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Myanmar – Thailand
7.7 Earthquake Shatters Buildings
Southeast Asia was struck by a large earthquake this morning, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake was centered around 10.6 miles (17.2 km) from Myanmar’s second largest city, Mandalay. The initial quake was followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.4 about 12 minutes later. In nearby Thailand’s capital of Bangkok, the earthquake caused a high-rise building under construction to collapse, killing at least two workers. At least three people are confirmed killed in a collapsed mosque in Myanmar. Myanmar’s ruling military junta government’s ability to address the damage from this disaster is limited after four years of civil war against multiple rebel factions.
This map depicts the areas of southeast Asia affected by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck central Myanmar earlier today. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: USGS
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World
Deep Sea Mining Damage Endures
New research published in Nature examines the long-term effects of the mining industry on deep sea and seafloor ecosystems, noting that the impacts of a single operation can persist for decades. Plumes of sediment from an abyssal mining operation can redeposit hundreds of miles away from the original site, affecting plant and animal life to an extent to which full recovery of biodiversity may be “impossible.” At depths exceeding 13,000 feet (4,000 m), the seafloor is covered with metal-rich rocks known as “nodules” and inhabited by numerous rare, poorly understood species. A 1979 mining test left deep, wide tracks on the seafloor, which, when surveyed in 2023, still showed visible damage, with minimal signs of biological recovery. What’s more, the 1979 site was merely a test, and much smaller than what a real undersea mining event would look like. To set standards on future operations, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently meeting in Kingston, Jamaica to create the world’s first mining code on deep sea extraction.
This map depicts mining targets in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, southeast of Hawaii, upper left. APEIs are protected areas. Click on the map to learn more.
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World
Partial Solar Eclipse Saturday
Tomorrow (March 29), the moon will pass between the Earth and sun, causing a partial solar eclipse. People in parts of the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa and the Caribbean will get to experience the moon cast its shadow on the Earth’s surface. The moon will appear to take a big bite out of the sun, which must be viewed through proper eye protection or an indirect viewing method as the sun’s surface is never fully covered. When watching a partial solar eclipse directly with your eyes, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. Parts of Canada’s East coast and Greenland will experience the most sun coverage: Nuuk, Greenland, will witness 87%. In the North-eastern US, the partial solar eclipse will already be in progress during sunrise. Check out if the partial eclipse will be visible in your area!
This map depicts where and when a partial solar eclipse will be visible on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: What country is home to a forest known as the “Place of Darkness,” where half of the world’s mountain gorillas live?
A: Uganda
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a large primeval forest (with little to no human influence) located in south-western Uganda. The name Bwindi is derived from the Runyakitara word “Mubwindi” and means “a place full of darkness.” The Bwindi Forest is on the edge of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift, at elevations ranging from 3,806 to 8,553 feet (1,160 to 2,607 m). The forest contains around 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plant growth severely hinder direct access on foot. Half of the world’s population of the highly endangered mountain gorillas live within its borders. At present the forest is believed to contain 120 mammal species, 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species and 27 frog species.
Source
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Q: What city is home to the convergence of the White and Blue Nile rivers?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in Monday’s DailyGeo.
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