Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Radioactivity in the Environment
There are three types of radiation emitted by radioactive isotopes.
- Alpha particles (α)
- Beta particles (β)
- Gamma rays (γ)
Alpha (α)
*Alpha particles are helium nuclei, with a positive charge and little penetrating ability.
Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons. They can be stopped easily, human skin or a few sheets of paper. If alpha particles enter the body(ingestion) it can be hazardous. An example is americium-241, used in smoke detectors.
Beta (β)
*Beta particles are electrons, with a negative charge and greater penetrating ability than alpha particles.
In some radioactive elements, neutrons disintegrate into protons and electrons. The electrons -β particles are emitted from the atom fast. They can be stopped by 2-3 mm thickness of aluminium. An example is Carbon-14 which is used in dating of artefacts.
Gamma (γ)
*Gamma rays are high energy electromagnetic radiation, with greater penetrating ability than beta and alpha.
This type of radioactivity is emitted by isotopes in a form of rays. They have no mass or charge. They move very quickly and have a strong penetrating ability. A thick shield of concrete or lead can stop them. An example is cobalt-60 which is used in cancer treatment and food irradiation.
Half-life t½
*The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time taken for half of the atoms in a sample of the isotope to decay.
Different elements have different half lives. For example: Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5,730 years. Uranium-238 has a half-life of 4.5 billion years! For a radioactive atom to fully disintegrate it must go though 10 and a half half-life's
Background Radiation
We are all exposed all the time to some radiation, called background radiation. It is natural and fund from:
- Cosmic Radiation
- Rocks-containing traces of uranium and its decay product Radon. Granite rock releases Radon. It can accumulate in houses to levels that increase of lung cancer.
- Man made radioactive materials.
Natural Radiation
- 87% of background radiation.
- Produce natural radiation.
- Many radioactive atoms that once existed have now emitted radiation and have now become non-reactive.
- Examples, Uranium, Radon and Thorium.
Radon
Atomic number 86, symbol Rn, noble gas. Radon is responsible for the majority of public exposure ionizing radiation. It is the largest contribution to an individual's background radiation dose and varies from location. Radon is a gas and can accumulate in a building especially in a confined room such as attics. Epidemiological studies have shown a link between breathing high concentrations or radon gas and lung cancer. You can measure radon in your home by placing two small detectors in your home for three months. One is placed in the main bedroom and the other in the living room. After three months the detectors are returned to the lab. A report will be issued indicating the average level of radon and advice on what to do if the level is high.
Links:
http://www.rpii.ie/Measurement-Services/Radon-Measurement/Services/Apply-For-Measurement-Online.aspx
Asteroid to pass over the Earth
An asteroid bigger than an aircraft carrier will brush past the Earth within the next few hours.
The 400-metre (437-yard) wide asteroid, called 2005 YU55, will speed past the planet at a distance of 201,700 miles - closer than the moon.
It Is our closest encounter with such a large space rock in three decades.
But Marina Brozovic of Nasa said there is no cause for alarm.
"It is not going to hit us," she said.
"We have a good idea of its orbit for the next 100 years and the is no chance of impact."
The asteroid was discovered in April 2010, when observations with the Arecibo radar telescope revealed a fuzzy image of the rock tumbling through space.
Nasa is hoping to take much higher resolution photographs of its dark surface as it passes by at 23.28 GMT time on November 8.
Amateur astronomers will need a six-inch telescope to stand a chance of seeing the asteroid, but have been warned that it is moving so fast that it will be difficult to track.
Nasa has set up a near earth object programme known as Spaceguard to locate the estimated 1,000 asteroids and comets larger than 1km (1,093 yards) in diameter - large enough to cause mass extinction of most life on Earth.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
A Hallowe'en treat!
This Hallowe'en will see a unique event. The Earth's global population will reach 7 Billion! It is estimated that it will reach the major landmark on 1:49 pm Monday. Research shows that that on average 150 people a minute are born. This rate is expected to increase. It is expected that the global population will reach 8 Billion in 2027 and 9 Billion by 2046.
The global population in 1804 reached 1 Billion. It would be over 150 years until the numbers began to grow significantly.
What has led to this rising population?
China has a massive 19.3% of the global population with India following at 17%. The USA has 4.48%. The United Kingdom has 0.89% The lowest ranking is Vatican City with 0.00001%(800 people). Ireland has 0.066%(nearly 4.6 million). The continent with the largest population is Asia with 60%(4 billion) with Africa the second most populated(1 billion). Europe makes up 11% with the Americas totalling 14%(South America has 9% and Northern America 5%). Oceania is the least populated with 0.5%
The global population in 1804 reached 1 Billion. It would be over 150 years until the numbers began to grow significantly.
What has led to this rising population?
- Better living standards.
- Higher life expectancy
- People are more fertile.
- Popularity of the need for a larger family.
China has a massive 19.3% of the global population with India following at 17%. The USA has 4.48%. The United Kingdom has 0.89% The lowest ranking is Vatican City with 0.00001%(800 people). Ireland has 0.066%(nearly 4.6 million). The continent with the largest population is Asia with 60%(4 billion) with Africa the second most populated(1 billion). Europe makes up 11% with the Americas totalling 14%(South America has 9% and Northern America 5%). Oceania is the least populated with 0.5%
What does this all mean for the Environment?
The only victim of this story is the environment. How? Every new person who is born needs, food, water, and energy. The world has the capacity to feed all these people for a short term. But the population is not stressing the planet it is our energy demand. We need to become more sustainable with our energy. With the global population growing and energy sources depleting how will earth be able to cope? Will it result in more war?
With human population growing animal life decreases. A study last year found that 52 species of mammals, birds and amphibians moved one category closer to extinction. For example the global tiger population has dropped by 95% to 3,200.
So, if we can live more sustainably and more environmentally friendly we should welcome the 7 billionth newcomer on Monday!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Dublin floods
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| Floods cause travel difficulties |
Many people woke up to find water in their homes. One resident in Tallaght said, "I've never seen anything like this in the last day in 38 years. I'm living in Tallaght 43 years and I've never seen anything as bad as this."
Roads have been closed, public transport has been halted, shops and business's have been submerged in water.
The floods have taken the lives of two people. A local Garda aged 25 and a young Filipino woman living in Dublin.
As the floods begin to recede the cost of the damage is estimated to be around 100s of millions of euro.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Gorse and bog fires damaging the Irish Environment
In the last week 16 counties have been fighting to quench fires on peat lands or gorse fires. These fires have caused enormous damage to the environment. Fires in Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Offaly have caused the most damage. Some fires have been started deliberately but most fires have been caused due to the land been to dry for this time of the year. The recent warm spells have left the ground warmer than average. A cigarette discarded could easily spark off a fire or a piece of shattered glass.
These fires are wrecking havoc on various habitats. Due to herbage been burnt away meaning a loss in food sources. Birdwatch Ireland says 'the last two winters have had a detrimental effect on bird numbers and that the present spate of fires will make it difficult for species to mate again. The loss of food sources such as insects will prove detrimental for birds'.
The organisation believes the most affected species will be, twite, red grouse, grasshopper warbler, whitethroat, linnet, stonechat, dunnock, curlew, blackbird and meadow pipit.
“We are in the middle of the nesting season and tens of thousands of chicks and eggs have been destroyed”,Birdwatch Ireland’s John Murphy stated.
In Donegal and Mayo, the rare Cuckoo has been affected by the worst gorse fires have occurred. Red Grouse is also dangerously affected. The Red grouse is on the Red Data list. It has only over 4,200 individuals(2008). They live in bogs, moors and higher terrains.
One of Ireland's rarest birds the Twite which is common along the west especially in North West and Donegal. It is a finch that lives in areas of heather and gorse.
Gorse fires in Ireland are different to those in other countries. “Gorse and bog fires in Ireland are different in many respects to similar fires in Scotland, for example, as the compacted peat (up to 20ft deep in places) that lies underneath the gorse here continues to smoulder long after the gorse fires have been extinguished. Scotland’s granite terrain means that the gorse fire is faster burning and does not penetrate as deep underground and therefore the effects on wildlife are not as significant. In Ireland, the grass that grows in the aftermath of such fires benefits cattle and sheep only and not the birds and food sources that previously inhabited the area.”
“Another consequence of these fires is that birds in the affected areas have been forced to relocate in large numbers to secondary habitats, where resources are limited and the terrain is less suitable”, John Murphy-Birdwatch Ireland
These fires are wrecking havoc on various habitats. Due to herbage been burnt away meaning a loss in food sources. Birdwatch Ireland says 'the last two winters have had a detrimental effect on bird numbers and that the present spate of fires will make it difficult for species to mate again. The loss of food sources such as insects will prove detrimental for birds'.
The organisation believes the most affected species will be, twite, red grouse, grasshopper warbler, whitethroat, linnet, stonechat, dunnock, curlew, blackbird and meadow pipit.
“We are in the middle of the nesting season and tens of thousands of chicks and eggs have been destroyed”,Birdwatch Ireland’s John Murphy stated.
In Donegal and Mayo, the rare Cuckoo has been affected by the worst gorse fires have occurred. Red Grouse is also dangerously affected. The Red grouse is on the Red Data list. It has only over 4,200 individuals(2008). They live in bogs, moors and higher terrains.
One of Ireland's rarest birds the Twite which is common along the west especially in North West and Donegal. It is a finch that lives in areas of heather and gorse.
Gorse fires in Ireland are different to those in other countries. “Gorse and bog fires in Ireland are different in many respects to similar fires in Scotland, for example, as the compacted peat (up to 20ft deep in places) that lies underneath the gorse here continues to smoulder long after the gorse fires have been extinguished. Scotland’s granite terrain means that the gorse fire is faster burning and does not penetrate as deep underground and therefore the effects on wildlife are not as significant. In Ireland, the grass that grows in the aftermath of such fires benefits cattle and sheep only and not the birds and food sources that previously inhabited the area.”
“Another consequence of these fires is that birds in the affected areas have been forced to relocate in large numbers to secondary habitats, where resources are limited and the terrain is less suitable”, John Murphy-Birdwatch Ireland
Thursday, April 28, 2011
All about Tornado's
A Tornado or Cyclone is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air. It is in contact with the surface of the earth and cumulonimbus clouds. In rare cases cumulus clouds. Tornado's come in various shapes and sizes. It's main shape is a visible Condensation funnel, whose narrow end touches the surface of the earth.
Most tornado's have a speed of at least 110 mph (177 km/h). They are approximately 250 feet(80 m) across and can travel several miles/kilometres before dissipating.
A tornado is not always visible. A funnel cloud or Condensation cloud is it's most common feature. It is formed at intense low pressure causing high speeds(Bernoulli's Principle) and rapid rotation due to cyclostrophic balance, which causes water vapour in the air to become visible as a cloud. It is funnel shape.
Tornado's vary in size. Some are narrow, others are much larger. Small tornado's are weak. There may be a small swirl of dust. Average speed is 40 mph or 64 km/h. A 'stovepipe' is a cylindrical tornado. It can appear wedge like.
Tornado's rotate cyclonically(Anti Clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere). This is because of the Coriolis affect. A tornado has a rumbling sound.
The colour is determined by it's environment. In a dry environment it is nearly all visible, if over water it can be blue or white. The type of soil may also contribute to the colour. The time of day will affect colour also.
The life cycle is broken up into different stages. Formation, Maturity, Demise.
Formation:
As the mesocyclone approaches the ground, a visible condensation funnel appears to descend from the base of the storm, often from a rotating wall cloud.As the funnel descends, the RFD(Rear flank downdraft) also reaches the ground, creating a gust front that can cause damage a good distance from the tornado. Usually, the funnel cloud becomes a tornado within minutes of the RFD reaching the ground.
Maturity:
When the tornado has a good source of warm, moist inflow to power it, so it grows until it reaches the "mature stage". This can last minutes to hours. This is the stage that causes most damage. The RFD now an area of cool surface winds, begins to wrap around the tornado, cutting off the inflow of warm air which feeds the tornado.
Demise:
As the RFD completely wraps around and chokes off the tornado's air supply, the vortex begins to weaken, and become thin and rope-like. This is the "dissipating stage"; often lasting no more than a few minutes, after which the tornado fizzles. The storm is contracting into a rope-like tube and, like the ice skater who pulls her arms in to spin faster, winds can increase at this point. As the tornado enters the dissipating stage, its associated mesocyclone often weakens as well, as the rear flank downdraft cuts off the inflow powering it.
The Fujita scale and the Enhanced Fujita Scale rate tornadoes by damage caused. The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale was an upgrade to the older Fujita scale, by expert elicitation, using engineered wind estimates and better damage descriptions. The EF Scale was designed so that a tornado rated on the Fujita scale would receive the same numerical rating. An EF0 tornado will probably damage trees but not substantial structures, whereas an EF5 tornado can rip buildings off their foundations leaving them bare and even deform large skyscrapers. The similar TORRO scale ranges from a T0 for extremely weak tornadoes to T11 for the most powerful known tornadoes.
Most tornado's have a speed of at least 110 mph (177 km/h). They are approximately 250 feet(80 m) across and can travel several miles/kilometres before dissipating.
A tornado is not always visible. A funnel cloud or Condensation cloud is it's most common feature. It is formed at intense low pressure causing high speeds(Bernoulli's Principle) and rapid rotation due to cyclostrophic balance, which causes water vapour in the air to become visible as a cloud. It is funnel shape.
Tornado's vary in size. Some are narrow, others are much larger. Small tornado's are weak. There may be a small swirl of dust. Average speed is 40 mph or 64 km/h. A 'stovepipe' is a cylindrical tornado. It can appear wedge like.
Tornado's rotate cyclonically(Anti Clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere). This is because of the Coriolis affect. A tornado has a rumbling sound.
The colour is determined by it's environment. In a dry environment it is nearly all visible, if over water it can be blue or white. The type of soil may also contribute to the colour. The time of day will affect colour also.
The life cycle is broken up into different stages. Formation, Maturity, Demise.
Formation:
As the mesocyclone approaches the ground, a visible condensation funnel appears to descend from the base of the storm, often from a rotating wall cloud.As the funnel descends, the RFD(Rear flank downdraft) also reaches the ground, creating a gust front that can cause damage a good distance from the tornado. Usually, the funnel cloud becomes a tornado within minutes of the RFD reaching the ground.
Maturity:
When the tornado has a good source of warm, moist inflow to power it, so it grows until it reaches the "mature stage". This can last minutes to hours. This is the stage that causes most damage. The RFD now an area of cool surface winds, begins to wrap around the tornado, cutting off the inflow of warm air which feeds the tornado.
Demise:
As the RFD completely wraps around and chokes off the tornado's air supply, the vortex begins to weaken, and become thin and rope-like. This is the "dissipating stage"; often lasting no more than a few minutes, after which the tornado fizzles. The storm is contracting into a rope-like tube and, like the ice skater who pulls her arms in to spin faster, winds can increase at this point. As the tornado enters the dissipating stage, its associated mesocyclone often weakens as well, as the rear flank downdraft cuts off the inflow powering it.
The Fujita scale and the Enhanced Fujita Scale rate tornadoes by damage caused. The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale was an upgrade to the older Fujita scale, by expert elicitation, using engineered wind estimates and better damage descriptions. The EF Scale was designed so that a tornado rated on the Fujita scale would receive the same numerical rating. An EF0 tornado will probably damage trees but not substantial structures, whereas an EF5 tornado can rip buildings off their foundations leaving them bare and even deform large skyscrapers. The similar TORRO scale ranges from a T0 for extremely weak tornadoes to T11 for the most powerful known tornadoes.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Chernobyl 25 years on
On the 26th of April 1986 at 1:23:45 am Moscow time the worst nuclear disaster occurred. The plant is located in Pripyat, Ukraine. Reactor four suffered a catastrophic power increase which resulted to the core exploding. Vast amounts of radioactive fuel and materials were released into the atmosphere and ignited the graphite moderator. The burning of graphite increased the amount of radiation particles. The disaster was an experiment to test the safety of the emergency cooling of the core.
Shortly after the accident fire fighters arrived to extinguish the fire. The men were not told of the dangerous radiation that face them. They were told it was an electrical fire. The fires would not be quenched until 6.35 am. A witness is said that after the fire fighters finished they could 'taste metal' and 'had pins and needles all over their faces'.
Hundreds and thousands of people were evacuated from the area. But yet the people had been affected. Some thousands of children developed thyroid and other cancers due to the mutilation of cells. Animals and nature suffered as a result also. In some parts, entire forests have been destroyed.
In over 25 years only 3% of the reactors deadly radiation has leaked. People worry if so much damage is done by the 3% then what will happen after the other 97%? A shelter/dome which surrounds the reactor which encases the radiation is now beginning to degrade. An estimate of $1.2 billion dollars is needed to create a new shelter.
We must ask ourselves; Do we want a future Chernobyl? No. That is why we Must now more than ever use Renewable energy
This website has pictures of areas near Chernobyl http://totallycoolpix.com/2011/01/chernobyl-25-years-later/
Shortly after the accident fire fighters arrived to extinguish the fire. The men were not told of the dangerous radiation that face them. They were told it was an electrical fire. The fires would not be quenched until 6.35 am. A witness is said that after the fire fighters finished they could 'taste metal' and 'had pins and needles all over their faces'.
Hundreds and thousands of people were evacuated from the area. But yet the people had been affected. Some thousands of children developed thyroid and other cancers due to the mutilation of cells. Animals and nature suffered as a result also. In some parts, entire forests have been destroyed.
In over 25 years only 3% of the reactors deadly radiation has leaked. People worry if so much damage is done by the 3% then what will happen after the other 97%? A shelter/dome which surrounds the reactor which encases the radiation is now beginning to degrade. An estimate of $1.2 billion dollars is needed to create a new shelter.
We must ask ourselves; Do we want a future Chernobyl? No. That is why we Must now more than ever use Renewable energy
This website has pictures of areas near Chernobyl http://totallycoolpix.com/2011/01/chernobyl-25-years-later/
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Earth Day 2011
Today is Earth Day. Today is a day to consider our environment. By doing simple tasks every day we can make a difference. By taking part in this event you are making a stand to save our only world. Just my turning off all the lights you can make an impact. Maybe plant a tree or flowers? Clean up your town? Raise money for an environmental society? Begin a green school campaign? The list is endless.
For more information: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011
Remember: Keep the Environment clean, go green!
For more information: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011
Remember: Keep the Environment clean, go green!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Marble Arch Caves
The Marble Arch caves are located in a National Nature Reserve in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. These caves lie not far from the Cuilcagh Mountain and along the Cladagh River. It is such a unique area.
The caves were first explored by Éduoard Martel a French Speleologist(Speleology is the scientific study of caves) and Lyster Jameson a naturalist in 1895. Soon after in 1935 the Yorkshire Ramblers explored the caves in further detail. But this is only a fragment of the caves history. The caves stretch back to 340 million years ago. In this time the island of Ireland and the world looked far different to what it looks like today.
All the millions of years ago Ireland was located around the Equator! The oceans were filled with tropical fish and on land the landscape was nothing like it is today. Once the plants and animals died and began to decay they were compressed into sediments later known as Sedimentary rocks. These rocks were to form the magnificent attraction that is the Marble Arch caves.
The caves and surrounding area is a Global Geopark Centre. Very few exist in the World. If you have an interest in Speleology or nature or just a peaceful relaxing break. It is highly recommended that this is a reason to visit Ireland and Co. Fermanagh.
For more information have a look at the website: http://www.marblearchcaves.net/
The caves were first explored by Éduoard Martel a French Speleologist(Speleology is the scientific study of caves) and Lyster Jameson a naturalist in 1895. Soon after in 1935 the Yorkshire Ramblers explored the caves in further detail. But this is only a fragment of the caves history. The caves stretch back to 340 million years ago. In this time the island of Ireland and the world looked far different to what it looks like today.
All the millions of years ago Ireland was located around the Equator! The oceans were filled with tropical fish and on land the landscape was nothing like it is today. Once the plants and animals died and began to decay they were compressed into sediments later known as Sedimentary rocks. These rocks were to form the magnificent attraction that is the Marble Arch caves.
The caves and surrounding area is a Global Geopark Centre. Very few exist in the World. If you have an interest in Speleology or nature or just a peaceful relaxing break. It is highly recommended that this is a reason to visit Ireland and Co. Fermanagh.
For more information have a look at the website: http://www.marblearchcaves.net/
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| Boat ride through the caves |
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Japanese radioactivity found in Ireland
Low levels of Radioactivity have been found in Ireland after the devastating explosions at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in northern Japan. This discovery was made by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).
Some low levels of Iodine have been found in Ireland and throughout Europe. According to the RPII these levels will have no health implications. Special actions will not have to been taken due to these low levels.
The institute on a regular basis monitors radioactivity using an air sampler. This is located in Dublin.
What is Nuclear power?
Nuclear power is produced by controlled nuclear reactions. It is the reaction of nuclear fission which heat water to produce steam. This steam generates electricity. It provides 6% of the worlds energy and 12-13% of the worlds electricity. The US, France and Japan produce 50% of this electricity.
Nuclear power has seen so much controversy and the debate is ongoing. On one side is the World Nuclear Association and IAEA which believe that Nuclear energy is a sustainable energy. On the other side is Greenpeace International and NIRS which believe nuclear power poses a threat to people and the environment.
Should we use nuclear power in a balance with renewable energy? or Should we ban nuclear power?
Some low levels of Iodine have been found in Ireland and throughout Europe. According to the RPII these levels will have no health implications. Special actions will not have to been taken due to these low levels.
The institute on a regular basis monitors radioactivity using an air sampler. This is located in Dublin.
What is Nuclear power?
Nuclear power is produced by controlled nuclear reactions. It is the reaction of nuclear fission which heat water to produce steam. This steam generates electricity. It provides 6% of the worlds energy and 12-13% of the worlds electricity. The US, France and Japan produce 50% of this electricity.
Nuclear power has seen so much controversy and the debate is ongoing. On one side is the World Nuclear Association and IAEA which believe that Nuclear energy is a sustainable energy. On the other side is Greenpeace International and NIRS which believe nuclear power poses a threat to people and the environment.
Should we use nuclear power in a balance with renewable energy? or Should we ban nuclear power?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
7.0 Earthquakes strikes Burma
There has been no tsunami. The Pacific tsunami warning centre believe no tsunami will occur because the quakes occurred far inland.
According to the US Geological Survey the quakes occurred in the boarder with Laos and Thailand. The quakes have been described as been strong to violent. Tremors have been felt as far away as the Yunnan province in China.
There are no signs of fatalities. It may take some time to know of these fatalities because the quakes occurred in rural, mountainous region with small populations.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Vernal Equinox
The Equinox is when the Earth's axis is neither away nor facing the sun. This occurs only twice a year. There is a Spring(Vernal) Equinox(March) and Autumn(September).
It originates from the Latin 'Aequus' meaning equal. It is at both Equinox's that Day and Night are equal. Almost!
It is also believed that Night in both the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere are the same.
The Equinox's and the Past:-
The Vernal Equinox played an important role in the past. In Celtic and Pagan times the Vernal Equinox was the beginning of spring. The people believed that Earth was asleep during the Winter and awoke at the Vernal Equinox. So our ancestors may have been aware of the Environment and Astronomy far before we have been!
For Christians, the timing of Easter depends in the Vernal Equinox. Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox.
Our ancestors who built Newgrange in Co. Meath positioned its entranceway for the Equinoxes so sunlight would light up the passage ways.
It originates from the Latin 'Aequus' meaning equal. It is at both Equinox's that Day and Night are equal. Almost!
It is also believed that Night in both the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere are the same.
The Equinox's and the Past:-
The Vernal Equinox played an important role in the past. In Celtic and Pagan times the Vernal Equinox was the beginning of spring. The people believed that Earth was asleep during the Winter and awoke at the Vernal Equinox. So our ancestors may have been aware of the Environment and Astronomy far before we have been!
For Christians, the timing of Easter depends in the Vernal Equinox. Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox.
Our ancestors who built Newgrange in Co. Meath positioned its entranceway for the Equinoxes so sunlight would light up the passage ways.
The Vernal Equinox at Newgrange
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Lunar Perigee
For the first time since 1993 the Moon will be the closest to the Earth. This is the Lunar Perigee. Over Ireland and Europe the next few days we will be able to view the Moon clearer than ever. If the skies are clear! This Perigee is special as it coincides with a full moon. An Apogee is when the Moon is furthest away from Earth.
But what does the Perigee mean for us down here?
As you know the Moon controls the tides. On a full moon the tides are at their highest. But as the Perigee is larger than normal this means our tides will be higher than normal.
But in recent times the Perigee has caused some disasters. It has been known to cause a change to the climate. Earthquakes, Tsunamis and volcanoes are meant to be active during the Lunar Perigee.
In 1938, storms raged across New England. In 1974 there was Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin.
But there is another side to this Perigee. Some Scientists believe that no disasters will occur during this Perigee because Earth will be going through a lower tide than usual.
On the 4th of January 1912, the closest Perigee occurred. The Moon was 356,375 km from Earth!
But what does the Perigee mean for us down here?
As you know the Moon controls the tides. On a full moon the tides are at their highest. But as the Perigee is larger than normal this means our tides will be higher than normal.
But in recent times the Perigee has caused some disasters. It has been known to cause a change to the climate. Earthquakes, Tsunamis and volcanoes are meant to be active during the Lunar Perigee.
In 1938, storms raged across New England. In 1974 there was Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin.
But there is another side to this Perigee. Some Scientists believe that no disasters will occur during this Perigee because Earth will be going through a lower tide than usual.
On the 4th of January 1912, the closest Perigee occurred. The Moon was 356,375 km from Earth!
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| Lunar Perigee and Apogee |
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Japanese Earthquake triggers Tsunami
An 8.9 magnitude Earthquake has struck Japan. The quake which struck at 2:46pm local time is the countries largest quake recorded in Japan since records began 140 years ago. The quakes epicenter was located in Sendai on the coastline, 400km(250 miles) north east of Tokyo. So far the death toll is around 350 but this is expected to be in the 1000s.
Along with a horrific earthquake, as a result a Tsunami which reached 10m(33feet) washed across the land. This huge wave destroyed all in its path. Cars, boats and houses were swept away. The Tsunami which traveled at 800km/h(500mph) as fast as a jetliner. Tsunami alerts were cautioned across the Pacific Ocean, from Japan to the United States. Some alerts are still in place.
The aftermath of this disaster is yet to be known. Some fires have broken out in areas. There was also problems with the Fukushima Nuclear power plant which had difficulty cooling down. Residents were evacuated in fears of radiation leeks.
Along with a horrific earthquake, as a result a Tsunami which reached 10m(33feet) washed across the land. This huge wave destroyed all in its path. Cars, boats and houses were swept away. The Tsunami which traveled at 800km/h(500mph) as fast as a jetliner. Tsunami alerts were cautioned across the Pacific Ocean, from Japan to the United States. Some alerts are still in place.
The aftermath of this disaster is yet to be known. Some fires have broken out in areas. There was also problems with the Fukushima Nuclear power plant which had difficulty cooling down. Residents were evacuated in fears of radiation leeks.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Green Sligo on Facebook
If you are a fan of 'Green Sligo' visit our brand new Facebook page and click 'Like' and suggest to your friends!
Here is the link...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Sligo/182990845077781?sk=wall
Here is the link...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Sligo/182990845077781?sk=wall
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Renewable Energy - The Future
Coal, oil or gas may seem like an easy option for our energy but there are far more Greener Energies.
Renewable Energy is the future. Because Coal, oil and gas are fossil fuels they are not suitable to supply a growing population and will not be accessible in the future.
What is a Renewable Energy source?
Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources such as solar, wind, tidal and geothermal. Due to there ultimate source they are also known as Infinite Sources of Energy.
Sources of Energy:
Renewable Energy is the future. Because Coal, oil and gas are fossil fuels they are not suitable to supply a growing population and will not be accessible in the future.
What is a Renewable Energy source?
Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources such as solar, wind, tidal and geothermal. Due to there ultimate source they are also known as Infinite Sources of Energy.
Sources of Energy:
- Solar
- Wind
- Tidal
- Geothermal
Solar
This is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. This is done by photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). The first commercial solar power station was first built and operational in the Mojave Desert in California US. It generated 354 MW SEGS CSP. More ecological and modern homes are now being fixed with compact solar panels.
Wind
Ireland is a perfect nation to harness this energy. Due to our abundant wind source it is important that we learn how to avail of this energy. There is unfortunately a down turn to wind energy. Turbines would require a large amount of space to build large wind farms. The largest turbine can provide enough energy for 475 homes on full capacity. It is difficult to do this for large cities.
Tidal
Tidal Power or Hydropower is the conversion or energy of tides into electricity.As Ireland lies on the Atlantic ocean where waves are strong it is possible to harness huge amounts of energy. Turbines in the water generate energy while being moved by currents or tides. Unfortunately Government funding is lacking in the funding and development of thus energy.
Geothermal
This is the use of heat energy below the surface of the earth. Estimations believe that this energy can harness up to 2000 GW. The Earth's heat content is 1000 joules. It is believed that 75% of the earth's heat may be used to generate power.
Tidal
Tidal Power or Hydropower is the conversion or energy of tides into electricity.As Ireland lies on the Atlantic ocean where waves are strong it is possible to harness huge amounts of energy. Turbines in the water generate energy while being moved by currents or tides. Unfortunately Government funding is lacking in the funding and development of thus energy.
Geothermal
This is the use of heat energy below the surface of the earth. Estimations believe that this energy can harness up to 2000 GW. The Earth's heat content is 1000 joules. It is believed that 75% of the earth's heat may be used to generate power.
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| Different forms of Renewable Energy |
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Earthquake strikes Pakistan
A major Earthquake has struck South West Pakistan. At approximitly 1.30am local time a 7.2 magnitude quake with epicenter located on the boarder with Afghanistan roughly 34 miles west of Dalbandin, a town sparsely populated in the Baluchistan.
Those who felt the quake believe it to have lasted between 20-30 seconds with some variation further or closer to the Epicentre.
In this area it is quite common to have tremors. In 2005 a quake measuring 7.6 on the Richter magnitude scale killing 80,000 people. So far it is unknown if anyone has been killed. Pakistan authorities have issued a tsunami caution as it is prominent as the Indian subcontinent slams into Asia.
What causes an Earthquake?
Far below the grounds the Plates are constantly moving, thease are called Tectonic Plates. The movement of the Plates is known as continental drift. When plates colide they cause friction which sends shock waves up to the ground surface causing tremors. An earthquake which accur s under the sea floor is known as a Tsunami .
What is the Richter Scale?
It is a scale measuring seismic energy. It is calculated by the amplitude of the largest displacement from zero on a seismometer. It ranges from 1-10+. The largest ever Earthquake was measured in Valdivia , China in 1960 where a quake of 9.5 was recorded
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Flood and Mudslide crisis hits Brazil
A week of torrential rain on the south east of Brazil has led to Flooding and Mudslides. Since Christmas 432 people have been killed with many still missing.
Downpours of rain have submerged towns and suburbs beneath water. According to officials The Serrena mountain region north of Rio has seen a months rainfall in under 24 hours. Brazilian authorities have claimed that in the town of Teresopolis 152 people have lost their lives along with 168 people in Nova Friburgo. Hundreds of Thousands of people have been made homeless and are taking shelter in centres and schools.
Brazil usually has a monsoon season in early Autumn but this year has seen a surge in rainfall. Similar to the recent floods in Brisbane the La Niña has affected Brazil.
What is La Niña?
It is the cooling of surface waters in central and eastern Pacific Ocean. El Niño is the opposite as it is the warming of surface waters.
How does it cause floods?
The changing of Atmospheric circulation redistributes the rainfall. High pressure reduces the normally heavy precipitation over the tropical and subtropical Pacific. Instead of the haevy rain falling on the sea it falls on the land (mainly coastal regions)
Climatologists are divided on the matter that La Niña is a result of Climate Change.
Downpours of rain have submerged towns and suburbs beneath water. According to officials The Serrena mountain region north of Rio has seen a months rainfall in under 24 hours. Brazilian authorities have claimed that in the town of Teresopolis 152 people have lost their lives along with 168 people in Nova Friburgo. Hundreds of Thousands of people have been made homeless and are taking shelter in centres and schools.
Brazil usually has a monsoon season in early Autumn but this year has seen a surge in rainfall. Similar to the recent floods in Brisbane the La Niña has affected Brazil.
What is La Niña?
It is the cooling of surface waters in central and eastern Pacific Ocean. El Niño is the opposite as it is the warming of surface waters.
How does it cause floods?
The changing of Atmospheric circulation redistributes the rainfall. High pressure reduces the normally heavy precipitation over the tropical and subtropical Pacific. Instead of the haevy rain falling on the sea it falls on the land (mainly coastal regions)
Climatologists are divided on the matter that La Niña is a result of Climate Change.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Brisbane Floods
Australian authorities have declared that the current floods have bet recent records.
Since November to last week Floods have unfolded across Queensland but it has only recently become violent.
Floods have left towns virtual islands in a muddy inland sea, devastated crops, cut major rail and road links to coal ports, slashed exports and forced up world coal prices.
The Australian floods, which have cut off 22 towns, have been caused by a 'La Niña,' weather pattern, which produces monsoonal rains over the western Pacific and Southeast Asia.
During a period of La Niña, the sea surface temperature across the equatorial Eastern Central Pacific Ocean will be lower than normal by 3–5 °C. The La Nina saw Australia record its third wettest year on record in 2010 and is expected to last another three months.
The flood disaster, say analysts, is forecast to shave around 0.4 percentage points off GDP, which equates to just over Aus$5bn of Australia's annual output of Aus$1.3 trillion.
Residents in flooded towns worked desperately to build sandbag levees in the hope of holding back the rising waters. Some 200,000 people have been affected by the floods and three have drowned. Apart from the risk of drowning, snakes and crocodiles are being washed into homes and shops.
Flood waters are receding in the Bowen Basin coal region, flooding continued further downstream.
Flood warnings have been declared for seven river systems, with one swollen river now 6km (4 miles) wide.
Since November to last week Floods have unfolded across Queensland but it has only recently become violent.
Floods have left towns virtual islands in a muddy inland sea, devastated crops, cut major rail and road links to coal ports, slashed exports and forced up world coal prices.
The Australian floods, which have cut off 22 towns, have been caused by a 'La Niña,' weather pattern, which produces monsoonal rains over the western Pacific and Southeast Asia.
During a period of La Niña, the sea surface temperature across the equatorial Eastern Central Pacific Ocean will be lower than normal by 3–5 °C. The La Nina saw Australia record its third wettest year on record in 2010 and is expected to last another three months.
The flood disaster, say analysts, is forecast to shave around 0.4 percentage points off GDP, which equates to just over Aus$5bn of Australia's annual output of Aus$1.3 trillion.
Residents in flooded towns worked desperately to build sandbag levees in the hope of holding back the rising waters. Some 200,000 people have been affected by the floods and three have drowned. Apart from the risk of drowning, snakes and crocodiles are being washed into homes and shops.
Flood waters are receding in the Bowen Basin coal region, flooding continued further downstream.
Flood warnings have been declared for seven river systems, with one swollen river now 6km (4 miles) wide.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
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