Cemex mine reflects human hunger for sand, California
The disappearance of the beach reflects an alarming reality: Southern Monterey Bay, Marina in particular, has the highest coastal erosion rate in the state of California. For more than 20 years, scientists have speculated about the sand mine’s contribution to that erosion rate, and a 2008 study concluded it was the primary cause. The Cemex mine in Marina is the only remaining coastal sand mine in the entire United States. Which leads to new questions.
PCB chemical threat to Europe’s killer whales and dolphins
A pollutant is present at “dangerously high levels” in Europe’s killer whales and dolphins, scientists say.
Ocean current in Gulf of Mexico linked to red tide, study
A major ocean current in the Gulf of Mexico plays an important role in sustaining Florida red tide blooms, a new study indicates. Researchers suggest that the position of the Loop Current can serve as an indicator of whether the algal bloom will be sustained, and provide warning of possible hazardous red tide conditions in coastal areas.
Unusual North Atlantic Hurricane Alex
According to the National Hurricane Center, Alex is the first hurricane to form in the month of January since 1938. Alex is also the first North Atlantic hurricane thriving in January since Alice of 1955, which formed on Dec. 30, 1954. On the forecast track, the center of Alex will move near or over portions of the Azores Friday morning, Jan. 15.