"Environmental Hazards Newsletter" 16th Jan 2019
Welcome to the first 2019 edition of the KUEHN newsletter
The beginning of the year was marked by extreme weather around the world, with temperatures in South Australia running 10-12 degrees Celsius above average, creating heatwave conditions. At the other end of the spectrum, The Washington Post claimed that a fracture in the polar vortex is causing a punishing stretch of winter weather along the eastern U.S. seaboard.
Simultaneously, snow blizzards in the Alps continue to make headlines, as a massive storm moved westward into Switzerland, after first battering Austria and parts of Germany.
The Volcano section discussed how central Java is preparing for the worst, after registering an increase in seismic activity on Mt Merapi since the start of the year.
Indonesia`s decision to double its disaster response budget to 15m Rupiah ($1.06bn) in 2019, caught readers` attention in the Earthquakes category. The same section also focused on recent studies indicating a connection between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, a story which was featured by the Podcast `The Big One.` `The Big One` explained the potential fallout of an earthquake caused by the San Andreas Fault, a story which was also picked up by the New Yorker website. Another report examined the potential for a `megathrust` earthquake in New Zealand along the Hikurangi subduction zone.
The Hurricane section saw the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes highlighted. This is a new scale designed to help people and businesses better appreciate the full impact of hurricanes.
Elsewhere in the report, the Mapping and Analytics section brought readers` attention to the words of Jack Dangermond. The Esri founder was a keynote speaker at the GeoBuiz Summit, where he addressed issues impacting businesses such as innovation and government dynamics.
Our Floods section reported on the heavy flooding in Argentina, Israel and recent dire forecasts issued for Northern Ireland and the cities of Venice and Jerusalem.
Hurricanes and Cyclones
AccuWeather's new RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes will revolutionize damage predictions for greater public safety
AccuWeather has announced the introduction of a new important scale to help people and businesses better understand the full impact of hurricanes
World’s oceans warming more rapidly than previously thought, warn US and Chinese scientists
Last year was hottest on record for ocean temperatures, raising risk of natural disasters and higher sea levels
How Arctic Cyclones Change the Sea Ice
Whirlwinds disrupt the sea ice in the Arctic Ocean. Scientists are now beginning to understand how
Integrating big data sources to monitor and respond to natural disasters
Building on a cyclone monitoring prototype, a team spent the past couple months developing an integrated big data analytics prototype to provide timely insights for natural disaster monitoring, emergency response, and management of cyclones, earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods in Indonesia and countries in the Pacific region.
Stronger, Wetter Hurricanes Predicted in Decades Ahead
NOAA says long-term trends indicate longer and more intense storms well into the future. With people and businesses increasingly relocating to coastal regions, the potential environmental changes affecting hurricanes will have significant implications for public safety and the U.S. economy.
Frequent cyclones and tourist evacuations show vulnerabilities at Andamans
In the last two months, Andaman Islands have seen Cyclone Pabuk and Cyclone Phethai, which disrupted the tourism season, forcing officials to carry out large evacuations.
5 Weather Questions About 2019
The article explores some broad indicators that could influence global weather in 2019, for instance, how many tropical storms and hurricanes form.
Let's walk through five of the key weather questions of 2019 and explain what some outlooks and recent research suggest might happen.
LIST: PAGASA's names for tropical cyclones in 2019
The names for tropical cyclones in 2019 range from the very local Amang to the foreign-sounding Zigzag.
Extreme Temperatures
New extreme heat wave hits Australia causing temperatures to soar
Australians are sweltering in temperatures as much as 12 degrees Celsius (21.6 Fahrenheit) above average after another extreme heatwave swept across the country Monday, the second in under a month.
Thousands stranded in Swiss ski resorts as extreme weather continues to wreak havoc in the Alps
Extreme weather in the Alps continues to make headlines as the massive snow storms that have been battering parts of Austria for the past week move westward into Switzerland.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/news/thousands-stranded-in-swiss-ski-resorts/
Additional sources: (KRDO)
Additional sources: (KRDO)
The polar vortex has fractured, and the eastern U.S. faces a punishing stretch of winter weather
The polar vortex has fractured, and the eastern U.S. faces a punishing stretch of winter weather. Forecasts call for a very cold and stormy pattern, just underway, to peak in a few weeks.
Climate change CALAMITY: ‘Melting ice caps throwing north pole OFF-KILTER’
Climate change is increasingly unsettling Earth’s core and it could have dire consequences for humanity, a consortium of scientists has announced.
Ice loss from Antarctica has sextupled since the 1970s, new research finds
An alarming study shows massive East Antarctic ice sheet already is a significant contributor to sea-level rise
Ocean temperatures rising faster than previously...
The world´s oceans are rising in temperature faster than previously believed as they absorb most of the world's growing climate-changing emissions, scientists have said.
Earthquakes
Indonesia to double disaster relief budget in 2019 after year of tragedies
Indonesia will more than double its disaster response budget to 15 trillion rupiah ($1.06 billion) in 2019, officials said on Tuesday, after a series of major natural disasters devastated three regions of the vast archipelago last year.
Can earthquakes trigger volcano eruptions? Get the facts.
Possible links between these two geologic titans have long fascinated and divided scientists. Here’s what the latest studies have to say.
“The Big One” Podcast: Anticipating a Devastating L.A. Earthquake
Sarah Larson reviews “The Big One,” a new podcast from the Southern California NPR station KPCC about the potential devastation an earthquake could cause to the city of Los Angeles.
Northland's earthquake swarm continues with 22 quakes in 20 days
Experts are mystified by an earthquake swarm off the coast of Northland, normally a seismically quiet area. Since Boxing Day, Northland has experienced 22 earthquakes.
4.6-magnitude earthquake strikes north-east Italy
Some people fled their homes after the quake hit near the city of Ravenna shortly after midnight, followed by a large aftershock around half an hour later and smaller ones throughout the night.
Santorini volcano (Greece): earthquake swarm southwest off the island
An earthquake swarm has been occurring near the island since this morning. So far, 16 quakes of magnitudes between 2 and 3.9 and at depths ranging ...
Indonesia rocked by more than 11000 earthquakes last year
Indonesia was rattled by more than 11,500 earthquakes last year, almost double the annual average of the past decade, according to the nation's meteorological agency.
Alaska earthquakes: Is THIS the reason for 98 earthquakes in Alaska in just 10 DAYS?
Alaska is no stranger to earthquakes, and just over a month ago experienced a magnitude 7.0 quake which triggered a tsunami alert along the coast. The earthquakes which have shaken Alaska in 2019 have ranged from magnitude 2.5 to magnitude 5.9. The latest quake to shake the US state occurred Thursday, January 10 and measured a magnitude of 4.1.
New computer modeling approach could improve understanding of megathrust earthquakes
The research could help enhance scientists' understanding of forces driving megathrust earthquakes and improve earthquake hazard assessment.
'Case of when, not if': Preparing for the big 'megathrust' earthquake from the Hikurangi subduction zone
It's a case of when, not if, New Zealand's largest fault ruptures potentially producing a "megathrust" earthquake with devastating effects.
America's first public earthquake-warning app gives seconds to prepare
Experts hope ShakeAlertLA will encourage other west coast cities to make similar investments
Deep low-frequency earthquakes indicate migration of magmatic fluids beneath Laacher See Volcano
Magma could rise from the upper mantle into the middle and upper crust beneath the Laacher See Volcano (Germany).
Trends involving injection-induced earthquakes are providing seismologists with useful information
Data is beginning to show it may be possible to head off a damaging earthquake when it is linked to a well that injects saltwater underground...
Earthquake of 6.4 magnitude strikes off south Japan
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake stuck off south Japan on Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of damage.
Volcanic Activity
Central Java prepares for worst as Mt Merapi eruptions increase
Mount Merapi, which stands on the border between Yogyakarta and Central Java, has shown heightened volcanic activity over the past few days, spewing incandescent lava from its crater.
Scientists are home-brewing lava to crack deadly volcanic mysteries
At the University at Buffalo in New York state, scientists are experimenting by melting volcanic rock before spraying it with pressurised water. The resulting explosions can help the researchers understand how magma interacts with water at undersea volcanoes, or those located in the ocean, like Anak Krakatau.
Costa Rica announces increased security measures for active volcanoes
The National Emergency Commission (CNE) announced Monday increased security measures at the country's active volcanoes.
Krakatau volcano update: Rakata Island (Krakatoa): beach destroyed by tsunami waves
The northern coast of Rakata Island, facing Anak Krakatau, was hit by massive waves (up to approx 30 m high) during the catastrophic landslide and tsunami on the evening of 22 Dec. The entire beach and the slightly higher, up to 50 m wide forested platform behind it, separating it from the cliff, have been washed away and/or collapsed in landslides following the receding wave.
When worlds collide: Volcanic Lightning
Volcanic lightning (sometimes referred to as a “dirty thunderstorm”) is a phenomenon in which a volcano eruption generates a thunderstorm, and only recently have researchers been able to understand how this happens
Commentary: Why the 'Child of Krakatoa' volcano remains dangerous
The eruption of Anak Krakatoa that caused an underwater landslide and tsunami that struck land last year could have been predicted, says one volcanologist.
A New Tool for Studying Volcanic Eruptions Like Kīlauea
A new study sheds light on how magma erodes the conduit it flows through.
Wildfires
Thousands of lightning strikes spark wildfires in Australia
Around 2,500 lightning strikes have ignited dozens of fires across Australia's island state of Tasmania, adding to a number of dangerous blazes, authorities said.
Wildfire rapidly spreads in Hawaii, forces evacuations
Video: A quick moving wildfire rapidly spread near Maui, Hawaii, on January 6th. The fire scorched through more than 200 acres, as crews worked to contain it.
Shutdown Could Have Long-Term Effects On Wildfire Disaster Response
Firefighters and forest managers are losing valuable time to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season. It's one of the long-term impacts of the government shutdown imposed by President Trump.
California utility firm suspected of starting deadly wildfires goes bankrupt
A firefighter battling the Camp fire, which became California’s deadliest in history. Photograph: Noah Berger/AP The utility company that services more than a third of California announced Monday it plans to file for bankruptcy by the end of the month.
Modern energy infrastructure could mitigate California’s wildfire crisis
By 2050 the area burned by fire in the state will increase by 77 percent and costs will go up by 24 percent.
This Is What More Than A Century Of Wildfires In California Looks Like
In the last two decades, 13 percent of the state has gone up in flames.
More wildfires, drought and climate change bring devastating changes to California wildlands
Southern California's native landscapes are famously tough. But repeated wildfire and drought amplified by climate change pose a growing threat to wildlands ...
Climate change doubled risk of B.C.'s record-setting 2017 wildfires: study
Research suggests British Columbia's record-setting 2017 wildfire season wasn't an accident and Environment Canada scientists say that climate change stacked the deck against the province from the start.
Trump threatens to cut off federal funding for California wildfire relief
President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to cut off federal relief aid to California for wildfires, prompting a swift response from new Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom that "disasters and recovery are no time for politics."
Landslides
Philippines landslide death toll rises to 85 as rescue workers search for 20 missing people
The death toll across the Philippines is rising following the impact of Storm Usman, triggering landslides and floods which left 85 people dead and 20 still missing.
Landslide engulfs Pakistani bus with workers, killing 8
Pakistani police say a landslide triggered by this week's rains engulfed a bus carrying workers on a dam project in the northwest, killing eight people.
New landslide fears at Gower beach where boulders the size of small houses have been falling
Landowner urges people to stay well back from rock fall at Oxwich Bay as 'there is clearly going to be more movement'
Landslide in West Java destroys Sirnaresmi village, leaving at least 15 dead
The landslide came with a sudden roar, shocking residents of Sirnaresmi village.
Fifteen bodies have been pulled from the debris and another 20 people are missing.
Rain is making the search and rescue operation extremely difficult.
Terrawatch: landslide tsunami lessons from Anak Krakatau
Tsunami warning systems are in place around Indonesia, but they are tailored to earthquake tsunamis.
Floods
Flooding in northern Argentina expected to continue
Since the beginning of the year, the area has received about five times the long-term expected average rainfall.
Towns flood in north as forecasts see cold snap, snow in Jerusalem
Unusually strong rains break five-year drought, force evacuations of hikers, stranded motorists, and schoolchildren in mountainous areas
The death of Venice? City’s battles with tourism and flooding reach crisis level
A tax on daytrippers has hit the headlines, but La Serenissima's mounting problems also include rising waters, angry locals and a potential black mark from ...
Future flood warning means 45000 NI homes at risk
Around 45,000 properties in Northern Ireland are at risk of flooding as the country braces for stormier and more extreme weather, a report said.
Consultation explores opportunities for flood and coastal erosion management at a local level
Government is beginning a conversation on increasing local funding for flood and coastal erosion management.
BBC Weather: Europe to be crushed with more HEAVY snow and flash flooding
Europe has been hit with devastating winter weather conditions in recent days and BBC Weather has warned snow and heavy rain could continue across the continent.
Lebanon: Syrian refugees endure more floods from new storm
Refugees seek shelter in incomplete housing units, garages or evacuated schools after Storm Norma hit last week.
Hull's £42m tidal flood scheme gets the green light
Construction of a multi-million pound scheme to protect thousands of homes and businesses in Hull from flooding from the Humber has been given the go ahead.
Mapping and Analytics
Esri President Jack Dangermond to Keynote GeoBuiz Summit
Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, announced that its founder and president, Jack Dangermond, will be a keynote speaker at GeoBuiz Summit, addressing issues impacting businesses, innovation, and governance dynamics.
Tech response to disasters starts with culture, CIO of California's emergency services says
The technological response to natural disasters begins with a strong workforce culture, the information technology chief for California’s Office of Emergency Services said Tuesday. The State Department of Health and Human Services, which developed GIS-powered maps to help it figure out which hospitals and other facilities need to be evacuated during wildfires.
Parsons Acquires Imaging, Mapping and Data Analytics Firm OGSystems
Pasadena-based engineering and security consulting firm Parsons Corp. announced Jan. 8 that it has acquired OGSystems, an imaging, mapping and data ...
Chorus software helps police forces solve crimes | Suffolk and Essex Business News
Technology developed by Woodbridge firm helps police forces across the UK solve crimes more quickly
Geospatial data analytics: The way forward in analytics
GIS tools have the unique ability to slice and dice terabytes of data in real time to derive decisive insights into understanding spatial trends and associations. Organizations can foresee customer demands through predictive models and drive supply chains more effectively”, says Nishikant Nigam, EVP and Chief Delivery Officer, CSS Corp.
