Do they think we're idiots!

It's heart-wrenching to witness the degradation of our majestic whales and the serene shores that have stood the test of time.

To date, we've counted 63 whales, but who knows how many may have tragically descended into the abyss?

Interestingly, one specific whale has been the star attraction for years. Just last week, Lep and I spotted a survey ship right at its usual spot. I have a snapshot pinpointing its location.


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Here's a glimpse of that very whale:

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Is it mere happenstance? This whale has been frequenting the inshore for a while, feasting on bunker. What more is needed for our leaders, both left and right, to put this thing on hold. What more proof do we need? The sheer magnitude of what's happening is truly staggering.
 
Riverkeeper's scientists are concerned about the effects of electro-magnetic fields on the fish in the river, as well as worried about sediment dispersion and habitat destruction during the construction phase.

The more we look . . . the worse it gets.
 
Wind Turbines and the Challenge of Ice Build-up

Wind turbines, when exposed to cold and humid conditions, are prone to significant ice build-up. In certain situations, the ice can grow up to a foot thick near the tips of the blades. This ice doesn't just alter the blade's aerodynamics; it can offset the entire turbine's equilibrium. Such disruptions can plummet energy production by a massive 80%, a concern highlighted in a recent study led by Hui Hu at Iowa State University.

A Decade in Turbine Icing Research

For about ten years, Hu has been delving deep into the science of ice accumulation on turbine blades. His extensive experiments utilized the specialized facilities of the ISU Icing Research Tunnel. Through the years, his investigations have garnered support from esteemed institutions like the Iowa Energy Center and the National Science Foundation.

Yet, as Hu noted, “The real challenge lies in determining if laboratory results resonate with field realities, especially concerning large, utility-grade wind turbines.” Such ponderings are particularly timely, given the freeze-induced energy disruptions witnessed in Texas's recent winter spell.

The Quest for Real-world Insights

Despite the desire to investigate wind turbines in their natural habitat during winter, access remained a hurdle. Iowa, with its formidable array of wind turbines, didn't offer easy access due to corporate hesitations. But the international academic community provided a solution. Collaborating with Beijing's North China Electric Power University, Hu focused on a 34-turbine wind farm in eastern China for his January 2019 study.

Deciphering Icing Patterns

This Chinese wind farm, given its closeness to the East China Sea, showcased icing conditions reminiscent of Texas rather than the dry, chilly winters of Iowa. Drones played a pivotal role, snapping detailed shots of turbines after they braved icy elements. These images were instrumental, confirming and complementing laboratory data. It became evident that the majority of ice formed on the outboard sections of the blades.

Icing’s Drastic Impact on Energy Yield

The in-built monitoring systems of the turbines provided a clear picture of the consequences of ice accumulation. As Hu elucidated, “In the presence of robust winds, turbines burdened with ice rotated at reduced speeds and often halted operations altogether. The loss in power output due to ice was a dramatic 80%.”

Hu's revelations underline a pressing need. The focus now shifts to developing proficient techniques to tackle ice, ensuring that wind turbines remain prolific energy generators, even in the chilliest of winters.
 

Russian warships menacing the southern coast of Ukraine in the Black Sea make constant use of acoustic sonar signals that scientists say can interfere with dolphins’ sense of direction, since they use their own natural sonar for echolocation.

Explosions, rocket launches and low-flying Russian fighter jets only add to the cacophony traumatizing the dolphins, Dr. Goldin said. But he cautioned that it was far too early to directly link the dolphin die-off to a single cause.
 

Russian warships menacing the southern coast of Ukraine in the Black Sea make constant use of acoustic sonar signals that scientists say can interfere with dolphins’ sense of direction, since they use their own natural sonar for echolocation.

Explosions, rocket launches and low-flying Russian fighter jets only add to the cacophony traumatizing the dolphins, Dr. Goldin said. But he cautioned that it was far too early to directly link the dolphin die-off to a single cause.
Again with the “direct link” excuse. When does simple common sense kick in? Do we really need more proof?
 
The hosts took a conversation on wind farm inpacts on whales and other marine life and made it into a debate on nuclear being environmentally worse than wind. Spin the narrative.......
That's true, but at least he's not denying the effects of wind on the sea.
 
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