May 2024 - Page 7 of 7 - Disasters News

May32024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Solar Flare Triggers Radio Blackouts Across Pacific Region

A recent powerful solar flare originating from sunspot region AR3654 caused widespread radio blackouts across the Pacific region. The eruption, which lasted for 12 minutes on April 30, released near X-class solar flares, the most potent type. Solar flares are associated with sunspots, where magnetic fields are strongest. According to NASA, solar flares occur when powerful magnetic fields in and around the Sun reconnect, releasing magnetic energy that builds up in the solar atmosphere. These flares are classified based on their strength, with X-class flares being the most powerful, followed by M-class, C-class, and B-class flares. The April 30 flare, measuring M9.53, was just below an X-class solar flare, ionizing the upper atmosphere upon hitting Earth. Mariners and ham radio operato...

May22024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Scientists Unravel Mystery of Antarctic Polynya Formation in Ice

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

After decades of puzzlement, scientists have finally unlocked the secrets behind the formation of a massive hole in the Antarctic sea ice known as a polynya. This enigmatic phenomenon, which appears intermittently near the submerged peak Maud Rise in the Weddell Sea, has long eluded explanation since its first observation in 1974. Now, a comprehensive study utilizing advanced satellite imagery, autonomous instruments, and computational modeling has shed light on the intricate mechanisms driving the formation and persistence of these vast openings in the ice. Polynyas, holes in the sea ice, are a common sight near the Antarctic shoreline, serving as crucial access points for marine mammals such as seals and whales. However, the Maud Rise polynya, situated farther from the coast, has rema...

May22024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Rising Temperatures in India’s Metro Cities Understanding the Urban Heat Island Effect

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

As the calendar flips to May, India's major metropolitan cities are experiencing a surge in temperatures, with Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru all recording high mercury levels. The phenomenon is not merely a seasonal shift but is closely linked to the urban heat island effect, significantly impacting urban environments. The urban heat island effect describes a situation where urban areas exhibit higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings. This disparity arises primarily due to human activities and the infrastructure in cities, which absorb and retain heat more efficiently than natural landscapes. Causes and Effects Urban areas, with their abundance of concrete and asphalt, absorb heat during the day and release it slowly, leading to elevated temperatures, pa...

May12024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Surprisingly Improved Air Quality of Delhi in April 2024

Breaking News, Environment

Delhi experienced a notable improvement in air quality during April 2024, recording the maximum number of 'Good to Moderate' air quality days in comparison to the last six years, with the exception of the lockdown year 2020 due to COVID-19. This improvement can be attributed to favorable meteorological conditions and the concerted efforts of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) along with various stakeholders to control air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). Key Highlights Number of Good to Moderate Air Quality Days: Delhi witnessed 23 days with 'Good to Moderate' air quality in April 2024, compared to 17 days in 2023, 0 in 2022, 18 in 2021, 30 in 2020 (during the lockdown period), 12 in 2019, and 8 in 2018. Control of Poor to Se...

May12024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Record-Breaking April Temperatures Grip Eastern and Peninsular India Amid General Elections

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

As the nation remains gripped by the ongoing polling for the 2024 general elections, eastern and peninsular India has been facing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record-breaking levels throughout April. Scientists attribute this scorching heat to the looming climate crisis, underscoring the urgent need for climate action. According to data from the Meteorological Department, April marked the warmest on record in eastern and northeastern India in terms of night temperatures since 1901, and the third warmest in mean temperatures. Similarly, it was the second warmest April in the peninsula in terms of maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures. The sweltering conditions have been exacerbated by factors such as El Nino and climate change, as explained by OP Sreejith,...