In late summer 2010, an unprecedented storm-driven flash flood rushed through the small Himalayan town of Leh, killing 193 people and leaving thousands homeless. Now, ATMO‘s Kristen Rasmussen and Robert Houze have identified specific factors that led to this tragic event, factors which can now be incorporated into future storm predictions. Read more here. 

A proposed timber sale in Oregon’s Benton county may provide a wet-climate test of ecological forestry, developed by SEFS‘ Jerry Franklin and Oregon State University’s Norm Johnson. Read more about this project here. 

  How are choosing to study the environment and choosing to serve in the military compatible?  Does military service change a student’s perspective?  Does it change how others see her/him?  Can the reality of a military experience enhance, or impede, learning?  Should instructors engage the soldiers among their students? Join us on November 13th as we hear from 4 student soldiers about their experience in – and out – of the classroom. 

Although China continues to drive the global wood products industry and trade, it is apparently slowing down its pace. Read up on what this means for China and its partners; SEFS‘ Ivan Eastin is quoted. 

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn says coal trains would cause increased traffic delays for drivers and pedestrians at eight Seattle intersections, if an export terminal is built near Bellingham. Examination of our use and transportation of coal is important partly due to global-warming-induced sea level rise. Read more here; CIG‘s research is cited.