An Oily Tide Washes in With Gulf Storms
When Tropical Storm Lee pummeled the Gulf coast with wind and rain last week, it left more than local floods and wind damage in its wake. Residents from Florida to Louisiana report the slow-moving gale blew in oily residues, thick tar mats and tar balls, confirming fears that the crude from BP’s historic blowout is far from gone. Many along the coast watch and wonder, waiting to see what the next storm blows in.
Sea Levels Much Less Stable Than Earlier Believed
New evidence of sea-level oscillations during a warm period that started about 125,000 years ago raises the possibility of a similar scenario if the planet continues its more recent warming trend, new coral dating method suggests.