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United States
Gas Prices Spike
The average price for gasoline paid by U.S. drivers reached an all-time high of $4.17 per gallon yesterday, breaking the previous record of $4.11 set in 2008. The price increases are driven by the anticipated disruptions in oil markets following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. government is expected to ban imports of Russian oil and gas as soon as today, while global oil companies British Petroleum (BP) and Royal Dutch Shell have announced they will cease buying Russian crude once their current contracts run out. Prices stand to remain high so long as companies and countries struggle to find alternate sources of energy to compensate for the loss of Russian supply.
This regularly-updated map depicts average prices per gallon of gasoline in different states as of March 8, 2022. Click on the map to learn more.
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North Korea
Construction at Nuclear Test Site
Satellite images captured last Friday reveal new construction at North Korea’s Punggye-ri site, raising concerns the country could resume testing nuclear weapons and long range missiles. The Punggye-ri facility, in the northwest region of the country, was the only active nuclear test site in the world until it was dismantled in 2018 when Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un declared a moratorium on nuclear weapons tests. International monitors also reported that North Korea’s main nuclear reactor facility is running at full capacity, potentially creating fuel for nuclear weapons. Based on the construction spotted, analysts say the site is many months, if not years from being ready for new nuclear tests.
This map depicts three areas at the Punggye-ri test site that show new lumber, building construction, and repairs. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: BBC
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Brazil
The Amazon Losing Stability
A new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change describes an alarming decline in the resilience of the Amazon rainforest, with potentially dire consequences for biodiversity and the Earth's climate. Researchers examined 25 years of satellite data tracking vegetation in untouched areas of the Amazon basin, and new statistical analysis indicates over 75% of the forest has lost stability since 2000 - meaning recovery from environmental shocks like droughts and wildfires takes longer and is more tenuous. The authors warn of the Amazon approaching a "tipping point," at which the rainforest moves irreversibly into a drier, savannah-like state.
This map depicts the Amazon rainforest ecosystem and areas lost to deforestation since 2000. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: Which famous bay is not only one of North America's seven wonders, but is also known for its record high tides and geological discoveries?
A: Bay of Fundy, Canada
In 2014, the Bay of Fundy was chosen by an international panel of experts as one of the natural wonders of the world. Its unique topography created a coastal landscape producing tides up to 56 ft (16 m), the highest tides on Earth. Every day, over 160 billion tons of seawater flow in and out of the bay. At low tide, visitors can walk on the ocean floor that a was submerged some 40 feet underwater just six hours prior. The Bay of Fundy is also a portal into the past, with discoveries of dinosaur fossils from the Triassic age, fossils evidencing the evolution of life, and gems and minerals.
Source
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Q: Reaching a height of just over 9,000 feet (2,745 m), what is Australia's highest peak - and only active volcano?
Stay tuned for the answer to today's question in tomorrow's DailyGeo.
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