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59 posts tagged earthquake
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Bologna, Italy on Sunday morning.
At least six people were killed and dozens more were injured. Thousands were forced to leave their homes for shelter.
Farmlands and small towns took the brunt of the quake as many historic buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Although Italy is prone to earthquakes the temblor struck in the Padania plains, an area that had not appeared risky in the past.
Over the course of Sunday multiple aftershocks continued to cause damage. The aftershocks are expected to continue over the next several days and weeks.
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Animals continue to die off the coast of South America, and scientists are blaming climate change.
Over the past week, at least 2,300 dead birds were found along the coast of Chile. Dozens of types of birds washed ashore, with many captured in fisherman’s nets.
Just last week we reported the deaths of over 1,400 pelicans along the shores of Peru. Reported numbers have now surpassed 5,000, and Peruvian authorities are also blaming warmer than normal waters.
Peruvian authorities state there is an abundance of warm water running through marine currents across the globe, altering the marine ecosystem.
And, on Monday morning, Chile and Peru started the week with a 6.2 magnitude earthquake along their border. Related?
Earthquakes are increasing dramatically across the continental U.S.
Is fracking to blame? The average number of quakes per year of magnitude 3 or greater has increased by six-fold in 2011:
- 1970-2000: 213 - 30 year total
- 2001-2008: 293 - 7 year total
- 2009: 50
- 2010: 87
- 2011: 134
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process that creates fractures in rock to better extract oil and natural gas.
Currently, scientists say there is no conclusive examples linking fracking activity to the triggering of notable earthquakes, even when located near a known fault.
So then, what is causing the increase in earthquakes?
Askja volcano in Iceland is showing ominous signs of activity: Ice on the volcano’s crater lake has completely melted over the past month.
Scientists believe weather conditions are not a factor as other volcanoes in the area, and lakes at lower elevations, remain covered in ice. Askja’s lake is usually covered in ice until July.
Iceland has a belt of active volcanoes that stretch diagonally across the middle of the country, running along the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Eyjafjallajökull, which caused problems across Europe in 2010, is on this belt.
Askja generally erupts every 60 years, and with the last eruption in 1961, increased geothermal heat was similarly noticed in the area.
An eruption appears certain, but it could be days or even months.
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