(4)In the first hour, reporter and editor for Earthfiles.com(1), Linda Moulton Howe, provided an update on the "mega-tsunami" potential of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the island of La Palma.
According to geologist Dr. Simon Day, "it's almost certain" the 4-mile high Cumbre Vieja volcano will erupt this century, though no one knows how many eruptions will occur before it collapses into the ocean, triggering a "mega-tsunami" (see La Palma Simulation article below). The La Palma collapse could produce waves as high as a 15-story building that would reach North and South America within 8 to 11 hours, Day said. Read Linda's full report at Earthfiles.com(2).
Linda also reported on the latest data from the Huygens probe that shows evidence for weather on Titan. She said it rains methane on Titan, but the rain there does not require the formation of clouds like on Earth. Linda suggested the methane on Titan could provide the precursors to life. Astronomer Dr. Lyn Doose described Titan as an "Earth-like place that got frozen in time," and believes it could contain clues to how life formed on Earth. Read Linda's full report at Earthfiles.com(3).

1. http://www.earthfiles.com/
2. http://www.earthfiles.com/news/news.cfm?ID=851&category=Science
3. http://www.earthfiles.com/news/news.cfm?ID=852&category=Science
4. http://www.earthfiles.com/

La Palma Simulation

Many experts believe an eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the island of La Palma could cause a massive landslide, triggering a "mega-tsunami." The giant tidal wave would measure over 150 feet tall, travel at 500 mph, and smash into North and South America with destructive force. The U.S. would have only 6 to 12 hours to evacuate the tens of millions of people living along the eastern shoreline.

Watch the simulation:
Win | Real

Credit: Dr. Steven N. Ward, U.C. Santa Cruz

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