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  • Irish Chronicles Document Links Between Volcanoes and Weather
    A study of over 40,000 written entries in Irish Annals and ice core measurements shows a strong corr...Read more

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    Irish Chronicles Document Links Between Volcanoes and Weather

    A study of over 40,000 written entries in Irish Annals and ice core measurements shows a strong correlation between the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and extreme cold weather in Ireland over a 1200 year period. Data analyzed in this study cover the period from 431 to 1649, during which time up to 48 volcanic eruptions are identified in Greenland ice core records through deposition of volcanic sulfate in annual layers of ice. You can find the study (open access), published on 6 June 2013 in IOP Publishing's journal Environmental Research Letters, at http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/8/2/024035/article. Find out more about how volcanoes can influence climate.
  • EF-5 Tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma Widest Ever Recorded in US
    The EF-5 tornado that hit El Reno, Oklahoma on May 31st was the widest ever recorded in the US, acco...Read more

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    EF-5 Tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma Widest Ever Recorded in US

    The EF-5 tornado that hit El Reno, Oklahoma on May 31st was the widest ever recorded in the US, according to the National Weather Service in Norman Oklahoma. The tornado, which remained on the ground for 40 minutes and reached 2.6 miles across (4.2 km), took the lives of 18 people including storm chasers Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras and Carl Young. For more information on the tornado, visit http://ow.ly/i/2hfDG.
  • Atmospheric CO2 Level Tops 400 ppm
    During the week of May 13th, the CO2 level at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii topped 400 ppm rep...Read more

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    Atmospheric CO2 Level Tops 400 ppm

    During the week of May 13th, the CO2 level at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii topped 400 ppm repeatedly. Daily levels of CO2 can vary due to weather, and there are seasonal trends as well. The level of atmospheric greenhouse gases continues to increase, now over 120 ppm since the Industrial Revolution began. For more on the Keeling Curve, see http://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/. Find out more about greenhouse gases and warming.
Claudia Llaneza
Photo courtesy of Marina LaGrave

Claudia Llaneza

Scuba Diving has always been a part of my life and it has taught me a lot about the ocean, the environment and so much more! I have grown up around diving throughout my whole life. I started scuba diving when I was seven years old; I later got certified when I was twelve. My father who has been one of my greatest inspirations for scuba diving, has had the occupation of an environmental engineer, he has also been a scuba diving instructor therefore I got most of my knowledge from his teachings. I am a IANTD & CMAS certified diver. I love to submerge myself under the water for hours and just enjoy the aquatic life.

I have had many exciting adventures scuba diving. I have seen turtles, eels, sea urchins, sea spiders, a school of sting rays, and barracudas. I also had an encounter with a huge hammerhead shark. All of my experiences with these animals have made me want to protect them. When I grow up I would like to be an animal rights attorney to help protect these animals from becoming endangered.

Although diving takes up a great deal of my time I also enjoy other things. I love to dance because I feel as if I can express myself through dancing. This year was my last year in middle school, and this summer is going to be one of the best. I can’t wait to go back to the Bahamas and seek new adventures!

Last modified June 23, 2008 by Lisa Gardiner.

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