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Icelandic Volcano Erupts Again, Mojo Nixon Tragedy, January Temperature Update
Just reporting the facts.
Centrist Chronicle
February 12, 2024
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Iceland's southwest witnessed the third eruption in two months from a recently reactivated volcanic system yesterday. This event propelled lava fountains up to heights exceeding 100 feet and disrupted major roadways with lava streams. Additionally, a crucial thermal water pipeline from a local power station, which provides heating amid sub-zero temperatures, suffered damage. Authorities anticipate further volcanic activities shortly.
The eruption occurred within the Svartsengi volcanic system, situated approximately 20 miles southwest of Reykjavik. This was its first eruption in hundreds of years as of December. Positioned on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates converge, this area harnesses volcanic heat for both the renowned Blue Lagoon spa and the Svartsengi geothermal power facility.
A subsequent eruption in January resulted in lava encroaching on Grindavik, a coastal community of about 3,500 residents. This incident necessitated a continuous evacuation following the destruction of three residences.
The family of Mojo Nixon, a distinguished figure in alternative music, acting, and radio hosting, renowned for his 1987 hit “Elvis Is Everywhere,” announced his passing on Wednesday. He was 66 years old.
Born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr., Nixon was discovered deceased aboard the Outlaw Country Cruise, an event where he was a familiar face, engaging audiences both as a performer and co-host. He had delivered a performance just the evening prior.
His family stated that the cause of death was a cardiac event.
January 2024 set a new benchmark as the warmest January ever recorded worldwide, boasting an average ERA5 surface air temperature of 13.14°C. This figure was 0.70°C higher than the January average from the period 1991-2020 and 0.12°C above the previously warmest January recorded in 2020. While the temperature anomaly for January 2024 was not as high as those recorded in the last half of 2023, it surpassed any recorded before July 2023. The month experienced temperatures that were 1.66°C above the estimated average for January during the pre-industrial era of 1850-1900. Moreover, the global mean temperature for the year-long period from February 2023 to January 2024 reached a record high, standing 0.64°C above the 1991-2020 average and 1.52°C above the pre-industrial levels from 1850-1900.
In Europe, January 2024 saw temperature variations, with the Nordic countries experiencing significantly lower temperatures than the 1991-2020 average, while southern parts of the continent saw temperatures well above average.
Beyond Europe, eastern Canada, north-western Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia witnessed temperatures considerably above the average. In contrast, western Canada, the central United States, and most of eastern Siberia experienced below-average temperatures. Although the El Niño phenomenon showed signs of weakening in the equatorial Pacific, marine air temperatures globally remained unusually high.