U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Geological Survey News

• Texas Fertilizer Blast Probe Can’t Pinpoint Fire’s Cause

  The investigation of a fire and explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant that killed 14 people hasn’t pinpointed the cause, which may include a faulty golf cart, the facility’s electrical system or an intentional act.

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  As North Pole Melts, U.S. Arctic Policy Needs to Heat Up

  This week’s decision by the Arctic Council, led by the eight nations with Arctic territory, to accept China, India, Japan and three other countries as new observers points to the region’s growing importance. It’s also a sharp reminder of the need for the U.S., the council’s biggest player, to do more to prevent a destabilizing Great Game from unfolding at the top of the world.

• China Granted Access to Arctic Club as Resource Race Heats Up

  China was granted observer status by the Arctic Council, giving the world’s second-largest economy more influence amid an intensifying search for resources in the globe’s most northern region.

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  Kerry Meets Swedish Officials in Advance of Arctic Talks

  U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Stockholm for meetings with Swedish leaders before traveling to the northern reaches of the country for a meeting on the sweeping climate changes affecting the Arctic.

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  Melting Ice Cap Draws China, Japan to Seek Arctic Riches

  Japan, China and South Korea are seeking to expand their influence in the Arctic as melting ice caused by global warming offers potentially lucrative access to resources and shipping shortcuts in the region.

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  Melting Ice Opens Fight Over Sea Routes for Arctic Debate

  When 16th and 17th century European explorers sailed west in pursuit of a trade route to Asia, their search for a Northwest Passage was foiled by Arctic ice.

• Iran Struck by Earthquake Measuring 6.2 Near Strait of Hormuz

  An earthquake hit the south of Iran near the Strait of Hormuz this morning, 100 miles east-southeast of Bandar Abbas. Iranian seismologists confirmed the tremor, according to the state-owned Islamic Republic News Agency.

• German Water Consumption Remains at a Two-Decade Low

  German water consumption in 2012 remained at its lowest in more than two decades for a third year, the BDEW utility lobby said.

• Gas Rig Count in U.S. Declines to 354, Baker Hughes Says

  The number of gas rigs in the U.S. declined by 12 this week to 354, according to Baker Hughes Inc.

• Bakken, Three Forks Has More Oil Than 2008 Estimate: USGS

  Oil resources in shale formations of North Dakota, Montana and nearby states are 7.4 billion barrels, U.S. government researchers said, doubling an estimate for the region made five years ago.

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