The title of this blog is Atlantic Lines, as I reside about 20 km (12 miles) from the Mighty Atlantic, and feel the effects of its proximity on a daily basis. As does everybody else in these islands.
Another aspect of this ocean is that it generates hurricanes in the summer season. Although the first tropical wave of 2009 is yet to emanate from the African continent, June 1st is only 6 weeks away, which heralds the start of the hurricane season. The southern and eastern seabords of the USA are only too familiar with these storms - next August will see the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina which (as we all know) devastated New Orleans.
One of the major bones of contention left behind by Katrina has been the handling of the crisis, both before and afterwards. Today, it is reported that a leading scientist at the Louisiana State University's Hurricane Center, Dr Ivor van Heerden, was fired. The reason for dismissal, which will come into effect in March 2010, was not related to his professional performance.
According to Dr Jeff Masters, whose hurricane blog I follow, it was likely related to his stance on hurricane preparedness for Louisiana and New Orleans. This sat very uneasily with certain figures in authority. Dr Van Heerden favoured a flood prevention scheme for the Gulf Coast along the lines of the Dutch flood defenses, rather than the current flimsy arrangements. I would echo Dr Masters' conclusion that the removal of Dr Van Heerden from his position should be cause for concern for all who rely on flood defenses along the Louisiana coastline for protection against another Katrina. Read Dr Masters' blog entry here.
I know Robin (in Tampa,FL) is saying they are having wind & rain today. I'm so glad that I live where I do. We have wind, rain and all the other stuff but nothing like what some areas get. We of course, are on several earthquake faults so are always waiting for the ground to shake & wondering if it's going to be the BIG one. We've got 36* here this morning but are still planning our gardens. Linda in Washington state
ReplyDeleteWell, we sure don't want another Katrina and all the human misery that accompanied it. Now we just don't know where the next 'natural' disaster is going to strike next! I started to get alarmed over the ice shelf melting as everyone else seem alarmed, too, but what does it mean in terms of what is going to happen? Don't know. I found out the frogs are all dying from a fungus called kittridge (sp) which affects the whole ecosystem. A lot to be alarmed about now days. Gerry
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