Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.7 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.7 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 27w (Nyatoh), located approximately 200 nm north-northwest of Ulithi, is tracking westward at 10 knots.
As floods worsen, Uganda moves to protect its vanishing wetlands
Until recently, truck drivers who poured fill into wetlands near Uganda’s capital, to illegally create new land for building or agricultural expansion, rarely met any resistance. But recently, some of those drivers have ended up in jail following convictions Authorities say this will deter others from destroying the valued environment.
Wetlands assist in the control of floodwaters. Uganda has been suffering more frequent and severe flooding in recent times.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Canary Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Volcanic Gas Hazard
High concentrations of carbon dioxide spewing from volcanic vents on the Italian island of Vulcano have prompted officials to order hundreds of residents to leave home at night for fear of them being suffocated in their sleep.
While the island’s volcano, located off the northern coast of Sicily, hasn’t erupted since 1890, CO2 levels six times higher than normal from it have already caused breathing difficulties for some residents and health issues for pets. Since the heavy gas can hug the ground on windless nights, officials fear it could seep into homes, killing those sleeping in the low-lying areas around Porto di Levante.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.2 earthquake hits northern Peru.
5.6 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.
5.3 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits near the coast of central Peru.
5.1 earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits offshore Araucania, Chile.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Global Warming Began Way Earlier Than Previously Thought
A group of researchers at the University of Cambridge have found evidence that the warming of the Arctic Ocean began much before the current calculations offered by modern instrumental measurements. It is observed that the rise in global temperature had been initiated way back at the beginning of the last century. ‘Atlantification,’ a process in which the influx of warmer and saltier water in the Arctic Ocean is witnessed, has been prevalent since the beginning of 1900. Researchers used the chemical signatures found in marine microorganisms and based the study on them. The paper acts as a link between the North Atlantic and the climate of the Arctic.
Atlantification will lead to the melting of snow due to the introduction of warmer and saltier water. As the ocean surface gets exposed to sunlight, the release of heat into the atmosphere will melt the permafrost, a layer that has capsuled a large amount of methane, a much more damaging greenhouse gas than CO2.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
China – Covid-19
China could face more than 630,000 COVID-19 infections a day if it dropped its zero-tolerance policies by lifting travel controls, according to a study by Peking University mathematicians.
Using data for August from the United States, Britain, Spain, France and Israel, the mathematicians assessed the potential results if China adopted the same pandemic control tactics as those countries. China’s daily new cases would reach at least 637,155 if it adopted the United States’ pandemic strategy, the report said. Daily cases would hit 275,793 if China took the same approach as Britain and 454,198 if it imitated France, it said.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.
5.5 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.
5.4 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits northern Peru.
5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Washington/British Columbia – A week and a half after damaging floods in Washington state, and British Columbia, forecasters are warning that multiple “atmospheric rivers” threaten to once again drench the Pacific Northwest beginning Thanksgiving Day. Atmospheric rivers are huge plumes of moisture extending over the Pacific and into the Northwest. Forecasters say more moisture from the atmospheric rivers is expected to bring up to 3 inches of rain in some areas hit by the recent flooding. Officials from the National Weather Service predict periods of moderate to heavy rain through Wednesday, as the first in a series of systems moving across the region.
Wildfires – USA
The number of wildfires nationwide and the acres they burned both set records in 2021, the federal Department of Interior reported. The wildfire season also saw a record number of days of high fire danger this year, the department reported.
Overall, there were 48,487 wildfires that burned more than 6.5 million acres.
There were 15 wildland firefighters and 33 civilians killed in 2021 fires. In addition, 4,818 structures were destroyed.
California experienced the most wildfires, followed by Montana, Oregon, Arizona and Washington. The vast majority of the wildfires were human-caused, Interior reported, but lightning-caused fires destroyed more acres.
Wildfires – California, USA
More than 70,000 homes and businesses in Southern California lost power on Thanksgiving as the region battles dangerously dry conditions and high winds, with gusts topping 70 mph in some areas. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for parts of multiple counties, including San Diego, Los Angeles and Ventura — collectively affecting more than 17 million people through Friday afternoon.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Philippines
The Philippines is reporting a total of 61,170 dengue cases this year through October 23, including 216 deaths, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). This is 21% lower compared to the 77,859 cases reported in the same period in 2020. In 2021, 1,472,059 cases have been reported, the majority from Brazil (863,650), India (123,106), Vietnam (61,304), the Philippines (61,170) and Peru (41,379).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.7 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
6.0 earthquake hits the Myanmar-India border.
5.6 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands, Japan.
5.6 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Malta – Flash floods wreaked havoc across the small Mediterranean island of Malta after a month’s worth of rain fell in just a few hours. Roads were closed, vehicles swept away and buildings damaged.
Spain – Heavy rain fall of over 150 mm in 24 hours caused severe flooding in parts of northern Spain, prompting evacuations and dramatic rescues by helicopter. Severe weather including heavy rain affected parts of southern and eastern Spain from 20 November. Around 30 buildings were damaged and 23 people rescued from trapped vehicles after flash floods in the municipality of Cartagena. The rain then moved north into Valencia and Catalonia regions.
La Niña Returns
A pronounced cooling of the tropical Pacific in recent weeks between the coasts of South America and Indonesia has prompted Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology to declare that a La Niña weather event has begun. The opposite of El Niño, the ocean cooling typically causes much wetter weather for eastern, northern and central parts of Australia. It has also historically been responsible for potent storms in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, which are currently suffering weather disasters from wet storms this month. Despite the ocean cooling already in place across the Pacific, the World Meteorological Organization has yet to declare La Niña’s return.
Seafood Distress
It may one day be illegal to boil lobsters and crabs alive after a new report claims they and other types of popular seafood have the capacity to feel pain. A British government study concludes that those animals can not only experience pain, but they also suffer distress when harmed. “After reviewing over 300 scientific studies, we concluded that cephalopod mollusks and decapod crustaceans (octopuses and squids) should be regarded as sentient, and should therefore be included within the scope of animal welfare law,” said lead investigator Jonathan Birch of The London School of Economics Center’s Foundations of Animal Sentience project.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 42.8 degrees Celsius (109 degrees F) at Rivadavia, Salta, Argentina.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 45.6 degrees Celsius (-50 degrees F) at Batamay, 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 – Alabama, USA
The U.S. Forest Service announced Wednesday that the two wildfires in the Talladega National Forest are mostly contained, but the trails associated with Cheaha State Park remain closed. The “Duck Nest” wildfire located in Cleburne County covers 389 acres. Officials say that it is 75% contained. The “Fall Branch” wildfire in Clay County covers nearly 735 acres and is 60% contained.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 17 November – 23 November 2021
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 15-22 November. Three eruptive events were recorded during 15-19 November. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 700 tons per day on 16 November.
Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 17 November ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and ENE. Dense white plumes rose as high as 500 m and drifted NW, W, and SW during 18-23 November according to PVMBG.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava effusion at Great Sitkin had slowed or paused based on a 17 November satellite image that showed no advancement of the lava flows since 10 November. Seismicity remained elevated during 17-23 November and elevated surface temperatures were visible in occasionally clear satellite images. Steam emissions were sometimes visible in webcam images.
Katmai – United States : AVO reported that during 17-18 November strong winds in the vicinity of Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes blew unconsolidated ash SE over Shelikof Strait and Kodiak Island at an altitude up to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. The ash was originally deposited during the Novarupta eruption in 1912.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that the summit eruption at Kilauea continued at a vent in the lower W wall of Halema`uma`u Crater. By 16 November the total volume of erupted lava was an estimated 30 million cubic meters, and the lake which had risen a total of 60 m since 29 September. During 17-23 November earthquake activity remained below background levels but volcanic tremor was elevated. Spattering and ponded lava within the vent were visible; lava entered the lake through the E part of the W wall cone, feeding an active area of the lake. 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 remained above background levels, and was 3,000-3,800 tonnes per day on 18 and 23 November.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Iceland : Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that no eruptive activity at the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system had been visible since 18 September. Small quantities of volcanic gases continued to be detected in the atmosphere. At the end of September, after the eruption had ceased, inflation of the Reykjanes Peninsula began to be detected and broadly correlated with an area that deflated during the eruption. The inflation was thought to be most likely caused by further intrusion of magma; the earthquake swarm detected S of Keilir in late September may be related to such an intrusion, though no deformation was detected at the surface during the swarm. IMO noted that such an influx of magma following an eruption was not uncommon, and that the inflation did not necessarily mean that another eruption was imminent.
La Palma – Spain : The eruption at La Palma continued during 17-23 November, characterized by Strombolian explosions and lava fountaining/jetting from multiple vents, advancing and sometimes branching lava flows, and daily ash emissions. Eruption details are based on official sources including daily PEVOLCA (Plan de Emergencias Volcánicas de Canarias) steering committee summaries. Volcanic tremor levels increased during 16-17 November then returned to low levels. Seismicity persisted at variable but elevated levels, with earthquake locations distributed at depths of 10-15 km and 30-40 km. The number of located earthquakes peaked at 230 during 17-18 November, which was the highest daily total recorded since the beginning of the eruption. Additionally, a M 5.1 earthquake was detected at 0208 on 19 November at a depth of 36 km; this event was the largest earthquake recorded since the swarm heralding the magmatic intrusion began on 11 September. Dozens of events were felt by residents during the week. Several vents in the main cone continued to effuse lava, eject tephra, and emit ash-and-gas plumes at varying intensities. Lava was transported W through pre-existing lava channels and tubes or descended over older flows and over new ground, increasing the area of the flow field, which was made up of overlapping flows numbered 1-11. Flows 1, 2, and 9 had merged and contributed lava to the main delta, which had grown more than 0.43 square kilometers by 23 November. In the evening of 18 November lava overflowed one of the craters in the main cone and increased the lava-flow rate; crater overflows were again visible on 21 November. Lava filled in some gaps between the N flows, numbers 4 and 7. During 17-18 November flow 5 advanced along the N base of Montaña de Todoque and along the S edge of flow 4 which had also advanced and widened. By 21 November flow 4 had merged with flow 7, the branch to the N. Flow 7 advanced W and by 1303 on 22 November lava reached the sea at La Viña Beach. Plumes ranging from white to dark gray rising from the new ocean entry prompted an air quality warning to be issued for about 3,000 people living in areas of San Borondón, Tazacorte, El Cardón, and Camino Los Palomares, all within about a 2 km radius to the N and NE. A ban on maritime activities near the entry also went into effect, though it was lifted the next morning. By 23 November the width of the flow field had grown to 3.3 km and lava covered an estimated 10.73 square kilometers. Sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated at high levels between 900 and 32,000 tons per day, remaining at levels lower than the peak values of 50,000 tons per day recorded on 23 September. Suspended ash and high concentrations of volcanic gases triggered a few air-quality alerts mostly affecting the W part of the island; authorities warned residents of some affected areas (Los Llanos de Aridane, Tazacorte, El Paso, Puntagorda, and Tijarafe in particular) to stay indoors. High values of volcanic gases led to the evacuation of essential personnel working in plants in the exclusion zone during 16-17 November. After a lull in activity for a period of time on 17 November, Strombolian activity and ash emissions resumed later in the day and prompted a VONA the next day. Video posted at 1615 on 18 November showed jetting lava and billowing ash plumes containing some lightning flashes. Sometimes dense and billowing ash-and-gas plumes rose 2-3.7 km (6,600-12,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, ESE, and SW during the rest of the week. The 20 November PEVOLCA reported that the total volume of emitted tephra during the eruption had surpassed 10 million cubic meters. Ash deposits on runways and unfavorable flying conditions disrupted flights at La Palma airport during 21-23 November.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 17-23 November. White-and-gray plumes that were sometimes dense rose as high as 2 km above the summit. Incandescent material was ejected 200 m E from the vent during 19-20 November. Crater incandescence was visible during 22-23 November.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported no notable morphological changes to Merapi’s SW lava dome, located just below the SW rim, or the dome in the summit crater during 12-18 November. The estimated dome volumes remained stable at 1.61 million cubic meters for the SW dome and almost 2.93 million cubic meters for the summit dome. As many as 212 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km SW. One pyroclastic flow traveled 1.8 km SW on 13 November.
Nevados de Chillan – Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported continuing explosive and effusive activity at Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater during 1-15 November. Explosions generated both plumes with moderate ash content and white steam-rich plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim. Explosions occasionally ejected incandescent material onto the N side of the crater and the N flank. A new dome, which had emerged around 28 October at the L7 vent, was partially destroyed by explosions on 8 November, and then regrew to 80 m long and 55 m wide. Pyroclastic flows descended the NE flank, traveling as far as 700 m on 8 and 10 November. The L7 lava flow, between the inactive L5 and L6 flows, slowly advanced and was 930 m long; a NE branch of L7 had not advanced since 14 October, though SE and E branches formed on 9 and 14 November, respectively. A second active flow, L8, had not lengthened past 385 m. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 300 tons per day, peaking at 462 tons per day on 14 November, and were lower than rates recorded during the last half of September.
Pavlof – United States : AVO reported that the eruption at Pavlof continued during 14-23 November and was focused at a vent on the upper NE flank. Seismicity remained elevated and signals were periodically recorded that were likely explosions. Lava fountaining began on 14 November and had built a small, unstable cone. Hot debris from the cone traveled a few hundred meters down the flanks, melting snow and ice that resulted in narrow lahars which traveled several kilometers down the flanks. Elevated surface temperatures were observed in satellite data at least through 23 November, suggesting that the lava fountaining continued.
Popocatepetl – Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 16-23 November there were 9-29 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl that drifted NW, NE, and E. At 1714 on 19 November an explosion generated an ash plume that rose 2 km above the crater rim and drifted NE. A minor explosion at 0230 on 21 November generated an ash plume that rose 600 m and drifted NW, and at 0136 the next morning another small explosion produced an ash plume that rose 800 m and drifted NE.
Sabancaya – Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported a daily average of 74 explosions at Sabancaya during 15-21 November. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2 km above the summit and drifted NE, S, SW, and W. Eight thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected near Hualca Hualca (4 km N).
Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that gray-and-white emissions rose 200-700 m above Semeru’s summit and drifted SW, N, and E during 16-23 November. The emissions were visible almost daily; weather clouds occasionally prevented visual observations of the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 1 km and extensions to 5 km in the SSE sector.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 17-23 November. Daily minor explosions were detected in seismic and infrasound data. Small ash plumes rising no higher than 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. likely continued to be emitted, though weather clouds obscured satellite and webcam views of the volcano on most days.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 12-19 November.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that plumes from Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater rose 180-200 m above the crater rim during 15-22 November. Large blocks were ejected 300 m from the crater and were deposited in a ballistic pattern during 15-19 November, and ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW).
Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 17-23 November. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 6,643-12,168 tonnes/day. Upwelling hot volcanic fluids were visible in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes rose 1-3 km above the lake and drifted WNW, WSW, and SW. Low-level background tremor persisted along with 5-30 volcanic earthquakes per day, 2-4 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes per day, and 1-23 daily episodes of volcanic tremor, each lasting 1-5 minutes. One hybrid earthquake was recorded during 19-20 November and three were detected during 22-23 November. No earthquakes were recorded for a period during 18-19 November. Three short (1-5 minutes) phreatomagmatic bursts were recorded at 0811, 0817, and 0834 on 22 November. The events generated plumes that rose 200-1,500 m based on thermal camera images. PHIVOLCS stated that the events were likely driven by fracturing and gas release from magma beneath the Taal Volcano Island.
Vulcano – Aeolian Islands (Italy) : According to an order issued by the Municipality of Lipari that went into effect on 22 November, residents within three high-risk zones (with an exception for the Lentia village) on Vulcano were not allowed to stay overnight in their homes between the hours of 2300-0600 due to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions in area to the N of La Fossa Crater. Residents in a lower-risk zone were allowed to stay in their homes but not sleep on the first floor. In addition, non-residents were banned from visiting the island for 30 days except for essential workers.
Whakaari/White Island – North Island (New Zealand) : GeoNet reported results from an 18 November overflight of Whakaari/White Island, noting a decrease in gas emissions and the lake level. Gas measurements showed that sulfur dioxide emissions had decreased from 681 tons per day recorded on 2 November to 484 tons per day. Additionally, both carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide decreased from 2712 to 1416 tons per day and from 38 to 19 tons per day, respectively. The gas data suggested that molten material at depth continued to degas. Temperatures in the main vent area were 243-264 degrees Celsius, similar to the range (202-264 degrees Celsius) measured both in September and earlier in November. Very minor ash emissions were visible and deposits only extended around the active vents. A new vent was observed, located S of the main vent and near the base of the 2019 landslide area. Deposits around the new vent suggested that it formed by an energetic, steam-driven ejection of mud.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
‘Vulture’ Bees
A group of scientists biked around Costa Rica’s tropical forests, hanging chunks of raw chicken from the trees, in April 2019. They were trying to catch a rare insect: carrion-eating bees.
Slowly, over the next five days, large bees with long, dangling legs flocked to the bait. They crawled over the folds of raw chicken, using special teeth to slice off bits of meat. They gathered the flesh in little baskets on their hind legs, where other bees collect pollen, or swallowed the meat to store in their stomachs.
The bees were preparing to carry the chicken back to their hives, where they would enclose the meat chunks in pods, leave them there for two weeks, then feed them to their babies. Scientists aren’t sure what happens inside the pods during those two weeks, or how it affects the meat. The adults don’t need to eat protein. They survive on nectar.
The bees with leg baskets still collect pollen for their babies, too. But three species — out of more than 20,000 known bee species — feed their larvae an entirely carrion-based diet. They’re called “vulture bees.”
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 17 November – 23 November 2021
Asosan – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA lowered the Alert Level for Asosan to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) at 1100 on 18 November and decreased the restricted area to a radius of 1 km, noting that no eruptions had been recorded since the 21 October eruption. The sulfur dioxide emission rate remained elevated in November and was 2,100 tons per day on 16 November. The amplitudes of volcanic microtremors fluctuated for a period after the eruption, though they were generally small beginning on 1 November.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 11-13 and 18 November explosions at Karymsky generated ash plumes that rose as high as 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 400 km NE and NW. A thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images during 14-18 November.
Turrialba – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 0624 on 23 November a one-minute-long eruption at Turrialba produced a plume that rose 500 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. Another small eruption was recorded on 7 November.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits near the north coast of Greenland.
5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.2 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.
5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.0 earthquake hits southeastern Iran.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern Honshu, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits Guizhou, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 01s (Paddy), located approximately 236 nm south of Christmas island, Australia, is tracking west-southwestward at 05 knots.
NewsBytes:
Indonesia – Flooding has affected over 25,000 people in different parts of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, over the past week. At least one person has died and another is missing after heavy rain caused a landslide in Aceh Province. Meanwhile 4 people have died in a landslide that destroyed buildings on a roadside in Central Java Province of Java Island.
Marine Oxygen Levels Depleted by Climate Change
Last summer, more than 100 miles of Florida’s coastal waters became an oxygen-depleted dead zone, littered with fish that could be seen even into Tampa Bay. On the other side of the country, Dungeness crabs were washing onto Oregon’s shoreline, unable to escape from water that has, in dramatic episodes, become seasonally depleted of oxygen over the past two decades.
While much of the conversation around our climate crisis focuses on the emission of greenhouse gases and their effect on warming, precipitation, sea level rise and ocean acidification, little is said about the effect of climate change on oxygen levels, particularly in oceans and lakes. Water without adequate oxygen cannot support life, and for the three billion people who depend on coastal fisheries for income, declining ocean oxygen levels are catastrophic.
As ocean and atmospheric scientists focused on climate, we believe that oceanic oxygen levels are the next big casualty of global warming. To stop this, we need to build on the momentum of the recent COP26 summit and expand our attention to the perilous state of oceanic oxygen levels—the life support system of our planet. We need to accelerate ocean-based climate solutions that boost oxygen, including nature-based solutions like those discussed at COP26.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.2 earthquake hits the Alamagan region, North Mariana Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits offshore El Salvador.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits Panama.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 01s (Paddy), located approximately 217 nm south-southeast of Christmas island, Australia, is tracking westward at 05 knots.
NewsBytes:
India – India’s Disaster Management Division (DMD) reports that at least 24 people have lost their lives after floods in the state of Andhra Pradesh that began last week. As of 21 November, 24 people had lost their lives and 17 were missing. Flooding affected 36,279 people and 1,366 villages across the districts of Tirupati, Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur and Nellore. Some of the worst of the flooding was a result of the failure of the earthen dam of the Annamayya project on the Cheyyeru river near Badanagadda village in Kadapa District. DMD said that following huge rainfall from 18 November 2021, heavy inflows caused severe damage to the dam, washing parts of it away on 19 November. At least 15 people died in the flooding downstream, with many more missing.
Colombia – Several rivers broke their banks following heavy rain in Chocó Department, Colombia. Authorities reported almost 3,500 households have been affected, with flood water “up to neck height” in some areas. Several rivers broke their banks on 19 November 2021 following heavy rain. Officials reported flooding from the Misará, Baudó, Orochocó, Pepé and Dubasa rivers, with areas of Medio Baudó and Alto Baudó municipalities severely affected. Some flooding was also reported in Nuquí and Bahía Solano municipalities. The government of Medio Baudó said 3,489 families were affected, which is an estimated 14,000 people. Reports suggest hundreds of homes have ben damaged and according to local media as many as 120 homes have been completely destroyed. Widespread damage to livestock and crops including rice, corn, banana and yucca was also reported.
Panama – Disaster officials report at least 2 people have died and one is still missing after sudden flash floods in Panama on 21 November 2021. Heavy rain triggered sudden floods which raged through a scenic area popular with tourists known as Las Cuevas de Bayano, on the shores of Lake Bayano, about 50km east of Panama City. Other areas of the country have seen heavy rain over the last few days, causing flooding or landslides. On 17 November around 30 homes were damaged in Juan Díaz district of Panama City. Some flooding was also reported in the district of Bugaba, province of Chiriquí.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – India
India recorded some 5,600 dengue fever cases in November, bringing the tally to 7,128 year to date, the most in the national capital in a year since 2015. Nearly 1,850 new cases have been logged in the past week alone.
Legionnaires Disease – Netherlands
A Legionella outbreak reported in the town of Schijndel, Brabant province in the southern Netherlands has resulted in more than ten illnesses, many requiring hospitalization, and one fatality.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 01s (Paddy), located approximately 225 nm southeast of Christmas island, Australia, is tracking southward at 06 knots.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Azerbaijan.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms..
Wildlife Abuse – India
A new PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) India investigation into live-animal markets in the country shows dead dogs with their intestines draped over their bodies, live frogs stuffed into sealed plastic bags, a vendor holding up a deer’s decapitated head barehanded, and more. In the United States, there are hundreds of live-animal markets, too, threatening human health and causing animals unimaginable suffering.
Puppies were also seen in cages, and dogs here were being sold for their flesh, too. Adult dogs’ mouths were tied shut, and they were restrained in gunnysacks. Once killed, their inner organs were removed and their bodies charred for sale. These sales are illegal, as dogs are protected under the country’s Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and not permitted to be killed for meat in India. In one village, hunters took animals covered under wildlife protection laws to the local markets to be sold. Despite the law, one hunter claimed that there were no local restrictions on hunting.
Global Warming is Destroying Crops
As if rising sea levels and fiercer cyclones weren’t enough to worry about, the climate crisis is already cutting crop yields and could lead to widespread food shortages. That’s the grave warning from the United Nations, which cautions that farmers may not meet a projected 50% increase in demand by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions stay high. Global population is projected to top 10 billion in 30 years time. It seems unlikely that farmers will be able to feed the masses unless there are strong interventions to control global heating soon.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Bird Flu – Russia
An outbreak of bird flu was recorded in the Blagovarsky district of Bashkiria. There was a massive death of geese and ducks. The likely cause of the virus is a synanthropic bird – sparrows, pigeons and crows, the regional veterinary department’s press service said on Friday.
Botulism – Ukraine
Two cases of foodborne botulism were reported in Berdyansk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast in southeastern Ukraine. On November 17, it was reported that botulism was found in two residents of the city. An outbreak of the disease occurred among members of the same family. Homemade dried fish (roach, bream) could be a source of botulism.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.
5.1 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits off the coast of O’Higgins, Chile.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 18e (terry), located approximately 1563 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 12 knots.
Tropical storm 19e (Sandra), located approximately 1124 nm south of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 06 knots.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.6 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits the Cook Strait, New Zealand.
5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Wanda is located about 460 mi…745 km w of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…40 mph…65 km/h. Present movement…ne or 50 degrees at 17 mph…28 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Eighteen-E is located about 600 mi…970 km s of Acapulco Mexico with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…w or 270 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Bosnia – Heavy rain caused flash flooding in areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina, prompting evacuations and causing power outages. Some schools have been closed. Areas of Sarajevo were left without electricity after parts of the power network suffered flood damage. Evacuations were carried out in the Sarajevo suburb of Otes, which is among the worst affected areas. Roads and homes were flooded in areas of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, in particular in Konjic municipality after flooding from the swollen Neretva river.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Climate change may impact crops within 10 years
Global climate change may affect the production of maize (corn) and wheat as early as 2030 under a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario, according to a new NASA study published on November 1, 2021, in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Food. Maize crop yields are projected to decline 24 percent, while wheat could potentially see growth of about 17 percent.
Using advanced climate and agricultural models, scientists found that the change in yields is due to projected increases in temperature, shifts in rainfall patterns and elevated surface carbon dioxide concentrations from human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. These changes would make it more difficult to grow maize in the tropics but could expand wheat’s growing range.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Atacama, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits northwest of the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits near the coast of northern Peru.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Wanda is located about 620 mi…995 km w of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…s or 180 degrees at 5 mph…7 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Eighteen-E is located about 525 mi…845 km s of Salina Cruz Mexico and about 645 mi…1040 km sse of Acapulco Mexico with maximum sustained winds…30 mph…45 km/h. Present movement…w or 260 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Indonesia – Flash floods following torrential have killed at least 6 people in Batu City in East Java Province, Indonesia. Flash floods hit Batu City after heavy rain fell on the surrounding slopes of Mount Arjuno-Welirang, causing the Brantas River to break its banks on 04 November, 2021. Fast flowing flood water, mud and debris wreaked havoc as it raced through the Bumiaji District of the city. As many as 15 people were initially reported missing after being swept away.
Carbon emissions show rapid rebound after Covid dip
Global carbon dioxide emissions are set to rebound to near the levels they were at before Covid, in a finding that has surprised scientists. The amount of planet-heating gas released in 2020 fell by 5.4% as the pandemic forced countries to lock down.
But a scientific report by the Global Carbon Project predicts CO2 emissions will rise by 4.9% this year. It shows the window is closing on our ability to limit temperature rise to the critical threshold of 1.5C.
This rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere underlines the urgency of action at summits like COP26 in Glasgow, scientists say.
Quieter Spring
The natural soundscape of chirping birds across much of North America and Europe appears to have become quieter and less diverse over the past 25 years, in which researchers say bird numbers have plummeted.
Simon Butler of Britain’s University of East Anglia analyzed sound clips with acoustic modelling of more than a thousand bird species that were recorded in Europe and North America between 1996 and 2018. He and colleagues found there was a sharp decline in both the diversity and intensity of birdsongs, mirroring the loss of bird populations during the study period.
It has been documented that the calls and other sounds made by the winged creatures can have a positive effect on human well-being and connect us with the natural world.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Visceral Leishmaniasis – Kenya
Health officials in Tharaka Nithi County in central Kenya are reporting an outbreak of kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Over the last few months, 33 cases and 5 deaths have been reported, prompting officials to issue an alert over the vector-borne disease.
Lassa fever – Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 403 confirmed Lassa fever cases in 2021 through October 31. This includes two confirmed cases reported the last week of October. Of the 400+ confirmed cases, 79 resulted in death accounting for a fatality rate of 19.6 per cent.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits off the west coast of South Island, New Zealand.
5.1 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Maug Islands in the North Mariana Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits western Xizang, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Wanda is located about 640 mi…1025 km wnw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…ese or 120 degrees at 6 mph…9 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Eighteen-E is located about 505 mi…815 km sse of Salina Cruz Mexico and about 740 mi…1195 km se of Acapulco Mexico with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…w or 265 degrees at 7 mph…11 km/h.
Climate-Induced Famine
The deepening food crisis affecting Madagascar after five years of extreme weather events is being dubbed the first climate-induced famine by the U.N.’s World Food Program (WFP). About 1.3 million people there are suffering from acute hunger, with 30,000 in the grip of famine due to loss of crops and livestock. Some are eating cactus leaves and insects to survive.
WFP Deputy Country Director in Madagascar Aduino Mangoni said huge numbers have moved to urban centers in search of help. He added that while famines elsewhere have mainly been driven by conflict, “This is basically the only, maybe the first climate-change famine on Earth.”
Greenland Meltwater
Increased runoff from the melting of Greenland’s ice sheet is heightening the risk of global coastal flooding, according to new research. Scientists from Britain’s University of Leeds say Greenland’s runoff has risen by 21% over the past four decades, and has become 60% more erratic from one summer to the next.
They found that global heating has melted 3.5 trillion tons of ice during that period, which flowed into the ocean. Over the past decade alone, that melt has lifted sea levels by 0.4 inches. The study concludes that the rising sea levels from that melt heighten the risk of flooding for coastal communities worldwide, and disrupt marine ecosystems of the Arctic Ocean.
Cricket Confusion
Light pollution has been found to make crickets chirp during the day instead of nocturnally, which researchers fear is disrupting their breeding success. Male crickets typically chirp at night as an invitation for females to come and mate with them.
A team from Tel Aviv University and the Open University of Israel found that field crickets exposed to 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness began to chirp when the lights went out and stopped when the light returned. But those exposed to more light during 24-hour periods lost their natural rhythms and developed a different synchronization with their environment, or they lost all natural rhythm when exposed to constant light.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 42.2 degrees Celsius (108 degrees F) at Linguere, Senegal.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 58.8 degrees Celsius (-74 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 – California – Giant Sequoias
Giant sequoia trees can live for up to 3,000 years, but in 2020, 10 to 14 percent of all giant sequoias in the Sierra Nevada that were at least four feet diameter were killed in the Castle Fire in the Sequoia National Forest. When post-fire surveys of the 2021 fires are complete that number will probably increase substantially. It will be many months before detailed surveys are complete, but the sequoia mortality can be estimated from how severely the fire burned.
The lightning-caused 97,528-acre Windy Fire just south of the Castle Fire (see map above) burned into eleven giant sequoia groves in September and October, 2021. The Forest Service is working to determine the impacts of the fire in the groves managed by the Forest Service. The agency said on November 2 that initial assessments based on observations by resource advisors and burn severity analysis indicate the fire killed hundreds of giant sequoias. Many more were heavily torched and may or may not survive.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Measles – Pakistan
Health officials in Shangla District in the Malakand Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province report a measles outbreak affecting more than 400.
Cholera – Mozambique
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a new cholera outbreak in Mozambique in Southeastern Africa. On 28 September 2021, the WHO was notified about a Cholera outbreak in some communities of Caia District. By 19 October 2021, 191 cases were recorded with no deaths. 8 cases were confirmed.
Dengue Fever – Pakistan
Health officials in Punjab province report an additional 493 dengue fever cases yesterday, bringing the province total to 14,510.
India – Foot and Mouth Disease
Eight Tibetan families and one Ladakhi family in Duchik, Ladakh have suffered huge losses to their livelihood as their livestock, over 1000 sheep, have died due to the infectious disease called the foot-and-mouth-disease (FMD), also known as the Serotype O.
India – Dengue Fever
The dengue tally of the city of Lucknow crossed 1,100 mark on Wednesday with 19 more cases of vector-borne disease coming to the fore in the past 24 hours.
India – Zika virus
Twenty-five people, including six Indian Air Force personnel, on Wednesday tested positive for Zika virus here, pushing the number of infected persons to 36 in the district of Kanpur.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 27 October – 2 November 2021
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 25 October-1 November. Two very small eruptions were detected on 28 and 31 October.
Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : On 31 October an explosion at Ebeko produced an ash plume that rose to 1.8 km (5,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 5 km NE.
Fuego – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 3-14 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 26 October-2 November, generating ash plumes as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and shock waves felt in communities around the volcano. Ash plumes mostly drifted as far as 50 km SW, W, and NW and 20 km N and S, causing almost daily ashfall in several areas downwind, including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Yucales (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Finca Palo Verde, La Rochela, Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW). 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 100-400 m above the summit each day.
Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba – Volcano Islands (Japan) : The Japan Coast Guard reported that floating pumice from the mid-August Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba eruption had arrived at coastlines more than 1,000 kilometers away in early October. The pumice first arrived at Kitadaito Island (1,035 km W) on 8 October. In late October pumice circled Okinawa and Maejima islands (1,422 km W) and several ports in the Kagoshima prefecture (1,322 NW). The pumice damaged hundreds of boats and ships, clogged harbors, and impacted the fishing and tourism industries in several areas. Several local governments began the process of removing the pumice from the water.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava flows on Great Sitkin’s S and W flanks were 600 m long by 27 October based on satellite images, and lava effusion likely continued during 27 October-2 November. Seismicity remained elevated and was characterized by small earthquakes consistent with ongoing lava flows. Elevated surface temperatures were occasionally detected in satellite images.
Ibu – Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 26 October-2 November gray-and-white ash plumes from Ibu rose 200-800 m above the summit and drifted N, W, and S. There were at least 151 eruptive events observed during 28-30 October.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 22 and 26-28 October explosions at Karymsky generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 65 km E and SE. A thermal anomaly was visible on 22 and 28 October.
La Palma – Spain : The eruption at La Palma continued during 26 October-2 November, characterized by Strombolian explosions, lava fountaining from multiple vents, advancing and branching lava flows, and daily ash emissions. Eruption details are based on official sources including PEVOLCA (Plan de Emergencias Volcánicas de Canarias) steering committee summaries issued daily. Seismicity remained elevated, with most earthquakes located 10-15 km deep (though some were as deep as 38 km); dozens of events were felt by local residents and some were felt across the entire island. A M 5 earthquake was recorded at 0724 on 30 October at a depth of 35 km and was the largest earthquake recorded since the beginning of the eruption. A second M 5 earthquake was recorded at 1852 on 1 November and had a depth of 38 km. Both of these events, as well as some of the other notable earthquakes, were felt across La Palma Island and in some areas of La Gomera and Tenerife islands. The vents in the main cone continued to effuse lava, eject tephra, and produce sometimes dense and billowing ash-and-gas plumes that rose 2.2-5 km (7,200-16,400 ft) a.s.l. Several vents in the main cone were active, though the activity levels varied in intensity throughout the week. A small collapse of the upper part of the main cone on 26 October caused lava to flow W over previous flows that filled in some small gaps where they had not previously covered. Beginning around noon on 29 October a series of intense and audible explosions occurred for several hours, generating a large amount of ash that was distributed across the valley. The tallest ash plumes were observed during 30-31 October. Audible explosions and significant ash emissions continued intermittently through 2 November, with ashfall affecting the entire W and NW parts of the island. Authorities issued multiple air quality alerts warning residents of some affected areas (Los Llanos de Aridane in particular), to stay indoors and, if going outside, to wear a filtering mask. For a period of time on 31 October the larger explosions were accompanied by shock waves and concurrently, the effusion rate at the NW flank vent notably increased. Sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated at high levels between 4,990 and 22,000 tons per day during 27 October-2 November and showed an overall downward trend during the last week in October; no estimates were made on 29 October due to technical difficulties. Lava effused at a high rate from a vent on the NW flank of the main cone, flowing through pre-existing lava channels and tubes, and occasionally breaking out and forming new flows. The lava-flow field was characterized by three main areas: the initial main flow that traveled W, flowing around the S part of Montaña de Todoque, toward the sea and creating a lava delta, a flow that had branched off of the main flow to the S, and the flows that traveled W along the N margins of the main flow. Lava flows sometimes overflowed their channels, forming ephemeral flows that spread laterally, descended short distances, and were also transported downslope in lava tubes. The initial flow that reached the sea and formed the delta was not notably fed and was 30 m thick in some areas. The lava flows that had advanced W along the S side of Montaña de La Laguna was 86 m from the coast of Tazacorte, near the beach of El Perdido. The southern flow had advanced at a low rate and by 28 October was 400 m from the sea by 27 October. Lava that travelled SW over older flows emplaced along the S margins of the flow field overflowed the channel, bifurcated, and quickly advanced 1.5 km W and SW over new ground during 28-30 October. This lava flow continued to advance and by 2 November it was 150 m from the LP-211 road, though the advancement rate had slowed considerably to 1 meter per hour. Overall, the flow field widened to 3.1 km, with most of the expansion occurring along the S margins, and covered an estimated 9.77 square kilometers by 2 November.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 26 October-2 November. White-and-gray plumes rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. Rumbling and banging noises were heard daily. Crater incandescence was visible on 28 October and incandescent material was ejected 100-200 m from the vent on 29 October and 1 November.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported no morphological changes to Merapi’s SW lava dome, located just below the SW rim, and in the summit crater during 22-28 October. As many as 30 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 1.8 km SW.
Pavlof – United States : AVO reported that the eruption at Pavlof continued during 27 October-2 November and was focused at a vent on the upper SE flank, near the location of the 2007 vent. Seismicity remained elevated with tremor and daily small explosion signals. The explosions likely produced low-level ash plumes that rose no higher than 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l., though weather clouds often prevented confirmation by satellite and webcam images. Elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images during 25-26 October. A small plume and discolored snow at the summit were visible in mostly clear satellite images during 27-28 October. Slightly elevated temperatures were identified in satellite images during 31 October-2 November. Minor steaming at the vent was seen in webcam images on 1 November, as well as a small ash plume that rose to a low height and dissipated quickly.
Popocatepetl – Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 26 October-2 November there were 9-118 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl. Some of the emissions contained ash during 26-28 October and 31 October-1 November.
Reventador – Ecuador : IG reported that a high level of activity continued to be recorded at Reventador during 26 October-2 November; cloudy weather conditions sometimes prevented webcam and satellite views. Gas-and-ash plumes, often observed multiple times a day with the webcam or reported by the Washington VAAC, rose as high as 1.4 km above the summit crater and drifted mainly W, NW, N, and NE. Ashfall was reported in El Reventador village on 27 October. At night during 26 and 30-31 October and 1 November incandescent blocks were observed rolling 500-700 m down the flanks in all directions.
Sangay – Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 27 October-2 November. Seismicity was characterized by 120-175 daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, lahar events, and signals indicating emissions. Weather clouds and rain often 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 570-2,000 m above the volcano and drifted N, NW, W, and SW. Thermal anomalies over the volcano were often visible in satellite data. Incandescent material was observed descending the SE flank on 31 October.
Santa Maria – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that almost daily ash plumes from Santa Maria’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex rose 500-900 m during 26 October-2 November, depositing ash on the flanks and in Monte Claro during 1-2 November. Extrusion continued at the summit dome complex and generated block-and-ash flows that traveled down the dome’s flanks in several directions, often reaching the base. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night.
Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that on 31 October two ash plumes from Semeru were observed rising 400-500 m above the summit and drifting SW. Eruptive activity was recorded the next day, though plumes were not visually observed.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 26 October-2 November. Daily tremor and minor explosions were detected in seismic and infrasound data. Although weather clouds often prevented webcam and satellite views, intermittent, low-level ash emissions were visible during clear views, rising as high as 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and dissipating quickly. Sulfur dioxide emissions were detected during 26-27 and 30-31 October.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 22-29 October.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that an explosion at 1317 on 26 October at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater produced an eruption plume that rose as high as 3.3 km above the crater rim and ejected material 1.9 km away from the crater. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW). No explosions were recorded during 29 October-1 November, though eruption plumes rose as high as 2.4 km and tephra was ejected 400 m from crater.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.
5.9 earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile.
5.2 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.1 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Wanda is located about 705 mi…1135 km wnw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…n or 10 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Colombia – At least 11 people have died after heavy rain triggered a landslide in southern Colombia on 02 November 2021. The landslide struck in the village of San Miguel, Mallama municipality in Nariño Province, close to the border with Ecuador. Two buildings were completely destroyed. At least 11 people have died, ten were injured and an estimated 15 to 20 more people are still missing. Severe weather and poor road conditions have hindered rescue operations. The landslide has blocked the Junín-Pedregal highway.
Dead Sea Shrinking
A spectacular expanse of water in the desert, flanked by cliffs to east and west, the Dead Sea has lost a third of its surface area since 1960. The blue water recedes about a metre every year, leaving behind a lunar landscape whitened by salt and perforated with gaping sinkholes. So is the Dead Sea doomed to evaporate? Scientists say its decline is inevitable for at least the next 100 years. Sinkholes will keep spreading over the century.
Australia to Cull Thousands of Wild Horses
Wildlife officials plan to kill or rehome more than 10,000 wild horses in Australia as part of a new plan to limit the species’ numbers. But scientists have criticized the proposal for not going far enough.
There are more than 25,000 wild, or feral, horses in Australia, based on a 2019 aerial survey, according to Australian Alps National Parks. A majority of these horses, also known locally as brumbies, live in Australia’s alpine region, located at the intersection of three states: New South Wales (NSW), Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.
Australia’s alpine environment covers just 1% of the continent and has many endemic and threatened species that are found nowhere else, David Watson, an ecologist at Charles Sturt University in Australia, told Nature. The horses, which are an invasive species in Australia, rapidly reproduce and cause widespread ecosystem damage in that region.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 27 October – 2 November 2021
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) ; HVO reported that the summit eruption at Kilauea continued during 26 October-2 November at a vent in the lower W wall of Halema`uma`u Crater. Lava entered the lake through a breach in the E part of the W wall cone, feeding the lake which had risen 52 m since 29 September. The lava lake was not level; the W end was 8 m higher than the stagnant E part on 27 October. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high at 3,600 tonnes per day on 28 October. Lava fountains rose less than 10 m from the W vent, though by 29 October low roiling and spatter bursts were also observed.
Ulawun – New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : RVO reported increased unrest at Ulawun. Very small discrete seismic events had been recorded for the past several months by the seismometer located on the SW flank, 5 km from the summit. A small thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images at around 0500 on 3 November. At approximately 0800 RSAM values increased to 100, and by 1115, had risen to 1,400. The values fluctuated between 100 and 1,000 units at least through 1300 when the data was summarized. Tremor was detected on a seismometer at Ulamona, 11-12 km NW from the summit, during periods with higher RSAM values. Steam emissions rose from the crater.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits Valparaiso, Chile.
5.9 earthquake hits Kepulauan Tanimbar, Indonesia.
5.6 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.4 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
5.4 earthquake hits the Balleny islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the Canary Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Wanda is located about 705 mi…1135 km w of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…nne or 15 degrees at 8 mph…13 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Sri Lanka – Severe weather affected parts of Sri Lanka from 25 October 2021. Two people died in flash floods in Badulla, while another died in a lightning strike in Mulaitivu. Floods, landslides or rain damage were reported in Rathnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Jaffna, Badulla and Puttalam districts. Three homes had been completely destroyed a further 410 damaged. Over 120 people have evacuated their homes and moved to temporary shelters. As of 03 November, almost 6,000 people had been affected, with around 2,000 of them in Badulla where the the Demodara Reservoir overflowed.
Peru – Flash flooding raged through streets of Jaén in Cajamarca Region of Peru after heavy rain from late 31 October 2021. One person died as a result of the flooding in the city. Furthermore 1 house was completely destroyed, 4 rendered uninhabitable and 15 others were damaged. At least 30 people have been displaced from their homes. As well as homes, 2 public buildings and the General de Jaén hospital were damaged, along with roads and water infrastructure. Drinking water supply has been partially suspended.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Rabies – South Africa
The South Africa National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported three cases of human rabies, all in children, in the past month. These cases were reported from the Eastern Cape (EC) (2) and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) (1) provinces.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – South Africa
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) case in September. The patient was a 70-year-old woman, who suffered a tick bite while on a guided trip in the Namaqualand Flower Route, Northern Cape Province. This is the first CCHF case in South Africa since February 2020.
Ebola – DR Congo
In a follow-up on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), health authorities reported two new cases in new Health Areas (HA) of Ngilinga and Bundji (one each) in Beni Health Zone (HZ) in North Kivu Province.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits the Nias region , Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits the Anguilla region, Leeward Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Rota region, North Mariana Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Sub-tropical Storm Wanda is located about 800 mi…1285 km w of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…ene or 60 degrees at 8 mph…13 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Indonesia – Heavy rain in parts of Borneo Island has caused severe flooding and triggered deadly landslides in Central and West Kalimantan Provinces of Indonesia. Areas of Sekadau Regency in West Kalimantan Province have been flooded since 23 October, according to the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). Some areas are under water up to 2.5 metres deep. Sekadau Regency BPBD said that as of 27 October, 2,541 houses were damaged, a total of 8,430 people affected and 1,879 people displaced across Sekadau Hilir and Belitang Districts. Heavy rain caused the Kapuas River to break its banks Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan on 25 October. Around 1,000 homes were damaged and 4,112 people affected across Meliau, Tayan Hilir, Jangkang, Mukok and Kapuas Districts. Six people died in a landslide at a gold mining site in Kotawaringin Timur district, Central Kalimantan province, after heavy rainfall on 28 October 2021. Five people survived the incident.
Iraq – Severe flooding struck in parts of Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq on 30 October 2021. A short period of heavy rain during the afternoon of 30 October caused severe flooding in Erbil governorate, in particular in the city of Erbil, capital of Kurdistan Region, and surrounding areas. Cars were dragged along streets and residents climbed on the roofs of their homes to escape the flood water.
Guatemala – Disaster authorities in Guatemala report that over 30 people have died as a result of severe weather incidents during this year’s rainy season. During this time 11,911 people have been displaced and around 1.5 million affected in some way. Five thousand homes and 131 schools have been damaged. More than 230 roads and 35 bridges have been damaged or destroyed.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.2 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits near the south coast of western Honshu.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits the Loyalty Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits offshore El Salvador.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Sub-tropical Storm Wanda is located about 970 mi…1560 km w of the azores maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h present movement…se or 125 degrees at 7 mph…11 km/h.
Wildfires – Austria
A wildfire in Lower Austria has grown to become the largest in recorded history of the country. It started on Monday October 25 and quickly grew to 100 hectares (247 acres) but has not spread much since then.
“The emergency services can still limit the fire area to 115 hectares (284 acres),” said the fire brigade on October 29. A total of 500 helpers were called in. The fire is about 62 kilometers (38 miles) southwest of Vienna.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
