Oil Spill Along the Lebanese Coast

The NASA Earth Observatory has posted satellite pictures of a major oil spill which has resulted from the recent conflict between Israel and Lebanon (click on the picture below for a full size image). In the image, the oil slick appears as a slightly darker shade of blue on the ocean surface, and it is easier to see in the enlarged area around Beirut at lower right. The slick spreads from the power plant at the southern end of the image to well north of the city of Beirut.

The spill resulted from an attack on the Jiyyeh Power Station. According to BBC news, early estimates indicated that the oil spill could rival the Exxon Valdez accident in 1989. Covering roughly 120 kilometers (75 miles), the spill is expected to affect fishing and tourism industries, as well as local wildlife.



The below picture shows some of the oil-polluted water washing into the harbor of Byblos in Lebanon:



The environmental effects of spilled oil can vary depending upon the type and amount of material that is spilled. In general, lighter refined petroleum products such as diesel and gasoline are more likely to mix in the water column and are more toxic to marine life, but tend to evaporate relatively quickly and do not persist long in the environment. Heavier crude or fuel oil, while of less immediate toxicity, can remain on the water surface or stranded on the shoreline for much longer. Oil from the Exxon Valdez and Gulf War oil spills, while weathering over time, has persisted along the shoreline for years after the spill.

The following pictures show some of the unfortunage effects of oil spills on wildlife, as well as the arduous cleanup process. Also, be sure to check out this link that maps major oil spills since 1960.

Sounds of the Lyrebird

The below video on Lyrebirds highlights their amazing ability to mimic all sorts of sounds. As seen in the video, the birds can even mimic human sounds such as car alarms, chainsaws, and cameras. Lyrebirds are among Australia's best-known native birds, even though they are rarely seen in their natural habitat. In addition to their extraordinary mimicking ability, lyrebirds are notable because of the striking beauty of the male bird's huge tail when it is fanned out in a courtship display.



The below picture of a male Lyrebird is from the Museum Victoria:

Walking Bats and Duplicitous Octopi

Here are some cool blog posts (1, 2) about interesting methods of octopi camouflage:




and walking vampire bats:




Be sure to check out the videos at both sites!

Bonnie The Mutt

Ashes and Show

Gregory Colbert has spent over a decade creating a fascinating exhibition of photos and videos entitled Ashes and Snow. The pieces feature wild animals and humans interacting in amazing ways. The pictures have not been digitally collaged or superimposed in any way. Below are two photographs from the exhibition. The second picture features the artist himself.

Underwater Volcanic Eruption

The NOAA has some interesting coverage of a long-term deep-sea volcanic eruption that was first discovered in 2004 on the Mariana Arc. Check out videos of the eruption here and here. (via CNET).