|
|
Burkina Faso
Mass Killing of Civilians
At least 150 civilians were killed by Burkina Faso’s security forces in the Yetenga province in the northern part of the country. The attack occurred last Thursday, leaving dozens of civilians killed and several others injured, according to a report from the United Nations yesterday. The incident is considered one of the deadliest against civilians by security forces in the country. The UN has called for a prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigation of the attack, following a local investigation by Burkina Faso that only placed the death toll at 60. Just this month, the government had announced investigations into other allegations of human rights abuses by its security forces after a video was released showing the killing of seven children in northern Burkina Faso.
This map depicts northern Burkina Faso where it is believed around 150 civilians were killed in an attack by security forces last Thursday. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
Graphic Source: The Hill
__________________________________________
|
|
|
Norway-Sweden
Accidental Rocket Plunge
A research rocket launched from the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden flew off course and accidentally landed in Norway following a malfunction. The launch was part of a series of experiments currently being conducted in zero gravity 155 miles (250 km) above the Earth, and the rocket's deviated landing occurred due to a longer and more westerly trajectory than originally predicted. Although no injuries were reported as the rocket plunged into the uninhabited Målselv mountainside, Norwegian authorities expressed frustration at the lack of formal communication from Sweden regarding the incident, and have emphasized the seriousness of unauthorized activity across the border.
This map depicts the origin and accidental landing location of a research rocket launched by Sweden that crashed into Norway. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
Graphic Source: BBC News
__________________________________________
|
|
|
United States
Sea Urchin Killer Revealed
Scientists from the University of South Florida and Cornell University have revealed a mass die-off of sea urchins from Florida to the Caribbean Sea has been caused by a tiny single-celled parasite. Sea urchins are long-spined creatures who serve a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by controlling the growth of damaging algae. Beginning last year, sea urchins around the Caribbean began to die off en masse, losing their protective spines and ability to hold themselves steady with their suction cup feet before dying. As revealed in a new study published in the journal Science Advances, the scientists found groupings of sick urchins were all affected by one-celled parasites called ciliates, which are named for being covered in tiny hairs known as cilia. No immediate cure for the ciliate-driven disease is known, however researchers are now looking at ways to mitigate the movement of the ciliates into unaffected areas.
This map depicts areas where sea urchin populations saw mass die-offs in and around the Caribbean in 2022. Scientists recently concluded the disease affecting the urchins is caused by one-celled parasites from the Ciliate phylum. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
Q: With only 13.5 sq miles (35 sq km), what tiny US island is famous for its world-renowned golfing resorts?
A: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island is a barrier island on South Carolina's Atlantic coast, situated about 24 miles (40 km) southwest of Charleston. With a population of under 2,000, Kiawah is well known for its beaches, villas, and golfing resorts. The island was named after the indigenous Kiawah people, however it was given by the English government to settler and former pirate, George Raynor, as a land grant in 1699. The island was primarily used for cattle farming, and was also used to house wounded soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. During the Civil War, less than 100 years later, when South Carolina became the first confederate state, Kiawah Island was seized by Union soldiers. The island was then maintained by the wealthy Vanderhorst family, and then later sold to the Kuwait Investment Corporation in 1974, beginning its real estate boom on the island. The first golf course opened two years after the island's sale, and many more opened and expanded through the 90s. Today, the small island is home to five world-class public golf courses and two private golf resorts.
Source
|
|
|
|
Q: Known for its architechtural design, what is Singpore's tallest pedestrian bridge?
Stay tuned for the answer to today's question in tomorrow's DailyGeo.
|
|
|
|
AGS is accepting DailyGeo GeoQuestion suggestions.
Write to ags@americangeo.org with any ideas!
Please include GeoQuestions in the subject line, along with your answer and source.
|
|
|
DailyGeo is a daily digital communication created by AGS for the geography community. Feel free to share and encourage others to become part of the community too!
Copyright © 2023 American Geographical Society, All rights reserved.
We understand this might not be for everyone. Although we would hate to see you go, you can unsubscribe here.
How are we doing? We want to hear your feedback on the DailyGeo - what are we doing right and what should we be doing differently. Talk to us by emailing ags@americangeo.org.
|
|
|
|
|
