Mysterious Flashes of Electricity Likely to Occur near Rifts

Mysterious Flashes of Electricity Likely to Occur near Rifts: Study
As per the view of researchers, the rapid increase of tension at these almost vertical faults may cause electrical current to flow to the surface. This may also cause the strange lights to show up. The findings were published on January 2 in the current issue of the journal Seismological Research Letters. The outcomes were drawn by examining 65 documented cases of earthquake lights over the last 400 years.

Risk of supervolcano eruption big enough to 'affect the world' far greater than thought, say scientists
The eruption of a “supervolcano” hundreds of times more powerful than conventional volcanoes – with the potential to wipe out civilisation as we know it – is more likely than previously thought, a study has found. An analysis of the molten rock within the dormant supervolcano beneath Yellowstone National Park in the United States has revealed that an eruption is possible without any external trigger, scientists said.

Rumbling volcano in western Indonesia erupts again
Authorities extended a danger zone around a rumbling volcano in western Indonesia on Sunday after it spewed blistering gas farther than expected, sending panicked residents streaming down the sides of the mountain.

USGS records several earthquakes in Oklahoma
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the largest of the three had a preliminary magnitude of 3.7. Its epicenter was 10 miles north-northwest of Langston and 13 miles west of Stillwater. It struck at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday. A preliminary 3.5-magnitude quake was reported at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Its epicenter was 1 mile north-northeast of Cherokee. The USGS says a third earthquake hit at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. That quake had a preliminary magnitude of 3.2 with an epicenter 9 miles north-northwest of Chandler. 

Earthquakes lead Texas agency to hire seismologist
A Texas agency is hiring a seismologist as part of an effort to tackle a sudden increase in earthquakes in areas with significant oil and gas drilling activities. The Railroad Commission, the agency that regulates drilling in the Lone Star State, says Tuesday it is hiring a seismologist after holding a meeting with residents in Azle.  

Japan Earthquake Today 2014 Strikes Yonakuni
Officials tell news that a 5.1 magnitude Yonakuni quake began just after 2:49 am local time. The quake however had substantial depth. USGS indicates to news that the Japan earthquake started one hundred forty-two miles below sea level. As a result the quake was not felt across a large area.  

Indonesian Volcano Erupts 77 Times in 24 Hours
Mount Sinabung has displaced nearly 20,000 people from their homes since sporadic eruptions began in September. Experts have placed it under the highest alert status among the 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which is home to more active volcanoes than any other country and has some of the world's most lethal volcanic activity.