For years, scientists have said that atmospheric rivers can make or break the water supply of California’s thirsty cities and farms. Over the past two winters, a steady succession of these giant “rivers in the sky” has dumped record-breaking and drought-wrecking precipitation across the state, while simultaneously causing catastrophic flooding, landslides and dangerous snowstorms. But … Read more
After some recent intense wildfires in Northern California, scientists tested samples of scorched soil and were disturbed by their findings: It was loaded with a carcinogenic metal called hexavalent chromium. Scientists believe the heat from severe wildfires could transform a benign version of the metal, common in California soil, into a notorious carcinogen, according to … Read more
CASPAR BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Joy Hollenback, with a welding hammer strapped to her wrist, donned blue fins and swam into the churning, chilly surf of the Pacific Ocean one fall morning to do her part to save the vanishing kelp forests in Northern California. Hollenback floated on the waving surface to regulate her breathing … Read more
CASPAR BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Joy Hollenback, with a welding hammer strapped to her wrist, donned blue fins and swam into the churning, chilly surf of the Pacific Ocean one fall morning to do her part to save the vanishing kelp forests in Northern California. Hollenback floated on the waving surface to regulate her breathing … Read more