Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features vibrantly colored water near the coastline of Vancouver Island.



"The colorful plumes - which are likely comprised of both phytoplankton and sediment - stood out in this image, acquired by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite on July 26," said NASA.



"Clouds covered much of Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia at the time of this image. But coastal areas were cloud-free, exposing water that likely contained flourishing populations of phytoplankton - floating plant-like organisms that are the foundation of the aquatic food web."



During the summer in the northeast Pacific Ocean, phytoplankton blooms are frequent due to offshore winds pushing surface waters away from the coast. This leads to the upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich waters from the depths, which fuels the growth of phytoplankton.&nbsp;



The Salish Sea plays a significant role in supplying nutrients through its circulation and upwelling, enhancing phytoplankton productivity along the continental shelf near Vancouver Island. Additionally, the bloom may also be fueled by nutrient-rich sediment runoff from the coast.



Vancouver Island is known for its lush landscapes, including mountains, forests, and stunning coastlines. The island is also home to the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.&nbsp;



Vancouver Island offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, including opportunities to see whales and bears. The island has a rich Indigenous history, which is reflected in many of its local arts and cultural exhibits



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Vibrant colors off the coast of Vancouver Island

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a massive smoky storm cloud that developed over Northwestern Canada on September 16, 2023.



"For much of summer 2023, fires burned through boreal forests in northern British Columbia and Alberta, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. The blazes triggered evacuations as they approached towns and unleashed plumes of smoke that occasionally dipped south into the United States," said NASA.



"In mid-September, strong winds from a passing cold front interacted with some of the fires to create a vast smoke-infused cloud spiral. The smoky storm, which spanned hundreds of kilometers, is visible in this image captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite."



Wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour intensified the fires and created towering “fire clouds” called pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which boosted smoke up into the storm clouds.&nbsp;



“We see dozens of pyrocumulonimbus clouds each year, but this was an impressive event,” said Colin Seftor, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.&nbsp;



Seftor monitors the spread of the airborne aerosols within wildfire smoke using the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite sensor on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite.



“After the smoke was lofted up and entrained within the circulation of a passing low-pressure system, it resulted in the highest aerosol measurements we’ve seen this year,” said Seftor. “We did see two other smoke events in Canada in mid-August and early September, when aerosol index values were nearly as high,” he added.



Atmospheric scientist Hiren Jethva analyzed data collected by a lidar sensor on NASA’s ICESat-2 to measure the height of the smoke plume. “ICESat-2 data show a rising smoke cloud ranging from 6 to 11 kilometers,” he said.&nbsp;



According to NASA, scientists track smoke heights as part of a broader effort to understand how aerosols within wildfire smoke affect the radiation budget and climate when they form smoke layers above clouds.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke-infused storm cloud over the Northwest Territories 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory &nbsp;features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the port city of Derna on the northeastern coast of Libya, where heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding that killed thousands of people.&nbsp;



"On September 10 and 11, over 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain fell on Derna. The city lies at the end of a long, narrow valley, called a wadi, which is dry except during the rainy season," explained NASA.



"Floods triggered two dams along the wadi to collapse. The failure of the second dam, located just one kilometer inland of Derna, unleashed 3- to 7-meter-high floodwater that tore through the city. According to news reports, the flash floods destroyed roads and swept entire neighborhoods out to sea."



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on September 18. It shows the eroded banks of Wadi Derna, and muddy water off the coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Preliminary estimates by the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) indicate that 3,100 buildings in Derna were damaged by rushing water. According to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 40,000 people in the country were displaced by the storm, and 30,000 of those were displaced from Derna," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the western region of Morocco, where a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck on September 8, 2023. The violent earthquake killed thousands of people and many are still missing more than a week later.



"The damage proxy map shown above is a NASA Earth Observatory version of a map created by the Earth Observatory of Singapore - Remote Sensing Lab (EOS-RS). The map uses modified Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data processed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and with software originally developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech," said NASA.



"To map the landscape, including buildings, Sentinel-1’s radar sends pulses of microwaves toward Earth’s surface and 'listens' for reflected echoes of those waves. In the map above, the damage proxy data from EOS-RS was laid over a Landsat 9 image and combined with a digital elevation model based on data collected by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission."



According to NASA, the most severe destruction occurred in small rural villages in the High Atlas Mountains. Near the epicenter, entire communities were destroyed.



A resident of the town of Tinzert, Hakim Idlhousein, told CNN that it took just 10 seconds for his whole village to disappear. The homes have been reduced to rubble, and the survivors are still waiting for government aid. These hardest-hit regions have been difficult to reach after roads were destroyed by the earthquake.&nbsp;



"Help has been slow to come and has so far mostly consisted of food and water brought up into the mountains in private cars by volunteers from across Morocco," reported CNN.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Entire villages destroyed by earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Cook Strait, which separates New Zealand's North and South Islands.



"Named after James Cook, who was the first European to sail through it, the PoipuCook Strait is just 23 km wide at its narrowest point, so on a clear day it is possible to see across the strait. However, it is also renowned as one of the roughest and most unpredictable stretches of water in the world, owing to strong winds, conflicting currents and variable tides," says ESA.



"This dynamic environment is depicted here by the various shades of blue in the water and swirls. Both shores feature steep cliffs which, in the image, result in the white colour caused by the big waves crashing against the rocky coast."



New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consisting of two main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. It is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, which include beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, and farmland. The capital city is Wellington, while the most populous city is Auckland, both located in the North Island.



The country is renowned for its strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. It has a diverse economy with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. New Zealand is famous for its dairy industry, especially the export of products like milk and cheese.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Cook Strait, New Zealand

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

The Biden administration has announced that starting next week, every US household can request up to four free at-home Covid tests.&nbsp;



This initiative is an effort to prevent a potential winter surge in Covid cases, especially with the emergence of the Eris and BA.2.86 variants.



The $600 million program was initiated in early 2022, a period when retailers experienced a shortage of tests.&nbsp;



When the Covid public health emergency was declared over in May, the program to distribute Covid tests was suspended.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-tests">Free tests</h2>



To date, over 755 million free Covid tests have been distributed across the US by the Biden administration.&nbsp;



These tests, as clarified by the Health and Human Services (HHS), are intended for use throughout the remainder of the year. Detailed instructions regarding the checking of expiration dates will be included.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-surge">Recent surge</h2>



In recent months, there have been a surge in Covid infections and hospitalizations. Across hospitals in the United States, the data shows 20,538 Covid admissions in the week leading up to September 9. 



This figure indicates a 7.7% week-on-week rise in hospital admissions - representing the slowest increase since early July, a time when hospitalizations were at an all-time low.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-deaths">Covid deaths</h2>



In addition, Covid-related deaths are beginning to plateau, with 844 recorded in the week leading up to August 19.



Despite the introduction of updated vaccines and the current wave being relatively mild, disruptions could continue, possibly due to reasons such as staff absences.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wastewater-monitoring-nbsp">Wastewater monitoring&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Amy Kirby, who leads the CDC's <a href="https://wastewaterscan.org/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=search&amp;utm_content=adgroup1&amp;utm_campaign=wastewaterscan&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmbqoBhAgEiwACIjzEMS_xAkXS55BDNX45aCEJE6vPjs3KxjsO5z2StMQbepQ13aHRNAL8BoC6ugQAvD_BwE">wastewater monitoring program</a>, emphasized the uncertainty, stating it's "really too early to tell" if a significant winter surge would materialize.



Wastewater monitoring has emerged as a crucial indicator of the virus's prevalence. The CDC's recent surveillance of Covid wastewater indicates declines in mid-Atlantic states like Virginia and Maryland.&nbsp;



However, the Midwest and Northeast show a consistent increase in Covid traces, especially with school reopenings.



Marlene Wolfe, program director for WastewaterSCAN, mentioned that their findings point towards a "flattening out" of Covid spread. WastewaterSCAN currently tracks 183 sites across 36 states.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Bill Hanage of <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> also emphasized the importance of wastewater surveillance, especially now that public health officials are not actively tracking individual Covid cases. 



The wastewater monitoring method, likened to weather forecasts, provides an indication of the virus's spread even before individuals show symptoms.



As the nation faces the possibility of another Covid surge in the winter, the Biden administration's free testing initiative and wastewater surveillance remain crucial tools.&nbsp;



While current data may be encouraging, experts like Dr. Kirby warn that it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and proactive, especially with the unpredictability of the virus.



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Free Covid tests may help combat winter surge in the US

The Biden administration has announced that starting next week, every...

In a recent opinion paper, a team of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/">plant</a> scientists has introduced a novel method to sequester carbon dioxide by "re-greening" arid regions, without competing with agriculture or food production.



This innovative solution was proposed by a research team led by Heribert Hirt from the <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Abdullah University of Science and Technology</a>.



Their report, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2023.08.009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>, suggests that deserts could be transformed into carbon sinks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-climate-challenge">The climate challenge</h2>



As carbon dioxide (CO2) levels rise, the race is on to find solutions beyond merely cutting emissions.&nbsp;



"With greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations at the highest level for 2 million years, humanity is facing an unprecedented challenge from climate change," wrote the researchers.



"Consequently, average temperature increases, ice sheet melting, ocean/sea level increases, and extreme weather patterns are becoming routine. These changes threaten the foundations of human civilization."



Capturing and storing vast amounts of CO2 already in the atmosphere has become crucial. Reforestation is considered to be an ideal approach, but often clashes with agricultural needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-deserts-into-carbon-sinks">Turning deserts into carbon sinks</h2>



The researchers propose that we could transform arid ecosystems into efficient carbon-capture systems with improved soil health, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, and larger root biomass by engineering ideal combinations of plants, soil microbes, and soil type.



“Re-greening deserts by restoration of ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, should be the preferential approach,” wrote the researchers.&nbsp;



“The advantage of reclaiming arid regions for re-greening and carbon sequestration is that they do not compete with lands used in agriculture and food production.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arid-regions">Arid regions</h2>



Arid regions cover approximately one-third of our planet's land surface. These areas typically support minimal vegetation due to water scarcity.&nbsp;



Yet, certain plants, adapted to these harsh conditions, have evolved ways to survive.&nbsp;



Some use unique photosynthesis methods, others have special root systems, and a few even produce oxalates which can convert into water during droughts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-oxalate-carbonate-pathway">The oxalate-carbonate pathway</h2>



Oxalates are ions made up of carbon and oxygen. Soil microbes consume these oxalates as their primary carbon source.&nbsp;



Upon doing so, they release carbonate molecules into the soil. These molecules can react with calcium in calcium-rich and alkaline soils, forming stable calcium carbonate deposits.



This biogeochemical process can be enhanced in arid lands to transform them from barren stretches into thriving carbon sinks, complete with healthy soils and plants.&nbsp;



“Overall, in this form of carbon sequestration, one out of every sixteen photosynthetically fixed carbon atoms might be sequestered into carbonates,” wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertility-islands">Fertility islands</h2>



To initiate this transformation, the authors propose the creation of "fertility islands."&nbsp;



These are small pockets of revived habitat where plants and microbes can flourish and eventually spread, creating a blanket of vegetation across the arid landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-directions">Challenges and future directions</h2>



Despite its promise, this method also has some challenges. Arid conditions naturally mean slower plant growth, which could limit the pace of carbon sequestration.&nbsp;



Additionally, the adoption and effectiveness of this technology rely heavily on the financial and political will of countries with arid regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



As the global community searches for ways to tackle the impending climate crisis, re-greening arid lands could offer a solution.&nbsp;



Not only could this method sequester vast amounts of carbon, but it could also restore ecosystems, bringing life back to some of the most barren places on Earth.



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Deserts as carbon sinks? Study reveals potential for greening arid regions

In a recent opinion paper, a team of plant scientists...

Photovoltaics,And,Wind,Turbines,Generating,Electricity,In,Solar,Power,Station

A new comprehensive assessment led by <a href="https://www.portlandrealestate.com/">Portland Real Estate</a> has recently revealed how states fare on their green initiatives.&nbsp;



The analysis considered various components such as emission types and amounts, accessibility to nature for residents, air and water quality, use of green transportation options, fossil fuel production, and overall energy usage.&nbsp;



Based on these parameters, an environmental impact score was derived for each state. Here are the top 10 least <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-foods-are-healthy-and-environmentally-friendly/">environmentally friendly</a> states:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-mississippi-33-7-100-nbsp">1. Mississippi (33.7/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Mississippi struggles most with its green initiatives, securing the lowest spot. It faces serious challenges in transportation, evidenced by the lack of hybrid or electric vehicles.&nbsp;



Only 0.23 percent of its population uses public transport. Its water efficiency and sustainability score are dismal, at just 2/100, attributed to the high number of residents accessing contaminated water facilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-louisiana-34-6-100-nbsp">2. Louisiana (34.6/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Louisiana, though slightly ahead of Mississippi, has the nation’s poorest nature score at 20.7 out of 100. The state has a mere 50 square miles dedicated to parks and is significantly lacking in hiking trails.&nbsp;



Additionally, its substantial contribution of 183.3 million tons to national CO2 emissions cannot be overlooked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-new-mexico-35-2-100-nbsp">3. New Mexico (35.2/100)&nbsp;</h2>



New Mexico’s lower ranking arises from concerns related to water quality, with 1.1 million residents depending on unreliable water sources.&nbsp;



The state also has the 13th poorest air quality and is a significant producer of coal, with an annual production close to 9,265 thousand short tons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-alabama-35-8-100-nbsp">4. Alabama (35.8/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Alabama’s low score stems from transportation challenges, with just 1.53 percent of its vehicles being electric or hybrid.&nbsp;



The state’s score also lags due to a mere 75 square miles being covered by parks. Additionally, it ranks 13th in the country for CO2 emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-north-dakota-36-3-100-nbsp">5. North Dakota (36.3/100)&nbsp;</h2>



North Dakota’s environmental challenges are accentuated by its high emissions rate, rising to 3.32kg of black carbon per person annually.&nbsp;



Its transportation metrics are also concerning, with a mere 0.19 percent of vehicles being green. Furthermore, the state is a significant producer of fossil fuels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-west-virginia-37-5-100-nbsp">6. West Virginia (37.5/100)&nbsp;</h2>



West Virginia faces significant water quality challenges, with 934,993 residents depending on compromised water facilities. Its CO2 emissions also stand out, rising up to 76.9 million tons annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-oklahoma-38-8-100-nbsp">7. Oklahoma (38.8/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Oklahoma’s low score is due to transportation and nature-related challenges. The state has a limited number of electric or hybrid vehicles and lacks expansive green spaces, with only 88 square miles dedicated to parks. Additionally, its annual CO2 emission stands at 63.1 million tons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-alaska-39-6-100-nbsp">8. Alaska (39.6/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Alaska, despite its vast natural landscapes, has the second-highest emissions score.&nbsp;



The state produces 36 million tons of CO2 yearly. Its fossil fuel production is also significant, and only a small percentage of its vehicles are green.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-texas-40-7-100-nbsp">9. Texas (40.7/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Texas, a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, produces a staggering 624 million tons annually. Its fossil fuel production is also substantial, and it ranks low in air quality metrics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-kentucky-41-6-100-nbsp">10. Kentucky (41.6/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Kentucky’s challenges revolve around water quality and transportation. It has a low percentage of green vehicles, and its annual CO2 emissions reach 101.9 million tons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highlight-oregon-51-6-100-nbsp">Highlight: Oregon (51.6/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Oregon ranks as the 20th greenest state. Its transportation score is commendable, with 8.42 percent of vehicles being hybrid or electric. However, it struggles with emissions, producing 9.25 tons of CO2 per person annually.



“It is interesting to see how each state has scored in the various factors that contribute to a less green environment. When deciding where to live or buy a home, a greener environment is a deciding factor for many,” a spokesperson from Portland Real Estate concluded.&nbsp;



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Going green: Which U.S. states are the least environmentally friendly?

A new comprehensive assessment led by Portland Real Estate has...

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How land subsidence contributes to sea level rise Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how land subsidence alters the shape of ocean basins and contributes to sea level rise. 
During the last ice age about 20,000 years ago, the northeastern region of the United States, <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mistastin-lake-in-labrador-canada/">Canada,</a> and other regions were weighed down by ice sheets. When the ice melted and its weight was lifted, the land surface slowly rebounded. 
The resulting land movement, as well as subsidence related to human activities, play a significant role in sea level rise. For example, the Mississippi River Delta is essentially drowning as sinking ground is combined with higher sea levels, according to NASA. Also in substances can occur in various ways during an earthquake. Broad areas of land can subside drastically during an earthquake because of offset along fault lines. Land subsidence can also occur as a result of settling and compacting of unconsiderate sediment from the shaking of an earthquake. The blunder occur, absolute subsidence may occur in the hanging wall of normal faults. As the cumulative moisture deficit is reversed, which can last up to 25 years, the surface level around the tree will rise and expand laterally.
Video Credit: NASA Goddard 
&#8211;&#8212;
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer