The Waves of the Pacific Are on Chile’s Energy Horizon
Chile, a country with 6,435 km of Pacific Ocean coastline, could find in wave and tidal power a solution to its need to diversify its energy mix. According to a study commissioned by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this South American country has 164 MW in wave energy potential, which makes it unique in the world.
Canadian waters getting safer, but research gaps limit full understanding of shipping risks
The risks of commercial marine shipping accidents across Canada’s regions have been outlined in a new report, including information for different cargo types. The report highlights gaps in understanding and areas for further research.
Coastal Plain Is One of World’s “Bio” Hotspots
The Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund recognized the North American Coastal Plain, a more than 800,000-square-mile area that stretches from Florida to Maine, as the world’s 36th biodiversity hotspot. The organization is a joint initiative with French, European Union, Japanese and other interests focused on biodiversity conservation of the most biologically rich and threatened areas by non-governmental, private-sector and community groups.
Climate Change and the Middle East (II)
Water scarcity has become one of the major concerns of 33 Middle East Arab and North African countries. Also, due to the rise of the Mediterranean Sea water levels and land depression observed, the whole region is eventually exposed to two dangerous effects: water and soil salinization, and coastal sea flooding.
7.8 earthquake devastates coast zone, Ecuador
A 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific coast Saturday, in Pedernales area. It’s the worst quake since 1979. Coastal areas nearest the quake were worst affected. A tsunami warning was lifted on Saturday night, but coastal residents were urged to seek higher ground in case tides rise.
Break the Grip of the Rip, Video
Rip currents account for 80% of beach rescues, and can be dangerous or deadly if you don’t know what to do. But if you know your options, survey your situation, and stay calm, you can stay safe and continue to have fun in the surf, sand, and sun.
Archaeologists Reveal the Vasco da Gama Shipwreck, Video
Take a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to locate and excavate the earliest known shipwreck from Europe’s Golden Age of Exploration – the Vasco da Gama’s ships lost at sea in 1503 off the coast of present-day Oman.
Southern flooding: seeing historic levels
All over the Mississippi Valley region, rivers quickly rose near record flood stages and homes were submerged. Louisiana National Guard spokesman Col. Pete Schneider called it the most widespread non-hurricane flooding the guard has ever dealt with, reports the Associated Press…
New York harbor’s oyster beds once protected against severe storm and extreme wave damage
A recent study of past disturbance of the oyster beds in New York Harbor led by geoscientists is the first to link Europeans’ overharvesting and disturbance of the ancient shellfish beds to loss of natural coastal defenses against floods and storm waves.