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United States
Spread of Different Virus Variants
Experts who spent 2020 forecasting COVID-19 transmission across the U.S. are now looking at scenarios for the spread of new, more infectious strains of the coronavirus. This interactive map by NBC News, is tracking the spread of several new strains of the virus across the U.S. The most well-documented variant is the B117 strain, first detected in the UK and now circulating in the US, where 541 cases have been found in 33 states according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). B117 is 50% more transmissible and studies are currently being done to assess how the variant may impact the effectiveness of the two vaccines authorized in the U.S., Moderna and Pfizer. Another variant from South Africa, B1351, recently found in South Carolina, does appear to reduce vaccine efficacy. New strains can also impact the effectiveness of some of the only treatments for COVID-19 patients, including monoclonal antibodies.
This map depicts the spread of COVID-19 variants in the US. Click on the map to learn more.
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India
Burst Glacier Causes Flood
Part of the Nanda Devi glacier collapsed and released a flood of water and rock down a mountain valley in India’s northern Uttarakhand state yesterday. A towering surge of water swept down the Dhauliganga river at high speed, destroying a hydropower dam, sweeping away five bridges, and damaging dozens of homes. More than 200 people have been reported missing and 19 bodies have been recovered according to reports from Uttarakhand police. Rescuers are focused on a 1.5 mile (2.5 km) long tunnel where 30-35 workers were believed to be trapped. More than 2,000 members of the military, paramilitary groups, and police were taking part in the search-and-rescue operation, authorities said. The operation is expected to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours. While the cause of the incident remains unclear, climate change and intensive building of dams and hydropower infrastructure along Uttarakhand’s rivers and mountains have been suggested causes.
This map depicts the flood site in the Northern Himalayan region. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: AFP
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Europe
Saharan Dust Turns Sky Orange
Over the weekend, higher than average dust particle concentrations turned the sky orange in parts of southern and central Europe and blanketed the Pyrenees and Alps mountains with orange snow. A powerful southerly wind pattern brought warm temperatures and a significant concentration of dust from the Sahara Desert to central France, Switzerland, southern Germany, Austria, and the northern Balkan states. Each year, hundreds of millions of tons of Saharan dust are picked up and blown across the Atlantic Ocean, according to NASA. Saharan dust storms have been shown to fertilize soil in the Amazon, impact air quality and hurricane development in the United States, and shape beaches in the Caribbean. The low pressure system over southern Europe that resulted in the dust storm is projected to subside by today, though the dust cover may result in ongoing snowmelt across European mountain resorts.
This map depicts projected Saharan dust travel today and tomorrow. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: Under colonial rule until 1975, which country in South America was the most recent to gain independence from a European colonial power?
A: Suriname
Most South American countries won their independence from Spain or Portugal in the first quarter of the 19th century, beginning with Colombia in 1810. Guyana, Suriname, and French Guinea, continued to be governed by European powers (UK, the Netherlands, and France, respectively), into the 20th century, until Guyana gained independence in 1966. Suriname negotiated for independence in 1975, becoming the smallest independent country in South America at 63,252 square miles (163,821 sq km).
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Q: Stretching nearly 3,000 miles (4,828 km), which country in Africa boasts the longest coastline?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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