Disasters Archives - Page 24 of 24

Dec252023 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Volcanic Eruptions and Astronomical Cycles Linked to Historical Climate Change, Study Reveals

A recent analysis published in the journal Earth-Science Reviews sheds light on the connection between large volcanic eruptions, astronomical cycles, and historical climate change. While human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are responsible for modern climate change, the study highlights that climate change in the Earth’s history was influenced by a different set of factors. Key Findings: Volcanic Eruptions in Earth’s History The study reveals that large volcanic eruptions in the Earth’s past released significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This resulted in extreme greenhouse climate warming, nearly causing mass extinctions and environmental crises. These volcanic events occurred cyclically, with a pattern of every 26 to 33 million years. Notably, the study ...

Dec232023 by Editor Desk1 Comment

World’s Largest Iceberg A23a Begins Drifting After 40 Years Grounded

Climate Actions, Disasters

In a significant development, the world’s largest iceberg, A23a, has finally broken free from its grounded position, initiating its drift in the Weddell Sea. Originating from West Antarctica’s Fichner-Ronne ice shelf, A23a measures a staggering 4000 sq km (1,500 square miles) with a thickness of about 400 meters (1,300 feet), making it the largest iceberg globally. After being grounded for an extended period since 1986, recent observations by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite confirm its movement, estimated at approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) per day, propelled by winds and currents. Iceberg A23a Animation The colossal iceberg’s journey was tracked through an animation provided by the European Space Agency (ESA), showcasing its shifts on November 2, November 14, and November 26, 2023...

Dec232023 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Dimming the Sun: A Radical Solution to Climate Change or a Cosmic Conundrum?

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations, Space

In a bid to combat the relentless march of climate change, scientists are proposing an unconventional approach: dimming the Sun. With global temperatures surpassing critical thresholds, a team of researchers suggests mimicking the cooling effect of major volcanic eruptions by creating an artificial haze in the upper atmosphere. While this may sound like the stuff of science fiction, experts argue it could be a feasible solution to curb the warming trend. The Earth’s warming, primarily driven by greenhouse gases like CO₂, could be counteracted by releasing reflective particles into the upper atmosphere. The goal is to dim the Sun by approximately 1%, which, according to research, could cool the planet by 1°C. This approach has historical precedent, as natural phenomena like volcanic erup...

Dec222023 by disastersNo Comments

Understanding and Managing Cascading Disasters in the Himalayas

Breaking News, Disasters, Thoughts & Talks

On October 4, 2023, a tragic event unfolded in the Himalayas, as a cloudburst above Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim triggered a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). This disaster claimed over 30 lives, obliterated the 1,200 MW Urja Hydroelectric Chungthang dam, and left a trail of destruction downstream. A stark reminder of the compounding and cascading risks induced by climate change, the Sikkim GLOF exemplifies the fragility of the Himalayan mountainous region and the severe threats it faces. Unveiling GLOF and Cloudburst Dynamics in Himalayas Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) stem from the sudden rupture of glacial lake dams. The Sikkim Himalayas, particularly the Teesta basin, are home to a plethora of such glacial lakes. South Lhonak Lake, one of the largest and fastest-growing gl...

Dec222023 by disastersNo Comments

Deadly Earthquake Strikes Remote Region in China’s Gansu Province Made Huge Losses

Breaking News, Disasters

A powerful magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck Jishishan county in China‘s northwestern province of Gansu, on the northern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, around midnight on Tuesday. The seismic event has resulted in at least 111 reported deaths and over 230 injuries, according to Chinese state media. The quake, occurring at a depth of 10 km, has prompted extensive rescue and relief efforts in the affected region. The earthquake’s epicenter was 5 km from the border between Gansu and a neighboring province, with strong tremors felt in various parts of Qinghai province. The area, characterized by its remote and mountainous terrain, poses challenges for rescue operations. The affected county, Jishishan, is known for its high altitude, and the cold weather in the region adds complexity to ...

Dec222023 by disastersNo Comments

India Faces Increased Seismic Activity in 2023: Alarming Rise in Earthquakes

Breaking News, Disasters

In 2023, India experienced a significant surge in seismic activity, largely attributed to the active Almora Fault in western Nepal. Three major earthquakes rattled the region, with magnitudes of 5.8 on January 24, 6.2 on October 3, and 6.4 on November 3. The aftermath of these quakes resulted in continuous tremors throughout the year, affecting neighboring countries, including India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nepal. The seismic activity in the region is not unexpected, given its proximity to the Himalayas, an area prone to earthquakes due to the collision of tectonic plates. The collision of the Indian Tectonic Plate with the Eurasian Plate generates ongoing seismic events in the region. The statistics for earthquake occurrences in recent years highlight the intensified seismic acti...