WideWorld BULLETIN 10

News in brief

SNOW-CAPPED PEAKS SHRINKING

Findings from studies released this week have presented more ice loss predictions, this time indicating two of the world’s most iconic peaks are shrinking.

Mont Blanc, Europe’s tallest mountain, was found to be 45cm shorter than two years ago. In addition, the study revealed that the icy summit of the mountain has fallen by about a tenth, moving the highest point of the climb 85ft closer to Italy.

Research also published in the week suggested that Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, may lose its iconic snowy caps within the next two decades. The study said that the glacial summit has shrunk 85% since 1912, with this rate accelerating in the last decade.

Experts predict that the loss of the snows on top of the volcano would result in major drought for the surrounding Tanzanian countryside.

MAJOR QUAKES PROBABLY ‘AFTERSHOCKS’

A study has suggested that recent earthquakes may be merely aftershocks.

The study, published in scientific journal Nature, charted a pattern in the frequency of aftershocks that appears to imply that earthquakes occurring in recent years are likely to be tremors related to original quakes hundreds of years ago. Scientists even suggested that last year’s earthquake in Sichuan, China, is likely to have been only an aftershock.

These are positive findings for those trying to predict the dates and locations of earthquakes. Tom Parsons of the US Geological Survey said that with greater powers to predict quakes, researchers would be able to “arrive at a practical solution.”

AMPUTEE HIKER INSPIRES A FILM

Award-winning director Danny Boyle is rumoured to be in production with a film based on a real life hiking ordeal.

Boyle, who directed last year’s standout film Slumdog Millionaire, is reportedly working on 127 Hours, based on the tru story of hiker Aron Ralson.

Ralson was hiking in Utah’s Blue John Canyon back in 2003 when a dislodged boulder crushed his arm against the canyon wall. After five days, and no help, Ralson amputated his own arm with a pocket knife and has become something of a celebrity in the outdoor world ever since.