earthquakes

Japan Earthquake Kills at Least 55, Displaces Thousands as Rescue Efforts Continue

Japan Earthquake Kills at Least 55, Displaces Thousands as Rescue Efforts Continue

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day has killed at least 55 people, reported Reuters. Freezing temperatures were making the efforts of approximately 3,000 rescuers to reach people trapped beneath demolished buildings in isolated coastal areas more difficult. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said access to the secluded northern portion […]

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    UK Delays Closure of Controversial Fracking Sites

    UK Delays Closure of Controversial Fracking Sites

    When the UK government imposed a moratorium on fracking in 2019, climate campaigners breathed a sigh of relief.  Now, however, there are concerns that the practice might be resurrected in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The government said on Thursday that fracking-company Cuadrilla did not yet have to seal and shutter two wells at […]

    Volcanoes and Earthquakes: Five Facts About the Pacific Ring of Fire

    Volcanoes and Earthquakes: Five Facts About the Pacific Ring of Fire

    By Zulfikar Abbany The Pacific Ring of Fire is aptly named. It’s a string of volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean, and the region is prone to earthquakes. In fact, most earthquakes strike within the ring. Here’s five facts. How Big Is the Pacific Ring of Fire? The Ring of Fire dominates the Pacific Ocean. It’s […]

    Whale Song Can Help Scientists Image the Ocean Floor

    Whale Song Can Help Scientists Image the Ocean Floor

    A study published in Science on Thursday found that it’s possible to use fin whale song for imaging the structure of the Earth’s crust beneath the ocean floor. In order to create ocean floor images, scientists typically need to use air guns that shoot sound beneath the waves. The sound waves travel through the crust […]

    The Atlantic Ocean Is Getting Wider, Scientists Think They Know Why

    The Atlantic Ocean Is Getting Wider, Scientists Think They Know Why

    The Atlantic Ocean is getting wider and, after a uniquely ambitious expedition, scientists finally think they know why. The reason? An upwelling of matter from much deeper below Earth’s crust than is usually observed. “This was completely unexpected,” Dr. Kate Rychert from the University of Southampton said in a press release. “It has broad implications […]

    Indonesia Earthquake Kills Dozens and Destroys Hospital

    Indonesia Earthquake Kills Dozens and Destroys Hospital

    At least 42 people are confirmed dead and more than 600 injured after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi early Friday morning. The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks also damaged more than 300 homes and two hotels, and destroyed a hospital and the regional governor’s office, leaving people trapped under rubble and […]

    Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts on the Big Island

    Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts on the Big Island

    Kilauea, a large volcano on the Island of Hawai’i (or Big Island) and one of the most active in the world, erupted Sunday night following a series of earthquakes, CNN reported. The eruption sent lava shooting into the air, along with a huge cloud of ash and steam. Hawaiian officials urged residents to stay indoors […]

    New England Is Rattled by Strongest Earthquake Since 1976

    New England Is Rattled by Strongest Earthquake Since 1976

    The biggest earthquake in decades rattled New England Sunday morning. The 3.6 magnitude quake was epicentered a few miles off the coast of New Bedford, Massachusetts, according to NPR. No injuries were reported, but 21 people in New Bedford had to evacuate their homes because of minor structural damage, NBC10 Boston reported. “I’ve never in […]