Mount Etna Erupts

A lab asignment I was working on only yesterday, asked me what volcano has had the most eruptions since 79 a.d. It's ironic that a day later I find this image on reddit of that same volcano erupting. Mount Etna in Italy erupted earlier today spewing ash on nearby towns. The last big eruption was in 1992, and because Etna is the most active volcano in Europe we would all have to think mitigation strategies are cutting edge in the surrounding communities. Right?

While We Are Freezing Here..

While we are freezing in Wisconsin with frigid early temperatures, the UK is experiencing crazy winter storms. The Guardian reports that 100mph winds are battering Scotland and northern England and that severe flooding is next. Above is a clip of the strong winds pushing tall waves past the barriers. I think its interesting to see the power that the walls can withstand. Man made barriers such as these are great for defense, but as with most everything else in life, it has its draw backs. As a matter of fact, one of my research projects focuses on the formation of the Duluth baymouth bar. Looking at historical aireal data, you can see how the feature directs sediment carry and coastal erosion. However, this seems like an instance where the benefit of having the barrier greatly outweighs the negatives. Those waves are massive.

Photograph:Environment Agency showing the warning the UK is under

This other image I ripped from the guardians site shows the areas under severe flood warning. As you can see most of the map is painted red. Along with the snow and cold winter conditions we have been experiencing in the states, it seems that weather has been pretty wild lately. I acknowledge that this could be due to me following it more!