Geology.com | News - September 2, 2009

Timor Sea Oil Slick Posted: 01 Sep 2009 11:29 AM PDT “An oil well in the Timor Sea northwest of Australia has been leaking for more than a week. Operators continue to wait for a new rig to be brought to the site so that they can drill a relief well and cap the leaking one.” Quote from Earth Observatory that accompanies a satellite image [...]

Hurricane Jimena Approaches Baja Posted: 01 Sep 2009 09:39 AM PDT Hurricane Jimena is approaching the Baja California Peninsula as a dangerous Category four hurricane. It is expected to weaken slightly as it approaches landfall.

Hurricane Jimena Satellite Image Posted: 01 Sep 2009 09:29 AM PDT Earth Observatory has a satellite image of Hurricane Jimena as it was heading west-northwest toward Mexico’s Baja Peninsula on August 30, 2009. The image shows a well developed “eye” and clouds from the storm stretching out over a several hundred kilometer radius.

Get Ready for Earth Science Week Posted: 01 Sep 2009 08:50 AM PDT With school starting, now is the time to start planning for Earth Science Week which will be observed this year between October 11th and 17th. The theme is “Understanding Climate” and you can learn more at their website. Their website has ideas for teachers and ideas for planning an Earth Science Week event.

Los Angeles Fires Satellite Image Posted: 01 Sep 2009 08:46 AM PDT Earth Observatory has a satellite image of wildfires burning north of Los Angeles on August 29, 2009. The Station Fire has burned over 35,000 acres, destroyed several residences. The Morris Fire has burned over 2000 acres.

Earthquakes in Utah Posted: 01 Sep 2009 08:20 AM PDT From the Utah Geological Survey Blog: The Utah Seismic Safety Commission has a new publication titled: “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country – Your Handbook for Earthquakes in Utah.” It is a .pdf document that you can download for free.

Ridge A Antarctica Observatory Posted: 01 Sep 2009 07:28 AM PDT The best place on Earth to locate an observatory so that it will have the best possible view of the stars might be on Ridge A Antarctica. The remote, cold, dry and calm environment there provide great conditions for observations.