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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Antarctica - What Lies Beneath

Information from an article originally published by NASA on Jun 4, 2013

http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/feat...

The world's understanding of what lies beneath the world's biggest ice sheet has taken another leap forward. In the video below NASA strips away the Antarctic ice sheets to reveal a new, and much more detailed map of the bedrock below. This map called Bedmap2, gives a clearer picture of Antarctica from the ice surface down to the bedrock below. Bedmap2 is a significant improvement on the previous collection of Antarctic data—known as Bedmap—that was produced more than 10 years ago. The product was a result of work led by the British Antarctic Survey, where researchers compiled decades worth of geophysical measurements, such as surface elevation measurements from NASA's Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite, known as ICESat, and ice thickness data collected by Operation IceBridge.

This video is public domain and can be downloaded at: http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/goto?4060







The following images depict the differences between Antarctica's ice sheet with its underlying topography. Note that the vertical scale has been magnified by a factor of 17 to make terrain features such as mountains and valleys more visible.)
Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center






With effects ranging from influencing ocean currents to raising sea level, Antarctica plays a large role in the global climate system. Researchers are using a variety of methods to understand how Antarctica will react to a changing climate, but limited information on ice thickness and what lies beneath the ice makes this work challenging. Now, thanks to work led by the British Antarctic Survey published recently in the journal The Cryosphere, scientists will have a new detailed map of the frozen continent.

The Model

Ice sheet modeling is an area that will likely make heavy use of Bedmap2 data. Ice sheets are thick, dome-shaped formations of ice that cover large areas of land. There are two major ice sheets on Earth, one covering Greenland and one over Antarctica. Ice sheets are formed as snow accumulates and is compacted into ice over many years. "Ice sheets grow because of snow, and like honey poured on a plate, spread outward and thin due to their own weight," said Sophie Nowicki, an ice sheet scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

Ice sheet researchers use computer models to simulate how ice sheets will respond to changes in ocean and air temperatures. An advantage of these simulations is that they allow testing of many different climate scenarios, but the models are limited by how accurate the data on ice volume and sub-ice terrain are. "In order to accurately simulate the dynamic response of ice sheets to changing environmental conditions, such as temperature and snow accumulation, we need to know the shape and structure of the bedrock below the ice sheets in great detail," said Michael Studinger, IceBridge project scientist at NASA Goddard.

Knowing what the bedrock looks like is important for ice sheet modeling because features in the bed control the ice's shape and affect how it moves. Ice will flow faster on a downhill slope, while an uphill slope or bumpy terrain can slow an ice sheet down or even hold it in place temporarily. "The shape of the bed is the most important unknown, and affect how ice can flow," said Nowicki. "You can influence how honey spreads on your plate, by simply varying how you hold your plate." The vastly improved bedrock data included in Bedmap2 should provide the level of detail needed for models to be realistic.

NASA's Operation IceBridge

 
graphical representation of Antarctica with survey flight paths superimposed
A significant portion of the data in Bedmap2 was collected by NASA's Operation IceBridge. Flight paths from the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Antarctic campaigns are shown here as dark green lines. NASA DC-8 flights originated from Punta Arenas, Chile, on the left side of the image. Flight lines in East Antarctica represent surveys flown by the Institute for Geophysics at the University of Texas at Austin, one of IceBridge's partnering organizations.
Credit: NASA Goddard's Scientific Visualization Studio

IceBridge data also played a big role by providing data on parts of Antarctica where there have been few to no measurements before. One such area is the Recovery Ice Stream, which IceBridge essentially put on the map with data from its 2011 Antarctic campaign. Both NASA and the U.S. National Science Foundation have invested a great deal of time and money in radars like MCoRDS and airborne campaigns like IceBridge over the years.

NASA's contributions go beyond merely collecting this data. By making its data freely available to researchers, NASA is leading a positive trend with researchers. "We hope that other partners will also go down this road," said Fretwell. Collecting radar sounding data over Antarctica is an expensive effort, which has led some researchers to be understandably protective. This could change, however, as more researchers make use of freely available data.

"More and more people in the research community realize the tremendous value of making data freely available," said Studinger.

For more information on NASA's Operation Ice Bridge, visit:


George Hale
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Kiribati, Gone in 60 years


Photographer David Gray documented life in the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati, a chain of 33 islands that stand just a few feet above sea level, spread over a huge expanse of otherwise empty ocean. With surrounding sea levels rising, Kiribati President Anote Tong has predicted his country will likely become unihabitable in 30-60 years because of inundation and contamination of its freshwater supplies. Yet, while climate change poses a serious longer-term threat, many people now recognize that unchecked population growth is a more immediate problem, particularly for those crowded onto Kiribati's main island of South Tarawa.

See Gray's fabulous slideshow by clicking on the image below:


A boat floats in the lagoon near Bikeman islet, located off South Tarawa in the central Pacific island nation of Kiribati May 25, 2013. Kiribati consists of a chain of 33 atolls and islands that stand just metres above sea level, spread over a huge expanse of otherwise empty ocean. With surrounding sea levels rising, Kiribati President Anote Tong has predicted his country will likely become uninhabitable in 30-60 years because of inundation and contamination of its freshwater supplies. Picture taken May 25, 2013. REUTERS-David Gray  (KIRIBATI - Tags: ENVIRONMENT POLITICS SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)ATTENTION EDITORS: PICTURE 34 OF 42 FOR PACKAGE  'KIRIBATI - GONE IN 60 YEARS'. SEARCH 'KIRIBATI' FOR ALL IMAGES





Reference: Reuters website

http://www.reuters.com/article/slideshow/idUSRTX10M9G#a=36

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Water in the Anthropocene - Fascinating and Terrifying



Source: http://gizmodo.com/our-effect-on-earths-water-cycle-is-both-fascinating-a-509040509

Initially, access to water defined where humanity could grow and develop. But now the opposite is true, and we're the ones directing the future of our global water system. Watching that transition unfold is as sobering as it is stunning.

This three minute video, created by Felix Pharand for the opening of the Bonn meeting in Germany  - to highlight major global water research - tracks this shift in power and the unsettling consequences to come.

"Anthropocene" is a term used by many to describe the newest geologic epoch, one in which humans are the major factor in global change. So in terms of our water supply, as humanity grows, the carbon and nitrogen cycles continue to shift while damming, extraction, and irrigation alter the water flow we so desperately depend on.

The video lays out the facts of our current situation, which can be troubling enough: rivers exist that never meet the sea; we move massive amounts of sediment that would, otherwise, not be affected by natural erosion; 48,000 large dams have been built; and we've drained half of the global wetlands. And the consequences of our actions don't sound hopeful - 800 million people have no safe drinking water, and four out of five people across the entire world face risk to their water security.

While, sure, most of us are aware that our fresh water supply is limited, but seeing the numbers displayed so plainly is shocking. Hopefully, with conferences like the Bonn meeting, we'll be able to change the direction of the water cycle again, but this time for the better.

[Eureka Alert via Felix Pharand]

Monday, June 10, 2013

Thinking Like a Geographer (Official Music Video)

Just a good bit of fun!

Published on Feb 21, 2013
WARNING! This video contains explicit geographical scenes that may offend the non-worldy-wise.


Saturday, June 8, 2013

Stairways!


Stairways that will amaze!

The floating Inca trail in Peru would finish me RIGHT off....






For many, stairs are something to avoid, unless you're determined to lose some weight.
But lovers of nature and spectacular views are more than used to climbing steps and yet
more steps to gain the view, though this list of steps may be a challenge for those who get a little dizzy.

 



Where you are: Pailon del Diablo , Ecuador
Where are they going? Designed to descend to the bottom of one
of the most famous waterfalls in South America ,  lost in the fog
along the way in many cases. It is extremely slippery and steep
for several tens of metres to a lookout where you can see the
dramatic effect, accompanied by hummingbirds,gulls and other local birds.


  


The Step-well of Chand Baori near Jaipur, Rajastan
Where are you? India
Where are they going? These steps lead down to a huge pool, built in the tenth century to
overcome the lack of rainfall in the region and store water for long periods. The structure has
a total of 3,500 steps, down to a depth of 30 metres --- then up again with the water.


Stairs Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Where you are: Dresden , Germany
Where are they going? Stairs carved into the stone of the mountain itself . They
date from the 13th century and have been eroded by wind and water, but are still
being used daily by tourists.  487steps, though not enough, were restored and
expanded in the eighteenth century to facilitate transit.



The Rock of Guatape
Where you are: Antioquia , Colombia
Where are they going? The rock is a stone monolith 220 metres high. The steps are
constructed with cement, directly on the rock, making use of a natural cleavage.
702 steps must be climbed to reach the peak.

 



The Ladder Haiku
Where you are: Oahu , Hawaii
Material: metal
Where are they going? On the small island of Oahu there is this tremendous journey
of 3922 steps,climbing, across and down a hill of 850 metres. They were created to
facilitate the installation of a satellite in 1942.  Originally of  wood, they were
modernized in the '50s, but since 1987 have been closed to the public.

 



The Inca Trail
Where you are: Peru
Where are they going?  An ancient trade route linking the city of Cuzco to
Machu Pichu.   The rugged topography of the area forced the Inca Trail to make
detours around hills and between mountains. The result: miles and miles of stairs,
in some cases very precarious, as the famous floating staircases.
  
Standing there and not holding on to something obviously it wasn't a windy day? !!!!

 



Ladder Via Crucis
Where you are: Bermeo, Basque Country, Spain
Where are they going? This endless row of stairs is attached to the rocky coast where
there is a small church dating from the tenth century and seemingly of Templar origin.
To reach the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one has to climb 231 steps and
there are gaps in the steps that are identified as the footsteps of St. John himself,
which are given different healing powers.   For example, you have to put your feet in
them as a cure for corns, or leave hats, scarves or chapelas, to cure the headache.


 


Spiral Staircase in the Taihang Mountains
Where you are: At the boundary between the provinces of Shanxi and Henan , China .
Where are they going? This spiral staircase of almost 100 metres was installed recently in
an attempt to attract tourists to the beautiful Taihang Mountains .
Before undertaking the ascent, visitors are asked to sign forms to ensure they do not have
heart or lung problems, and are under age 60.  And a slip on the narrow metal ladder can
certainly lead to heaven, as in the Led Zeppelin song.

 


Wayna Pichu
Where you are: Machu Picchu , Peru
Where are they going? Stairs carved into the rock that crowns a climb of about 360 metres
from MachuPicchu itself.   In some parts, the ascent is complicated to pass through narrow
sections, with small step and eroded steps. Climbing time is calculated to be between one
hour and 90 minutes: 90 minutes climbing stairs! Only 400 tourists a day are allowed, and access is closed from 1pm, just in case.

(Thanks to Dan Bowyer for passing these amazing photos on.)

Friday, June 7, 2013

This is a Real Road!

Thanks to Joanna Hughes for this one!

This is a real road in Norway, called the Atlantic Ocean Road. It's eight kilometres (five miles) of sheer insanity and wave-soaked driving.

According to Atlas Obscura:

"The curvy road dips and arches over the brutal waves of the Norwegian Sea that often crash over the pavement during storms, and was subjected to 12 hurricanes during construction. A 5.2 mile segment of County Road 64 in Norway, it consists of several causeways, seven bridges, and four viewpoints to take in the scenic views . . .

Driving along the Atlantic Road is like teetering on the edge on the sea. The road's rollar coaster feel, curvy bridges and phenomenal views have made it a favorite of road trippers and motorcyclists."






Top photo by Ivan Tsvetkov via Shutterstock. Bottom by Asbjørn Floden.


Check out the drive on YouTube


Thursday, June 6, 2013

The First Billboard that Produces Potable Water from the Air

Water for a thirsty world? A great case study for a Global Issues class!

This video tells the story of an incredible feat of technology - the world's first billboard designed to create drinking water from humidity in the air.

This unique billboard is the product of a partnership between outdoor advertising owner Clear Channel Peru, researchers at the University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC) in Lima, media agency BNP and the advertising agency, Mayo Publicidad.

Launched at the end of 2012, the billboard is now a prominent feature of the skyline in Bujama, a small village community just south of Peru’s capital city, Lima. The climate in the area is oppressive - little rain, but nearly 98% humidity. Most residents of Bujama have no access to a reliable and clean water supply.

Since the billboard’s arrival, residents of Bujama now have access to an average of 96 litres of drinking water a day.





For more information on the technology, click on the logo below to access an excellent article from April 2013 published on the Popular Mechanics website:







Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Mundurukus natives oppose controversial Belo Monte dam


Click on the image below to view photos of Mundurukus natives opposed to the construction of the controversial Belo Monte dam in the state of Para, Brazil. Native representatives met with Brazil's Secretary General of the Presidency, Gilberto Carvalho, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on June 4, 2013. Five indigenous tribes are calling for legislation under which they would have to be consulted prior to any official decision affecting them with respect to the dam's construction. Belo Monte, which is being built at a cost of $13 billion, is expected to flood an area of 500 square km along the Xingu River, displacing 16,000 people, according to the government. Some NGOs have estimated that some 40,000 people would be displaced by the massive project. Indigenous groups say the dam will harm their way of life while environmentalists warn of deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and irreparable damage to the ecosystem.



Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Update - Nestle vs Wellington County

An update to my earlier post - Nestle vs Wellington County.

This local issue was covered on the National last night. 1 million litres/day warrants updated legislation for water taking permits, especially during droughts when limitations are placed on everyone else in region

 

See the clip at:

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/TV+Shows/The+National/ID/2389282564/


 

More information can also be found at:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/05/30/pol-nestle-water-permit-appeal.html


(Thanks to Kari Morrison for passing this along.)

60th Anniversary of First Ascent of Everest


Though I missed the actual date of the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest - May 29th - I wanted to acknowledge this historic accomplishment. (Though in my defense I am not that far off the date of the announcement of the event as news was delayed until June 2nd so as coincide with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II)

What inspired me to study and ultimately teach geography and history were the stories of those early explorers and adventurers that sought to fill in the "white spaces on the map." These tales of tragedy and triumph have always fascinated me; none more than the ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in May 1953.

Given the challenges of the time, and the numbers who had died in previous assaults on the mountain, what Hillary and Tenzing accomplished is truly amazing. I always think of the tragic events of 1996 as recorded by Jon Krakauer in his book "Into Thin Air" whenever I consider the 1953 expedition. Everest can be unforgiving, and the fact that Tenzing and Hillary were able to summit, sans modern climbing gear, fixed ropes, and an established route, is a tremendous feat.

The Telegraph in the UK has put together a wonderful interactive webpage to explore. Click on the Telegraph icon below to access the site:








Everest, or Chomolungma - "the abode of the gods"



Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary 1953



 The Route to the Summit




On top of the World

Monday, June 3, 2013

A New Map of Pangaea with Current Countries Overlaid

Thanks to Anne Smith for directing me to this great map of the supercontinent Pangaea. This is what it may have looked like approximately 250 million years ago - at the transition between the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. I really like how the current country boundaries provide context for those who have problems envisioning how things fit together.