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Geoscience Bulletin Board – 11 November 2019 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
Toeing the “global warming alarmists” line: world “scientists” warning of climate emergency https://www.capeandislands.org/post/more-11000-international-scientists-declare-climate-
emergency#stream/0 Paper: https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/
biz088/5610806
Possible explanation as to why sea level was much higher during previous interglacial (125,000 to 118,000 years ago) even though CO2 levels were only 280 ppm compared to 410 ppm today
https://phys.org/news/2019-11-scientists-sea-years-results.html Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12874-3
CRS In Focus: Wildfire Statistics – most (85%) caused by human activity https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10244 https://www.nps.gov/articles/wildfire-causes-and-evaluation.htm https://www.livescience.com/63458-wildfires.html
Perspective: The Earth in Nature since 1869 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-019-0488-2
Improving satellite rainfall estimates from ground radar and TRMM radar https://eos.org/editor-highlights/machine-learning-improves-satellite-rainfall-estimates
Tracing glacier dynamics in the Grand Tetons https://glacierhub.org/2019/11/05/new-studies-trace-glacier-dynamics-in-the-grand-tetons/
Thermal convection without compositional buoyancy can drive the dynamo generating magnetic field of Earth
https://eos.org/editor-highlights/thermal-convection-can-power-the-geodynamo
“Successfully predicted” EQ in China was not so successfully predicted https://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/earthquake-prediction/
Complex hazard cascade culminated in sector collapse on Anak Krakatau https://eos.org/articles/the-hazard-cascade-that-led-to-the-anak-krakatau-landslide Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12284-5
Changes in high-altitude South Pacific westerly winds create long-term effects https://phys.org/news/2019-11-high-altitude-south-pacific-long-term-effects.html Paper: https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2019/10/29/1905847116
Perspective: synoptic ocean survey is needed to address Arctic challenges https://eos.org/opinions/addressing-arctic-challenges-requires-a-synoptic-ocean-survey
Great Cascadia EQ of 1700 with estimated M9.0 similar to features of EQ in 2011 Japan & 2010 in Chile
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-03391-w
Oldest managed aquifer recharge system in Europe is Espino recharge channel in southern Spain https://phys.org/news/2019-11-sierra-nevada-home-oldest-underground.html
More than 7,000 EQs in West Texas in 2019 represents significant increase in seismic activity https://www.newsweek.com/west-texas-earthquakes-oil-gas-1469819 https://www.courthousenews.com/earthquakes-on-the-rise-in-west-texas-amid-oil-boom-
study-finds/
Elderly man died from fall into a lava tube on his property in Hilo, Hawaii https://www.hawaiipolice.com/11-06-19-hilo-man-dies-following-fall-into-a-lava-tube https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-man-dies-in-hawaii-after-falling-into-a-lava-tube-in-
his-yard/ar-AAJXRro
New mode of fossilization of ancient microbes discovered http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/new-type-fossilization-07770.html
Evolution of a volcanic island in the Tongas https://www.euronews.com/2019/11/07/volcano-sinks-pacific-island-then-forms-a-new-one https://matadornetwork.com/read/volcanic-eruption-tonga-sinks-entire-island/
Studying Kolumbo submarine volcano in Santorini using 3D seismic http://www.ekathimerini.com/246194/article/ekathimerini/community/studying-santorinis-
kolumbo-submarine-volcano
25 newly discovered faults could pose seismic risk to Hamilton, New Zealand https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/11/groundbreaking-newly-discovered-
faults-could-pose-seismic-risk-to-hamilton.html
Paper: detecting long-lasting transients of EQ activity on fault system https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-52756-8
Model may facilitate forecasting induced EQ activity from O&G wastewater injection https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191107111740.htm
“Virtual Earth” model suggests 60% of tectonic movement results from shallow lithospheric forces https://www.livescience.com/earth-mantle-crust-supercontinents.html Paper: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/10/eaax4295
Argyle Mine produced 90% of pink diamonds – 865M carats in rough stones – mine closure looming https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/argyle-pink-diamonds-australia-2874894/
Rethinking danger of meltwater pond to Antarctic ice shelves and sea level https://www.news.gatech.edu/2019/10/29/reframing-antarcticas-meltwater-pond-dangers-ice-
shelves-and-sea-level
Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP) aquifer mapping continues using low-flying airborne survey https://www.usgs.gov/news/flights-above-mississippi-alluvial-plain-continue-aquifer-mapping
Jellyfish in the Twilight Zone https://www.whoi.edu/multimedia/jellies-twilight-zone/
Chevron supports research on anhydrite mineral behavior in fault zones https://news.psu.edu/story/597285/2019/11/08/research/chevron-grant-funds-research-
mineral-behavior-rock-faults
A walk along the oolitic rocks east of Boise, Idaho https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/northwest/idaho/article237193018.html
Exploring the East Antarctic Ice Sheet https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/Exploring-East-Antarctica-and-Its-Role-Climate-First-
Hand-Report
Geology – not CO2 – controlled monsoon activity over millions of years https://www.sciencenews.org/article/geology-not-co2-controlled-monsoon-intensity-asia-
ancient-past
Paper: harnessing paleo-hydrologic modeling to solve prehistoric mystery https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-52761-x
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Environmental Science Bulletin Board – 11 November 2019 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
Toeing the “global warming alarmists” line: World “scientists” warning of climate emergency https://www.capeandislands.org/post/more-11000-international-scientists-declare-climate-
emergency#stream/0 Paper: https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/
biz088/5610806
Possible explanation as to why sea level was much higher during previous interglacial (125,000 to 118,000 years ago) even though CO2 levels were only 280 ppm compared to 410 ppm today
https://phys.org/news/2019-11-scientists-sea-years-results.html Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12874-3
“Carbon capture” only reduces small fraction of emissions & usually increases air pollution – but now predicted to potentially become “big business”
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/ Stanford_study_casts_doubt_on_carbon_capture_999.html
https://phys.org/news/2019-11-carbon-dioxide-capture-big-business.html Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1681-6
Stabilizing global population – “right answer, wrong reason” http://theconversation.com/stabilising-the-global-population-is-not-a-solution-to-the-climate-
emergency-but-we-should-do-it-anyway-126446
Joshua Tree National Park marks 25th Anniversary – elevated to Park status under Desert Protection Bill
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/joshua-tree-national-park-turns-25-but-what-is-a- joshua-tree/ar-AAJFjBT
Perspective: Wastewater improvements need to be priority in resilience planning in Florida
https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2019/10/29/put-wastewater-improvements-first-in- climate-resiliency-planning-column/
Study says tunnels are feasible approach to coping with flood waters in Houston, Texas https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/katy/news/article/Tunnel-feasibility-study-raises-hopes-
14654738.php
Fires deliberately set in Amazon to clear land for cattle grazing – small farmers suffer https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/in-the-amazon-fires-steal-breath-but-smoke-smells-
of-money/ar-AAJJmUZ
Perspective: Let them eat steak: Hold the shame, red meat is not bad for you or climate change https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/11/02/red-meat-flawed-health-climate-claims-
new-research-column/4112887002/
Collateral consequences of shutting down coal powered power plants on the Navajo Nation https://finance.yahoo.com/news/long-running-coal-plant-navajo-151908198.html
Perspective: “No one dares question progressive orthodoxy” – environmental & social consequences in California
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/10/31/californias-disastrous-state-illustrates-limits-of- progressivism/
“Wizard rock” and other boulders stolen from Prescott National Park in Arizona – Wizard rock returned!
https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/road-trips/2019/10/28/prescott-landmark- wizard-rock-boulder-missing/2492032001/
https://weather.com/news/news/2019-11-03-wizard-rock-returned-prescott-national-forest- arizona
Habitat fragmentation is splintering undeveloped areas https://eos.org/articles/we-have-broken-nature-into-more-than-990000-little-pieces
US Army COE upgrades risk of Mohave River Dam failure from “low” to “high urgency of action” https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/californias-mojave-river-dam-could-fail-in-an-
extreme-storm-put-300000-at-flood-risk-officials-say/ar-AAJLG8Q?ocid=spartandhp https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/2006597/army-corps-
reclassifies-mojave-river-dam-risk-characterization/ Photo: https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/Images/igphoto/2002205293/
Pebble Mine versus Alaska and the salmon – can choose development & the environment (and jobs)?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/alaska-mine-could-generate-dollar1-billion-a- year-is-it-worth-the-risk-to-salmon/ar-AAJFuhB
California homeowners may lose option to purchase insurance in areas with high wildfire risk https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/money/more-californians-could-lose-home-insurance-after-
wildfires/ar-AAJGHak
High lead levels detected in drinking water in cities of Montreal & Regina, Canada https://apnews.com/24628f49af1e45219ee4b06c0a9a1229
Map connects wildlife habitats & corridors – particularly in Eastern US https://www.coastalreview.org/2019/11/map-connects-wildlife-habitats-corridors/
Saudi Arabia is tapping ancient Mega Aquifer System (MAS) https://eos.org/articles/arid-arabian-peninsula-is-tapping-into-vast-groundwater-reserves
Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe first identified Ebola in 1976 – now getting credit for his work https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2019/11/04/774863495/this-congolese-doctor-
discovered-ebola-but-never-got-credit-for-it-until-now
Book Review: “On the Backs of Tortoises – Darwin, the Galapagos and the Fate of an Evolutionary Eden”
https://www.npr.org/2019/11/01/774366961/on-the-backs-of-tortoises-challenges-us-to- consider-how-much-of-life-is-intertwi
“Strategy to reality: Getting smart cities to deliver for the environment” – disconnect between environmental policies and smart city strategies
http://www.infrastructure-intelligence.com/article/nov-2019/cities-are-missing-smart- environmental-opportunities-says-new-eic-report
EIC Report: http://www.sustainablesmartcities.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Strategy-to-Reality-Low-Res.pdf
Marking progress on new hydroelectric dam on Peace River in British Columbia https://biv.com/article/2019/11/concrete-pours-site-c-spillway-foundation-finished-ahead-
schedule-bc-hydro-says Peace River project: http://www.prhp.ca/#about-the-project Site C project: https://www.sitecproject.com/
New decree in Argentina opens door to become dumping ground for global waste exports https://www.treehugger.com/plastic/argentina-has-signed-become-worlds-dumping-
ground.html https://www.treehugger.com/plastic/recycling-hard-s-why-we-have-eliminate-single-use-
packaging-and-not-get-distracted.html
Repairing river bank erosion – a success story in Queensland, Australia https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-11-05/mary-river-erosion-repaired-community-
restoration-revegetation/11668226
Cannibal ants in nuclear bunker in Poland were not totally trapped inside https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-cannibal-ants-escaped-from-a-nuclear-
bunker/ar-AAJQJNY Paper: https://jhr.pensoft.net/article/38972/element/4/43//
Chile canceling the next Global Climate Summit https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chile-cop25-climate-summit-united-
nations_n_5db9f559e4b00d83f721f4ce
Using geospatial mapping to pinpoint current and emerging livestock disease hotspots https://www.agriculture.com/livestock/hogs/using-geospatial-mapping-to-track-livestock-
diseases
Volunteer effort to build footbridge in Rwanda using mostly locally harvested wood https://www.enr.com/blogs/12-california-views/post/48070-rosendin-leads-volunteer-effort-to-
build-bridge-in-rwanda
Work begins on $777M northwestern Ontario transmission line https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/infrastructure/2019/11/777-million-
northwestern-ontario-transmission-line-project-works-begin
Sterling Highway MP 45-60 Project will include larges bridge in Alaska – will bypass Cooper Landing
https://www.peninsulaclarion.com/news/work-on-bypass-to-begin-in-2020/ Project: http://www.sterlinghighway.net/
The value of our natural resources in the US: minerals, land, timber, coal, natural gas & oil https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/the-value-of-americas-natural-resources-
revealed/ss-AAJX4kH
Update: SCOTUS case – application of Clean Water Act to sewage treatment plant discharge in Hawaii
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/469255-justices-wrestle-with-reach-of-clean-water- act
https://www.enr.com/articles/48096-supreme-court-delves-into-scope-of-clean-water-act- permits
Toxic air quality – Delhi, India, versus Beijing, China https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-satellite-images-that-help-explain-why-delhis-air-
remains-toxic-and-beijings-is-getting-better/ar-AAJXmbc
“Be more eco-friendly this holiday season” – some of these ideas are much better than the others – tis almost the season to shop till you drop buying things that are not needed and going into debt to do it
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/green-living/how-to-be-more-eco-friendly-this-holiday- season/ss-AAIOQa2
Paper: Distress due to displacement & repatriation of Ambae Island population volcanic eruption https://hazards.colorado.edu/quick-response-report/distress-due-to-displacement-and-
repatriation-of-an-entire-island-population-in-the-south-pacific
For positive mental health – get a dog! http://www.sci-news.com/othersciences/psychology/dog-ownership-mental-health-07781.html
Rescued puppy turns out to be an endangered alpine dingo – will be part of breeding program https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/adorable-rescue-puppy-turns-out-to-be-
wild-dingo/ar-AAJTY3h
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandi_dingo/?hl=en
Road dust includes legacy of heavy metals, paint, asphalt that pose health risks https://eos.org/articles/road-dust-a-health-hazard-hidden-in-plain-sight Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019301941?via%3Dihub
One-third of methane emissions in California traced to a few “super-emitter” point sources https://phys.org/news/2019-11-california-methane-super-emitters.html
Melting Arctic sea ice may be linked to emergence of deadly virus (PDV) in marine mammals https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191107112926.htm Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51699-4
Connectivity of life in the ocean – structural, demographic, functional & genetic (gene flow) https://www.the-scientist.com/feature/how-interconnected-is-life-in-the-ocean--66615
USAID Predict Program shutting down decade after lunch due to H5N1 bird flu outbreak – part of effort to identify new zoonotic diseases in developing countries
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/zoonotic-disease-research-program-shut-down- 66641
Three landscape conditions across the world should help determine approach to conserving biodiversity
https://theconversation.com/3-global-conditions-and-a-map-for-saving-nature-and-using-it- wisely-124063
Officials seize shipment of $400K in opioids from India to home in New Jersey https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/officials-responding-to-oil-spill-from-cargo-ship-in-
hawaii/ar-BBWqGD4
China searching global meat markets to replace millions of pigs killed by and culled due to African swine fever
https://www.yahoo.com/news/china-reshapes-global-meat-markets-070438261.html
Schools in Pakistan closed because of dangerous levels of air pollution https://www.yahoo.com/news/schools-forced-close-smog-chokes-115856508.html
“Recovery” of a species is defined by the numbers – IUCN developing Green List of Species https://theconversation.com/how-do-we-know-when-a-species-at-risk-has-recovered-its-not-
just-a-matter-of-numbers-125534
Two-year review cites 1,688 high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition & pose risk https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2019/11/07/547803.htm
Highly sensitive new system uses smartphone to rapidly detect toxin-producing algae in water https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191107092600.htm
City of Vancouver launches new strategy to manage rainwater
https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/vancouver-launches-strategy-to-manage- rainwater
Pakistan accused of cover-up as new outbreak of “eradicated” polio type 2 is recognized https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/pakistan-accused-cover-over-outbreak-135542573.html
Humans seem unwilling to co-exist with wolves – Naya & pups likely killed in Belgium http://theconversation.com/belgiums-first-wolf-in-100-years-is-presumed-dead-have-hopes-
of-coexistence-died-with-her-126569
Feral hogs alter ecosystems, spread disease, have economic impacts in North America https://theconversation.com/feral-pigs-harm-wildlife-and-biodiversity-as-well-as-crops-120066
New group M strain of HIV identified https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a29728150/new-hiv-strain/
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Coastal Zone Management Bulletin Board – 11 November 2019 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford
New simulation & data tool to improve accuracy of predictions of wave impacts on sea defenses https://www.newcivilengineer.com/innovative-thinking/simulation-tool-developed-to-improve-
sea-wall-defences-31-10-2019/
AAPA concerned that US Senate cuts more than two thirds of funding for MARAD Port Infrastructure Development Program
https://www.maritimeprofessional.com/news/aapa-says-senate-cuts-port-352404
Upwelled water (and nutrients) is trapped along the coast & then transported offshore with POC https://phys.org/news/2019-11-scientists-discovery-coastal.html Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12783-5
Homes at risk from storm surges, coastal flooding & strong winds get damaged & then rebuilt – need to reconsider housing growth in 10-year flood risk zones
https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2019/11/with-sea-levels-rising-these-strategies- could-help-coastal-communities-prepare/
Updated report: https://ccentralassets.s3.amazonaws.com/pdfs/2019Zillow_report.pdf Interactive map: https://rzh.climatecentral.org/#12/40.7297/-74.0070?
show=zillow_k17&projections=1&level=5&unit=feet&pois=hide
Fall storms, sea ice & coastal erosion will be focus of northern Alaska research cruise https://www.washington.edu/news/2019/11/05/fall-storms-coastal-erosion-focus-of-northern-
alaska-research-cruise/ https://www.newsecuritybeat.org/2019/11/permafrost-melt-rising-seas-coastal-erosion-
threaten-arctic-communities/
Public input sought on Oregon coastal issues: wetlands, hazards, marine debris, aquaculture, public access
https://newportnewstimes.com/article/local-input-sought-on-coastal-issues
Abundance of microbe diversity is key to healthy coastal ecosystem & symbiotic relationships https://phys.org/news/2019-11-abundance-microbe-diversity-key-healthy.html Paper: https://msystems.asm.org/content/4/4/e00280-19
North Carolina WRC purchased 6,310 acres for public use under Game Lands Program https://www.coastalreview.org/2019/11/north-river-game-lands-expands-6000-acres/
Perspective: China needs its coastal wetlands: coral reefs, mangroves & shallow seabeds https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/china-needs-its-coastal-wetlands
East Side Coastal Resiliency plan to subcommittee vote – the Land Use Committee & City Council https://www.amny.com/politics/transformative-east-side-coastal-resiliency-plan-goes-to-
subcommittee-vote-monday/ https://wildlandsnetwork.org/blog/eastern-wildway-map-presents-vision-for-an-ecologically-
connected-north-america/
Ice balls on the beach in Hailuoto, Finland https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/weird-balls-of-ice-have-covered-a-beach-in-finland/
ar-AAJTIbB
Paper: Individual responses to severe weather media messages https://hazards.colorado.edu/quick-response-report/individual-responses-to-severe-weather-
media-messages
Photo-essay: coastal erosion exposed landfill site – toxins now leaking into the Thames https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/landfill-site-exposed-coastal-erosion-20828206
Using site-specific watershed data to determine most cost-effective ag BMP to improve Chesapeake Bay
https://phys.org/news/2019-11-cost-effective-sites-bay-cleanup.html
US Coast guard responded to oil spill from cargo ship into Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/officials-responding-to-oil-spill-from-cargo-ship-in-
hawaii/ar-BBWqGD4
CRS InSight Report: “Harbor Dredging: Issues & Historical Funding” https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11133