|
|
|
Ukraine
Russia Holds Civilian Prisoners
The Associated Press (AP) released an exclusive investigative report on the wide-scale detention and mistreatment of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian military in occupied areas. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, occupying forces have allegedly taken thousands of Ukrainian civilian prisoners without due process, forcing many of them to into hard labor, building defensive fortifications on behalf of the occupying troops. The evidence collected from satellite images of detention facilities, witness accounts, Ukrainian authorities, and the Red Cross all suggest direct violations of the Geneva Conventions regarding the treatment of non-military personnel have occurred, echoing a report released by the United Nations in late June of 77 summary executions of civilian prisoners by Russian forces. The UN reports there are 37 prison facilities holding Ukrainian civilians in Russia and Belarus, and another 125 in occupied Ukrainian territory.
This map depicts the locations of current and former detention facilities used by the Russian military to hold Ukrainian civilians following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
Mexico
Explosive Attack on Police
In western Mexico, four police officers and two civilians were killed by bombs planted in a road, in what is believed to be an ambush set by a drug cartel. The improvised explosive devices, planted in the township of Tlajomulco, were so powerful they left craters in the road, destroyed vehicles, and wounded 14 bystanders. The attack was carried out after an anonymous caller provided a fake tip-off about a burial site. As the police convoy passed the site, seven devices detonated simultaneously, while an eighth bomb failed to explode. The chief prosecutor of Jalisco suggested the bombs were potentially detonated remotely. The incident highlights how organized crime groups in Mexico are increasingly militarized as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s administration struggles to curb gang violence in Jalisco and nearby communities.
This map depicts the municipality of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, in which an apparently planned explosives attack killed six people. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
Graphic Source: France24
__________________________________________
|
|
World
Oceans Changing Color
According to recent studies, Earth’s oceans are transitioning from their classic deep blue color to a more greenish hue. The color of the ocean is heavily dependent on the life that resides in it. A deep blue depicts a lack of life while greener waters highlight more activity, specifically from photosynthesising phytoplankton (containing the green pigment chlorophyll). Examining changes in the color of the ocean can give scientists a clearer picture of changes in plankton populations around the globe. Phytoplankton is crucial to ocean ecosystems as it is at the base of most of its food chains and plays an important part in stabilizing our atmosphere. Researchers are still working on understanding exactly what the changes mean in relation to climate change and effects on ocean carbon storage.
This map depicts locations where the ocean color trend changes are higher. The black dots indicate areas with increased chlorophyll. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q: What are the names of the two volcanic spires that rise up on the western edge of St. Lucia?
A: The Pitons
The Pitons are two mountainous volcanic spires located near the town of Soufriere on the southwestern coast of St. Lucia, and are a major landmark of the island. Gros Piton, the larger of the two, rises 2,619 ft (798 m) high, while Petit Piton stands 2,438 ft (743 m) high, and the two are connected by the Piton Mitan Ridge. A geothermal field with sulfurous fumaroles and hot springs marks the land surrounding the Pitons, while coral reefs cover almost 60 percent of the surrounding marine area. The dominant vegetation on the Pitons is tropical moist forest and subtropical wet forest, which is home to around 250 plant species, 27 bird species, and multiple indigenous animals and amphibians. Visitors can hike up or climb Gros Piton to the summit with local guides. In 2004, the Pitons were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for encompassing a wide range of geological features.
Source
|
|
|
|
|
Q: What glacially fed lake in Alberta, Canada reflects a beautiful shade of turquoise only when it is thawed in the summer months?
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 the American Geographical Society (AGS) for the geography community. If you are receiving this email, it is because you are an affiliate of AGS or a participant in one of our programs. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
