Virginia on EARTH Magazine

Blogging on EARTH: Climate change threatens Virginia's vacation spots

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:41:58 -0500

The 400th anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown settlement is commemorated on the Virginia state quarter. U.S. Mint

Each year, millions of visitors flock to Virginia’s natural wonders, such as Shenandoah National Park, and to historical landmarks, like Jamestown, one of America’s earliest colonies. But a new report by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) states that many of Virginia’s landmarks are jeopardized by climate change.

The Disappearing Lake

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:41:58 -0500

Emily Woodall

For many tourists, Mountain Lake in southwestern Virginia has been an idyllic retreat. But in 2008, it pulled a disappearing act, leaving behind only cracked earth and a small pond.

In this multimedia presentation, EARTH reporter Cassandra Willyard tells the geologic story of Mountain Lake.

VA geologists axed due to budget crunch

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:41:58 -0500

Virginia, like many states, is being hit hard by the recent economic downturn — and as Virginia tightens the purse strings, the state’s geological survey is going to feel the pinch.

Not surprisingly, geologists in Virginia are not happy.

VA quake felt far and wide, here's why

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:41:58 -0500

The magnitude-5.8 earthquake was centered northwest of Richmond, Va., and southwest of Washington, D.C. USGS

A significant earthquake today shook residents in Virginia, but the event could be felt far and wide along the East Coast.