EarthwEEk: a diary oF thE planEt

For the week ending Friday, Feb. 9.

Viral winds

Scientists have for the first time determined that astounding numbers of viruses are being swept up from Earth’s surface and blown around the world in the planet’s atmospheric circulation. Researchers believe at least 800 million viruses per square meter exist from just above the surface to the stratosphere. The global winds are spreading them and bacteria for thousands of miles, possibly from one continent to another. The scientists say the bacteria and viruses become airborne after winds pick them up in dust and sea spray.

Volcanic dangEr

Residents around Popocatépetl volcano, near Mexico City, were warned that an explosive eruption could occur at any time. Popocatépetl, erupting off and on since 2005, is considered North America’s most threatening volcano. That’s because of its potential to suddenly produce a Vesuvius-like eruption stronger than any other in a thousand years.

OzonE oddity

The ozone layer high above the poles may be healing, thanks to an international ban on ozone-killing chemicals, but research finds stratospheric ozone above more populated areas is not recovering. The ozone layer absorbs much of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun, protecting humans and other life. Scientists suggest altered wind patterns because of climate change could be blowing the ozone away from where it is created in the lower latitudes.

Cat plaguE

A deadly feline virus is spreading among cats in Australia after remaining unreported for nearly 40 years. There have been multiple cases of the feline parvovirus, or cat plague, among stray kittens around Melbourne. Australia was one of the first countries to develop an effective vaccine against panleukopenia, which causes great suffering among its victims as it temporarily wipes out the animals’ bone marrow. Treatment can cost thousands of dollars and doesn’t guarantee survival.

Plastic thrEat

Scientists warn that tiny bits of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans and other bodies of water are putting filter-feeding marine animals such as whales and manta rays at great risk of contamination. “Marine filter-feeders are likely to be at risk because they need to swallow hundreds to thousands of cubic meters of water daily in an effort to capture plankton,” a researcher says.