Seismic swarm at Tongariro

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Tongariro volcano (New Zealand): seismic swarm, a possible precursor to new activity

Volcano Discovery,

23 July, 2012

Tongariro volcano is showing signs of a possible awakening. On 13 July 2012, an increase in small (<M2.5) earthquakes was detected. The quakes were clustered at depths of 2-7 km under the area between Emerald crater and Te Mari crater. More than 20 earthquakes were recorded until 20 July, when the seismic activity peaked and prompted GeoNet to raise the alert level from 0 to 1. Compared to a background average of 2 quakes per year, the swarm is significant and could indicate magma movements. Seismic activity dropped on 21 July with only 1 quake since then, but preliminary measurements show an increase in volcanic gas emission. NZ Scientist started to increase their monitoring at the volcano.

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• Information about: Tongariro volcano

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Dust storms + drought = Dust

Bowl 2.0

 

Extinction Protocol,

24 July, 2012

July 24, 2012 – PHOENIX — A dust storm, or haboob, enveloped the greater Phoenix area in a cloud of yellow-gray blowing dust on Saturday night. The dust storms are becoming more frequent. For the second time since Saturday, a dust storm muscled its way into the Valley, just in time for the afternoon commute. National Weather Service meteorologist Charlotte Dewey said the storm was moving northwest and was first spotted between Eloy and Tucson. The dust storm covered cities in the metropolitan Phoenix area such as Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Apache Junction, Santan Valley, Chandler, Casa Grande and downtown Phoenix. There were no official estimates of its size, but Dewey says spotters estimated it was around 2,000 feet tall. She says there were also reports of 35 mph wind gusts in the area, and a report of a 50 mph gust at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Above are photos of the event from The Associated Press and our iWitness Weather contributors. –KPHO

 

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Torrential rains hammer central Nigeria, killing 35

Extinction Protocol,

24 July, 2012

July 24, 2012 –  NIGERIA - Authorities in central Nigeria say a flood triggered by heavy rains killed at least 35 people. Plateau state Red Cross Chief Mnasseh Pampe said Monday several other Jos residents remain missing and rescue forces expect the death toll to rise further. He says the flood waters washed away many homes in the area — often built with mud — leaving some 200 residents displaced. Nigeria is currently experiencing its annual rainy season, which comes with torrential rains that challenge the country’s infrastructure, often leading buildings to collapse and people to drown as many build houses in flood plains. 

 

–ABC News 

Heavy rains pound New Zealand’s North Island

 Extinction Protocol,

24 July, 2012

Heavy rains have eased but roads remain closed around the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty due to slips and flooding. The MetService has lifted a heavy weather warning for the Coromandel, however a warning remains in place for the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. In the 21 hours up until 6pm tonight, 90-130mm is expected in the Gisborne region, with the heaviest falls north of Tokomaru Bay, and inland and south of Gisborne city. The MetService advised people in these areas to watch out for surface flooding, slips and rapidly rising streams and rivers. Roads around the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty remain closed following heavy rain. 

 

– NZ Herald