The Long Valley Caldera, which includes the Mammoth Lakes area, has been undergoing geological changes and seismic activity, which can precede a volcanic eruption. But scientists say not to worry.
Environment
Posted inEnvironment
Can California continue to fight the ocean? A new book argues for new approaches
As last winter made clear all over Santa Cruz County, nothing is permanent when confronted with the power of the Pacific. In “California Against the Sea,” Los Angeles Times journalist Rosanna Xia examines the postwar coastal development boom and the daunting challenges facing the 27 million Californians who live in the coastal zone as sea-level rise and coastal erosion become urgent facts of life. She’ll talk about it Tuesday at Bookshop Santa Cruz.
Posted inEnvironment
California just experienced a ‘miracle’ water year. But winter could bring new challenges
With great abundance comes risk. Forecasters are warning of another potentially wet winter fueled by El Niño, which could bring levee breaches and flooding.
Posted inEnvironment
As heat waves warm the Pacific Ocean, effects on marine life remain murky
While satellites and offshore buoys can inform scientists about marine heat waves, the effects on ocean species are less understood.
Posted inEnvironment
El Niño is getting stronger, and odds are tilting toward another wet winter for California
There is a 95% chance that El Niño will persist into next year, and a 71% chance that it will become a “strong” El Niño, officials say.
Posted inEnvironment
Thousands of California wells are at risk of drying up despite landmark water law
Researchers examined plans for managing groundwater in the Central Valley. They found local plans leave thousands of wells at risk of running dry.
Posted inEnvironment
San Diego closes off a sea lion hot spot where selfie-taking humans are just too much
The San Diego City Council voted unanimously to temporarily close access to Point La Jolla year-round due to dangerous interactions with sea lions by members of the public.
Posted inEnvironment
Baby beaver sighting inspires hopes of a California comeback
“Beaver believers” are celebrating the appearance of a young kit along a Palo Alto creek, saying it bodes well for the species’ resurgence in California.
Posted inEnvironment
A new, sophisticated sea-level rise study will drive Santa Cruz County’s coastline policies on climate change
Historically hesitant to adopt the state’s philosophy on how to handle sea level rise and an eroding coastline, Santa Cruz County just received nearly $1 million from the California Coastal Commission for its most sophisticated sea level rise vulnerability study to date. One top county official said the study will drive the county’s coastline strategy on climate change.
Posted inEnvironment
California’s top methane emitter is a vast cattle feedlot. Regulators are giving it a pass.
A “kid gloves” approach to agricultural emissions, including burping cows, raises questions about an environmentally minded state’s commitment to combating climate change.