 people were killed, with French, Hong Kong and Japanese nationals also among the dead.

The balloon was at 1,000 ft (300m) up when it exploded, caught fire and plunged on to agricultural fields west of Luxor, officials said.

 

Volcanos

Map of Global Volcanic Activity:



all - unrest - warning/minor activity - eruption 

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Rusty

TC Rusty has intensified to a Category 1 storm, it has an eye spanning 20 nautical miles, and is expected to unleash a significant storm surge in northern Western Australia. Authorities are warning residents in low lying areas to evacuate with a threat of flooding, high winds and a coastal tide.

Floods - New South Wales, Australia

The Pacific Highway remains cut between Kempsey and Clybucca, and again near Grafton, as floodwaters take time to subside on the New South Wales north and mid-north coast.

Across the state more that 22,000 people remain cut off by floodwaters, 10,000 of those are in the Macleay Shire

While the towns in this region have mostly been spared, large swathes or agricultural land is under water and herds of livestock are crowded on to small islands.

Eight river systems along the coast are in flood but all are steady or falling.

In the 1950s, major flooding in the region saw many farmers walk off their properties and never return. Authorities hope the same thing will not happen to this generation of farmers.

New Flooding in Mozambique

Flooding in Mozambique has now displaced more than 238,000 people.

Zambezi and Limpopo rivers have burst their banks and caused more flooding.

More than 186,000 people are currently living in evacuation centres.

Heavy Hail in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Quarter-size hailstones have been reported in New Orleans, Louisiana. No reports of significant damage.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.7 Earthquake hits eastern Honshu, Japan.

5.6 Earthquake hits off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan.

5.4 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits south of Alaska.

5.2 Earthquake hits western Xizang, China.

5.2 Earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

Wildlife

Floods Spark Manta Ray Feeding Frenzy

Queensland researchers have spotted an unusually large group of manta rays in a feeding frenzy near Lady Elliot Island.

Up to 150 manta rays were feeding in the area last month, the most ever recorded. The phenomenon was a result of recent flooding in Bundaberg, with excess levels of water sending a surge of nutrients into the ocean, leading to a spike in plankton.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

White Island (New Zealand): Strong continuous volcanic tremor has returned and is now higher than ever, mixed with earthquakes. No unusual activity is visible at the surface.

Sangay (Ecuador): VAAC Washington reports pilot observations of ash emissions to 25,000 ft (7.5 km) altitude on 22 February. Since the volcano is very remote and one of Ecuador's most active, it is fair to assume that it might be in a state of elevated activity.

Heard (Australia, Southern Indian Ocean): A MODIS hot spot was visible yesterday at the summit of the volcano, despite the usual dense cloud cover. This indicates that some sort of activity likely continues.

Etna (Sicily, Italy): (23 Feb) The 5th paroxysm of the New SE crater is occurring. Tall lava fountains are erupting from the fissure vent of the New SE crater. This time, the eruption is much bigger than the previous ones. Judging from webcam images, lava fountains might be reaching one km in height.

Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia): (24 Feb) A small magmatric intrusion earlier today produced an earthquake swarm and increased SO2 degassing.

Storms and Floods

Rains and Thundershowers in Uttar Pradesh, India

Rains and thundershowers in Uttar Pradesh have killed two people.

Two people each from Jalaun and Etah districts died after lightning hit them.

Avalanche warning has been issued in Kashmir.

Tropical Cyclone Rusty

Tropical Cyclone Rusty forms northwest of Port Hedland, Australia.

A blue alert is issued for Broome, Whim Creek, Port Hedland and Wallal.

Heavy rainfall is forecast in eastern Pilbara and western Kimberley.

Heavy Snowfall in Finland

An avalanche warning is issued for western Lapland, Finland.

Avalanche in Croatia

One Croatian climber died, three of his colleagues were rescued after an avalanche in the mountains on the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

Storms Destroy Homes As Floods Swamp NSW - Australia

A big clean-up is underway after gale force winds wrecked houses, cut power and felled trees across parts of Sydney and the NSW south coast.

In the state's north around 20,000 people remain isolated by floodwaters but conditions are easing as swollen rivers disgorge their extra loads into the sea.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.3 Earthquake hits central Peru.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits East Timor.

5.1 Earthquake hits East Timor.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Environment

Snow Cathedral in Norway.

Great image of snow covered trees in Norway forming a natural cathedral.

Global Warming

Hot January 2013

January 2013 was the globe's 9th warmest January since records began in 1880, said National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Haruna

TC Haruna has now killed 10 people in Madagascar.

The cyclone destroyed around 70 percent of the southwestern city of Morombe.

This tropical disturbance is forecast to bring more rain in southern Madagascar in the coming two days.

Unusual Landslide in Spain

Heavy rains in recent weeks have caused a major landslide in Subiza, Spain that has devastated rural roads, farms and caused serious damage to two electrical towers that are at serious risk of falling.

The landslide is located on the southeast slope of Mount of Forgiveness, towards Bells, and therefore did not affect any house in the small town of Basin, of about 190 inhabitants. The dimensions of the land mass, which dragged stones and vegetation as a result of heavy rainfall, are calculated at 800 meters long and 700 wide.

Winter Storm hits Europe

Central Europe has been swept by a powerful cyclone.

Snow caused chaos on roads in Austria, with the situation particularly grave in the east. Heavy trucks cannot cope with the icy slopes; traffic jams stretch for many kilometers. Every hour new accidents are recorded at police stations. Local officials urge drivers to put chains on the wheels.

Cold weather and snow have also descended upon Croatia: frosts have hit resorts on the Adriatic coast, the seafronts and yachts are covered with snow and ice. Local services are toiling around the clock clearing streets. According to weather forecasts, the cyclone has no intention of letting up on the Balkans.

EF-1 tornado with estimated winds of 104 mph tore a damage path 4.5 miles long across parts of Sabine County, Texas, USA just after 1 p.m Friday.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

6.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.8 Earthquake hits East Timor.

5.5 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits southern Peru.

5.3 Earthquake hits off the east coast of North Island, New Zealand.

5.2 Earthquake hits southern Peru.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits Kepulauan Tanimbar, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Indian Ocean Triple Junction.

Wildlife

Woman’s loyalty to her Horse.

A horse lover spent 3 hours holding its head above the tide after it got stuck in the mud on a beach in Australia. A horse gets stuck up to his neck in mud on a beach as the tide rises. The 500kg horse, named Astro, was freed with the help of a tractor and harness at Avalon Beach in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Environment

Cold in Ontario, Canada.

Stunning image of frozen trees on the shore of Lake Ontario. Captured by photographer Timothy Corbin.

Wildfires

Wildfire - New Zealand

Firefighters are currently battling a forest fire in Dome Valley, 10 kilometres north of Warkworth, Matakana, New Zealand

Disease

TB in Los Angeles, California, USA

Los Angeles County health officials have asked for federal assistance to analyze and contain an outbreak of tuberculosis within the city's homeless population.

The Los Angeles Times reported that health workers have identified about 4,650 people who were probably exposed to a persistent outbreak of the contagious disease on downtown Los Angeles' skid row.

The newspaper said that county officials have identified 78 cases of a unique strain of the contagious disease, including 11 deaths. Sixty of those cases were homeless individuals living in the skid row area.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands): A swarm of earthquakes occurred over the the past days in an area a few km south of the island at about 10 km depth.

Tangkubanparahu (West Java): VSI raised the alert level yesterday from "normal" to "alert" (2 on a scale of 1-4, "Waspada). The decision was based on an increase in tremor and the discovery of fine ash deposits on tourist facilities located at the edge of Kawah Ratu. It is recommended to prohibit access to Kawah Ratu, the historically active crater, and a major local tourist attraction.

White Island (New Zealand): Minor ash venting occurred at White Island at approximately 11:30 am and 1:30 pm today. GNS Science volcanologists are monitoring the activity and further information will be released as soon as it is available. The tremor has dropped sharply.

Colima (Western Mexico): Explosions and accompanying rockfall signals are stronger and more frequent today.

Storms and Floods

Floods in Athens, Greece

Floods in Athens have killed one. A 23-year-old has been found dead on a flooded road on the border of Halandri and Maroussi.

The rivers of Ilissos and Pivrodafni broke their banks. Flood water in Chalandri washed away several vehicles.

Heavy rain has flooded the Athens-Corinth national highway at the Skaramanga junction and parts of Piraeus, Drapetsona and Kalamaki.

Power outages were also caused in several districts of Attica.

It is believed to be one of the worst thunderstorm disaster since 1961. Weather in the greater Athens area is expected to improve in the afternoon.

Flooding in Catania, Italy

Flooding in Catania in Sicily, Italy has injured one person.

About 4 inches of rainfall is forecast in parts of north Georgia and all of central Georgia today.

Tropical Cyclone Haruna

Haruna has killed one person in Madagascar and is currently moving towards the southeast of the country at 10 km/hr. It is expected to leave Madagascar on Saturday.

Flooding in New South Wales, Australia

Flooding in New South Wales, Australia has killed two people.

Evacuation order has been issued for the people of Kempsey as the Macleay River rose above normal. Kempsey's central business district is expected to be flooded tonight (Saturday).

Evacuation order has also been issued for low-lying parts of Port Macquarie including around Grafton and Bellingen, as well as parts of Lismore.

The Pacific Highway is closed near Macksville and at South Grafton.

Flooding in Byron, Australia

Torrential rainfall has caused flooding in Byron, New South Wales region of Australia.

Flooding and landslips closed several roads including Mullumbimby Road.

A cyclone watch has been issued for the people between Cape Leveque to Dampier in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Australia.

Tornado has blown roofs of several houses in Clayton, Concordia Parish of Louisiana, USA. The tornado did not cause any injuries.

The ice storms in Arkansas, USA have caused power outage in Independence, Baxter, Carroll, Pope and Stone counties. The Midwest Snowstorm has killed two people. Some 320 flights have been canceled in St. Louis.

The US National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Landslide in Mt. Diwalwal, Philippines

Landslide in Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley, Philippines has killed one person.

The rain-triggered landslide also injured six others.

Avalanche in Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Canada

Avalanche in Revelstoke Mountain Resort in southeastern British Columbia has killed one and injured three others.

The Canadian Avalanche Center has upgraded the avalanche risk to "high" for most of British Columbia.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.8 Earthquake hits Santiago del Estero, Argentina.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.

5.2 Earthquake hits east of the Kuril Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.1 Earthquake hits Antofagasto, Chile.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 110.3 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) at Nullagine, Western Australia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 70.6 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 57.0 degrees Celsius) at Russia's Vostok Antarctic research station.

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.

Disease

Novel coronavirus infection - update

Saudi Arabia has informed WHO of another confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (NCoV).

The patient was hospitalized on 29 January 2013 and died on 10 February 2013. The case was laboratory-confirmed on 18 February 2013. Further investigation into this case is ongoing.

In the United Kingdom, the Health Protection Agency continues to investigate the family cluster where three members of the family tested positive for NCoV infection. One member of this family, who had an underlying health condition, has died.

Coronaviruses are spread like other respiratory infections such as flu. They travel in airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Related to viruses found in bats, NCoV is known to have infected at least 13 people around the world so far, half of whom have died.

NCoV belongs to the same broad family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

In the early 2000s, SARS killed roughly 800 people around the world and triggered a worldwide health scare. The symptoms of both NVoC and SARS include fever, coughing and respiratory difficulties.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Etna (Sicily, Italy): A 4th paroxysm from the New SE crater has occurred in rapid succession to the previous eruptions during the past 2 days. It will be interesting to see how long Etna will keep up this busy pace.

Askja (Central Iceland): Another swarm of quakes has been going on in a SW-NE trending area under and SW of the caldera.

Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): A phase of increased activity has been occurring today, a relatively large SO2 plume suggests.

White Island (New Zealand): Tremor remains continuous and has increased. Earthquakes also continue, including a 2.2 event at 6 km depth 5 km south of the island earlier today.

Colima (Western Mexico): The volcano continued to produce intermittent small explosions and rockfalls during the past week. Seismograms seem show a somewhat slowly increasing trend of volcanic quakes and other signals recently.

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): CENAPRED reported 13 mostly small emissions during 19-20 Feb, but also some that were larger than most of the ones recorded during the past weeks. One on the evening of 19 Feb produced a plume with some ash content rising 1.5 km and drifting east. Two other significant emissions occurred in the morning of 20 Feb.

Reventador (Ecuador): The volcano continues to erupt, but usually the activity is hidden in clouds. The seismic signal shows a phase of increased tremor today. IG reported 41 long period events, 6 tremor pulses and 2 explosion signals on the seismic recording for 20 Feb.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Haruna was located approximately 285 nm southwest of Antananarivo, Madagascar - currently tracking over southern Madagascar.

Flooding in Rwanda

Overall, the floods have affected around 11,346 people, especially in three districts of Rubavu, Musanze and Nyabihu, with several other marshland areas in the suburb areas of Kigali City. It is feared the floods could affect food security.

Wild Weather Causes Damage in North South Wales

Roofs have come off homes and businesses as severe weather hits northern NSW.

More than 20,000 homes between Ocean Shores and Port Macquarie have lost power as a result of the storms, Essential Energy said in a statement.

Winds up to 130km/h have been recorded along the coast.

The worst hit areas are on the coast around Ballina and Byron Bay, Yamba and Maclean, and Coffs Harbour.

U.S. Midwest Swaddled in Blanket of Snow

Powdery snow bombarded much of the nation's midsection Thursday, leaving as much as 17 inches in some places, shutting down airports, schools and state legislatures. 30 million people are in the path of the winter storm.

Near white out conditions, thunder snow and strong winds swept into the Midwest, bringing transportation to a halt in several states.

And in the South, a wintry mix of rain, snow and sleet created dangerous icy conditions.

Floods Displace Thousands in the Philippines

Close to 4,000 families moved to higher grounds after the Rio Grande de Mindanao overflowed due to continuous rains.

Worst hit by floods riverside barangays in the adjoining towns of Kabacan in North Cotabato, and Montawal and Pagalungan towns in Maguindanao. Seven of the 11 flooded areas -- Bulit, Pagagawan, Kayaga, Limbalod, Maridagao, Tunggol, and Talitay -- have become ghost villages as a result of the massive evacuation of villagers.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.8 Earthquake hits offshore Michoacan, Mexico.

5.2 Earthquake hits Catamarca, Argentina.

5.1 Earthquake hits southern Peru.

Environment

Clouds

This unusual, but interesting image shows a Fallstreak hole. Fallstreak holes are a cloud formation that occurs as gaps in mid or high level cloud layers; below them trails of ice crystals dangle.

Wildlife

'Alien' wildlife in Europe.

Animals and plants brought to Europe from other parts of the world are a bigger-than-expected threat to health and the environment.

More than 10,000 "alien" species have gained a foothold in Europe, from Asian tiger mosquitoes to North American ragweed, and at least 1,500 are known to be harmful, a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) said.

In many areas, ecosystems are weakened by pollution, climate change and fragmentation. Alien species invasions are a growing pressure on the natural world which are extremely difficult to reverse.

Introduced species that suddenly thrive in a new home in Europe, including parakeets from Africa or water hyacinth from the Amazon, were estimated to cost Europe at least 12 billion euros ($16.03 billion) a year.

The problem has exploded in the last 100 years. Europe had the most data but the problem was worsening worldwide. And more travel, trade and climate change were likely to aggravate the invasions.

"Invasive species pose greater risks than previously thought for biodiversity, human health and economies," the EEA said.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Etna (Sicily, Italy): Etna had no less than 3 paroxysms (particularly violent brief eruptive episodes) with lava fountains, lava flows and tall ash plumes from the New SE crater within the past 20 hours (so far).

This marks a change from the previous 9-month period characterized by intermittent mild to moderate, but often long-lasting periods of strombolian activity.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka): A small partial collapse of the active lava dome occurred last night at 23h45 (GMT) and produced a relatively small pyroclastic flow, followed by mud flows towards the ravine at the NE flank.

Ann ash plume rose to about 7000 m altitude, VAAC Tokyo reported.

Tolbachik (Kamchatka): The eruption continues with no changes reported by KVERT.

Grozny (Iturup Island): SVERT reported that a gas and ash plume rose to an altitude of about 3000 m on 16 February.

White Island (New Zealand): Elevated continuous tremor interspersed with earthquakes continue.

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): A phase of increased degassing has been taken place today. This is likely caused by a surge in fresh magma supply.

Elevated activity is also visible on the recent seismogram.

Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala): Activity continues to be dominated by moderate explosions. Ash plumes rising up to about 700 m, causing light ash fall in nearby areas. The dome shows a 200 m high degassing plume and there is only relatively weak effusive activity at the lava flows on the dome's flanks

Fuego (Guatemala): The volcano is back to its typical mild, but continuous activity. INSIVUMEH reports 6 weak strombolian explosions with ash plumes rising about 400 m and incandescent bombs ejected to 100-150 m height above the crater.

Turrialba (Costa Rica): An SO2 plume from either Turrialba or Poás volcano is visible on today's satellite data, suggesting increased degassing activity at one of the volcanoes.

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Nearly three months after Tolbachik began erupting, lava continues to flow from the Kamchatkan volcano. Over time, the lava flows change location and shift across the landscape. In this image, infrared data is superimposed on a natural-color image to highlight active flows.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storm Crising forms in the Pacific approximately 115 nm south-southwestward of Puerto Princesa, in the Philippines.

A flash flood caused by heavy downpour since Monday night due to tropical storm Crising left one dead in the town of New Bataan in Compostela Valley province. The flood waters in five villages are knee-deep and the lone fatality came from the village of Andap. A landslide in the village of Mambing destroyed 33 houses and roads.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.8 Earthquake hits Tonga

5.6 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits western Greenland.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the northern Mid-atlantic ridge.

Space Events

Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

The moon as it danced a celestial waltz with Jupiter last night. You can also see the four Galilean moons; from left to right, Ganymede [Jupiter], Io, Callisto, Europa.

Photo by David Finlay, Wollongong Australia

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Russian Meteor

Photograph of the hole in Chebarkul Lake made by Russian Meteor debris.

Scientists explained why telescopes could not see the Russian meteor. Astronomers could not trace the Chelyabinsk meteor because the celestial body was approaching from the Sun, and telescopes did not see it in the sunshine.

The meteor is the largest recorded object to strike the Earth in over 100 years.

Environment

The Coldest Village on Earth

A man passes a sign saying "Oymyakon 'Pole of Cold'" on the site of a former meteorological station in the village of Oymyakon, in the Republic of Sakha, northeast Russia. The coldest temperatures in the northern hemisphere have been recorded in Sakha, the location of the Oymyakon valley, where according to the United Kingdom Met Office a temperature of -67.8 degrees Celsius (-90 degrees Fahrenheit) was registered in 1933 - the coldest on record in the northern hemisphere since the beginning of the 20th century.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): After the brief surge of activity during last week, the volcano has calmed down again to average levels.

Etna (Sicily, Italy): What started last night in fact evolved into a true paroxysm this time, with tall lava fountains and lava flows from the New SE crater. This is the first eruption of this kind after 9 months, and it will be interesting to see whether more follow (likely). The strombolian activity progressively increased and merged into lava fountains at around 04h40 local time. A lava flow descended into Valle del Bove and reached about 2600 m elevation on the slope north of Sierra Giannicola Picola. The eruption ended rapidly by about 06h30.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka): A possible ash explosion sent ash up to 16,500 ft (5.0 km) a.s.l. KVERT registered moderate seismicity, but clouds obscured the view of the volcano.

Tolbachik (Kamchatka): KVERT reports no changes in the ongoing eruption, that continues to produce lava flows from the southern fissure.

Ambrym (Vanuatu): Strong SO2 emissions are visible on today's NOAA satellite data. This suggests that the lava supply to the lava lakes inside the vents remains strong.

Tongariro (North Island, New Zealand): An increased number of earthquakes and possibly a weak tremor pulses appear on today's seismic recording.

White Island (New Zealand): Continuous tremor remains high (although a bit lower than a few days ago) and earthquakes have started to reappear. So far, no recent updates have been posted by GeoNet.

Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala): Relatively frequent small to moderate explosions have been occurring today. The activity generated ash plumes rising up to 1-1.5 km above the lava dome and drifting at 13,000 ft (4 km) altitude to the NW.

Fuego (Guatemala): The volcano has calmed down and is back to its typical activity with occasional mild strombolian explosions, generating ash plumes rising 5-800 m above the crater.

Copahue (Chile/Argentina): The volcano continued to show a gradually decreasing trend of internal activity, is the conclusion of the latest bulletin SERNAGEOMIN published. Weak seismic swarms continued to be registered mainly in the first week of February. A total of 331 seismic events were measured between 1-15 Feb. Degassing has been weak except on 5 Feb, when a gas plume rose significantly higher.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Haruna located approximately 375nm west-southwest of Antananarivo, Madagascar - expected to track over southern Madagascar on Thursday.

18 Die in Storms in India

Unseasonal thunderstorms claimed 18 lives and damaged crops in southern India over the weekend.

The deaths were reported from nine of 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh state.

Most victims were killed by lightning strikes, collapsed houses and electrocution.

Strong gales damaged about 1 150 houses across four districts. Rain and hail damaged rice, maize and other crops over 252 500 hectares.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.5 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Sunda Strait.

5.0 Earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou region, China.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Victoria, Australia

Rain falling across Melbourne has eased the threat of a large grassfire burning on the city's northern outskirts.

The 2400-hectare Donnybrook blaze was still burning out of control this morning, but welcome rain and cooler conditions have reduced the threat to homes.

Fires in the area destroyed several sheds yesterday, and smoke from the 2000 hectare grass fire cast a pall over much of Melbourne last night.

Volcanos

Russia warns about volcano eruption

The Russian Academy of Sciences has issued an advisory to airlines, urging them to avoid flying over the Kamchatka mountains where four volcanoes have become more active.

These include Shiveluch, Karymsky, Kizimen, and Flat Tolbachik.

The ash from these volcanoes can cause fatal consequences. If the particles get caught in aircraft engines, a crash would be inevitable.

At the moment Shiveluch volcano is throwing a column of ash to a height almost 4,500 meters above sea level, while Karymsky volcano is spewing ash at a height of about 2,700 meters above sea level.

Disease

Typhoid in Syria

Typhoid has broken out in an opposition-held region of Syria due to people drinking contaminated water from the Euphrates River.

An estimated 2,500 people in northeastern Deir al-Zor province are infected with the contagious disease, which causes diarrhoea and can be fatal.

Storms and Floods

Rainforest Floods Hit Villagers in Peru

Heavy Amazonian rain has triggered floods in the Peru rainforest leaving 31 dead and 32 injured.

Nearly 80,000 villagers have been hit after the latest cloudburst saw almost five inches of rain fall in as many hours. Roads have been washed away, crops swamped and homes wrecked as rivers overflow and flood villages.

The government has declared a state of emergency in the Arequipa and Cusco regions.

Schools and health clinics have been damaged also, along with other essential services in remote areas.

Flash Floods in Malaysia

Puchong - Southbound sections of the Puchong Highway were hit by flash floodson Monday due to heavy monsoon rains and backflow from the Klang River.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

6.1 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands off New Zealand.

6.0 Earthquake hits east of the Izu Islands, Japan.

5.8 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands off New Zealand.

5.6 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands off New Zealand.

5.6 Earthquake hits the central Mid-atlantic ridge.

5.4 Earthquake hits offshore O'Higgins, Chile.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the central Mid-atlantic ridge.

Wildlife

Polar Bears May Become Dependent on Humans for Survival

Polar bears may need to be fed in the wild, housed or relocated by humans within the next few decades to help them survive a warming climate, according to a new report. Climate change has resulted in accelerated loss of Arctic sea ice, which polar bears rely on to hunt for food.

If the Arctic becomes ice-free during summer within the next few decades as predicted, many bears will starve without human intervention.

Some members of the 19 polar bear populations in Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Norway and Russia may even have to be placed in temporary holding compounds until enough ice forms for them to go back out into the wild to hunt.

Currently, none of those countries has plans to help the animals survive the loss of their frozen habitat.

But 12 research scientists from Arctic countries have crafted a crisis management plan designed to save as many of the world’s approximately 20,000 remaining polar bears as possible.

Part of the survival plan would be to have zoos take in as many bears as they can hold.

If none of these options can be taken, they say the only humane choice would be to euthanize bears that would otherwise suffer an agonizing death by starvation.

Storms and Floods

Floods and Landslides Kill 13 in Indonesia

Flooding and landslides hit North Sulawesi province's capital city Manado early Sunday, killing at least 13 people and causing the evacuation of another 1200.

Disease

Smog Responsible for Underweight Newborns

The worse the air pollution, the more underweight the children were in the study group. A new U.K.-based study of more than 3 million human births in nine countries has shown that exposure to air pollution is linked to low birth weights. Scientists looked at the average level of air pollution expecting mothers were exposed to, specifically exhaust and power plant emissions.

They found that pregnant women living in areas with high pollution were more likely to have babies with low birth weight.

Being undersized at childbirth has been linked with infant mortality as well as a host of diseases and chronic health problems throughout a child's life.

Previous studies had suggested a link between air pollution and low birth weight but contained too little data to confirm it.

While much has been done about air quality in Western nations over the past several decades, urban centers such as Beijing and other industrialized areas of Asia have shown a sharp increase in air pollution.

Beijing last month experienced air pollution that officials termed was “off the charts.”

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): Activity remains characterized by the magma column standing very high inside the craters. Small lava overflows and strong explosions can be seen on the webcams.

Torfajökull (Iceland): (17 Feb) A small earthquake swarm has started today. It includes about 20 quakes of small magnitude at shallow depths of 2-4 km. Whether the swarm is related to magma movements is unknown.

Little Sitkin (Western Aleutian Islands): (17 Feb) An earthquake swarm occurred yesterday, but it's not strong enough to trigger a raise of alert level.

Fuego (Guatemala): A phase of strong activity took place at the volcano between the evening of 16 Feb and and yesterday. Increased lava effusion led to the rapid advance of the active lava flow on the steep upper southern slope. The flow produced many incandescent avalanches that turned into pyroclastic flows that produced ash plumes rising about 3,000 m and drifting 10 km to the west, the latest special bulletin of INSIVUMEH reports.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.5 Earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the southern Mid-atlantic ridge.

5.0 Earthquake hits southern Greece.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.

5.0 Earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Ionian Sea.

4.9 Earthquake hits southern Italy.

Space Events

Meteorites and Fireballs

Hours after a meteor exploded over Russia and injured more than 1000 people, locals in California and Cuba witnessed unusual flashes of light.

Residents in California reported seeing an unusual flash of light over the San Francisco Bay area that left many startled. Based on reports, the light streaking in the Northern California sky was a sporadic meteor, or fireball.

Cuba also apparently experienced a phenomenon similar to but smaller than the meteorite that hit Russia. Residents described a bright light in the sky and a loud explosion that shook windows and walls. There were no reports of any injuries or damage such as those caused by the Russia meteorite.

The object that exploded over Russia was a “tiny asteroid” that measured roughly 45 feet across, weighed about 10 tons and traveled about 40,000 mph. The object vaporized roughly 15 miles above the surface of the Earth, causing a shock wave that triggered the global network of listening devices that was established to detect nuclear test explosions. The force of the explosion measured between 300 and 500 kilotons, equivalent to a modern nuclear bomb.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

6.6 Earthquake hits the Mariana Islands region.

6.2 Earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

6.0 Earthquake hits off the east coast of North Island, New Zealand.

5.5 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.

Environment

Ice-Free Arctic Ocean in 2030?

Vast uncertainty remains over the causes of melting Arctic sea ice and when it may disappear altogether during the summer, which would have consequences for oil explorers, shipping firms and the fight against climate change.

The answer will depend on the balance of natural and manmade causes.

Last September sea ice reached its lowest level in the satellite record, which dates back to 1979, a development that has implications for local native communities and wildlife, local coastal erosion and possibly northern hemisphere weather.

Under the albedo effect, dry snow reflects more than 80 percent of solar radiation; bare ice 65 percent; and open water just 5 percent.

And increasing expanse of open water each summer warms up faster than ice-covered sea, meaning new ice will be thinner and more vulnerable the following year.

There are various underlying causes of the melt.

Rising greenhouse gas emissions drive up air and sea temperatures.

Water from a warmer Atlantic entering the Arctic Ocean through the Fram Strait between eastern Greenland and Svalbard, an island due north of Norway.

A similar inflow of warmer Pacific water through the Bering Strait has long been identified as an important process that causes the thinning of ice in the central Arctic.

There are also weather effects that may be natural, partly natural or entirely due to greenhouse gas emissions affecting Arctic ice.

A particular weather pattern contributed to a big melt six years ago by sending warm air towards the central Arctic, according to researchers from the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany.

The cumulative impact from rising greenhouse gas emissions, which combined with a few freak summers, ice export and the albedo effect could finish off summer sea ice rather quickly.

Increasingly, scientists and researchers are coming to believe that a seasonally ice-free Arctic Ocean might be realized as early as 2030.

Wildfires

Wildfires in Chile

Dozens of homes were destroyed in Valparaiso, Chile by wildfires that burned out of control along several sections of the densely populated hills of the city; about 600 people were affected and evacuated to emergency shelters.

At least 75 houses were totally consumed by the flames in the Rodelillo and Los Placeres neighbourhoods of Valparaiso. The fire started Thursday, early afternoon, in bushy vegetation in the ravines that separate some of the city hills and quickly spread to the houses.

Disease

Novel Coronavirus Infection – Update

The United Kingdom has informed the WHO of another confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (NCoV). This is the third case confirmed in the country this month and is in the same family cluster as the two recently confirmed cases.

see: previous post

Bird Flu on Poultry Farm - Germany

German authorities said a case of H5N1 bird flu had been discovered during initial tests on a poultry farm in the eastern state of Brandenburg.

The case was discovered in a duck farm, which was carrying out its own tests, the Brandenburg state agriculture ministry said on Friday.

However, the bird flu virus could not be confirmed in final testing.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): Lava continues to overflow from the NE crater, which also sometimes produces quite strong explosions.

Pacaya (Guatemala): Residents of San Francisco de Sales (San Vincente) village at the foot of the volcano reported having heard explosion sounds overnight.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.8 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 Earthquake hits near the south coast of Papua, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits north eastern Sakha, Siberia, Russia.

5.1 Earthquake hits north eastern Sakha, Siberia, Russia.

5.0 Earthquake hits north eastern Sakha, Siberia, Russia.

Space Events

Meteorite Crash in Russia

A series of explosions in the skies of Russia’s Urals region, reportedly caused by a meteorite shower, has sparked panic in three major cities. Witnesses said that houses shuddered, windows were blown out and cellphones have stopped working.

According to unconfirmed reports, the meteorite was intercepted by an air defense unit at the Urzhumka settlement near Chelyabinsk. A missile salvo reportedly blew the meteorite to pieces at an altitude of 20 kilometers. A bright flash was seen in the Chelyabinsk, Tyumen and Sverdlovsk regions, Russia’s Republic of Bashkiria and in northern Kazakhstan. At least one piece of the fallen object caused damage on the ground in Chelyabinsk. According to preliminary reports, it crashed into a wall near a zinc factory, disrupting the city's Internet and mobile service.

Witnesses said the explosion was so loud that it seemed like an earthquake and thunder had struck at the same time, and that there were huge trails of smoke across the sky. Others reported seeing burning objects fall to earth. Police in the Chelyabinsk region are reportedly on high alert, and have begun ‘Operation Fortress’ in order to protect vital infrastructure. Office buildings in downtown Chelyabinsk are being evacuated. Injuries were reported at one of the city’s secondary schools, supposedly from smashed windows.  At least 500 people have been injured.

Environment

Thawing Permafrost May Be “Huge Factor” in Global Warming

Thawing permafrost is emitting more climate-heating carbon faster than previously realised. Scientists have now learned that when the ancient carbon locked in the ice thaws and is exposed to sunlight, it turns into carbon dioxide 40 percent faster.

There are 13 million square kilometres of permafrost in Alaska, Canada, Siberia and parts of Europe. A 2011 study estimated that global warming could release enough permafrost carbon to raise global temperatures three degrees C on top of what will result from human emissions from oil, gas and coal.

Human emissions are headed for four degrees C of global heating, warned the International Energy Agency (IEA) this week. A rapid “decarbonization of electricity supply” is needed to avoid that future.

Crack patterns in Arctic permafrost as viewed from a helicopter:

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

Three fires burning in plantation forest and grassland are joining into one and racing towards a small town in central Victoria.

The large, fast-moving fire is expected to impact Middle Creek and Buangor anytime.

Twenty tankers and two aircraft are on scene.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): The volcano remains in a state of elevated activity with the magma column literally overflowing the crater rim. Lava flows are active on the upper slopes of the NE crater. Tremor and explosion signals are sometimes reaching medium-high levels.

Etna (Sicily, Italy): Weak strombolian activity has been taking place from the New SE crater since last night. At the moment, the tremor signal is still low. It will be interesting to see whether (and when) this activity will increase in the near future.

Kamchatka: There are no significant changes in activity at any of the volcanoes in Kamchatka: Fluid lava continues to erupt from Tolbachik volcano, accompanied by stable, still relatively high tremor levels. Moderate seismicity suggests ongoing lava extrusion and dome building at Sheveluch and Kizimen. Low seismic activity was reported from Karymski and Klyuchevskoi volcano. The strong seismicity from Tolbachik obscures the signals from Bezymianny, which also continues to slowly build a lava dome. Gorely continues to show medium levels of tremor caused by fluid movements and strong degassing.

Paluweh (off Flores Island, Indonesia): A report published by the Indonesian Volcanological Survey (VSI) indicates that the intense eruptive phase on 3 Feb caused the collapse of about 1/4 of the volume of the dome, a little more one million cubic meters. VSI points out that the main hazard zones for pyroclastic flows, if the dome continues to grow, include now also the valleys to the west and south-east, in addition to the open valley to the south.

Kilauea (Hawai'i): Not much has changed recently at the ongoing eruption. At the summit, the lava lake level stabilized at 31 m (100 ft) below the Halema`uma`u Crater floor. At Pu`u `O`o cone on the east rift zone, lava flows continued to spread out on older flows to the north of the cone. To the southeast of Pu`u `O`o, lava continues to enter the ocean in multiple areas both inside and outside the National Park boundary. (HVO daily update)

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Strong gas emissions (SO2) and night-time glow indicate continuing magma supply. The number of emissions has decreased to less than 1 every 2 hours on average.

Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala): A pyroclastic flow occurred from the NE side of the lava dome and reached the base of Santa Maria mountain. Visual observations over the past days were generally poor due to cloud cover. The same goes for Fuego volcano, from which only weak rumblings were heard.

Reventador (Ecuador): After a phase of more intense activity yesterday, the volcano has been quieter today. Tremor has decreased, but there are still many volcanic earthquakes and explosion signals. A MODIS hotspot indicates that some lava extrusion probably continues at the summit.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

6.7 Earthquake hits north eastern Sakha, Siberia, Russia.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the coast of Papua, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Disease

Yellow Fever in Chad

The Ministry of Health of Chad is launching an emergency mass-vaccination campaign against yellow fever from 22 February 2013, following laboratory confirmation of two cases in the country in December 2012.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

Two homes have been destroyed and others are under threat from bushfires burning in the shires of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Nannup and Donnybrook-Balingup in south-west Western Australia. A string of bushfires sparked by lightning strikes on Tuesday have swept through the region.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.6 Earthquake hits the Ceram Sea.

5.6 Earthquake hits Kepulauan Tanimbar region, Indonesia.

5.5 Earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.5 Earthquake hits Kyushu, Japan.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits Nevada, USA.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Scotia Sea.

5.0 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): (11 Feb) The volcano has been in a phase of elevated activity during the past days. Several moderate to large explosions occurred with ash plumes rising up to 12,000 ft (3.7 km) altitude. At least 6 explosions were counted yesterday alone and VAAC Tokyo reports phases of continuous ash emission.

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): A phase of near continuous steam / gas emissions took place yesterday, with some explosions ejecting ballistics onto the crater's outer flanks and producing plumes with some ash rising up to 1 km. Activity declined again in the evening.

Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala): No significant changes have occurred over the past days. Explosions from the lava dome occur at rates of about 1-2 per hour and produce ash plumes rising a few 100 m. The lava flows descending the dome, in particular on the SE side, are weakly active and produce small avalanches.

Fuego (Guatemala): After a short period with little effusive activity, a new lava flow has started to descend towards the Ceniza drainage. Strombolian activity at the summit remains weak.

Storms and Floods

Snow and Floods Batter Venice

Rain, snow and 40mph gusts have pummeled Venice in the runup to Valentine's Day. The Italian city, a popular destination for lovestruck couples, has also been hit by the 15th highest tide, or Acqua Alta, in its history.

Tugela Floods Sweep Away Homes And Families - South Africa

Two bodies have been recovered and at least four people are still missing after the Tugela River and its tributaries burst their banks, flooding homes after heavy rain in the Msinga area of northern KwaZulu-Natal this week.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

5.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.7 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.4 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.4 Earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.

5.1 artificial earthquake hits North Korea at North Korea's nuclear test site. The artificial tremor was a nuclear test. North Korea says it has successfully carried out its third underground nuclear test.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Environment

US Environment Agency Releases First Climate Adaptation Plan

For the first time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has publicly released a draft plan on how the department's programmes will adapt to global warming, in a move that could lay additional groundwork for important new emissions rulemaking the agency may announce in coming months.

The EPA is tasked with oversight of the health of both human communities and natural systems, mandated with creating and implementing standards relating to air and water quality, among others. As such, the agency has emerged at the frontlines of Washington's attempts to push through stricter climate-related regulations while circumventing the U.S. Congress, which remains fractious and politicised over the reality of human responsibility for global warming.

Drought

Drought To Trim India's 2013-14 Sugar Output Below Consumption

India's sugar production for the 2013-14 season is set to fall below consumption for the first time in four years.

U.S. Drought

While it's hard to predict if the drought will continue this year, one expert says the probability is very high that U.S. grain production in 2013 will be below normal.

Many U.S. ethanol plants have halted production over the past year, mostly because the drought has made it difficult to get locally produced corn. Most plan to restart, but it may not be until the 2013 corn crop is harvested.

Crop-friendly snowfall and some showers were moving across the U.S. Southwest Plains on Tuesday which will help but not eliminate the harmful impact on wheat production from the worst drought in over 50 years.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): Ash emissions to 7,000 ft (2.1 km) altitude and a strong SO2 plume have been observed the past few days, suggesting the volcano is in a phase of increased activity.

Langila (New Britain, Papua New Guinea): Increased SO2 emissions are visible on satellite images today.

Batu Tara (Sunda Islands, Indonesia): Ash emissions to 7,000 ft (2.1 km) altitude have been reported by Darwin VAAC.

Paluweh (off Flores Island, Indonesia): New ash emissions caused by partial dome collapse and/or explosions at the lava dome were observed by VAAC Darwin. The reported ash plume altitudes were 7,000 ft (2.1 km).

Disease

New Sars-Like Virus Infects British Patient

A new virus from the same family as SARS that sparked a global alert last September has been found in another patient in Britain, health officials said on Monday.

The latest case of infection with the new virus known as a coronavirus brings the total number confirmed globally to 10, of whom five have died.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the latest infection was "a sporadic case" and did not alter the WHO's risk assessment. It added, however, that the new case "does indicate that the virus is persistent".

The British patient, who recently had travelled to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, is receiving intensive care treatment in hospital in the city of Manchester, northern England.

The new virus, which the WHO refers to as novel coronavirus or NCoV, shares some of the symptoms of SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - a coronavirus which emerged in China in 2002 and killed about a tenth of the 8,000 people it infected worldwide.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Gino forms in the southern Indian Ocean approximately 650 nm southeast of Diego Garcia.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

6.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the southern Indian Ocean.

5.3 Earthquake hits offshore Valparaiso, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits offshore Valparaiso, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Disease

Bird Flu in China

Two people in southwest China have tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus and are critically ill.

The pair did not have contact with fowls before they fell ill. In most cases, victims had direct contact with infected birds, mostly chickens. The virus is especially abundant in the faeces and respiratory secretions of affected birds.

The H5N1 virus mainly affects birds, but occasionally jumps to people. Experts fear it may mutate into a form that could spread easily among humans who have no natural immunity against it.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): Activity remains elevated. Explosion signals are strong and there are small lava overflows from the NE crater.

El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain): The number of earthquakes continues to be a bit above background with 1-6 small daily events.

Kliuchevskoi (Kamchatka): KVERT reports weak seismic activity. No hot spot is visible on MODIS satellite data. If any, strombolian activity from the summit crater is currently low.

Kizimen (Kamchatka): New lava flows continue to extruding from the summit on the eastern and southern flanks of the volcano. Seismicity is moderate (KVERT).

Karymsky (Kamchatka): KVERT reports weak seismic activity at the volcano.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka): A viscous lava flow continues to effuse on the eastern flank of the lava dome, strong and moderate fumarolic activity and incandescence of the dome summit and hot avalanches accompanies this process. Satellite data showed a thermal anomaly over the lava dome. (KVERT) Seismic activity has increased to moderate levels.

Tolbachik (Kamchatka): Lava effusion from the southern fissure continues with little changes, tremor has remained at stable moderate levels.

Ambrym (Vanuatu): A strong SO2 plume from the volcano is visible today again, confirming lots of fresh magma continuous to arrive in the craters.

Colima (Western Mexico): Rockfalls and occasional small volcanic quakes are visible on the seismic signals, probably accompanied by small steam explosions.

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): The rate of gas/steam emissions remains low at about 1 event per hour and glow is visible at night. A M3.3 earthquake at shallow 10 km depth occurred yesterday beneath the NE flank of the volcano.

Storms and Floods

Tornadoes Hit Southern USA

A swarm of tornadoes tore through several counties in southern Mississippi and Alabama on Sunday, injuring at least 10 people and ripping apart hundreds of homes and other buildings, including parts of the University of Southern Mississippi. The American Red Cross center in Hattiesburg, Miss., is completely destroyed.

Tropical Cyclone Haley was located approximately 500 nm south-southeast of Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

7.0 Earthquake hits Colombia. At least eight people were injured and more than 140 buildings were damaged.

6.6 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.5 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits offshore Sucre, Venezuela.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

Hot Saturday sparks fresh Victoria fires. Victorian firefighters have been kept busy battling two major fires in the state's east, whilst also tackling a flurry of blazes closer to Melbourne.

Western Australia's Health Department has issued a heat wave warning for Perth and warned people to remain indoors and hydrated.

Disease

Listeria - Victoria, Australia.

Three people have died in a listeria outbreak in Victoria linked to cheese from a particular factory. 26 cases, including one miscarriage have been reported.

Food poisoning from listeria can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, older people and people with immunosuppressed systems.

Storms and Floods

U.S. Northeast Blizzard

The U.S. Northeast started digging itself out of a blizzard that dumped up to 40 inches of snow with hurricane force winds, killing at least nine people and leaving about half a million customers without power.

Airports slowly cranked back to life on Sunday, rare travel bans in Connecticut and Massachusetts were lifted, but roads throughout the region remained treacherous.

As the region recovered, another large winter storm building across the Northern Plains was expected to leave a foot of snow and bring high winds from Colorado to central Minnesota into Monday according to the National Weather Service said.

Tropical Storm Haley was located approximately 325 nm south-southwest of Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia.

Peru, Chile and Bolivia Hit by Floods After Heavy Rain.

Torrential rain has been causing havoc along the Pacific coast side of South America, with flooding causing the deaths of at least six people in Peru.

In the southern city of Arequipa, thousands of people were left without electricity and drinking water.

In Chile, some four million people were hit by cuts to water supply blamed on landslides in San Jose de Maipo, 30 miles (48 km) south east of Santiago.

The landslides contaminated two rivers supplying the capital's water plants.

Torrential rain has also fallen over most regions in neighbouring Bolivia.

Authorities throughout the region complain that the magnitude of the floods is unprecedented.

High Tides

High tides and a storm surge have flooded coastal areas along the North American east coast from Nova Scotia to Hull, Sandwich and Nantucket.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

Extraordinary seismic activity continues unabated at the Santa Cruz Islands!

7.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

7.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

6.7 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.7 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.6 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.9 Earthquake hits the Bougainville Islands region.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits New Britain, papua New Guinea.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): (7 Feb) Tremor has remained at generally low to medium levels, while explosion signals have gained strength recently.

Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): (8 Feb) An eruption last night produced an ash plume rising to 7,000 ft (2.1 km) altitude last night.

Batu Tara (Sunda Islands, Indonesia): (8 Feb) A relatively large explosion this morning has produced an ash plume detected at 12,000 ft (3.7 km) altitude extending 40 nautical miles to the northwest. (VAAC Darwin)

Paluweh (off Flores Island, Indonesia): (8 Feb) Activity at the lava dome continues. Darwin VAAC reported ash plumes at altitudes of 12,000 and 7,000 ft (2.1 and 3.7 km) altitude last night and this morning. Most likely, the ash plumes are the result of more (but smaller compared to Sunday's) collapses of the dome have and / or explosions from the dome itself.

Aoba (Vanuatu): (8 Feb) Vanuatu's Geohazards agency indicated that minor phreatic activity has been occurring at Lombenben volcano on Aoba (Ambae) island. Scientists detected a patch of mud at the tuff cone built during the eruption of 2005. The entire surface of Lake Vui showed increased evaporation and inhabitants of a nearby village have noticed abnormal activity since December 2012. Satellite measurements showed increased SO2 emission rates between 18 and 25 January. Geohazard maintains the Volcanic Alert Level of Aoba at Level 1. The area of risk remains near the Manaro Voui crater.

Tinakula (Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands): (8 Feb) After the magnitude 8 earthquake on February 6. Villagers on nearby islands have been reporting increased activity at Tinakula volcano, Santa Cruz islands (which was near the episcentre of the EQ). Reports say that people have heard "loud and strange sounds" from the volcano. The current nature of the activity is unknown but reports say that activity is becoming "abnormal".

Storms and Floods

Santa Cruz Tsunami Damage

As the remote Island group continues to be hit be aftershocks from the magnitude 8 earthquake on 6 February, rescue teams struggled to reach remote villages in the Solomon Islands. The tsunami flooded the nearest airstrip and left it littered with debris, preventing relief workers from reaching the region by air.

The dozens of strong aftershocks are keeping frightened residents from returning to the coast and going back to their homes because there's nothing left, so they are residing in temporary shelters on higher ground.

Tsunami damage in Temotu province of the Solomon Islands.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes - Global

7.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

6.7 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

4.8 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits New Guinea, papua New Guinea.

Environment

Global Hottest and Coldest Temperatures

The week's hottest temperature was 115.3 degrees Fahrenheit (46.3 degrees Celsius) at Mardie, Western Australia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 68.3 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 55.8 degrees Celsius) at Russia's Siberian outpost of Oiymakon.

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.

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U.S. Greenhouse Emissions Drop to 20-Year Low

Carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. fell to their lowest levels since 1994 last year, with greenhouse gas emissions from the country’s power plants seeing a 4.6 percent drop for 2012 alone.

Overall CO2 emissions fell by 13 percent over the past five years as new energy-saving technologies were adopted, including a switch from coal to wind, solar and cleaner-burning natural gas.

Geothermal and hydroelectric sources also helped reduce air pollution.

But America got 31 percent of its energy from natural gas, which came about due to an explosive use of fracking.

America’s improvement in greenhouse gas emissions is offset by the burst in air pollution being generated in developing countries such as China.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Cleveland (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): After finding evidence of a new lava dome growing in the summit crater, AVO raised the alert level of Cleveland back to orange. The decision was based on satellite obtained on 30 Jan that indicate that a lava dome has grown in the summit crater. As of January 30 the dome was about 100 m in diameter and may have begun forming as early as January 24 when elevated surface temperatures were observed in satellite images. The size and shape of the dome appears to be unchanged through February 2 according to the most recently available satellite data. AVO has received no reports of activity or ash emissions since elevated surface temperatures were first observed around the 24th of January.

Campi Flegrei (Phlegrean Fields) (Italy): (6 Feb) A new fumarole vent has been detected recently in the Campi Flegrei in the hydrothermal field of Pisciarelli. The new vent was seen ejecting hot gas as well as geyser-like fountains of water reaching 4-5 meters of height. This will inevitably trigger headlines in the press about the possibility of a volcanic eruption in the area. Not much new activity has occurred in the world of volcanoes today.

Rabaul (Tavurvur) (New Britain, Papua New Guinea): Small to medium-sized ash eruptions from Tavurvur continue. VAAC Darwin detected ash plumes this morning rising to 8,000 ft (2.5 km) altitude and maintains aviation alert code orange.

Paluweh (off Flores Island, Indonesia): (6 Feb) It seems that activity has decreased since the large explosion on Sunday. It also appears likely that it had been triggered by a partial dome collapse followed by an explosion and more dome collapse events could follow.

Dukono (Halmahera): (6 Feb) Increased activity has generated a SO2 plume visible on today's NOAA satellite data.

Colima (Western Mexico): (6 Feb) Small explosion and rockfall signals have become more frequent over the past days.

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Gas emissions (SO2) remain high, while the rate of emissions has decreased again to less than 1 per hour.

Activity of the Guatemalan volcanoes Fuego and Santiaguito has been becoming increasingly explosive in favor of effusive. Both have mild strombolian explosions and weakly alimented lava flows.

San Cristobal (Nicaragua): Surface activity and tremor remain low, but there has been an increase in small volcanic quakes.

In Colombia, Machin continues to show seismic activity above background, mainly in the form of frequent tiny volcanic earthquakes. Nevado del Ruiz produces a steam and gas plume sometimes mixed with some ash. Seismic activity has been low.

Kamchatka: Lava flow emission remains unchanged at the ongoing eruption of Tolbachik volcano. Moderate seismicity accompanies the lava dome building at Sheveluch and Kizimen. Seismicity remained low at Karymski and Klyuchevskoi volcano, although small explosions probably continue at both volcanoes. The strong seismicity from Tolbachik still makes it impossible to read the signals from Bezymianny, which also has been active and building a lava dome for years. Gorely has medium levels of tremor that relate to fluid movements and strong degassing.

Wildfires

Wildfire - China

Around 1800 firefighters are struggling to control the forest fire in Dali city in Yunnan province of China.

Wildfires - Tasmania

Tasmanian bushfire crews are bracing for worsening conditions as they battle three large wildfires in the south of the Australian state. Evacuations have been ordered.