Carmel-By-the-Sea

Often simply called Carmel, this city in Monterey County, California was founded in 1902.  The early history of this city was formed by the numerous artists, actors & writers who flocked to this perfect section of the Pacific coast.  The white sand beaches and aqua waters draw visitors from around the globe. 

This image was shared by Hayden from Carmel Valley.

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Sea Walls

These wooden posts are what remain from the old sea wall in Capitola, California. Sea walls are built as a form coastal defense constructed. The purpose of which s is to protect areas of human habitation, conservation and leisure activities from the natural action of tides and waves. As ocean levels rise, there is speculation that the financial cost of coastal flooding will far exceed the costs of not building protective sea walls.  Yet, the ecological changes to the natural shores as a result of sea walls come with a hefty price tag as well.

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Summer Waves

"According to the U.S Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, Table 1240, 58.67 million people went to the beach in 2010." Now that statistic is 5 years old. One can only assume that  the number of americans enjoying time along the many beautiful coastlines has dramatically increased. As a beach goer it is your responsibility to leave it better than you found it. Have fun in the surf and sand but back out your trash and remember that the ocean is home to thousands of creatures big and small.

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Testing the Ice

An ice core is a core sample that is typically removed from an ice sheet, most commonly from the polar ice caps of Antarctica, Greenland or from high mountain glaciers. "Ice cores are one of the most effective, though not the only, methods of recreating long term records of temperature and atmospheric gases.Ice core records allow us to generate continuous reconstructions of past climate, going back at least 800,000 years." The basics of understanding the use of ice cores as a means to study climate change can be better understood at the web site Arctic Glaciers.

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Small Fish

Small 'forage fish' are a crucial source for larger animals in the ocean ecosystem. Without little fish, there can be no big fish Scientists and fishermen are becoming increasingly aware of their singular importance as the fuel that drives productive coastal ecosystems. 

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Tides

"The tides come in the tides go out. It is clock work."

This image was shared by Suzy M in Watsonville, CA.

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Snow Hands

How much snow was there? It was about THIS deep....

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Climate Prediction Center, and National Weather Service currently predict that, "there is a greater than 90% chance that El Niño will continue through Northern Hemisphere winter 2015-16, and around an 80% chance it will last into early spring 2016". This is good news for California. A wet winter could bring a greater snow pack in the Sierra Nevadas which results in a greater spring thaw helping to ease the drought.

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Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, located in the Seirra Nevadas, is known for it's astounding clarity and deep blue color. It was believed that the surreal blueness of the lake was in direct relation to the clarity but recent studies released Thursday by UC Davis revealed that “the clarity is controlled by very fine particles, dust and clay and silt that are washed into the lake. The blueness is controlled by algae, the less algae, the bluer the lake" 

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Set Sail

"Maritime frivolities in the bay."

This image was shared by Johnny M.

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Tidepool Laundry

"Socks don't belong in tidepools. This little hermit crab was mistakenly resting on a discarded piece of clothing instead of a rock. The human footprint on the environment just got literal."

This image was  shared by Q Mitchell from Davenport, CA.

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Puddled Reflections

California may be in the midst of a historic drought but a extraordinary weekend storm washed away an elevated section of Interstate I-10. The much needed rain calmed many of the raging wild fires in southern California but left a trail of destruction from massive flooding. The 30 footbridge which collapsed has left the main interstate connection between Arizona and California closed indefinitely. 

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Iowa

"Pella, Iowa was founded in 1847 by 800 Dutch immigrants. This central waterway is is purposefully reminiscent of Amsterdam."

This image was submitted by Mary S.

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Dublin

"I've been up since 3:30am. It's now 6:30 am. I'm walking around and exploring the waterfront. The water is a way of life here."

This image was submitted by Charles S from Dublin, Ireland.

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Lake Almanor

Lake Almanor is a large reservoir in northwestern Plumas County, northeastern California.  It is formed by Canyon Dam on the North Fork of the Feather River.

"Our generations of our family has spent years having making memories and having fun at our Lake Almanor home."

This image was shared by Susie D.

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California Hot Tub ?

There may be a record drought but some Californians aren't ready to give up their hot tubs. This duo is still having fun in the sun!!

This image was shared by Jamie S.

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NYC Water

The New York Department of Environmental Protection in collaboration with community groups have taken to the streets to help the locals stay hydrated. The Water-on-the-Go campaign provides portable public water fountains in all five boroughs. This service provides, clean, healthy and environmentally friendly access to water. Believe it or not NYC is known for its quality clean drinking water. "Each day, more than 1 billion gallons of fresh, clean water is delivered from large upstate reservoirs—some more than 125 miles from the City—to the taps of nine million customers throughout New York state."

 Are you in NYC? Thirsty ?Need to find a fountain? Click Here

These images were provided by Anna C.

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Here

"America's Last Hometown"

"Butterflies and ocean views. Lighthouse and Lover's Point. Pacific Grove is a coastal city in Monterey County, California. It is known for its Victorian homes, Asilomar State Beach,and for the annual migration of the Monarch butterflies. The city is endowed with more Victorian houses per capita than anywhere else in America."

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Raindrops on Roses...

Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens...these are a few of my favorite things? Well rain drops during a drought are definitely a favorite. This cartoon raindrop, a reminder to conserve water, waved and danced in the back of large truck during the 4th of July parade in Santa Cruz, California. Conservation is very patriotic !

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Uvas Reservoir

"The Uvas Reservoir area was frequented by the Mutsun Ohlone. Today's reservoir was once part of the 11,093 acre Rancho Las Uvas ("Ranch of the grapes"). The lush valley was used for a a variety of agriculture including plums. At the turn of the century a woman named Minnie Kell, or "Ma Kell", ran a campground in the Uvas Creek Valley, featuring a swimming hole, baseball diamond and dance floor. The construction of Uvas Dam and Reservoir in 1957 was part of a countywide effort by water officials to ensure adequate water supplies for the valley's growing population. Water from the reservoir is used to recharge supplies in underground aquifers, which will later be pumped from wells for residential, agricultural, and industrial uses."

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Water = Power

Hydroelectricity is the term used to describe electricity that is generated by the shear force of water. The electricity is produced by harnessing the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. Hydroelectric power is the most widely used form of renewable energy, accounting for approximately 16 percent of global electricity generation.

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No Water =More Forest Fires

Fire is a natural and at times beneficial part of a forest ecosystem. However, the number and the intensity of recent fires are fueled by increasing drought and less funds to manage forest lands.  How does drought effect forest fires? The fire season is longer. The land is drier. There is more fuel for hotter and more intense fires. The Union of Concerned Scientists explains the connection of the hydrologic cycle in relation to wildfire season.

What can you do?

• Practice fire safety when outdoors, and keep an eye on fire bans in your area 
• Learn ways to help wildlife and reduce your carbon footprint 
• Speak up for laws that will help reduce our carbon pollution and help wildlife 
• Help plant trees through NWF's Trees for Wildlife program 

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Drought

Did you know that there is a drought monitoring website? It provides a current national drought summary, regional information, historical data and forecasting. Check out your local drought conditions.

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Lakeside

According to the Environmental protection agency there are 123,439 lakes in the United States. The majority of these lakes are small in size, ranging from 10 to 25 acres of land coverage. However, the EPA lake count does not include lakes that are smaller than 10 acres, and it surprisingly excludes the five Great Lakes.

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Salmon King

" Salmon fishing is not just job but a way of life. The water is the source of life."

"The salmon returning to Alaskan stream and rearing in Alaskan waters are the basis for one of Alaska's most important industries and underpin a traditional subsistence lifestyle in rural portions of the State.From 2000–2004, the average harvest of salmon sold by commercial fishermen in Alaska was almost 157 million fish (about 742 million pounds)."

There are five pacific species of Salmon : Chinook, Chum, Coho,Pink and Sockeye. 

There are three types of commercial salmon boats: Purse Seiners, Gillnetters, and Trollers.

This image was shared by Charles S from Sitka, Alaska.

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Taking From the Water

"If we can take oil from the Ocean floor perhaps we can take clean water from it too? just a thought. "

This was submitted by Madolyn V at Avila Beach in CA.

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Sand and Salt

Salt water covers 70% of the Earth's surface. 

"The moon was shining on the undrinkable salt water as the tide went out. Reminding us of what water we have and don't have."

This image was shared by Arianna M in Santa Cruz, CA.

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Impressionism meets Drought

At first glance this image is reminiscent  of  Claude Monet's hay stacks but in actuality  it is an orchard field in Sanger, California. The trees have been ripped out due to the draught and the land left fallowed.

This image was sent in from Sanger CA.

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Spitting Turtles

 "I've walked past this fountain, the Court of Neptune, countless times. It is in front of the the Thomas Jefferson building of the Library of Congress. I have yet to decide if the spitting turtles are angry or playful. "

This Image was shared by Sonya E in Washington DC

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Falling Grace

"It was a hot sunday afternoon playing at Pine Flat Lake in Sanger, California. In the foreground, Grace wiping out. In the background, the hills sides wiped out by drought."

This was submitted by Makenzie F.

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Irony

"Flooded..."

This image was taken in the Central Valley of California.

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No Fish No Fishing

" This is Folsom Lake January, 22 2014, over a year ago.  The drought was far less than now. You can't fish if there isn't any water."

This image was shared by Faith M.

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