Earth Watch Report - National Seismic Activity
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ANSS Backbone Stations
These data update automatically every 30 minutes. Last update: May 21, 2013 05:05:02 UTC
Seismograms may take several moments to load. Click on a plot to see larger image.
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These data update automatically every 30 minutes. Last update: May 21, 2013 05:05:02 UTC
Seismograms may take several moments to load. Click on a plot to see larger image.
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These data update automatically every 30 minutes. Last update: May 21, 2013 05:19:11 UTC
Seismograms may take several moments to load. Click on a plot to see larger image.
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Earth approaching objects (objects that are known in the next 30 days) |
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| Object Name | Apporach Date | Left | AU Distance | LD Distance | Estimated Diameter* | Relative Velocity | |||
| (2012 FC71) | 20th May 2013 | 0 day(s) | 0.0574 | 22.3 | 24 m – 53 m | 3.25 km/s | 11700 km/h | ||
| (2012 VN82) | 21st May 2013 | 1 day(s) | 0.1843 | 71.7 | 270 m – 610 m | 12.09 km/s | 43524 km/h | ||
| (2000 GD147) | 21st May 2013 | 1 day(s) | 0.1445 | 56.3 | 250 m – 570 m | 15.11 km/s | 54396 km/h | ||
| (2011 KG4) | 21st May 2013 | 1 day(s) | 0.1779 | 69.2 | 67 m – 150 m | 11.99 km/s | 43164 km/h | ||
| (2009 SB) | 22nd May 2013 | 2 day(s) | 0.1969 | 76.6 | 200 m – 460 m | 31.78 km/s | 114408 km/h | ||
| 163364 (2002 OD20) | 22nd May 2013 | 2 day(s) | 0.0388 | 15.1 | 460 m – 1.0 km | 10.18 km/s | 36648 km/h | ||
| 172722 (2004 BV102) | 24th May 2013 | 4 day(s) | 0.1795 | 69.9 | 840 m – 1.9 km | 26.53 km/s | 95508 km/h | ||
| (2012 KF25) | 25th May 2013 | 5 day(s) | 0.0793 | 30.9 | 23 m – 51 m | 9.14 km/s | 32904 km/h | ||
| (2011 KE3) | 29th May 2013 | 9 day(s) | 0.1303 | 50.7 | 43 m – 97 m | 5.36 km/s | 19296 km/h | ||
| 285263 (1998 QE2) | 30th May 2013 | 10 day(s) | 0.0392 | 15.2 | 1.4 km – 3.1 km | 10.58 km/s | 38088 km/h | ||
| (2011 BM45) | 31st May 2013 | 11 day(s) | 0.0749 | 29.2 | 130 m – 280 m | 27.67 km/s | 99612 km/h | ||
| (2004 KH17) | 02nd June 2013 | 13 day(s) | 0.0979 | 38.1 | 110 m – 250 m | 12.91 km/s | 46476 km/h | ||
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Earth approaching objects – Thursday May 16th, 2013
Earth approaching objects – Friday May 10th, 2013
Earth approaching objects – Sunday April 28th, 2013
Earth approaching objects – Wednesday April 24th, 2013
Earth approaching objects – Friday April 19th, 2013
Earth approaching objects – Monday April 15th, 2013
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| 21.05.2013 | Volcano Activity | USA | State of Alaska, [Pavlof Volcano] |
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| Updated: | Monday, 20 May, 2013 at 08:39 UTC |
| Description | |
| Science is quick to point out that strange happenings, even remotely, can impact the entire planet, and the eruption of the Pavlof volcano in a remote part of Alaska is quickly pointing out how cause and effect can impact everyone on the planet according to and article published on Christian Science published May 19, 2013. The Pavlof volcano began erupting Monday spewing ash clouds as high as 15,000 feet. By Wednesday the ash clouds had reached heights as far as 20,000 feet. It was at this point the National Weather Service designated this as a “significant meteorological event that could disrupt local air traffic.” If the ash clouds from Pavlof’s eruptions reaches 35,000 feet it will then begin to “disrupt international flights that use Alaskan airspace as a corridor for traffic between” North America and Asia. That is not in the forecast at the moment however, experts believe the eruptions can continue on for a month, at least a few weeks. If it does impact air traffic it can disrupt thousands of different areas in our lives from store shelves being light to loved ones not making it home on time. The video above is about another volcano that erupted midway through 2011 in South America which interrupted airway traffic and caused volcanic ash to be blown halfway around the world. | |
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| Updated: | Tuesday, 21 May, 2013 at 03:11 UTC |
| Description | |
| Pavlof Volcano continues to erupt on the Alaska Peninsula, about 625 miles southwest of Anchorage. The Alaska Volcano Observatory reports a plume of steam, gas and ash reached up to 22,000 feet Sunday and was visible on satellite images drifting southeast over the north Pacific. Trace amounts of ash were reported in Sand Point, a city of nearly 1,000 on Popof Island about 55 miles east of the volcano. The volcano observatory says seismic activity remains elevated at the 8,262-foot volcano that began its latest eruption May 13. The volcano last erupted in 2007 for 29 days. | |
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| 20.05.2013 | Epidemic Hazard | Tunisia | Governorate of Monastir, Monastir |
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| Description | |
| In a communique issued today, (20 May 2013), the Ministry of Health announced the death of a Tunisian citizen returning from the Gulf with coronavirus. This individual was 66 years old and had diabetes, he wastreated in the Fatima Bourguiba Hospital in Monastir for acute respiratory insufficiency (SARI – severe acute respiratory illness) upon his return from a trip to holy sites (-in Saudi Arabia) and Qatar where one of his sons lives. Medical evaluation of his family revealed 2 of his sons had symptoms (consistent with an influenza-like illness). Testing confirmed infection and they have completely recovered (the translation here is not clear as to whether they were laboratory confirmed infections – Mod.MPP). The ministry is continuingto monitor all family members of this case, but thus far they are not showing signs of infection with this virus. It should be noted that the ministry is continuing heightened surveillance for coronavirus in all parts of the country. Recommendations to prevent the spread of this disease are to avoid contact with individuals returning from the Middle East with respiratory symptoms, urging such individuals to use protective masks and be diligent about hand washing, (especially after sneezing, coughing, or touching respiratory tract secretions.) | |
| Biohazard name: | NCoV (novel coronavirus) |
| Biohazard level: | 4/4 Hazardous |
| Biohazard desc.: | Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, H5N1(bird flu), Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic or unidentified diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, autonomous detection system, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 (P4) lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release. |
| Symptoms: | |
| Status: | confirmed |
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| 20.05.2013 | Heat Wave | India | Capital City, New Delhi |
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| Description | |
| The heat wave will continue in Delhi and others parts of the country for the next two to three days. Dusty winds will hit north and northwest India during the period. In the first heat wave (about 45 degrees Celsius or above) of the summer in the capital, continuous sunshine for long daylight hours, stretching as much as 13 hours and 36 minutes, is driving up the temperature. The temperature in Delhi this week rose to 44.6 degrees Celsius and 46.2 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjang and Palam observatories respectively. It will not be surprising if the maximum temperature rises further to 45 degrees Celsius, a level observed on 31 May last year, the second time in a decade. The May record for Delhi, however, is 47.2 degrees Celsius, seen on 29 May 1944. Delhi wasn’t the hottest place in north India. Hisar in Haryana recorded 46 degrees Celsius on Sunday, five degrees above the average record of 40.7 degrees.
In Hisar, the maximum temperature may break last year’s record of 46.4 degrees registered on 31 May in the next two days. The highest maximum temperatures ever recorded in Hissar is 48.8 degrees on 21 May 1998. Winds from the Thar desert will continue to make life uncomfortable in most parts of northwest, central and east India in the coming two days. Some respite is possible at isolated pockets over northwest India if winds become southwesterly as they contain some moisture and are a bit cooler than the westerly winds. But most of the places in the region especially over Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana will remain intense heat conditions. Hot and dry westerly winds will continue to hit central and east India in the coming two days so temperatures will remain in the mid-forties or above over interior Maharashtra. Nagpur, which registered 47.3 degrees as maximum could see a further rise in day temperature. The highest ever May temperature in Nagpur is 47.8 degrees registered on 26 May 1954. East Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas of Bihar have temperatures in lower forties. |
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NEW DELHI: The mercury’s dreaded surge into the high forties has left vast swathes of north India sweltering under a severe heat wave spread across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Churu in Rajasthan continued to sizzle for the third day, recording a blistering 48.2 degrees Celsius.
Delhi sweated under 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above normal, while Palam was the hottest in NCR at 46.2 degrees.
Met officials said there would be no respite till May 24. Even that would lower temperatures by just 1-2 degrees, after which high temperatures would return for the rest of the month, the Met office said. This would mark only the second instance of Delhi seeing such a prolonged heat wave in May in the last 10 years.
Mercury to stay high till Saturday
“The heat wave is the result of the absence of any western disturbance in Delhi and neighbouring areas, strengthening of hot northwesterly winds from the desert and subsidence of air in association with an anticyclone over Rajasthan and adjoining areas,” said O P Singh, deputy director of meteorology, Delhi Regional Meteorological Centre
“Such conditions are favourable for dust raising winds in northwest India and are likely to continue during the fourth week of May as well. There will be a small decrease in temperature during the coming weekend with the advent of a western disturbance,” Singh added.
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Posted by Chiffre on May 20, 2013
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Our planet is surrounded by a wispy layer of gas that keeps us warm, allows the weather to happen and basically makes all of life on Earth possibile.Except that precious atmosphere of ours is leaking into outer space every second. Thankfully it is a rather slow leak, since for any object, weather it is a molecule of gas, a rocket or a cat, to break the tether of our planets gravity and escape, it has to hightail it out of here at a speed of 11 000 m/s.
It takes the energy of a ton of TNT to boost a person to that speed, and less energy for lighter objects ( 1/10 out of that for a cat for example). Other than a large asteroid impact that can eject large amounts of atmosphere into space, the only gases that regularly escape Earths atmosphere are hydrogen and helium.There are different ways hydrogen and helium molecules can wind up on a one-way trip to space.
Some escape by simply getting enough energy from the suns heat-this process is an example of thermal escape mechanisms.
One classical thermal escape mechanism is Jeans escape. In a quantity of gas, the average velocity of a molecule is determined by temperature, but the velocity of individual molecules varies continuously as they collide with one another, gaining and losing kinetic energy. The variation in kinetic energy among the molecules is described by the Maxwell distribution. The kinetic energy and mass of a molecule determine its velocity by 
Individual molecules in the high tail of the distribution may reach escape velocity, at a level in the atmosphere where the mean free path is comparable to the scale height, and leave the atmosphere. The more massive the molecule of a gas is, the lower the average velocity of molecules of that gas at a given temperature, and the less likely it is that any of them reach escape velocity.
The Watchers
Posted by Chillymanjaro on May 20, 2013
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A moderate solar flare peaking at M1.7 was observed off the east limb around >Returning Sunspot 1731 located off the east limb produced moderate M1.7 solar flare at 05:25 UTC on May 20, 2013. Sunspot 1731 will begin to rotate back into view within the next 24 hours when it will get new sunspot number.

Space weather forecasters predicted geomagnetic storming conditions up to major G2 level, however, the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) has been mostly pointed north, meaning that geomagnetic activity is being suppressed. Geomagnetic conditions are in normal background for now.
Posted by Chillymanjaro on May 21, 2013
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Global, regional and local view (Credit: EMSC)
Reuters
Steve Mortenson, the owner of the Trenton Water Depot in Trenton, N.D., reviews logs inside his depot on March 26.
WATFORD CITY, N.D. — In towns across North Dakota, the wellhead of the North American energy boom, the locals have taken to quoting the adage: “Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting.”
It’s not that they lack water, like Texas and California. They are swimming in it, and it is free for the taking. Yet as the state’s Bakken shale fields have grown, so has the fight over who has the right to tap into the multimillion-dollar market to supply water to the energy sector.
North Dakota now accounts for over 10 percent of U.S. energy output, and production could double over the next decade. The state draws water from the Missouri River and aquifers for its hydraulic fracturing, the process also known as fracking and the key that has unlocked America’s abundant shale deposits. The process is water-intensive and requires more than 2 million gallons of water per well, equal to baths for some 40,000 people.
As in all booms, new players race in to meet the outsized demand. At the heart of this battle is a scrappy government-backed cooperative, conceived to ensure fresh water in an area where its drinkability is compromised.
The co-op has decided to sell 20 percent of its water to frackers to help keep prices low and pay back state loans. That has not gone down well with the Independent Water Providers, a loose confederation of ranchers, farmers and small businesses that for years has supplied fracking water.
Since opening in January, the co-op has tried to limit the power of the confederation with an aggressive legal and lobbying strategy. The Independent Water Providers have fought back, arguing that the co-op shouldn’t be selling fracking water at all. The state Legislature stepped in with a law last month designed to quell the tension and nurture competition, but industry observers expect the acrimony to continue.
“When all of us had nothing (before the oil boom), there was nothing to fight about,” said Dan Kalil, a longtime commissioner in Williams County, home to many oil and natural gas wells. “Now, so many friendships have been destroyed because of water and oil.”
Jeanie Oudin, an analyst with energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, predicts the competition could push down North Dakota fracking water prices at least 10 percent in the next few years, or roughly $170,000 per well. That’s a sizeable savings in a state where fracking costs are the highest in the country (remoteness meant there was little infrastructure in place). The water accounts for 20 percent of the roughly $8.5 million it costs to drill a North Dakota oil well.
NBC News
Click on the image above for an interactive map showing where the United States produces various forms of energy.
“Regardless of where operators get their water from, the growth in active water depots should increase the availability of raw water for hydraulic fracturing and ultimately bring down costs,” Oudin said. The depots are where energy companies buy most of their fracking water.
The North Dakota Petroleum Council, a trade group for Statoil, Hess, Exxon Mobil, Marathon Oil and other large energy companies, declined to comment on the fight or to forecast how much water prices could fall. The council acknowledged that it would prefer multiple sources for the state’s 8,300 wells.
Energy companies get most of their water in the state by trucking it from depots to oil and natural gas wells. Some wells require more than 650 truckloads to frack. Companies such as EOG Resources Inc and Halliburton Co are experimenting with ways to reduce their dependence on water.
Fracking water depots, which cost roughly $200,000 to build and can gross more than $700,000 per year, are typically small metal buildings on concrete slabs filled with pumps and small tanks connected to the Missouri River or local aquifers. They can have two to six hookups and fill water trucks with as much as 7,800 gallons of water per visit.