Earth Changes
UPI
UPIFri, 27 Oct 2006 12:00 UTC
U.S. scientists say species are becoming extinct thousands of times faster than they have historically, and that is posing problems for humanity.
An earthquake swarm - a steady drumbeat of moderate, related seismic events - over hours or days, often can be observed near a volcano such as Mount St. Helens in Washington state or in a geothermal region such as Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. New research led by a University of Washington seismologist shows, however, that such swarms can occur anywhere that is seismically active, not just near volcanoes or geothermal regions.
"In our research we saw swarms everywhere and we could see the broad characteristics of how they behaved," said John Vidale, a UW professor of Earth and space sciences and director of the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network.
Australia's worst drought in recorded history will cut its wheat crop to its lowest level in 12 years and cut economic growth by around 0.7 percent, an official forecast said Friday.
Research from Met Office (UK) scientists shows that an additional quarter of the earth's land surface could be affected by drought by the end of this century.
AP
APFri, 27 Oct 2006 12:00 UTC
NEW YORK -- A UN rights advocate said that millions more of the world's poor suffered malnutrition last year.
The advocated also charged that the trade practices of wealthy nations and desert encroachment aggravated the problem.
A MAN was missing last night after an open canoe capsized on a loch.
The horror unfolded as the worst storms in 70 years lashed northern Scotland. Hundreds fled their homes as flooding caused mayhem.
BBC
BBCFri, 27 Oct 2006 12:00 UTC
Reports of a loud explosion on the north Cornwall and Devon border are being investigated.
A number of residents reported hearing a loud bang between 1130 and 1200 BST around the Bude and Holsworthy area. Others said their homes were damaged.
NASA researchers are investigating the potential impact of climate change on New York City using computer models to simulate future climates and sea level rise. Their studies, to date, forecast a 15 to 19 inch-increase in sea levels by the 2050s that could put the city at higher risk of flooding during storm surges.
Measurements from a network of monitors stretching across the Atlantic Ocean could offer an early warning of "sudden climate change", scientists have said.
Catania, Italy- Sicily's Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, continued erupting overnight to Thursday with a 2,000 metre- high lava flow streaming into the valley below. The glowing rock mass was flowing, according to vulcanologists in the region, down the southerly face of the mountain. It was unclear whether a new crater had been opened or whether an old one had become active.
Comment: Comment: There are a couple of reports of similar incidents in different locations here, and if interested in this topic there is the Signs Supplement: Sonic or "Mystery" Booms.