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Sinkholes

All articles tagged with #sinkholes

world3 months ago•9 min saved

On the brink of vanishing: the Dead Sea's sinkholes and stalled remedies

The Dead Sea, the world’s lowest point and among the saltiest bodies of water, is shrinking by about four feet per year due to river diversions, mineral extraction, and climate change, spawning more than 6,000 sinkholes and threatening beaches and livelihoods. Multiple rescue plans exist, including a Red Sea desalination project and Jordan River restoration, but high costs and regional political tensions have stalled action, leaving experts to focus on stabilizing decline rather than restoring it to its former level.

via CNN|

#dead-sea #desalination #regional-politics

science1 year ago•4 min saved

Discovery of White Smokers in Dead Sea Signals Potential Sinkhole Risk

Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research have discovered mineral chimneys on the Dead Sea floor, formed by the crystallization of minerals from highly saline groundwater. These chimneys, resembling deep-sea black smokers, serve as early warning indicators for sinkholes, which pose significant hazards in the region. The Dead Sea's declining water levels, due to evaporation and reduced tributary inflow, exacerbate groundwater access issues for neighboring countries. The chimneys' formation is linked to the dissolution of halite layers, providing a potential tool for predicting sinkhole locations.

via SciTechDaily|

#dead-sea #environment #geology

weather3 years ago•4 min saved

California Braces for More Rain and Tornado Risks.

Southern California is expected to dry out after a week of heavy rain, with sunny skies and warmer temperatures forecasted for the weekend. However, another storm system may hit the state next week, bringing showers and low-elevation snow to the mountains and interior areas. The recent storms have caused landslides and sinkholes along freeways due to saturated soils. The state has seen a spate of sinkholes due to the recent rains. The storms eased drought conditions considerably but also contributed to dozens of deaths, floods, and infrastructure challenges for residents across the state.

via Los Angeles Times|

#landslides #rain #sinkholes