Powerful Earthquake Exposes New Land Near Kaikoura, NZ

On November 13, 2016, a powerful 7.8 magnitude quake jolted the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, lifting the seabed by 0.5 to 2 meters (2 to 7 feet). From above, satellites captured an image of a thin swath of newly exposed land ringing the Kaikoura Peninsula and other parts of South Island.

Beware at the beach: It’s sneaker wave season in Oregon

Never turn your back to the ocean. That’s probably the best piece of advice when it comes to surviving sneaker waves — the sudden, unpredictable surges of water that can knock you over or pull you out to sea. And while there’s no official season for sneaker waves, plotting out major incidents in Oregon shows an undeniable seasonal trend.

Surfers flock to Taiwan, an island nation that fears the sea

Surfing is still new to Taiwan, an island of 23 million off the east coast of China. Fewer than 100 people make a living out of surfing. Analysts say the aversion to water has cultural and political roots going back to the island’s tempestuous relationship with China…

Kilauea’s Lava Pours Into the Pacific

The Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō eruption of Kilauea, the most active volcano in the Hawaiian island chain, has been going on almost continuously for more than three decades. The location and intensity of lava flows have varied over the years

Here are South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches for 2016

South Africa has been awarded 58 Blue Flag status sites for 2016, with the most blue flag beaches in the southern hemisphere. 45 South African beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status for the 2016/17 season which opens officially on 1 November, along with five marinas and eight sustainable tourism boats.