M 7.2 Christchurch, New Zealand Earthquake
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred about 20 miles northwest of Christchurch, New Zealand on Saturday, September 4 at 4:35 AM local time.
Video: Mariner Energy Oil Platform Fire
This video provides an overview of yesterday’s Mariner Energy oil platform fire in the Gulf of Mexico. This was a production platform servicing existing wells, not a drilling rig like the one associated with the BP spill.
Gulf of Mexico Energy Facts
“The Gulf of Mexico area, both onshore and offshore, is one of the most important regions for energy resources and infrastructure. Gulf of Mexico offshore oil production accounts for 30 percent of total U.S
Hurricane Earl Information
The best place to get updated information about Hurricane Earl is the National Hurricane Center. There you can view updated maps that show the hurricane’s projected path, wind speed probabilities, public advisories, satellite images and much more. As of Thursday morning at 9:00 EST there were warnings and watches posted all along the east coast
Tsunamis in the Atlantic Ocean
A tsunami in the Atlantic Ocean is a rare event. Although the incidence of Atlantic tsunamis is low, the threat should be taken seriously because millions of people live in low-elevation locations around the rim of the Atlantic basin.
Solar Radiation and Earth’s Atmosphere
“The sun’s energy output declined to unusually low levels from 2007 to 2009, a particularly prolonged solar minimum during which there were virtually no sunspots or solar storms. During that same period of low solar activity, Earth’s thermosphere shrank more than at any time in the 43-year era of space exploration.”
Track Satellites in Real Time
Here is a website that allows you to track satellites in real time. Just select a satellite and see a map of the world with the location of the satellite and the path it is tracking. Be patient… the site will display a map quickly but the path and satellite can take a moment or
Unusual Release of Carbon Dioxide from the Southern Ocean
A study of carbon-14 in the shells of fossil foraminifera living at the end of the last ice age, about 18,000 years ago, suggests an unusual release of carbon dioxide from the Southern Ocean at that time.
Chinese Investments in Afghanistan Mineral Development
Mineral consumption in China has been growing rapidly and Chinese interest in the mineral resources of other countries is growing. This article reviews some of these investments, in particular, two in Afghanistan
Utica Shale Activity Begins in Quebec
Quebec is a fossil fuel consumer with very little local production. However, some of the first wells are being drilled into the Utica Shale and hundreds more have already been permitted.