Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
september 2014
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natural hazards
Governor of Oklahoma appoints committee to study induced seismicity
September 4, 2014
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has formed a committee to study the recent uptick in earthquakes within her state that researchers have linked to oil and gas development. The Coordinating Council on Seismic Activity includes representatives from the Oklahoma Geological Survey, academia, state regulators, and the oil and gas industry. The council will be led by State Energy and Environment Secretary Michael Teague.
In the past nine months, Oklahoma has experienced abnormally frequent earthquakes with more magnitude-3.0 earthquakes than California and even some magnitude-4.0 earthquakes, which can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. The U.S. Geological Survey and Oklahoma Geological Survey have reported that increased oil and gas production, specifically the disposal of wastewater associated with production, is likely a contributor to the increased seismic activity.
Critics have expressed concern that Gov. Fallin is not doing enough to address the issue. Senator Jerry Ellis (D-OK) called for the committee to include national experts on induced seismicity, and argued that there is a lack of urgency in the governor’s actions.
More information on induced seismicity can be found in a recent study by the National Academies.
Sources: E&E News, Press Office of Governor Mary Fallin
Scientists brief Congress on science-based resilience following Hurricane Sandy
September 19, 2014
Representatives from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Park Service (NPS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) presented a congressional briefing on the science behind efforts to help rebuild shorelines, ecosystems, and communities after Hurricane Sandy. The briefing, #StrongAfterSandy—The Science Supporting Department of the Interior’s Response, highlighted science and research conducted by the USGS and other federal agencies to increase resilience to future storms.
The USGS received $43.2 million in supplemental funding after Hurricane Sandy to study the impacts of coastal erosion and environmental contaminants to topography, bathymetry, and local habitats. The USGS will use the information gathered to develop science-based coastal management policies to minimize damage in the future.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey
USGS outlines resources for reporting on earthquakes
September 24, 2014
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) held an educational seminar for members of the media on September 24 on how to accurately report on earthquakes following an event. The seminar, Earthquake 101: Resources for Reporting on Earthquakes (For News Media), introduced reporters to the types of information available through USGS and how to interpret that information for their own reporting.
Following an earthquake, the USGS website automatically updates with information from seismic stations around the world. Within four minutes of an event, the USGS can determine the location, magnitude, and focal mechanism of an earthquake to produce a map of initial shaking intensities throughout the affected region.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey
House passes Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act
September 8, 2014
On September 8, the House of Representatives passed the Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act (H.R. 5309) by voice vote. Introduced by Representatives Susan Bonimici (D-OR) and Dana Rohrbacher (R-CA), H.R. 5309 would reauthorize the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program and would put extra emphasis on tsunami detection, forecasts, and warning systems.
The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, originally established in 1995, is a coordinated partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and 28 U.S. Coastal States, Territories, and Commonwealths. The program helps to assess tsunami threats, prepare community responses, issue timely and effective warnings, and mitigate damage.
The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Sources: House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program
NOAA launches new modeling tool to track severe weather
September 30, 2014
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launched a new modeling tool for meteorologists to study severe weather and track how it develops at the local level. The model, known as High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR), was developed over five years by researchers in NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory.
The model can track individual storms in detail and predict the movement of weather patterns up to 15 hours in advance. Increased spatial resolution and faster data processing allow the model to pinpoint specific neighborhoods that will experience hail, high winds, heavy rain or snow, or flash flooding.
Data from the new model will be valuable to other government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, which can adapt flight paths around storms, and the Department of Energy, where the new information will be valuable for weather-dependent alternative energy sources like wind and solar.
The public can track developing storm systems on NOAA’s National Weather Service website.
Sources: E&E News, NOAA