And Now For Something Completely Different

Some troubling signs of geologic changes have been reported in recent weeks in the western region of the US.  Aside from the usual seismic activity (or lack thereof, which itself can be troubling), a couple of unique symptoms of brewing trouble were noticed. While there are no real

The first is a muddy, gas-driven spring that has been moving ever-so-slowly toward railroad tracks and roadways in California, in the vicinity of the San Andreas Fault.  Apparently, these springs were known by early settlers, but their movement has become somewhat more rapid in recent years.   So much so that engineered solutions to mitigate their impact have failed to thwart their progress or the damage they cause. 

Beneath all the surface commotion (literally and figuratively) is the concern that this is a precursor to something more to come--like "the big one," the predicted disastrous earthquake Californians have long worried would come to their state.  The photo above is from an LA Times article on the subject that also includes some interesting maps and charts depicting the geology and history of the phenomenon. 

The second, while less dramatic, is also troubling if (as per the subject of the disaster film "2012") you equate geologic changes under the volcanic region of Yellowstone National Park as the beginning of potential Worldwide disaster. Geyser activity in the vicinity has increased dramatically in the last month or two.

Some (like this article describes) attribute the increase to higher-than-usual rainfall in the region.  In another case, the typically dormant Ear Spring Geyser erupted and sent debris (trash, coins, and other items) that had been tossed into the otherwise quiet hot spring for decades, flying into the air.  A CNN story suggests the opinion of some that the debris itself may cause these changes in eruption patterns.

Regardless of what you believe about the possible long-term effects of otherwise interesting phenomenon like these, they underscore the unpredictability of our natural world and the thoughtful consideration that we, as occupants of the world, must adopt as we choose sites for development.