Precious Smith
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Articles by Precious Smith
Tsunami Alert Issued After Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Struck Fukushima in Japan
On Wednesday, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck Japan's northeast shore. The quake led to power outages and has prompted a tsunami warning. Fukushima prefecture, where a devastating earthquake caused serious damages in 2011, was the affected area.
Central Portion of San Andreas Fault is Likely to Host Powerful Earthquakes
According to a recent study, the center portion of the San Andreas Fault may be capable of producing greater earthquakes than previously thought. Aseismic creep occurs between Parkfield and Hollister on the famed California fault. Instead of creating major quakes by suddenly releasing stress, the two sections of the fault move unnoticeably, allowing stress to dissipate.
Enormous Chunk of Sea Ice Slowing Down Flow of Antarctic Glaciers Suddenly Breaks Up
An enormous chunk of ice the size of Philadelphia broke off the Larsen-B glacier on the Antarctic Peninsula in just three days in late January and floated away. Between January 19 and 21, NASA satellites captured the breakup, and with it saw the calving of icebergs from Crane Glacier and its neighbors when the sea ice no longer supported their fronts.
Hot Springs Played a Major Role in Discovering Where Continental Plates Collide
Continental plate clashes usually lead to the formation of mountains and mountain ranges due to the impact caused by the collision. (Photo : MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images) How Hot Springs Help in Discovering Point of Collision A previous crash recorded in the convergent boundaries led to the formation of the Himalayan Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau. Recent studies have revealed another clash between the continental plate and the Tibetan plateau, according to Phys.org.
Human Activities Near Rivers May be Responsible for Severe Droughts, Flood
Recent studies have proven human activities to be one of the vital causes of some natural disasters. Most of the structures built to control and maintain the natural water flow like dams, irrigation systems, and canals might be the actual cause of some natural disasters, especially when not properly maintained. A team of researchers from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada taking up this study examined more than 2,000 watersheds across North America from 1950 to 2009.
First Purple Martins Arrive Illinois as Spring Approaches
Illinois has seen its first Purple Martins of the year which is a sign that spring is just around the corner. The Arrival of Purple Martin to Illinois Millstadt, Illinois resident and Purple Martin Conservation Association volunteer witnessed the birds' arrival on March 1st, the first day of the birds' yearly migration from their breeding grounds in central and eastern states. The Scout-Arrival Study is a community science project that monitors the migration of these rare birds.
No Tsunami Alert After Powerful Earthquakes Struck Indonesia, Philippines
A series of strong, shallow underwater earthquakes rattled western Indonesia and the Philippine capital region on Monday, but no significant damage was recorded and no tsunami warnings were issued. (Photo : JUNI KRISWANTO/AFP via Getty Images) Earthquakes in Indonesia, Philippine The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a magnitude-6.7 earthquake with a depth of 16 kilometers (10 miles) struck West Sumatra Province, 169 kilometers (104.8 miles) west of Pariaman, as per Phys.org.
DNA Study Led to Discovery of New Giant Tortoise Species in Galapagos
Researchers have identified a previously unknown species of giant tortoise on an island in the Galapagos after DNA testing. Tortoises residing on San Cristobal today are genetically distinct from tortoises gathered from a cave in the island's mountains in 1906, according to researchers.
Scientists Plan to Dig Earth's Deepest Hole to Unlock Limitless Energy Source
Due to an audacious goal of discovering more about Earth's crust than anybody, a pioneering energy company known as Quaise has gotten a lot of attention since its 2020 launch. The company has already closed its first round of venture capital funding, raising an impressive sum of US$63 million, which might open up geothermal power to a larger portion of the world's population.
Solar Storm Alert: Massive Solar Eruption Expected to Hit Earth on Thursday
According to space weather analysts, Earth may be in the path of coronal mass ejection (CME), a kind of sun explosion, which is expected to arrive on Thursday. By interfering with the Earth's magnetic field, CMEs can cause great damage to Earth's electrical infrastructure. But it is unlikely that Thursday's CME will cause problems.
Study Shows That Climate Change Influence How Fossils Are Preserved
A new study suggests that climate change can also affect dead animals. 183 million years ago, rising global temperatures and rapid climate change may have caused fossilization conditions in the oceans that play a major role in preserving the soft and delicate parts of dead marine animals.
Far-reaching Storm Expected to Attain Bomb Cyclone Status Along Eastern Seaboard
AccuWeather meteorologists are keeping a close eye on a major storm that is expected to emerge by the end of the week, bringing heavy rain, powerful thunderstorms, high winds, snow, and rapid freeze throughout the eastern third of the US. (Photo : JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Areas to Experience Snow, Rainfall AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex DaSilva indicated that the likelihood of a major storm with wide-reaching effects is increasing.
New Study Sheds Light on How the Growth of Antarctic Fish is Limited Certain Temperatures
For thousands of years, Antarctic fish have adapted to the frigid temperature of the Southern Ocean. According to researchers, they have lost their ability to grow at the rate that they would if they were kept in the same water temperature as their warmer water cousins. Antarctic spiny plunderfish and the shanny (common blenny) were the species studied by scientists at the University of Plymouth and the British Antarctic Survey.
Incredible! Snowfall Forms Unusual Tiger-striped Pattern in Kumtag Desert
Colorful images recorded by a drone in Shanshan County, northwestern China, around 1,550 miles west of Beijing, have been making waves since they were posted online. A number of languages translate "Kumtag" as "sand mountain" to describe the region's diverse collection of sand dunes. (Photo : MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images) Snowfall in Kumtag Desert On February 26, the Kumtag's terrain was covered in melting snow, revealing the sand dunes.
Megalodon Sharks Are More Likely to Grow Larger in Cold Waters
There is some evidence to suggest that megalodons grew larger in cooler waters and that the so-called nurseries may just have been warm-living communities. (Photo : AFP via Getty Images) How Larger Body Benefits Megalodon Megalodon (Otodus megalodon) are more likely to change in size depending on where they reside, according to a team of researchers in the US.
High Consumption of Bugs May Have Positive Impacts on the Environment
There are different species of bugs that are edible and have high nutritional value. But apart from the important nutrients gotten from these bugs, scientists have confirmed that feeding on these bugs could help the environment even more than expected. (Photo : SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images) How Insect Consumption Can Help the Environment According to research, bugs could give off a reasonable amount of protein, iron, vitamin b12, and other nutrients that could be highly beneficial to humans.
Chilly, Wet Pattern May Jeopardize 140-Year-Old Record Low in LA
According to AccuWeather experts, record lows in Southern California and the rest of the Southwest may be challenged this weekend as a chilly and wet pattern takes over the region. In the wake of the potentially historic cold snap, experts wonder how low temperatures might have dropped 140 years ago if the same atmospheric setup had been in place. An AccuWeather forecaster termed the forthcoming chill "startling for some" in the aftermath of recent above-average temperatures and record warmth.
Common Reed: Researchers May Have Uncovered Some Mysteries Surrounding This Invasive Plant
The common reed also known as the phragmites australis is a highly invasive grass mostly found in wetland and marshes areas. It tends to spread very quickly in these areas. (Photo : Andrew Redington/Getty Images) What Genomic Bases Drive the Invasive Success of Common Reed? Common reeds have recently been considered as one of the most important and most studied plants in the world. These grasses grow up to 12-15 feet tall, three times an average human's height.
California Wildfire Blamed for Increased Fecal Bacteria, Cloudiness in Coastal Waters
Apart from a nearly 100,000-acre burn scar, the Woolsey Fire that happened in November 2018 at Southern California's Los Angeles and Ventura counties left high amounts of fecal bacteria and sediments in the nearby coastal waters. (Photo : Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) Wildfire Linked to Changes in Water Quality Following the massive wildfire in Southern California, scientists studied coastal water quality for months. Their findings were a wake-up call.
Oregon, Idaho May Experience Tougher Drought Conditions This Year, Says Climatologist
Drought conditions in the US Pacific Northwest are expected to get even worse this year than in the past two years, which saw diminishing reservoirs, massive wildfires, and substantial cuts to agricultural irrigation.
Fossilized Stegosaur Unearthed in China May be the Oldest Ever Found
Fossilized stegosaurus discovered in China is the oldest ever found in Asia, and could be the oldest in the world as well. (Photo : Carl Court/Getty Images) World's Oldest Fossilized Stegosaur When this stegosaur roamed the Earth 170 million years ago, it measured about 2.8 meters (just over 9 feet) from its nose to its spiny tail - larger stegosaurus may reach 9 meters long. Scientists don't know if the discovered specimen is an adult or a baby.
COVID-19 in Animals: Genome Test Confirms a Cat in Pennsylvania Contracted Delta Variant
The delta variant, which was first diagnosed in humans, has recently been detected in a cat, reports have shown high possibilities of the variant spreading among cats. This has raised some concerns since the animal may spread the virus to humans, especially those living with cats as domestic pets. (Photo : BERTHA WANG/AFP via Getty Images) Delta Variant Identified Among Pets Recent studies have shown that cats have a very high chance of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Los Angeles Brace for the Arrival of Up to 2 Inches of Rainfall With Possible Thunderstorms, Minor Hail
Throughout the first half of 2022, California and most of the Southwest have been subjected to temperatures much above normal and extremely dry conditions. AccuWeather forecasters, on the other hand, believe that the prediction will undergo significant changes by the weekend. Los Angeles to Experience Rainfall In the Southwest, the month of March began with no rain and record-breaking temperatures on Tuesday.
16,000 Birds Slaughtered as Avian Influenza Detected at Another Turkey Farm in Indiana
Another commercial poultry flock in southern Indiana has tested positive for avian influenza, according to state officials. (Photo : GAIZKA IROZ/AFP via Getty Images) Bird Flu Outbreak in Indiana Turkey Farm A laboratory test for the virus was carried out on a fourth commercial turkey flock in Dubois County, Indiana and the result came back positive. According to Phys.org, the samples were tested at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture in Iowa.
After Major Snowstorm, Southern and Eastern US Brace for Record-Breaking Heat
AccuWeather meteorologists predicted that temperatures will rise well into the 60s, 70s, and even 80s Fahrenheit in some areas this week, which is a major change from last week's chilly weather.
Winter Storm to Arrive Midwest, Northeast After Quick-hitting Snowfalls
Wintry weather is expected from the northern Plains to the Great Lakes and Northeast during the beginning of meteorological spring. (Photo : IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) Winter Storm is Likely to Arrive Midwest, Northeast Two fast-moving Alberta clippers may sweep through the region this week before a larger winter storm arrives by the weekend.
Western US is Experiencing the Worst Drought Since Medieval Times
Western North America, southwestern US, and northern Mexico started experiencing megadrought at beginning of the new millennium. This drought is the most severe in the continent since the Dark Ages, and no one knows when it will end. (Photo : ORBERTO DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images) The Current Situation of Drought Pacific coastal states experienced some needed precipitation during fall and winter after a significant hot and dry summer in the West.
Section of San Andreas Fault Line May be More Disastrous Than Previously Believed
The San Andreas fault extends through California and if this fault line breaks, there would be a disastrous impact that could claim many lives, according to a study.
Hand Sanitizing Practice During Pandemic Has Negative Impact on the Environment
Researchers pointed out that the use of hand sanitizing gels and constant hand-washing is impacting the environment negatively as well as public health. According to the study, the manufacturing and use of hand sanitizing gels has resulted in around 2% of the usual carbon footprint. Researchers' comprehensive analysis to determine the impact of hand sanitizers was recently published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research.
Midwest, Northeast May Experience Prolonged Winter Due to Snow
Residents from the Great Lakes to the New England coast may expect another round of winter weather in the first few days of March as the first day of meteorological spring approaches. (Photo : ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images) Areas to Experience Snow According to AccuWeather Meteorologist, a procession of clippers is expected to move over the northern tier of the United States early next week, each time bringing a rapid burst of snow along the storm track.
World's Fastest Parrot: Swift Parrot Population is Declining Rapidly, How Can They be Saved?
Researchers revealed that a critically endangered bird could be given a fighting chance by saving 7% of Tasmania's natural forests from logging. The case was made in a proposal that ecologists and environmentalists believe could slow the rapid loss of the swift parrot, a migratory bird that experts predict will become extinct in ten years unless something is done.
Chicxulub Asteroid: Scientists Discovered When the Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid Impacted Earth
Scientists have finally discovered when the Chicxulub asteroid that ended the existence of dinosaurs impacted Earth. These new findings have brought researchers a step forward to discovering what was behind the extinction of some creatures and how the event took place. (Photo : Courtesy of NASA/Newsmakers) When Did the Dinosaur-killing Asteroid Strike? According to the new evidence discovered, the event might have taken place during spring.
Mysterious Kangaroo Spotted Roaming in Denmark, Prompting Police to Step In
A kangaroo is roaming around Denmark and the country's police are appealing for help to catch the animal. Some locals said the kangaroo might have been staying in farmland for about eight years. (Photo : Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) Roaming Kangaroo Spotted in Denmark Denmark authorities were baffled when a kangaroo was observed hopping through a farm in the south-east of the country, as per Daily Mail.
Birds Play a Role in Uncovering the Mysteries of Evolution
A new study has revealed how flight worthiness is negatively connected to fight-worthiness in birds. Researchers have succeeded in getting a better understanding of how the great diversity of life and earth came to be.
Beatles, Butterflies Population Thriving While Some Insects Decline in Numbers
Insects have been studied in over 900 locations throughout the world in a new meta-study that examines long-term data. The observed changes in the number of a group of insects in the same location reveal relatively little about other insect species. Different insect groups may show almost the same trends in one location, but completely different trends in another.
Beekeepers Employ Anti-theft Technology to Combat Hive Thefts
Beekeepers all over the United States send about one billion honeybees to California each year to be rented by almond growers. Acording to Phys.org, beehive theft has become so common that beekeepers are now using GPS monitoring devices, surveillance cameras, and other anti-theft technologies to secure their valuable colonies as almond trees begin to bloom. Three hives carrying roughly 60,000 bees were recently stolen from a grocery store's garden in central Pennsylvania, according to reports.
Cross-Country Twin Storms to Unleash Ice and Snow in Central, Eastern US
Two cross-country storms are expected to make their way across the United States this week, bringing snow, ice, and rain to different parts of the country. AccuWeather meteorologists say both storms are expected to cause significant travel delays. (Photo : Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Impacts from the First Storm There are two storms this week, but they are not identical but more like fraternal twins, AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.
Massive Great White Shark Snatched 100lb Tuna From Fisherman's Catch
A massive great white shark stole 100-pound tuna from a Hawaii fisherman. A great white shark approached the boat of Nick Morris - the fisherman - while he was fishing 15 miles off Honolulu County for yellowfin tuna. It took the shark only seconds to rip the tuna from Morris' line and dragged it 30 to 40 feet below the surface. Morris revealed the red mark on his hand where the fishing line was dragged from his hand in an interview with KHON2.
Mother Chimpanzee Shows Nursing Skills by Applying Insects to Treat Child's Wound
Researchers in Gabon, West Africa, spotted chimpanzees applying insects to their wounds and that othera for the first time. This wound-tending behavior is an evidence that chimpanzees possess prosocial behaviors that have been related to empathy in humans, according to scientists. Wound-tending Behavior Observed in Chimpanzees (Photo : GUERCHOM NDEBO/AFP via Getty Images) Wound-tending behavior in chimpanzees was described in a study published on February 7, 2022, in the journal Current Biology.
Massive Storm May Bring Thunderstorm Risks to Central, Southern US
There is a possibility that a widespread storm system will bring the risk of severe thunderstorms to the central and southern United States. This week, the United States will face more than just snow and ice as a massive storm moves from coast to coast. According to AccuWeather, a severe thunderstorm threat will develop Monday evening through Tuesday night, affecting at least 10 states in the Central and Southern regions.
Dimming Sunlight to Cool Earth May Present More Dangers, Scientists Warn
About sixty scientists recently requested that solar geoengineering techniques such as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), which aims to 'dim' the sun, be temporarily prohibited. Aerosol particles, which reflect sunlight back into space, are released into the atmosphere by a fleet of planes. Catastrophic Effects of SAI SAI may present greater risks than the warming it is trying to stop. To understand the risks, some scientists carried out a risk assessment of this contentious technology.
Sudden Temperature Shifts in Earth's Core May Trigger Volcanic Eruptions
The explosion of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano is considered the greatest eruption on the planet in the last 30 years, according to reports. Shock waves were heard as far away as Alaska, tsunami waves raced across the Pacific Ocean, and the ash plume rose high into the sky. Tonga was covered in ash. Geoscientists employing satellite data to monitor changes in the Earth's surface temperature were less surprised by the Tonga volcanic eruption than the rest of the world.
Possible Tornado Hits Alabama as Severe Storm Impacted the Region
On Thursday night, a possible tornado struck central Alabama as a major storm fell trees and thousands were left without electricity. Forecasters predict that a larger storm will hit the Northeast close to the end of this week. As a result of Winter Storm Miles, New York City will be subjected to a variety of weather conditions. (Photo : CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images) Areas to Experience Rainfall Accuweather has issued a wind advisory for Long Island for Friday.
Climate Change May be Responsible for Rapid Growth of Antarctica's Two Flowering Plants
Due to the freezing temperature in Antarctica, plant increase and growth are nearly impossible because only a few plants survive in such unpleasant conditions. But recent studies have revealed the rapid growth of the two flowering plants in Antarctica.
Powerful Storm to Unlease Severe Flooding in Eastern US Following Spring-Like Weather
AccuWeather meteorologists say much of the eastern United States will experience a burst of spring-like warmth through Thursday night. (Photo : KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images) Potential Flooding Due to the Storm According to AccuWeather, a powerful storm is expected to arrive and unleash soaking rain, melting snow, and a snow-eating wind, prompting rapid runoff and flooding from the lower Great Lakes to the interior Northeast that could last till Friday.
Illegal Ivory Trade: Researchers Conducted DNA Tests on Elephant Tusks to Expose Trafficking Networks
Just one or a few criminal organizations may be responsible for all of the unauthorized ivory trade, according to a new report. (Photo : Magda Ehlers / Pexels) Role of Genetics in Uncovering the Illegal Ivory Trade With the use of DNA from 4,320 elephant tusks from 49 distinct seizures, researchers were able to determine when tusks from close relatives were included in separate poaching shipments.
Meteorologists Warn Powerful Storm May Bring Damaging Winds to Northeast
Forecasters revealed that a major storm capable of bringing snow and severe weather across the country may deliver strong winds to the New England area on Thursday. (Photo : RICHARD BOUHET/AFP via Getty Images) Damaging Winds Expected Across the Northeast Senior AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore predicts a very different storm for the Northeast than what has been seen recently.
Alarming Study Reveals Plastic, Chemical Pollution Has Exceeded Limits Safe for the Planet
For the first time, scientists concluded that the amount of man-made chemical and plastic waste all over the world has surpassed the supposed limits considered safe for humanity or the planet. This has led to the immediate need for production caps.
Seagrasses Found to Continue Releasing Methane Even After Death
In temperate and tropical waters, seagrasses cover much of the shallow shoreline. Seagrass meadows makeup up the basis of a crucial ecosystem that harbors different animals like endangered sea turtles, seahorses, and fish. (Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Sources of Methane In addition to preventing coastal erosion, seagrasses store millions of tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Mystic Aquarium Announced Death of Second of Five Beluga Whales Relocated from Canada
Second of five beluga whales that was transferred to Mystic Aquarium from Marineland is dead. (Photo : CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images) What Could Have Led to the Whales' Death? According to a statement released by Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut on Friday, the female beluga had been in the aquarium's intensive care unit and had received "round-the-clock medical treatment" from their staff and veterinarians prior to her death.
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