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Underwater Earthquake Recordings Reveal Mysterious Whale’s Calls

A fin whale -- which happens to be the second-largest animal, after the blue whale. Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered earthquake-detecting sensors off Vancouver Island also helps monitor fin whale swimming patterns.

by Ashley Ahearn

Scientists have gained better access to the mysterious deep-sea lives of fin whales – almost accidentally.


Portable Wind Turbines Bring Renewable Energy To Cities


by Courtney Flatt

Tall, noisy wind turbines may not go over well in some urban areas. A Northwest company has developed residential-sized turbines to push renewable energy to cities. The portable turbines could also generate power during disasters.


Elwha River: Recovery Proceeds Despite Sediment Setbacks


by Ashley Ahearn

Massive amounts of sediment have been released from above the two dams that are being removed on the Olympic Peninsula. But despite some technical challenges, there is new life and new habitat emerging on the Elwha River this spring.


Which Fish Get To Recolonize After Elwha’s Dams Are Gone?


by Ashley Ahearn

Fish are making their way into parts of the Elwha River that have been locked away above two dams for 100 years. But which fish should be allowed to recolonize the Elwha - just wild fish, or hatchery-raised salmon and steelhead, too?


How To Clean Up A Crude Oil Spill From Trains


by Courtney Flatt

Pacific Northwest refineries have been getting their crude oil for years from tankers and pipelines. Last September, trains began shipping crude oil into the region by rail.


Why It’s Getting Harder To Deal With Droughts And Floods


by Aaron Kunz

The government's automatic budget cuts are taking down up to 150 stream gauges -- devices that provide life-saving flood warnings and help scientists track drought conditions. The first round of nationwide closures started this week.


What A Golf Course Could Mean For Washington’s Groundwater


by Courtney Flatt

Conservationists say groundwater used to irrigate Washington State University’s golf course is draining the region’s aquifer. Their legal challenge case could change how cities and towns manage water for future development.


Carbon Controversy: Should The Northwest Grow Markets For Forest Biofuels?


by Amelia Templeton

Counting up the carbon emissions from wood pellets is based on a surprisingly complex set of variables and assumptions. One scientist has dubbed the biofuels controversy "The Carbon Wars."















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