People often talk about political powers endangering the seat of our government, but the faster than ever disappearing ice of Antarctica might actually be the biggest threat to Washington D.C.
Scientists predict Washington as one of many cities in the U.S. that will be several feet under water if the 6000 feet Wedst Antarctic Ice Sheet melts. This huge ice sheet that holds several glaciers in place would obviously have catastrophic effects if it disappeared completely, but certain coastal areas could be at risk if even part of it melts. Some states could be completely submerged.
Estimates place a sea level rise at around 16 feet in the case of a major ice shelf collapse. The rise would not be uniform, and strange gravitational effects could result from the lack of pull at the poles.
This meltdown could occur anywhere from decades to centuries, or it may not happen at all.
Melting and reformation of ice in polar regions is normal and part of natural patterns, but resarchers are concerned to see ice in both polar regions disappearing faster than in any other time in history. While there is evidence that global warming may be part of a naturally occuring cycle, other evidence suggests that the abnormally high melt is partially the fault of human activity.
Whether the melt is natural or not, scientists are concerned because it will have major effects on human life either way.
Resources:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/antarcticmeltdownwouldfloodwashingtondc
http://www.livescience.com/environment/090205-more-sea-level-rise.html
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Bats Dying as Mysterious Disease Spreads
It wasn't too long ago that a few bats were discovered in a New York cave, dead from a mysterious condition known as white-nose syndrome. Now scientists are alarmed over what appears to be a spread of the deadly disease to at least 6 other states in the northeastern U.S.
The disease causes bats to use up their fat stores, resulting in hibernation ending early, often during a time of year when insects and food sources are almost unavailable. The cause is a type of fungus that spreads along the skin of bats, creating a white nosed appearance.
White-nose syndrome is not a threat to humans, but a decrease in the number of bats could be dangerous for the balance of ecological systems. Insect numbers could increase as bats die off, contributing to crop disease and other ecological issues.
In the 2 years since the disease was first discovered near Albany, it has possibly spread as far as West Virginia and killed up to hundreds of thousands of bats in 6 states, including bats that are currently considered endangered species.
Researchers are investigating by tracking brown bats with radio transmitters, as well as trying to come up with methods of combating the disease before it spreads even further. What little time they have left will tell how successful they are.
The original article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090204/ap_on_re_us/bat_die_off
The disease causes bats to use up their fat stores, resulting in hibernation ending early, often during a time of year when insects and food sources are almost unavailable. The cause is a type of fungus that spreads along the skin of bats, creating a white nosed appearance.
White-nose syndrome is not a threat to humans, but a decrease in the number of bats could be dangerous for the balance of ecological systems. Insect numbers could increase as bats die off, contributing to crop disease and other ecological issues.
In the 2 years since the disease was first discovered near Albany, it has possibly spread as far as West Virginia and killed up to hundreds of thousands of bats in 6 states, including bats that are currently considered endangered species.
Researchers are investigating by tracking brown bats with radio transmitters, as well as trying to come up with methods of combating the disease before it spreads even further. What little time they have left will tell how successful they are.
The original article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090204/ap_on_re_us/bat_die_off
Monday, February 2, 2009
New South American Species Found!
This image, credited to Yahoo News, shows a glass frog, one of 10 new species discovered last week in Colombia. The discoveries include 4 types of frogs, some poisonous) and a type of salamander.
All new discoveries were amphibians, welcome news to conservationists that have been worried about their recent disappearing numbers. Amphibians are particularly sensitive to climate change and ecological effects due to the type of skin they possess.
Extinction of amphibians would have many extreme effects on the world, including a rise in disease, as the insects that carry certain pathogens would increase without their predators.
Deforestation is currently a threat to the area in which they were discovered, and conservationists are working with locals to preserve the area for the benefit of both the animals and humans.
The original article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090202/sc_nm/us_amphibians
"Hobbit Bones" Continue to Fascinate
If you keep up with science news, I'm sure you remember the exciting headlines a few years ago over the "Hobbit bones" that were discovered in Indonesia. Maybe you even kept up with the unfolding story. The latelst is that scientists are arguing over whether the bones belonged to tiny humans or a seperate species.
Those that missed the original story can read about it and view pictures here:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/10/1027_041027_homo_floresiensis.html
Some researchers suggest that the tiny brains (around a third the size of our own) were due to pathological causes, such as microencephaly.
You can learn about microencephaly here:
http://esynopsis.uchc.edu/S440.htm
Others argue that the beings had features more in line with a different species, despite a few striking similarities with humans.
Skull asymmetry in the specimen could be the result of either pathology or a natural occurance from being buried 10 feet underground for so long.
Some researchers argue that the dozens of similar tiny bones (although without skulls) uncovered in the same area is enough to disprove the pathology theory.
New papers have been released featuring details such as the tiny creatures' diets, based on animal remains found in the same cave as the tiny bones. They most likely ate pygmy elephants, komodo dragons, and giant storks. There was no evidence of sea creatures in their diets.
The one thing we know from the arguments is that the bones are still a mystery. Hopefully we'll know more someday.
Original article
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/columnist/vergano/2009-02-01-hobbit-bones_N.htm?se=yahoorefer
Those that missed the original story can read about it and view pictures here:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/10/1027_041027_homo_floresiensis.html
Some researchers suggest that the tiny brains (around a third the size of our own) were due to pathological causes, such as microencephaly.
You can learn about microencephaly here:
http://esynopsis.uchc.edu/S440.htm
Others argue that the beings had features more in line with a different species, despite a few striking similarities with humans.
Skull asymmetry in the specimen could be the result of either pathology or a natural occurance from being buried 10 feet underground for so long.
Some researchers argue that the dozens of similar tiny bones (although without skulls) uncovered in the same area is enough to disprove the pathology theory.
New papers have been released featuring details such as the tiny creatures' diets, based on animal remains found in the same cave as the tiny bones. They most likely ate pygmy elephants, komodo dragons, and giant storks. There was no evidence of sea creatures in their diets.
The one thing we know from the arguments is that the bones are still a mystery. Hopefully we'll know more someday.
Original article
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/columnist/vergano/2009-02-01-hobbit-bones_N.htm?se=yahoorefer
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