#drainage basins

[mapsontheweb]

Drainage areas of European seas.

[todays-xkcd]

After a pail of water was thrown on the Wicked Witch of the West outside Salt Lake City, Utah's Great Salt Lake was measured to be 7 parts per trillion witch by volume.

Drainage Basins [Explained]

[nicanorabbott]

Cool!

Hey All,

I've been away for some time, as we've been working really hard on something quite exciting:

let me present to you the world's first ever global ocean drainage basin map that shows all permanent and temporary water flows on the planet.

This is quite big news, as far as I know this has never been done before. There are hundreds of hours of work in it (with the data + manual work as well) and it's quite a relief that they are all finished now.

But what is an ocean drainage basin map, I hear most of you asking? A couple of years ago I tried to find a map that shows which ocean does each of the world's rivers end up in. I was a bit surprised to see there is no map like that, so I just decided I'll make it myself - as usual :) Well, after realizing all the technical difficulties, I wasn't so surprised any more that it didn't exist. So yeah, it was quite a challenge but I am very happy with the result.

In addition to the global map I've created a set of 43 maps for different countries, states and continents, four versions for each: maps with white and black background, and a version for both with coloured oceans (aka polygons). Here's the global map with polygons:

I know from experience that maps can be great conversation starters, and I aim to make maps that are visually striking and can effectively deliver a message. With these ocean drainage basin maps the most important part was to make them easily understandable, so after you have seen one, the others all become effortless to interpret as well. Let me know how I did, I really appreciate any and all kinds of feedback.

Here are a few more from the set, I hope you too learn something new from them. I certainly did, and I am a geographer.

The greatest surprise with Europe is that its biggest river is all grey, as the Volga flows into the Caspian sea, therefore its basin counts as endorheic.

An endorheic basin is one which never reaches the ocean, mostly because it dries out in desert areas or ends up in lakes with no outflow. The biggest endorheic basin is the Caspian’s, but the area of the Great Basin in the US is also a good example of endorheic basins.

I love how the green of the Atlantic Ocean tangles together in the middle.

No, the dividing line is not at Cape Town, unfortunately.

I know these two colours weren’t the best choice for colourblind people and I sincerely apologize for that. I’ve been planning to make colourblind-friendly versions of my maps for ages now – still not sure when I get there, but I want you to know that it’s just moved up on my todo-list. A lot further up.

Minnesota is quite crazy with all that blue, right? Some other US states that are equally mind-blowing: North Dakota, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming. You can check them all out here.

Yes, most of the Peruvian waters drain into the Atlantic Ocean. Here are the maps of Peru, if you want to take a closer look.

Asia is amazingly colourful with lots of endorheic basins in the middle areas: deserts, the Himalayas and the Caspian sea are to blame. Also note how the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra are divided.

I mentioned earlier that I also made white versions of all maps. Here’s Australia with its vast deserts. If you're wondering about the weird lines in the middle: that’s the Simpson desert with its famous parallel sand dunes.

North America with white background and colourful oceans looks pretty neat, I think.

Finally, I made the drainage basin maps of the individual oceans: The Atlantic, the Arctic, the Indian and the Pacific. The Arctic is my favourite one.

I really hope you like my new maps, and that they will become as popular as my river basin maps. Those have already helped dozens of environmental NGOs to illustrate their important messages all around the world. It would be nice if these maps too could find their purpose.

[dasnusantara]

The European Union activated its Emergency Copernicus satellite mapping service a couple of hours after the earthquake in Indonesia to assist authorities. Copernicus has also produced grading maps showing the impact of the damage covering ten areas of interest. The tailor-made service continues to closely monitor the situation and provide assistance in the aftermath of the disaster.

[reasonsforhope]

"For years, California was slated to undertake the world’s largest dam removal project in order to free the Klamath River to flow as it had done for thousands of years.

Now, as the project nears completion, imagery is percolating out of Klamath showing the waterway’s dramatic transformation, and they are breathtaking to behold.

Pictured: Klamath River flows freely, after Copco-2 dam was removed in California.

Incredibly, the project has been nearly completed on schedule and under budget, and recently concluded with the removal of two dams, Iron Gate and Copco 1. Small “cofferdams” which helped divert water for the main dams’ construction, still need to be removed.

The river, along which salmon and trout had migrated and bred for centuries, can flow freely between Lake Ewauna in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to the Pacific Ocean for the first time since the dams were constructed between 1903 and 1962.

“This is a monumental achievement—not just for the Klamath River but for our entire state, nation, and planet,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “By taking down these outdated dams, we are giving salmon and other species a chance to thrive once again, while also restoring an essential lifeline for tribal communities who have long depended on the health of the river.”

“We had a really incredible moment to share with tribes as we watched the final cofferdams be broken,” Ren Brownell, Klamath River Renewal Corp. public information officer, told SFGATE. “So we’ve officially returned the river to its historic channel at all the dam sites. But the work continues.”

Pictured: Iron Gate Dam, before and after.

“The dams that have divided the basin are now gone and the river is free,” Frankie Myers, vice chairman of the Yurok Tribe, said in a tribal news release from late August. “Our sacred duty to our children, our ancestors, and for ourselves, is to take care of the river, and today’s events represent a fulfillment of that obligation.”

The Yurok Tribe has lived along the Klamath River forever, and it was they who led the decades-long campaign to dismantle the dams.

At first the water was turbid, brown, murky, and filled with dead algae—discharges from riverside sediment deposits and reservoir drainage. However, Brownell said the water quality will improve over a short time span as the river normalizes.

“I think in September, we may have some Chinook salmon and steelhead moseying upstream and checking things out for the first time in over 60 years,” said Bob Pagliuco, a marine habitat resource specialist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in July.

Pictured: JC Boyle Dam, before and after.

“Based on what I’ve seen and what I know these fish can do, I think they will start occupying these habitats immediately. There won’t be any great numbers at first, but within several generations—10 to 15 years—new populations will be established.”

Ironically, a news release from the NOAA states that the simplification of the Klamath River by way of the dams actually made it harder for salmon and steelhead to survive and adapt to climate change.

“When you simplify the habitat as we did with the dams, salmon can’t express the full range of their life-history diversity,” said NOAA Research Fisheries Biologist Tommy Williams.

“The Klamath watershed is very prone to disturbance. The environment throughout the historical range of Pacific salmon and steelhead is very dynamic. We have fires, floods, earthquakes, you name it. These fish not only deal with it well, it’s required for their survival by allowing the expression of the full range of their diversity. It challenges them. Through this, they develop this capacity to deal with environmental changes.”

-via Good News Network, October 9, 2024

[giannic]

Endorheic basin - Wikipedia

While researching the Caspian Sea, I found this term. Adding it to my vocabulary. Can't forsee when I shall ever use it in a conversation, but hey, if I can get out of this place, anything's possible.

[tapronlimited]

Our Top Stylish Bottle Traps for Basin

The Tapron blog highlights stylish bottle traps as essential yet often overlooked components in creating an aesthetically pleasing bathroom. Bottle traps, necessary for sanitary reasons and preventing foul odors, also contribute to the bathroom's design. The post guides on selecting the ideal bottle trap, emphasizing color, design, and material to complement the basin and overall bathroom decor. It mentions various styles, including traditional, modern, and materials like brass and chrome, to enhance functionality and appearance. For a comprehensive overview, visit the full article here.

[yueyimold]

two color sink leaking basin mold

China 2k mold maker, offer multi shot hollow drain basket mold, two color sink leaking basin mold, double plastic fruit tray mold, gyratory drainage basin mold

[vmsplus]

How to Fix a Smelly Bathroom Sink? | VMS Trade Link

A smelly bathroom drain can be troubling. If you’re experiencing this, know that you’re not alone. But what’s causing this?

The build usually causes a smelly sink in the kitchen or bathroom up of bacteria, fat, food particles, hair, and soap scums that were flushed down the drain. When these things get stuck in the pipes, they prevent water from passing through. Hence, the smell of a rotten egg is created.

However, this problem should not worry you because you can easily find a smelly bathroom sink drain remedy that can help you clear whatever is stuck in the pipes and gives you a foul smell. Below are some methods, products, and tools that you can use to clear the drain and get rid of that nasty smell.

* Caustic soda (Sodium Hydrochloride)

This can effectively unblock the sinks with its fantastic degreasing properties, so this substance can break down fat and grease that block the drain.

To use caustic soda, make a solution by dissolving 10% sodium hydrochloride into 1 liter of water. Pour the solution down the drain, and any deposits in the sink will be broken down. Then, follow it with water.

Caustic soda is a hazardous substance, so care must be taken that it does not get in direct contact and irritate the eyes by wearing gloves and protective glasses.

*Boiling water.

Heat water in the kettle up to almost boiling point and then pour this hot water down the drain. Wait for 5 minutes before pouring down an equal amount of cold water. This process will congeal the remaining grease, clearing the blockage and the smell.

* White vinegar

This is a very easy and simple method of getting rid of the nasty smell and clearing your drain pipes. Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain and wait for it to work its magic for about 30 minutes. Rinse it with water, and you’re done.

* Plunger

Place the plunger cup over the basin drain and pump strongly up and down; the small blockages will get removed, and your sink will smell very nice.

* Checking the U-Bend

U-bend or waste pipes are located under the plug hole of the bathroom basin. This U-Bend is usually filled with water so that the drain odors cannot escape. When the U-bend gets obstructed, you need to remove the U-bend pipe with a wrench and then remove the blockage. Clean the pipe with a wire brush and a flush of warm water to sweep away the remaining residue.

The rule of thumb in avoiding a blocked sink is cleaning the bathroom regularly. Also, be careful about what you pour down your drain. For any deposits that might form, you can use drainage cleaner powder or sink cleaning powder. Both agents can be used to unblock the drainpipes, as they can melt grease, hair, fat, and food completely in 30 minutes.

If you have done the above-suggested methods, but the smelly drain persists, you can ask professional help from experts in bathrooms and kitchens like the VMS Trade Link. We have plumbers who are accredited and registered trade persons, and they can give you the best advice after they have made an inspection of your site and most probably give you the solution that you need.

Get in touch with VMS Trade Link if you need additional information or if you want to schedule a free consultation. We will be happy to be of service to you, so call us now, and let’s talk. Our customer service staff are reputed for their down-to-earth and soft-spoken nature amongst companies who deal in the same business in the vicinity.

[lightandfireandsunhavegone]

As with many political unrests, this is starting in France, but by god it will come to the rest of us.

The UK similarly has so many areas of water insecurity during the summer, particularly in the overpopulated south of england and the urban agglomerations around Cardiff and Swansea. I've been talking with so many of my indian friends and they say the same about almost all of India's major cities in the dry season, even those like Chandrigarh which is currently flooded. I know the same is true in Pakistan and Bangladesh where I have some relatives and in California where I've cousins and aunts. Spain is in worse shape than even France and Greece was burning for half of last summer.

Not to mention the level of water overdrawing in literal deserts like the southwestern US, Arabia, Israel and others.

We must all rise up against water hoarding, because the single most important chemical element is about to be real scarce for a scary percentage of the global population during the dry periods of the year within the next decade. Water shortages and rationing WILL be the norm, whether you like it or not. And worse might follow. The misuse of water and the mis-storage of it must be clamped down.

Or people will start to die.

“Last summer, anti-drought actions multiplied. This summer, activists will act with even more fearlessness and creativity: cutting off hoarders’ water supplies, putting golf courses out of action, dismantling megabasins, squatting the swimming pools of the ultra-rich and the air-conditioned offices of their insurers, banging saucepans outside pool manufacturers offices, building beaver dams to revive our rivers and their banks. Our inventiveness must have no limits.” This kind of activist communique follows two years of unseasonable drought across France. As of 30 June, 42 of France’s 96 mainland départements (administrative divisions) contain at least one area with water restrictions. 15 of these 42 are officially in crisis, meaning water usage is restricted to priority functions: health, civil security, drinking water and sanitation. It’s no surprise, then, that French climate groups are escalating their tactics in the fight over water. In August last year during water restrictions in Vosges in eastern France, activists drilled holes in jacuzzis at a holiday resort. Over the winter, others sabotaged artificial snow canons at Clusaz, south-eastern France, while others set up a ZAD (autonomous zone) in the area, citing the winter drought as their motivation.  The most contentious of these groups is Les Soulèvements de La Terre, or ‘Earth Uprising’, which is currently waging 100 days of action against “water hoarders” across the country. In response, the French state is cracking down on so-called eco-terrorism – and hard.

[...]

Earth Uprising doesn’t use the word sabotage to describe its militant action. In French jurisprudence, sabotage denotes an attack on infrastructure that’s vital to the “fundamental interests of the nation”, Basile explains. “A cement production site or a megabasin is the opposite – it’s private infrastructure which puts the possibility of a living future on the earth in peril.” Instead, activists prefer the term “disarmament”. Victor Cachard, author of A History of Sabotage, adds that this term is also a reference to the actions of the ecological movement in the US against the industries building weapons for the Vietnam War and later the Gulf War. “There was the idea among ecological activists to join their environmental struggle with their anti-war struggle, as they recognised that war pollutes,” he says.

[mapsontheweb]

Ocean drainage basin map of the United States

by u/Fejetlenfej

[herpsandbirds]

Trick-or-Treat!

Here is a very spooky and creepy turtle treat!!!

Rio Grande Cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi), family Emydidae, found in the drainage basin of the Rio Grande of Texas, NM, and northern Mexico.

photograph by Dark Hammock Turtles

[mnemonicpneumaticknife]

Same alternate universe where England and Scotland are named Sexland and Pictland respectively.

The thing that throws me about Alfredo sauce isn't that it's named after the guy who invented it – it's that it's named after the first name of the guy who invented it. Imagine a sauce named Steve.

[dasnusantara]

KAMPAR River Basin, Sumatera

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #21

May 31-June 7 2024

As part of President Biden's goal to bring the number of traffic deaths to zero, the Department of Transportation has sent $480 million in safety grants to all 50 states, DC, and all the US territories. The grants will focus on trucks, buses and other large vehicles. Thanks to DoT safety actions deaths involving heavy vehicles dropped by 8% from 2022 to 2023 and the department wants to keep pushing till the number is 0.

The Departments of Interior and Agriculture announced $2.8 billion plan to protect public land and support local government Conservation Efforts. $1.9 billion will be used to repair and restore national parks and public land, restoring historic sites, as well as Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools. $900 million will go to conservation funding, allowing the government to buy land to protect it. Half the funds will go to the federal government half to state and local governments and for the first time ever a tribal Conservation Land Acquisition program has been set up to allow tribal governments to buy land to protect nature.

The Department of Transportation announced that it had managed to get customers nearly $1 Billion dollars worth of flight reimbursements. The DoT reached an agreement with 3 airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, and South African Airways to pay between them $900 million to passengers effected by Covid related cancellations and delays. This adds to the $4 billion dollars of refunds and reimbursements to airline passengers under the Biden Administration.

The Department of Interior announced $725 million to clean up legacy coal pollution. This is the 3rd pay out from the $11.3 billion dollars President Biden signed into law in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up coal pollution and invest in communities that used to rely on the coal industry. The money will be spent across 22 states and the Navajo Nation. Closing dangerous mine shafts, reclaim unstable slopes, improve water quality by treating acid mine drainage, and restore water supplies damaged by mining.

HUD launches the first of its kind investment program in manufactured homes. Manufactured homes represent a major market for affordable housing and the Biden Administration is the first to offer support to people trying to buy. HUD hopes the program will help 5,000 families and individuals buy their own home over the next 5 years.

The Department of the Interior announced $700 million for long-term water conservation projects across the Lower Colorado River Basin. The Colorado River Basin provides water for more than 40 million people, electric power to 7 US States and is a critical crucial resource for 30 Tribal nations and two Mexican states. The project hopes to save more than 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead. In the face of climate change causing a historic 23-year drought, there is record low water levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The Biden Administration has moved aggressively to try to protect the Colorado River and make sure there's enough water in the West.

HUD makes $123 million for fighting Youth Homelessness available. This represents the 8th round of investment in Youth Homelessness since 2021 for a total of $440 million so far. The Biden Administration is focusing on innovative answers, like host homes, and kinship care models, with emphasis on creating equitable strategies to assist youth who are most vulnerable, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and youth with disabilities. This is part of the Biden Administration goal of cutting homelessness by 25% by the end of 2025

The Department of Agriculture announced a series of actions to strength Tribal food sovereignty. The USDA will grant tribes in Maine, Alaska, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington $42 million through the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grants to support native animal harvesting. $18 million for projects under the Tribal Forest Protection Act. As well as $2.3 million to support the service of Indigenous foods in school meal programs. The USDA also plans its first ever class of interns specifically focused on Tribal agriculture and food sovereignty. The USDA also plans to host a first ever international trade mission focused on Tribal Nation and Native Hawaiian Community businesses.

Bonus: President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Secretaries of Defense Lloyd Austin and State Antony Blinken traveled to Normandy France to mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. They were joined by a handful of surviving veterans of the landings many over 100 years old.