World: Delta Variant Spreads Worldwide

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World
Delta Variant Spreads Worldwide

A new, highly contagious strain of COVID-19 called the Delta variant is present in more than 80 countries and is spreading worldwide. Here in the United States, healthcare workers and government officials are warning the public of outbreaks in regions with low vaccination rates. First detected in the Indian state of Maharashtra in October 2020, the variant has spread rapidly since India’s devastating second wave began back in March. Currently the United Kingdom has the highest number of cases of the Delta variant, more than 10,000, and 90% of all new cases. Not much is known about the new variant, but it may possibly cause more severe illness. Although vaccines provide protection against it, they are less effective than they are against other less transmissible variants. While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96% effective after two doses for other COVID strains, that number drops to 90% against the Delta variant.

This map depicts reported Delta variant cases worldwide by country, as of June 23. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: New York Times, Reuters, Yahoo! News, Washington Post

Graphic Source: Deutsche Welle
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Czech Republic
Rare Tornado in Czech Republic
Yesterday, an extremely powerful and rare tornado hit the Czech Republic. The tornado tore through the Breclav and Hodonin districts, causing at least five fatalities, over 200 injuries, and destroying homes and other infrastructure. The Hodonin tornado is the first tornado to hit the Czech Republic since 2018 and the deadliest in Europe since 2001 in Brusilov, Ukraine. Winds reportedly reached F3-F4 levels (158-260mph, 254.28- 418.42kph) and were accompanied by hail the size of tennis balls. Rescue efforts are still underway and authorities are expecting a further loss of life.

This map depicts the path of the Hodonin tornado tor through yesterday. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: The Sun, Independent, BBC, CBC

Graphic Source: Severe Weather Europe
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Arctic
Dinosaurs Survived in Arctic Cold
A study has revealed that dinosaurs may have given-birth and lived year-round in the Arctic. Fossil evidence of seven species of dinosaurs was uncovered at the Prince Creek Formation in northern Alaska. The scientists found embryos and just-hatched babies, making it unlikely that the dinosaurs migrated since young babies wouldn’t have been able to make the journey. These dinosaurs were living at an extreme cold temperature that scientists previously didn’t think they could survive.

This map depicts the Prince Creek Formation in Alaska, where seven dinosaur species were uncovered. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: CNN, NPR, New York Times, BBC
Graphic Source: Express Digest

+ Learn more about how Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, has received the title as the world’s most expensive city for foreign workers

+ Check out this lightning talk on what constitutes a fair map from this year’s symposium
+ Use this link to sync your calendar with upcoming 2021 solar system events! Don’t miss what’s right above you.

Yesterday’s Answer

Q: Covering over 74,000 square miles (191,000 km sq) in five oblasts, what is the unique and defining geological feature of Russia’s Central Chernozem Region?

A: Black Earth (Чернозём)
Black Earth, or Chernozem (pronounced chernozyom), is a distinct black-colored soil that contains 4-16% humus and high percentages of phosphoric acids, phosphorus, and ammonia. This type of soil is incredibly fertile due to its high capacity for storing moisture and nutrient content. Globally, chernozem is mainly found in two large belts. Russia’s region lies at the eastern end of the Eurasian belt which stretches from Croatia in the west, while the other belt runs mainly north-to-south through the Great Plains of Canada and North America.

Source

Today’s Question

Q: Which UNESCO World Heritage Site capital city is designed to look like an airplane from above?

Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in Monday’s DailyGeo.

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Write to ags@americangeo.org with any ideas!
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World: Delta Variant Spreads Worldwide