Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.4 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Azores.
5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Brazil – The flood situation in the state of Bahia, northern Brazil, has worsened over the last few days with an increase in the number of fatalities. Meanwhile authorities in the neighbouring state of Minas Gerais report flooding and heavy rain has affected at least 13 municipalities in the last week. Further information provided by local municipalities in the state of Bahia, northern Brazil, shows that 24 people have lost their lives in the ongoing floods, an increase of 4 from number reported previously. Authorities say 141 municipalities in total have now been affected (an increase from 116) with 132 declaring a state of emergency. The state government reported on 29 December that 629,398 people have now been affected, with 91,258 displaced. Over 430 people have suffered injuries.
Turkey – Heavy rain in northwestern Turkey caused flooding in the provinces of Erdine and Kırklareli on 29 December 2021, prompting rescues and evacuations. Areas further south have seen heavy rainfall including Muğla in Marmaris, which recorded 170.5 mm of rain in 24 hours to 30 December 2021.
Unimaginable diversity of life discovered beneath Antarctic ice shelf
Deep beneath Antarctica’s ice shelves, researchers have discovered dozens of life-forms thriving on a tiny patch of the seafloor —— an unprecedented level of species diversity for an environment that has never seen sunlight.
Far below Antarctic ice, shielded from the energizing rays of the sun, life can exist, but it was thought to be rare. As most ecosystems are built on a foundation of photosynthetic organisms like plants or algae, such dark realms shouldn’t have enough food to support a wide variety of life.
But when Gerhard Kuhn and Raphael Gromig of the Alfred Wegener Institute used boiling hot water to bore through 656 feet (200 meters) of ice on the Ekström Ice Shelf, they were surprised by what they were able to scoop from the seafloor another 328 (100 m) down.
Barnes identified 77 different species, far more than he should have reasonably found. This one sample was even richer with species than he would have expected from a survey of the open shelf. Many of the species identified were bryozoans, or stationary filter feeders that often look like a brain or moss, such as Melicerita obliqua and tube-feeding worms such as Paralaeospira sicula, among others.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 54.4 degrees Celsius (130 degrees F) at Death Valley, California.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 78.9 degrees Celsius (-110 degrees F) 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 – Colorado, USA
Fast-moving wildfires in Colorado swept through suburban areas near Denver on Thursday, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in Boulder County and burning at least 580 homes, a shopping complex and a hotel, the authorities said.
The wildfires came unusually late in the year for Colorado, where severe drought conditions in recent months have set the stage for such blazes to easily spread.
The fires started on Thursday morning, officials said, and more than 1,600 acres had burned by the evening. The specific cause was unclear as of early Friday morning. Though a number of small blazes burned through Boulder County, some converged into two larger ones that state authorities named the Marshall and Middle Fork fires.
Record Smoke
Huge clouds of smoke from wildfires that again blackened parts of Siberia this year blew northward 1,800 miles, reaching the North Pole for the first time in recorded history. Forestry officials say more than 35 million acres burned over the summer, making it the second-worst fire season this century. Some of the uncontrolled blazes raged on top of permafrost in Russia’s largest and typically coldest region.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 22 December – 28 December 2021
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 20-27 December. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 600 tons per day on 20 December. Two eruptive events during 20-24 December produced plumes that rose 1.1 km above the crater rim. Very small eruptive events were detected during 24-27 December.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 21-28 December with advancing lava flows on the N, W, and S flanks. Very low seismicity persisted. Elevated surface temperatures at the summit were detected overnight during 21-24 and 26-27 December; weather clouds prevented observations during 25-26 December.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 16-21 December.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava effusion intermittently continued at a vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater during 21-28 December. Effusion paused for a period during 21-22, and sulfur dioxide emissions were 130 tonnes per day during the pause. Strong volcanic tremor began to be recorded at 1930 on 22 December and by 2000 lava again effused from the vent into the rejuvenated a portion of the lake. The lake overflowed and fed substantial lava flows that traveled SE over older crusted parts of the lake all day on 23 December until around midnight. Lava oozed out along the E margins of the lake during 24-25 December, including onto the lowermost down-dropped block from the 2018 caldera collapse, indicating a continuing supply of lava beneath the lake’s crust. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was about 5,300 tonnes per day on 24 December, much higher than during the pause. The surface of the lava lake had begun crusting over on 25 December and by 26 December lava had again ceased erupting from the vent. An area of the lake, 50 m in diameter, to the N of the vent remained molten on 27 December. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 125 tonnes per day during the pause. Lava again erupted from the vent later that day, beginning at 1930. The lake was incandescent around the vent and lava overflowed the margins, feeding substantial lava flows to the N and S.
Laguna del Maule – Central Chile-Argentina border : SERNAGEOMIN reported that inflation at Laguna del Maule continued in an area SW of the lake during 1-15 December, though deformation had been decreasing since October with a with a maximum rate of 1.88 centimeters per month. Deformation rates during November and December were comparable to those recorded prior to 2019. The number of volcano-tectonic events had also decreased; the largest event was a M 2.3 located 4.1 km ESE from the center of the lake at a depth of 6.1 km.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 21-25 December. White-and-gray ash plumes that were sometimes dense rose as high as 600 m above the summit. Incandescent material was ejected from the vent up to 300 m in multiple directions. Rumbling, roaring, and booming were often heard.
Manam – Papua New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that a large thermal anomaly over Manam was identified in satellite images during 21-22 December. A discrete ash plume rose to 3.4 km (11,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE on 21 December. Ash plumes may have risen to 10.7 km (35,000 ft) a.s.l. during 0137-0300 on 22 December, though weather clouds and heavy rain obscured satellite views; the plumes were unconfirmed by ground observers. At 1200 on 22 December an ash plume rose to 4.9 km (16,000 ft) a.s.l., drifted E, and dissipated within four hours.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported no notable morphological changes to Merapi’s summit lava dome, though the dome just below the SW rim had increased about 2 m in height during 17-23 December. The estimated dome volumes were over 1.65 million cubic meters for the SW dome and just over 3 million cubic meters for the summit dome. The intensity of the seismic signals remained at high levels. As many as 112 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km SW down the Bebeng drainage, and four pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum of 2.5 km SW.
Pavlof – United States : AVO reported that seismicity at Pavlof was elevated during 22-28 December and was mainly characterized by periods of sustained tremor and discrete low-frequency events. Numerous small explosions were recorded almost daily, and strongly elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images, consistent with lava effusion.
Reventador – Ecuador : IG reported that a high level of activity continued at Reventador during 21-28 December. Gas-and-ash plumes, often observed multiple times a day with the webcam or reported by the Washington VAAC, rose as high as 1.2 km above the summit crater and drifted mainly NW, W, and SW. Crater incandescence was visible nightly, and lava flows were active on the NE and N flanks. Explosions, crater incandescence, and incandescent blocks rolling 500 m down the N and NE flanks were observed at night during 27-28 November.
Rincon de la Vieja – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 1015 on 25 December a small eruption at Rincón de la Vieja was recorded for about four minutes but not visually observed due to weather clouds. Rains after the event and continuing early on 26 December washed the acidic sediment deposited from the volcano downstream in the Pénjamo, Azul, and Azufrada drainages, into the aquatic ecosystem. Phreatic events were recorded at 1402 and 1630 on 28 December though weather conditions prevented visual confirmation.
Sangay – Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 21-28 December. Seismicity was characterized by daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions. Weather clouds and rain sometimes prevented visual and webcam observations of the volcano, though almost daily ash-and-gas plumes were identified in satellite images by the Washington VAAC or in webcam views; plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the volcano and drifted SE, S, SW, and W. Multiple (33-73 per day) daily thermal anomalies over the volcano were visible in satellite data. On 25 December volcano observers near Macas reported hearing noises coming from Sangay, possibly due to favorable weather conditions, though the intensity of explosions had slightly increased. Crater incandescence and an active lava flow on the SE flank were visible at night during 27-28 November.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity and elevated seismicity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 22-28 December. Small explosions were detected almost daily in seismic and infrasound data. Low-level ash-and-steam emissions were observed by webcams and in satellite images during 22-25 December, when weather conditions were clear.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 17-24 December. At 1210 local time on 23 December explosions produced ash plumes that rose to 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 70 km NE.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that crater incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly during 20-27 December. The number of explosions totaled 143 during 22-24 December. Plumes rose as high as 3.1 km above the crater rim and bombs were ejected 700 m from the crater. Explosive activity increased during 24-27 December with explosions totaling 361. Plumes rose as high as 1.5 km and bombs were ejected 800 m form the vent.
Turrialba – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that an area of incandescence on the NW inner wall of Turrialba’s West Crater had been periodically visible at least since mid-November, and was visible during 26-27 December, suggesting that fumarolic temperatures exceeded 300 degrees Celsius. At 0644 on 28 December a one-minute-long eruption produced an ash emission that rose 50 m above the crater rim and drifted W. Another small eruption that produced ash emissions was recorded at 1105 by the seismicity and infrasound networks. The event was heard by authorities in the Parque Nacional Volcán Turrialba.
Yasur – Vanuatu : The Wellington VAAC reported that during 27-28 December ash emissions from Yasur were visible in webcam images rising above the crater rim, to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes containing ash were not visible in satellite images, though they were also confirmed by Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.2 earthquake hits Kepuluan Barat Daya, Indonesia.
5.9 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits Crete.
5.6 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.2 earthquake hits Kepuluan Barat Daya, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepuluan Barat Daya, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Wildfires – Argentina, Chile
A large fire, that has been ravaging Argentina’s Patagonia region for several weeks, has intensified in recent days.
Fires remain active within a radius of about 500 kilometers (311 miles) in the region, one of the most important areas being the tourist destination of Bariloche, around a local lake in the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
The fire is rampant around the Lago Martin and Steffen areas and although access to the parks is closed, it is severely affecting the population of that area, mostly locals who live near the mountains, in the border area with Chile.
Wildfires continue to ravage parts of Chile. The agriculture minister has now declared an emergency in the region which lies to the south of the Santiago region.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 22 December – 28 December 2021
Ambae – Vanuatu : The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) raised the Alert Level for Ambae to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) on 27 December, noting confirmation of a cone that has built up in Lake Voui and increasing activity. A vent in the lake had been emitting steam-and-gas emissions and ejecting wet tephra above the lake’s surface since 5 December.
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai – Tonga Islands : The eruption at Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai that began on 20 December continued through 28 December. According to the Wellington VAAC continuous gas-and-steam plumes with diffuse ash rose 6.1-12.2 km (20,000-40,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and NNE during 22-23 December, based on pilot observations, satellite images, information from the Tonga Meteorological Office, and weather models. On 22 December Tonga Navy crew sailing near the island recorded Surtseyan explosions ejecting tephra 350 m high. The video confirmed that the vent was in the same area as the 2014 activity. According to a news article plumes of sulfur dioxide spread NNE over the Ha’apai, Vava’u, and Niuatoutapu island groups with the highest concentrations affecting the ‘Otumu‘omu‘a islands on 23 December. Plumes became intermittent by 24 December rising to 10.4 km (34,000 ft) a.s.l. and occasionally as high as 12.2 km. Tonga Geological Services warned the public to stay outside of a 5 km radius of the vents. According to Tonga’s Lead Geologist, satellite images from 25 December showed that the island had grown 300-600 m on the E side, and ash was falling within a 10 km radius. During 25-28 December the gas-and-steam plume rose 9.1-12.2 km (30,000-40,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and NE; the lower part of the plume contained ash and rose as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was confined to the vicinity of the volcano. Tonga Geological Services reported that during 27-28 December clouds of gas and steam drifted E across the ‘Otu Mu’omu’a Islands of Ha’apai at altitudes of 1-18 km (3,300-59,000 ft) a.s.l.; they warned residents to protect water reservoirs because rain may be acidic or contain traces of ash, though the plumes were predominantly drifting at high levels. One flight to Tonga was canceled on 28 December, for the second time since the eruption started.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Iceland : Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the earthquake swarm at the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system was ongoing at least through 26 December. The swarm began at 1800 on 21 December in an area 2-4 km NE of Geldingadalir. Around 3,000 daily earthquakes recorded by the seismic network were mostly located near Fagradalsfjall volcano at depths of 5-8 km, though some were located near the town of Grindavík and lake Kleifarvatn. The swarm was episodic with periods of intense activity. Three earthquakes over M 4 were recorded near Grindavík on 24 December; the largest was a M 4.8. Deformation during 20-26 December was clear in InSAR data, and similar to the deformation observed at the end of February as the dike intrusion was starting near Fagradalsfjall. The seismicity and deformation indicated that magma was moving at depth, likely along the same dyke system that fed the previous eruption at Geldingadalir.
Piton de la Fournaise – Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that an eruption at Piton de la Fournaise began at 0105 on 22 December on the S flank, SE of Piton Kala Pélé and SW of Château Fort. Four fissures opened and produced lava fountains, with the lowest point of the eruption at an elevation of 2,000 m. By the evening, the eruption was focused at 2,030 m elevation where a cone was forming around the vent. The lava effusion rate based on satellite data was an estimated 4-7 meters per second, with peak rates of 22 meters per second, during 22-23 December. By 0930 on 23 December the cone was 10 m high and low lava fountains intermittently rose above the crater rim. Lava flowed from an opening at the base of the cone, though a lava tube was beginning to form; lava had descended 2.2 km SSE from the main vent. During 24-25 December lava traveled from the base of the cone hundreds of meters through a tube before it emerged and advanced in a single channel; the front of the flow had advanced slowly, only traveling an additional 300 m by 25 December. During 25-26 December the lava tube broke open and lava was again visible emerging from the base of the cone. The flow rate was between 2 and 27 meters per second, averaging 5 meters per second. A second vent at the base of the cone was visible in the morning of 27 December and lava was again flowing through a tube and then emerging downstream. Lava fountaining continued with material occasionally ejected less than 15 m above the cone during 27-28 December. The effusion rate was an estimated 2-8 meters per second, based on satellite data. The end of the lava flow had not notably advanced since the day before.
Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 21-28 December. Crater incandescence was visible overnight during 22-23 December and four block avalanches traveled 800 m down the Kobokan drainage on the SE flank. Two pyroclastic flows descended the Kobokan drainage a maximum distance of 5 km. Dense gray plumes rose 500 m above the summit during 23-24 December and three avalanches of material traveled 500 m down the SE flank. At 1706 on 25 December and at 0902 on 28 December ash plumes rose 300 m above the summit and drifted SW and N, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 500 m away from Kobokan drainages within 17 km of the summit, and other drainages originating on Semeru including the Bang, Kembar, and Sat, due to lahar, avalanche, and pyroclastic flow hazards.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits Crete.
5.6 earthquake hits the Near Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands off India.
5.0 earthquake hits the Near Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Thousands of cranes killed by bird flu – Israel
An outbreak of avian flu has killed more than 5,000 migratory cranes in Israel, prompting authorities to declare a popular nature reserve off-limits to visitors and warn of a possible egg shortage as poultry birds are culled as a precaution. In addition to the 5200 dead, another 10000 are believed to be infected.
“This is the worst blow to wildlife in the country’s history,” Environment Minister Tamar Zandberg tweeted as rangers in hazardous material suits collected carcasses of the cranes from the lake at the Hula Nature Reserve and outlying marshes. Hundreds of thousands of chickens had been culled, she said.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Chagas Disease – Colombia
The Colombian National Army confirmed that the disease that affected several soldiers who provided security at the Jagua de Ibirico military base in Cesar had Chagas disease. As a result of this pathology, two soldiers died in recent days and seven more remain hospitalized, some of them in intensive care units.
Leptospirosis – Colombia
An alert was issued in the department of Antioquia, Colombia due to the increase in cases of leptospirosis, a disease transmitted by rodents to humans and that, if not caught early, it can be fatal. In the capital city of Medellín, some areas have seen large accumulations of waste. To date, the municipalities of most concern are Medellín, with 70 confirmed cases, Apartadó (54 cases), Turbo (29 cases) and Puerto Berrío (18 cases).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits northwestern Kashmir.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Wildfires – Bark Beetles Kill More Pines
In California’s Sierra Nevada, western pine beetle infestations amped up by global warming were found to kill 30% more ponderosa pine trees than the beetles do under drought alone. New research shows that warming shortens the time between beetle generations, supercharging beetle population growth. That can then spur catastrophic mortality in forest systems during drought in the Sierra Nevada and throughout the Western United States.
Wildfires – Australia
Two bushfires that burnt through hundreds of hectares and destroyed one home in searing temperatures in Western Australia have been contained. The Chidlow fire is “contained, under control, and stationary” after razing about 165 hectares, however, the burning embers remain concerning. The Margaret River fire is also contained, however, it remains out-of-control within the containment lines. It is moving in a southwesterly direction with about 100 firefighters and a large air tanker at the scene.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.7 earthquake hits the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
5.5 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.2 earthquake hits southern Iran.
5.1 earthquake hits the Volcano islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Brazil – Two dams broke Sunday in northeastern Brazil, threatening worse flooding in a rain-drenched region that has already seen thousands forced to flee their homes. The city governments of Jussiape and Itambe posted warnings on social media urging people to seek safety. “A dam with a high volume of water has broken and a strong flash flood is expected to affect the municipality of Itambe in a few moments. All residents should evacuate from the banks of the river Verruga urgently,” said the city message posted on Instagram. The Bahia state government’s press office said heavy rains have caused floods that have killed 18 people and affected at least 50 cities since early November. It said more than 16.000 people are homeless, 19,500 displaced and two people missing as a result of the flooding.
Dead giraffes in Kenya show effects of a year-long drought
A photo of six dead giraffes in Kenya highlights the devastating impact of a prolonged, harsh drought.
The images show six dead giraffes, their emaciated bodies intertwined, at the Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy in Northeastern Kenya. Thet died due to malnutrition caused by a lack of vegetative growth and water due to the drought.
According to the photographer, photojournalist Ed Ram, the giraffes were trying to reach a nearby reservoir desperate for water — but it had dried up.
The drought since December 2020, has killed off crops, wild animals, and livestock. An estimated 2.4 million Kenyans are unable to access food as a result.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Lassa fever – Nigeria
Ten additional confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported during the week ending December 19, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This brings the total confirmed cases in 2021 to 454 with two weeks remaining.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.8 earthquake hits the southwestern Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.3 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.1 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Ireland – Wexford County Council said late on Saturday night that people should stay off the roads and only travel “unless absolutely essential” as parts of the county were hit by flash flooding. Bridgetown experienced the “worst flooding since 1959” on Saturday, prompting a significant response from multiple emergency service agencies.
Unrelenting Heat
Simultaneous heat waves are now seen seven times more frequently in summer around the Northern Hemisphere than in the 1980s.
Washington State University scientists found that concurrent heat waves the size of some medium-size countries also grew hotter and larger during the period. The team said the heat waves occurred on almost all of the 153 warm days from May through September somewhere in the middle and high latitudes. “More than one heat wave occurring at the same time often has worse societal impacts than a single event,” said Cassandra Rogers.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the China-Laos border.
5.3 earthquake hits the South Indian Ocean.
5.3 earthquake hits the Gulf go Aden.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Climate change in Lapland: Reindeer herders struggle
With the Arctic warming three times faster than the rest of the planet, reindeer herders in Finnish Lapland are already seeing the effects of climate change.
Tens of kilometres into the Arctic Circle, reindeer herder Anne Ollila ventures into -25C temperatures to feed her herd. This is an increasingly important task as the animals have difficulty getting enough food for themselves.
A 20-year study of reindeer on Norway’s Svalbard archipelago by the James Hutton Institute revealed in 2016 that reindeer had already got smaller and lighter. And researchers believe climate change is to blame.
Warmer winters mean more rain. When rain falls on snow, it freezes, locking reindeer’s food – such as lichen – beneath the ice. That means the animals are unable to smell or dig for it. As a result, researchers believe the reindeer starve, abort their calves, or give birth to much lighter young.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands off India.
5.0 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Malaysia – The death toll in Malaysia floods has risen to at least 37. Triggered by days of heavy rain, the floods have also displaced nearly 70,000 people. Meanwhile, in Pahang state, several towns remain cut off.
Defdorestation Heat
Workers in the tropics have increasingly been exposed over the past 15 years to heat that makes their outdoor labours unhealthful and even hazardous. Scientists say this is due to a combination of deforestation and climate change.
But Luke Parsons of Duke University found that the most challenging conditions for outdoor workers are occurring in areas where forests have been felled. “The trees in the tropics seem to limit the maximum temperatures that the air can reach. Once we cut those trees down, we lose that cooling service from the trees, and it can get really, really hot,” Parsons says. He adds that the increased heat and humidity in deforested areas increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including deadly heat stroke.
Arctic Beavers
Beavers are slowly migrating farther north into the Arctic due to the warming climate, producing what a new U.S. government report says is a “significant impact” on the landscape.
NOAA’s Arctic Report Card 2021 says western Alaska has seen a doubling of its beaver population to more than 12,000 during the past 20 years, compared to none between 1949 and 1955. Their dams are increasing surface water and adding to the rate of permafrost melt, which in turn releases the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide. The ponds are also said to be helping new fish and invertebrate species move in.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 45.5 degrees Celsius (114 degrees F) at Jervois, South Australia.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 55.0 degrees Celsius (-67 degrees F) at Oimyakon, Siberia.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 15 December – 21 December 2021
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that very small eruptive events at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were detected during 13-20 December. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was slightly high at 1,200 tons per day on 13 December. Crater incandescence was visible at night during 13-17 December.
Fuego – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 3-13 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 14-21 December, generating ash plumes as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and periodic shock waves that were felt in communities around the volcano. Ash plumes drifted as far as 40 km NW, W, SW, and SE; ashfall was reported in areas downwind, including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), finca Palo Verde, Santa Sofía (12 km SW), and Yucales (12 km SW) during 16-18 and 20-21 December. Block avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), and Las Lajas (SE) drainages, often reaching vegetated areas. Explosions ejected incandescent material up to 100-300 m above the summit during 14-15 and 17-19 December. Winds lifted “curtains” of ash around the volcano during 18-19 December, and crater incandescence was visible overnight during 20-21 December.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin likely continued during 15-19 December and very low seismicity persisted. A radar image acquired during 14-15 December showed a growing flow field with lava lobes advancing down the N, W, and S flanks. Elevated surface temperatures at the summit were detected overnight during 15-16 and 18-19 December.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 11, 13, and 15-16 December.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava effusion continued at a vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater during 14-20 December. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was about 1,400 tonnes per day on 16 December. By 19 December the lake had risen a total of 69 m since the beginning of the eruption. A series of partial overturns of the lake was visible on 20 December, though by the next morning there was no lava effusion from the vent and the lake had crusted over.
La Palma – Spain : Observations at La Palma on 15 December showed no lava flowing from vents at the W base of the main cone, from tubes, or at the lava delta in the Las Hoyas area. During 15-20 December tremor levels were at background levels and seismicity was very low at all depths. Sporadic gas emissions rose from the vents and from cooling lava flows. Small collapses from the walls of the main and secondary cone craters were visible through the week. Sulfur dioxide levels varied between extremely low and medium values (less than 5 to 999 tons per day) consistent with a cooling and degassing lava flow field. Even though air quality levels had improved overall, a few measurements of diffuse carbon dioxide emissions showed levels around 9 times average background. Authorities warned the public to exercise caution in areas surrounding the flow field due to volcanic gases in the area and noted that lava flows, although cooling, remained at high temperatures.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 14-21 December. White, gray, and black ash plumes that were sometimes dense rose as high as 1 km above the summit. Incandescent material was ejected from the vent up to 300 m often to the E and SE, but sometimes in all directions. Rumbling and booming sounds were often heard.
Manam – Papua New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that a thermal anomaly over Manam was identified in satellite images on 15 December, prior to an ash emission that rose to 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. An ash plume rising to the same altitude was visible in satellite images on 16 December but had dissipated by mid-morning. Later that day diffuse ash plumes rising to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. were visible in satellite images and reported by ground observers, according to RVO. An eruptive event was recorded by the seismic network at 0600 on 17 December; ground observations indicated that an ash plume likely rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. At 0840 ash emissions identified in satellite images and by observers rose to 3 km, drifted SE, and dissipated within about five hours. At 0220 on 18 December an ash plume rose to 3 km, drifted SE, and again dissipated within about five hours; a thermal anomaly over the summit was visible in the satellite data. At 1600 on 21 December an ash plume rose to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l., drifted NE, and dissipated within about three hours. The thermal anomaly persisted.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported no significant morphological changes at Merapi’s lava domes, located just below the SW rim and in the summit crater, during 10-16 December. The estimated dome volumes were almost 1.63 million cubic meters for the SW dome and just over 3 million cubic meters for the summit dome. The intensity of the seismic signals remained at high levels. As many as 116 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km SW down the Bebeng drainage, and three pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum of 2.2 km SW. At 1643 on 18 December a pyroclastic flow advanced 2 km SW and produced an ash plume that rose 400 m.
Pavlof – United States : AVO reported seismicity at Pavlof was elevated during 14-21 December and was mainly characterized by periods of sustained tremor and discrete low-frequency events. Strongly elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images during 14-16 and 18-21 December, consistent with lava effusion. Numerous small explosions were recorded during 19-21 December.
Popocatepetl – Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 14-21 December there were 11-23 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl that drifted NW, NE, E, and SE.
Santa Maria – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that in recent months the dome in Caliente crater, the active part of Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex, has grown due to a higher rate of extrusion. Blocky lava descending the W flank of the dome produced block avalanches, though avalanches often descended the flanks in multiple directions. A larger number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes began to be recorded on 11 December simultaneously with increased surficial activity. The lava extrusion rate increased on 16 December at the WSW part of the dome, causing intense incandescence at the dome, an increase in block avalanches on the W, S, and E flanks, and higher gas emissions. On 17 December strong explosions produced ash plumes that rose as high has 2 km above the dome and drifted 30 km W. Strong explosions continued to be recorded though 19 December; explosions were weak during 20-21 December. Ash fell in areas downwind including San Marcos Palajunoj (8 km SW) and Loma Linda (6 km WSW) during 16-18 December. Strong incandescence and block avalanches on the W, SW, and S flanks continued through 21 December.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity and elevated seismicity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 15-21 December. Small daily explosions were detected in seismic and infrasound data. Low-level ash-and-steam emissions were observed daily by webcams and were occasionally identified in satellite images when weather conditions permitted. Elevated surface temperatures were also identified in satellite data during 15-17 and 19-20 December.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 10-17 December.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that crater incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly during 13-20 December. The number of explosions increased on 15 December; there were 152 explosions during 13-17 December. Eruption plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim and bombs were ejected 800 m from the vent. There were 288 explosions recorded during 17-20 December. Resulting plumes rose as high as 1.9 km above the crater rim and bombs were ejected as far as 800 m from the vent.
Yasur – Vanuatu : The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that activity at Yasur increased at around 2100 on 18 December. Thirty minutes later webcam images showed deposits of incandescent volcanic bombs that had been ejected from the crater and landed on the flanks. Ash-and-gas plumes were visible at 1015, 1430, and 1545 on 19 December drifting W.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits off the coast of Jalisco, Mexico.
5.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 15 December – 21 December 2021
Fagradalsfjall (Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland): (23 Dec) The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) detected an increasing trend of seismic activity began yesterday. 18 quakes at regular intervals of 1 to 10 per minute have been recorded located 2-4 km northeast of Geldingadalir followed by a significant rise of seismic energy at about 00:30 local time. 26 quakes during the past 24 hours were recorded with magnitudes of 3 or more. 1400 earthquakes have been detected in total over the last 24 hours, of which the largest quake with a maximum magnitude of 4.9 occurred at 09:23 local time and was widely felt on the SW corner.
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (Tonga, Tonga Islands): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Wellington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 40000 ft (12200 m) altitude or flight level 400 and is moving at 10 kts in NE direction. During the explosion a base surge was generated, a common feature of many phreatomagmatic (hydromagmatic) eruptions. Pyroclastic cloud consisting of ash and steam is formed in a ring around the base of the eruption column.
Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): (22 Dec) The effusive activity at the volcano continues. A fountaining continues at four fissure vents feeding the lava flows on the southern flanks. A vigorous lava spattering is seen from the lowest fissure opened at 2000 m altitude. The volcanic tremor decreased gradually from 04:30 local time after a sharp peak related to the onset of the eruption.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits southern Alaska.
5.7 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Izu islands off Japan.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the Molucca Sea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Monkeypox – DR Congo
In a follow-up on the monkeypox outbreak reported in Maniema, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports the outbreak that was declared by the Congolese authorities on 9 December 2021 in Tunda health district in Kibombo territory in Maniema province now has 196 cases and 24 deaths.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits offshore Northern California.
5.3 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits Salta, Argentina.
5.1 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Atlantic Ocean.
5.0 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 28w (Rai), located approximately 164 nm south-southwest of Hong Kong, is tracking northeastward at 11 knots. This is the final warning for this system.
Global warming melting Himalayan glaciers at an ‘exceptional’ rate
According to a new study, global warming is causing glaciers in the Himalayas to melt at an “exceptional rate.” The research was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
The glaciers are also melting there faster than any other region of the world, threatening the water supply of close to 2 billion people. Only Antartica and the Arctic have more ice than the Himalayas.
The study found the glaciers had lost as much as 40% of their area, much of it since the 1970s. The glaciers supply water to people who live in the mountains and in the valleys near rivers like the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra and many others.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Chikungunya – Brazil
According to the latest data published by the Pan American Health Organization , cases of chikungunya increased by 32% in Brazil in comparison between 2020 and 2021. Through November 27 of this year, 127,487 total cases of the disease caused by a virus and transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.8 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Laos.
5.3 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Rai), located approximately 275 nm south-southwest of Hong Kong, is tracking northeastward at 13 knots.
NewsBytes:
Philippines – The death toll from Typhoon Rai has surpassed 200 in the Philippines, with humanitarian workers reporting “complete carnage” in coastal areas where they said the storm had left homes, hospitals and schools “ripped to shreds”. Rai had displaced nearly 490 000 people in the Philippines before it moved toward the South China Sea over the weekend. It has also left widespread devastation in the provinces of Cebu, Leyte, and Surigao del Norte, including the popular Siargao surfing destination, and Dinagat Islands. Strong winds of of 195 km/h, with gusts of up to 270 km/h, caused catastrophic damage. 3,783 houses have suffered damaged and 171 have been completely destroyed, mostly in Western Visayas. Hundreds of cities or municipalities experienced power and communication outages. A total of 706,634 people have been affected across the regions.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.5 earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.5 earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.
5.4 earthquake hits southern Greece.
5.3 earthquake hits the Prince Edward Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.
5.1 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Mid-Indian ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Rai), located approximately 184 nm southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking northwestward at 11 knots.
NewsBytes:
Malaysia – Torrential rains in Malaysia have caused flooding that has driven more than 11,000 people from their homes, closed dozens of roads and disrupted shipping, authorities said on Saturday.
Wildfires – Kansas, USA
The Kansas Forest Service said Thursday that 11 large fires burned nearly 400,000 acres this week in the state which is entering its dry season while the extreme western part is impacted by drought. The agency reported that the largest fire, dubbed for now the “Four Counties Fire” which is in portions of four counties between Codell and Russell, burned approximately 365,000 acres.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Cholera – DR Congo
In total, 37 cases of cholera have been recorded since December 13, 2021 in the health zone of Uvira in South Kivu province. One death has been reported.
Lassa fever – Nigeria
On Dec. 8, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was notified of the death of two persons from Lassa fever. The first case was a pregnant woman who presented in a health facility in Nasarawa State and the other, a medical doctor involved in the treatment of the patient that later sought medical assistance.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits south of Panama.
5.2 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Rai), located approximately 476 nm southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 11 knots.
Undersea Light Pollution
A new survey of the world’s coastal waters has found that up to 730,000 square miles are being exposed to “biologically significant” levels of artificial light at night.
While many species are accustomed to the regular changes in light that occur naturally through the day, the researchers say light from coastal developments can scatter a long way out to sea, and its color temperatures are quite different from those of the stars, moon and sun. They say the intensity of the artificial light offshore is “alarming” in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and South China Sea. Previous studies found the light harms the ability of some species to use the moon and stars to find food, but the study says further research is needed.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits south of Panama.
5.2 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Rai), located approximately 278 nm south-southwest of Manilla, Philippines, is tracking westward at 12 knots.
Tropical depression 29w (Twenty-nine), located approximately 190 nm north-northwest of Singapore, is tracking westward at 10 knots.
NewsBytes:
Iraq – At least 8 people have died and more are feared missing after flash floods struck in the city of Erbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq, for the second time in 6 weeks. Authorities said heavy rain began to fall late on 16 December 2021, causing floods in the city of Erbil and surrounding areas of Erbil governorate early the following day. Cars, buses and trucks were swept along streets in a repeat of the flash floods that struck in Erbil in late October this year.
True ‘Millipede’ Discovered
Scientists have discovered the world’s first true millipede, a study said Thursday, describing a long, thin and segmented creature with a whopping 1,306 legs – more than any other animal ever.
The record-setting species was discovered 60 metres underground in a drill hole in a mining area in Western Australia and has been dubbed Eumillipes persephone. The string-like creature is less than a millimetre wide but nearly 10 centimetres long and has a cone-shaped head with enormous antennae and a beak for feeding.
Rodent Resistance
Efforts to entirely eradicate invasive mice from a remote South Atlantic island appear to have failed, causing the project’s leader to say he is “heartbroken.”
Gough Island is roughly midway between the southern tip of Africa and South America, and is home to one of the world’s largest seabird nesting colonies. Mice brought there by sailors in the 19th century have since eaten untold numbers of eggs and chicks. Early this year, scientists targeted the mice with poison. But footage from a remote camera recently revealed that at least one mouse had survived.
Plastic Pollution
Scientists say they have found evidence that microbes in the soil and sea are evolving to eat plastic.
Scientists at Sweden’s Chalmers University say the evolution is occurring most rapidly in places containing the most plastic pollution. The global proliferation of plastic over the past 70 years has given the microbes enough time to evolve and to produce enzymes to degrade different plastics. “Currently, very little is known about these plastic-degrading enzymes, and we did not expect to find such a large number of them across so many different microbes and environmental habitats,” said systems biologist Aleksej Zelezniak.
He added that further research could potentially create new, powerful microbial enzymes designed to eat specific types of plastic.
Climate change is fueling new violent conflict in Africa
Violent confrontations over increasingly scarce water in Africa have broken out in northern Cameroon, causing more than 30,000 people to flee into neighboring Chad, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency. Since Sunday, 22 people have been killed and 30 others seriously injured in fighting between fishermen and farmers, which follows an eruption of violence in August, which led to 45 deaths and forced 23,000 Cameroonians to leave their homes.
The root cause, according to the United Nations, is the dramatic decrease of water levels in Lake Chad, which has lost 90 percent of its surface area since 1963 due to overuse and climate change. The water body is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the population who need water to carry out their daily activities. The dwindling of water resources has led to fighting over what is left.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 45.0 degrees Celsius (113 degrees F) at Mardie, Western Australia.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 52.2 degrees Celsius (-62 degrees F) at Shologonsky, Siberia.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Wildfires – Brazil
Amid the bleakness of 2020, scientists in Brazil concluded a particularly grim conservation study – attempting to count the animals killed by huge wildfires in the Pantanal wetlands.
They estimate that as many as 17 million vertebrates – including reptiles, birds and primates – died.
Wildfires burned between January and November, destroying 30% of the world’s largest tropical wetland. These fires were unusual because of their scale and were clearly linked to the mega-drought that [the area] was experiencing at that time.
The extremely high number of snakes that were killed makes us wonder about the cascade effects. “nakes are usually predators on small mammals, frogs. This impact may result in an unimaginable unbalance in the ecosystem.
Wildfires – Kansas, USA
Several towns and counties in northwest and northcentral Kansas had to battle wildfires. At least a dozen homes burned, and KSN knows of at least three people being hospitalized.
Fires were reported in Sheridan, Trego, Ellis, Russell, Osborne and Rooks County. Fires were also reported in other counties.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
In a follow-up on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Beni health zone, North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Thursday the 13th EVD outbreak in the country has been declared over. 42-days have passed, or two incubation periods after the last confirmed case.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 8 December – 14 December 2021
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 6-13 December. As many as five eruptive events generated plumes that rose 1.2 km above the crater rim.
Etna – Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that during 6-12 December activity at Etna was characterized by gas emissions from all summit craters and ash emissions from Southeast Crater (SEC); weather conditions prevented views during most of the week. During 6-7 December Strombolian activity at SEC produced almost continuous ash emissions that dispersed ENE. On 8 December the ash emissions were diffuse and discontinuous, and dissipated near the summit. At 1805 on 13 December a new vent opened at the base of the W wall of the Valle del Bove, at 2,180 m elevation. A lava flow emerged from the vents and descended a few hundred meters.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 8-14 December and very low seismicity persisted. Elevated surface temperatures at the summit, that were sometimes intense, were detected overnight during 10-11 and 13-14 December. A radar image acquired during 12-13 December showed a growing flow field.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 2-3 December explosions at Karymsky generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 235 km ENE. A thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images during 2-4, 7, and 9 December. Dates are based on UTC times.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava effusion continued at a vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater on most days during 8-14 December. The vent contained ponded and sometimes spattering lava that fed the lake through the E part of the W wall cone. The size of the active part of the lake varied, and lava periodically oozed from the cooler, outer margins of the lake onto the lowest of the exposed down-dropped caldera floor blocks. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was about 3,500 tonnes per day on 9 December. The eruption paused on 11 December then resumed at 2100 on 13 December.
La Palma – Spain : The eruption at La Palma continued during 8-13 December, characterized by sporadic Strombolian activity, occasional lava jetting, advancing and sometimes branching lava flows, and daily ash-and-gas emissions. Seismicity was low at depths of 10-15 km and very low at depths of 30-40 km. Volcanic tremor levels were also generally low, though they fluctuated near the end of the week concurrent with explosive activity. During 8-12 December activity at several vents in the central and SE part of the main cone was low, with only sporadic pulses of Strombolian activity and ash emissions. Ash-and-gas plumes rose as high as 3.7 km a.s.l. and drifted SSE, SSW, SW, and W. Very intense gas emissions were recorded during 9-11 December. Small landslides from fractured areas in the upper part of the secondary cone (on the E flank) descended the interior part of the crater as well as the flanks. Lava from the vents moved through tubes towards the western part of the flow field, though two main breakout flows traveled W over older flows. The most active area was along the S margin of flow 9, where 9 and 11 had joined, as lava continued to descend the sea cliff and widen in the area of Las Hoyas. During 11-12 December lobes from the S margins of the flow traveled S over new ground in the Las Norias area. On 12 December several strong pulses of tremor were accompanied by intense Strombolian activity, with the most intense events at 1200 and 1730 and decreased activity during 1300-1700. A small overflow of lava from one of the vents traveled N over older flows. One of the more intense periods produced dense dark ash plumes that rose 6 km a.s.l. and ejected bombs (some several meters in diameter) as far as 500 m away from the vent. New collapses were visible in the main cone, enlarging the crater, and at the secondary cone. During 12-13 December lava continued to travel W through tubes in the central part of the flow field. At the S margins lava filled in uncovered areas between flows 9 and 11. On 13 December tremor levels fluctuated with pulses of intense signals. A period of major explosive activity during 1745-1900 ejected bombs towards the N flank and produced ash-and-gas plumes. At 1820 video showed lava jetting above the vent and incandescent material falling onto the flanks. Activity at the vents quieted afterwards; tremor decreased at 2000 and by 2200 had reached background levels. Gas emissions from the vents were at high levels through 14 December. Lava continued to advance from the W base of the main cone on 14 December, though at a much lower rate compared to the day before. Small breakouts were visible near Montaña Cogote and Las Norias. Gas and ash emissions continued to impact island residents. Daily measurements indicated that sulfur dioxide emissions persisted at “high” levels (between 1,000 and 29,999 tons per day). Suspended ash and high concentrations of volcanic gases, specifically sulfur dioxide, triggered periodic air-quality alerts mostly affecting the W part of the island including Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso, and Tazacorte; authorities warned residents of affected areas to stay indoors. Residents and essential personnel were often barred from entering the exclusion zones to irrigate crops, gather belongings, and remove ash from streets and buildings, especially in Las Manchas, Las Norias, and La Bombilla. During 12-13 December diffuse carbon dioxide emissions were 6.9-7.2 times average background levels, specifically impacting the La Bombilla area where dead birds were observed.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 8-14 December. Daily white-and-gray ash plumes that were sometimes dense rose as high as 700 m above the summit, though weather conditions prevented visual confirmation during 11-12 December. Incandescent material was ejected from the vent up to 300 m during 7-11 December, and was accompanied by faint rumbling.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that Merapi’s lava domes, located just below the SW rim and in the summit crater, had both grown during 3-9 December. The estimated dome volumes were almost 1.63 million cubic meters for the SW dome and just over 3 million cubic meters for the summit dome. The intensity of the seismic signals remained at high levels. As many as 190 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km SW down the Bebeng drainage. Four pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum of 2.2 km SW.
Pavlof – United States : AVO reported seismicity at Pavlof was elevated during 8-14 December, and weak explosive activity was detected by geophysical sensors during 8-11 and 13-14 December. No ash emissions were visible, though satellite and webcam views were often cloudy. Elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images during 11-14 December; a lava flow on the E flank was visible in images during 12-13 December.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity and elevated seismicity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 8-14 December. Several daily explosions were detected in seismic and infrasound data. Small ash clouds drifting at least 185 km SE were identified in satellite images during 8-9 December. Persistent steam emissions occasionally punctuated by ash emissions were visible in webcam views during 10-11 December, and ash emissions were visible the next day even though conditions were mostly cloudy.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 3-10 December.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that crater incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly during 6-13 December. No explosions were detected by the seismic network, though eruption plumes rose 1-3.4 km and material was ejected 400-700 m away from the crater. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW).
Whakaari/White Island – North Island (New Zealand) : GeoNet reported results from a 10 December overflight of Whakaari/White Island, noting a significant increase of temperatures at the active vent area. Temperatures in the main vent area were as high as 516 degrees Celsius, an increase from the range of 202-264 degrees Celsius measured in both September and November; temperatures over 500 degrees Celsius were last recorded during July-August. Very minor ash emissions continued to be visible with deposits only extending around the active vents. Gas emissions had possibly decreased, though measurements had not been taken since 18 November. The water in the lake has receded likely due to recent weather conditions.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.
5.6 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Rai), located approximately 407 nm southeast of Manilla, Philippines, is tracking westward at 15 knots.
Wildfires – USA
Very strong winds in Kansas and the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma caused wildfires to spread very rapidly Wednesday. Blowing dust also caused severe visibility problems, and prompted the street lights to come on at noon in at least one area.
Oklahoma – The Cobb Fire in the Oklahoma panhandle caused the residents on the northwest side of Guymon to evacuate. Heat data from satellites at 1:55 p.m. CST indicated it had burned approximately 5,000 acres northwest of Guymon. The Oklahoma Forest Service said at 7 p.m. it had grown to about 10,000 acres.
Texas – The North 207 Fire in Carson County has burned an estimated 15,000 acres about 5 miles southeast of Borger. The Texas Forest Service said it has crossed Highway 152. The Parker Creek Fire started in Oldam County and spread into Hartley County southeast of Channing, about 14 miles south of Dumas. The TFS said at 6:08 p.m. it had burned 3,500 acres but satellite heat data indicates it could be larger.
Kansas – There are also numerous fires in western Kansas, also pushed by strong winds out of the west measured in at least one location at 100 mph. The New York Times reported that two fires merged in Russell and Ellsworth Counties in the central part of the state to form a massive blaze about 40 miles long, according to Eric Metzger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
H5N6 avian influenza – China
Hong Kong health officials report monitoring four human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland. All had exposure to live poultry
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 8 December – 14 December 2021
Awu – Sangihe Islands (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that volcanic seismicity at Awu had increased beginning in October. Notably, the number of shallow volcanic earthquakes increased to 7-26 events per day from the previous maximum of 5 daily events. The number of deep volcanic earthquakes also increased. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 1 km away from the summit crater. The report also noted that no emissions nor any other surficial activity had been visible during 1 September-10 December, though weather sometimes hindered views.
Davidof – United States : Earthquake swarms either related to tectonic processes or volcanic unrest were recorded in the vicinity of Davidof during 8-10 December. The largest earthquake was a M 4.2 recorded at 1045 on 10 December. AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory due to the possibility of escalating volcanic unrest. Small earthquakes continued to be detected during 11-14 December, though at a lower rate and amplitude. Cloudy or mostly cloudy satellite and webcams views showed no volcanic activity.
Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that lava avalanches from the end of the 700-m-long lava flow on Semeru’s SE flank descended 500 m during 7-8 December. Lava avalanches were detected by the seismic network almost daily during 9-14 December, though weather conditions prevented visual confirmation. During 9-11 December crater incandescence was visible and gray-white ash plumes rose 300-1,000 m above the summit. White plumes rose as high as 1 km above the summit during 12-14 December. According to BNPB, the death toll from the 4 December collapse event rose to 48 by 13 December, 12 people were still missing, 21 were seriously injured, and 9,374 people were in 129 evacuation centers.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits western Iran.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Rai), located approximately 333 nm east-northeast of Davao, Philippines, is tracking westward at 13 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 03p (Ruby), located approximately 276 nm east-southeast of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking southeastward at 17 knots.
NewsBytes:
Congo – Brazzaville – At least 15 people have died, 9 are missing and thousands have been displaced after weeks of flooding in Congo-Brazzaville (also Republic of Congo). Authorities reported flooding in parts of Likouala Department from early September this year. Further heavy rain has been reported since then, intensifying from mid- to late November. In response to the disaster the government declared a state of emergency on 29 November 2021. Flooding was reported along the main rivers in the central and northern departments of Likouala, Sangha, Cuvette and Plateaux. Heavy rain also caused damage and flooding in the cities of Pointe-Noire in the south, and the capital Brazzaville.
South Sudan – Ongoing floods in South Sudan have affected more than 835,000 people across 8 states. Livelihoods, food production and drinking water supply have all been severely impacted. Humanitarian agency Concern Worldwide described the flooding as the worst in 60 years, and estimates over 200,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. Homes, nutrition and health facilities, water sources, schools and markets are submerged, impacting people’s access to essential services, eroding their coping mechanisms and exacerbating vulnerability.
Papua New Guinea – The United Nations reports that flooding from unusually high tides has affected thousands of residents in coastal areas of Papua New Guinea. Initial estimates suggest at least 7,000 people have moved for their homes as a result. Coastal flooding was reported on several South Pacific islands around the same time. Storms and high tides caused coastal flooding on several South Pacific islands from around 05 December 2021. Authorities in the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) all reported flooding.
UN confirms hottest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic
The highest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic has been officially confirmed by the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO), sounding ”alarm bells” about climate change.
The temperature, a ”Mediterranean” 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) — which was recorded in the Siberian town of Verkhoyansk in June 2020 — was measured at the peak of an extended heat wave. In fact, temperatures across the region that summer averaged as much as 18 F (10 C) above normal, the WMO said in a statement.
The Arctic fails its annual health check
From extreme melt events to an influx of beaver colonies in Alaska, and rain falling at the summit of Greenland for the first time on record, the Arctic region showed clear symptoms of an ailing planet over the past year.
A report published on Tuesday, which serves as an annual physical for the Arctic, found this vast and significant biome is changing profoundly. It continues to warm twice as fast as the rest of the Earth and is rapidly losing ice cover, transforming from a reliably-frozen landscape to a greener and browner one than it was just around a decade ago.
The report also describes an increase in commercial activities and ships that are venturing further into the Arctic on sea routes opened up by melting ice. They bring more garbage and noise to the region, changing its soundscape and interfering with the ability of marine mammals to communicate. Retreating glaciers and melting permafrost also threaten lives, economies and infrastructure.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Anthrax – Zimbabwe
From the beginning of the year through November 7, health officials in Zimbabwe reported 212 human anthrax cases. No deaths have been reported.
Syphilis – Japan
The Japan National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo is now reporting 7,134 syphilis cases through December 5, the first time this has happened in decades. Tokyo (2226), Osaka (761) and Aichi (379) prefectures have reported the most cases.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – UAE
A laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was reported in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently. The case is a 60-year-old male from the Abu Dhabi region, UAE.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.5 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.
5.8 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.
5.7 earthquake hits offshore Atacama, Chile.
5.4 earthquake hits west of Macquarie Island.
5.3 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.
5.1 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.
5.1 earthquake hits the Gulf of California.
5.1 earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.
5.0 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 28w (Rai), located approximately 56 nm east-northeast of Koror, Palau, is tracking westward at 17 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 03p (Ruby), located approximately 73 nm east of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking east-southeastward at 19 knots.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Yellow Fever – Brazil
Health authorities in Santa Catarina have reported eight human yellow fever cases this year, including three fatalities. None of the victims were vaccinated. In addition, they confirmed the death of a monkey due to the yellow fever virus in Pedras Grandes, in the South.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Chiapas, Mexico.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits south of Africa.
5.1 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 28w (Twenty-eight), located approximately 310 nm southeast of Yap, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 03p (Ruby), located approximately 374 nm northwest of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking southeastward at 15 knots.
NewsBytes:
Spain – At least 2 people have died after heavy rain caused floods and landslides in the Navarre region of northern Spain. Parts of northern Spain have seen heavy rainfall since late November 2021, when floods prompted rescues in Asturias and Cantabria and later the Basque Region. Further heavy rain accompanied by the thawing of snow at higher altitudes fell from around 09 December 2021, triggering floods in the Navarre (also Navarra) region. On 09 December the region’s government activated the pre-emergency level due to the threat of floods from rising rivers including the Ebro, Ega, Bidasoa and Arga. As of 10 December, the government reported that the swollen Bidasoa river caused flooding in Elizondo, Baztan and Sunbilla and that some riverside communities along the Arga river were also affected, including the Pamplona neighbourhoods of Rochapea, San Jorge and Txantrea, and the towns of Huarte, Villava and Burlata. Dozens of people were evacuated from a care home in the municipality of Aranzadi in Pamplona, after the Arga broke its banks on 10 December. By 11 December the swollen Ebro river had caused flooding in Tudela. Flooded roads left many communities isolated.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Monkeypox – DR Congo
On Thursday, December 09, 2021, health authorities declared a monkeypox outbreak in the Maniema province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A total of 24 deaths linked to this epidemic have been recorded in the Tundu health zone in Kibombo territory in the southern part of Maniema.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 03p (Ruby), located approximately 648 nm northwest of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking south- southeastward at 11 knots.
NewsBytes:
USA – Dozens of devastating tornadoes roared through six US states overnight, leaving more than 80 people dead and dozens missing Saturday in what President Joe Biden said was likely to be “one of the largest” storm outbreaks in American history. More than 70 people are believed to have been killed in Kentucky alone, many of them workers at a candle factory, while at least six died in an Amazon warehouse in Illinois where they were on the night shift processing orders ahead of Christmas. The western Kentucky town of Mayfield was reduced to “matchsticks”. The small town of 10,000 people was described as “ground zero” by officials, and appeared post-apocalyptic: city blocks leveled; historic homes and buildings beaten down to their slabs; tree trunks stripped of their branches; cars overturned in fields.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits offshore Coquimbo, Chile.
5.5 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.
5.5 earthquake hits west of Macquarie Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.1 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits eastern Honshu, Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits south of the Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
Wildfires – Australia
Firefighters are battling to contain a bushfire raging in Margaret River in Western Australia’s south-west with hopes milder weather conditions will help them bring the blaze under control. The fire in Leeuwin-Naturaliste national park has burned through 5,200 hectares, including karri trees, since it started on Wednesday morning in Boranup, WA.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Spain – Northern Spain sees major floods following Storm Barra. The River Arga in Spain’s northern region of Navarre broke its banks in the town of Villava on Friday, flooding streets and leaving many homes submerged under water with only their roof tops visible.
France – Rivers overflowed their banks across a large swath of southwest France on Friday after heavy rains lashed the region overnight, leading to evacuations of dozens of residents. Warm southern winds that have melted snowbanks in the Pyrenees mountains in recent days also contributed to the flooding, which could persist for several days.
Wildfires – USA
Oklahoma – Large wildfires spark across Oklahoma with danger continueing over the weekend. Authorities said they evacuated people in Comanche County. There was also a fire in Roger Mills County that authorities said burned around 1,500 acres and a home.
Texas – A raging wildfire driven by 50 mph wind gusts threatens Electra as emergency crews struggle to get manpower and equipment staged to save the town. The fire started on the southwest edge of Electra, probably from electric lines sparking as they were whipped by the wind.
