Topic: Pacific Ocean

Salt panic sparks in China from Japan radiation risk

Salt panic-buying sparks across China and other neighboring countries from fears of radioactive contamination.

After earthquake, Japan asks how a nation prepares for the unimaginable

Japan has been widely praised for its disaster readiness, but the magnitude 9.0 earthquake has the country asking how it can be better equipped to handle the next big one.

Shinmoedake volcano: Japan's explosive geology explained

Shinmoedake volcano: The Shinmoedake cone on the Kirishima mountain range erupted on Sunday, the largest blast from the volcano in 52 years.

Ring of fire: the five non-Japan nuclear sites in quake zone

Responsible for 90 percent of the world's earthquakes, the "ring of fire" stretches from Australia to Russia around to Alaska and America's West Coast and down to Chile in South America. Here are the five non-Japanese plants in the world's most active earthquake zone.

Five of Asia's most devastating earthquakes

The Pacific Rim, the body of land surrounding the Pacific Ocean from the west coasts of North and South America to the east coasts of China and Japan, is one of the most volatile regions in the world for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Since 1975, several stunning earthquakes around the Pacific Rim have resulted in tremendous devastation and loss of life – some smaller, but some much greater, than the unfolding crisis in Japan from the March 11 temblor.

Source: US Geological Survey historical data

Japan gets coal, gas from historic rival Russia

A surge of goodwill from Russia to Japan raises the possibility that a territorial dispute between the two countries left over from World War II could finally be resolved.

The global aftershocks of Japan's disaster

The earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accidents that rocked Japan raise concerns -- and touch hearts -- around the world.

Japan tsunami a wake-up call for US west coast

Japan’s earthquake and tsunami is alerting the US west coast that the same kind of thing could happen there. Experts who study the earth’s shifting crust say the “big one” may be past due.

What unleashed Japan's massive 8.9 earthquake?

Like the other 14 biggest earthquakes since 1900, the magnitude 8.9 event – that shook Japan and triggered tsunamis that swept the Pacific – was created by a piece of the Earth's crust shoving down into the planet's interior.

8.9 earthquake: The science behind Japan's quake

8.9 earthquake: A series of large foreshocks preceded Japan's earthquake, the fifth largest ever recorded.

Great white shark population lower than previously believed

Great white shark: Researchers have found that fewer great whites are in the Pacific ocean than previously believed. Other shark species from around the world have also suffered steep population declines like the great white shark's in recent years.

America's oldest known wild bird a new mother

Wisdom, a sextegenerean Laysan albatross, has a new chick, according to the US Geological Survey.

Japan's Shinmoedake volcano eruption prompts increased alert levels

Japan's Shinmoedake volcano, known by James Bond aficionados as the lair of one of 007's enemies, scattered thick ash over a wide area, toppled trees, and shattered windows in buildings and cars five miles away.

Monster storm? Mountains of snow? We've seen this movie.

For many people in the Northeast, another big winter storm – and the inconveniences it brings – is becoming too much of a pattern. Travel is snarled, schools closed, and snow piles just get higher.

California superstorm could destroy up to a quarter of homes in the state

Scientists have detailed a California superstorm scenario that could destroy up to a quarter of homes in the state.

Winter mess socks Northeast, more snow storms 'stacked' behind it

A wintry mix of snow turning to slush and freezing rain hit New York and Boston Tuesday, and one meteorologist says a line of snow storms is set to hit the Northeast from now to February.

What's causing the Australia flooding

The Australia flooding is partly a result of the La Niña weather pattern, which cools surface ocean temperatures and usually brings increased precipitation to eastern Australia.

Top Picks: American Idol returns, 'The Social Network' on DVD, French film online, and more

A new season of Idol (minus Cowell,) 'The Social Network' released on DVD, the first French online film festival, and more recommendations

Do pre-winter snowstorms signal a harsh winter?

Tuesday marks the first day of winter, but many people in the United States and Europe have already seen a preview. Can we expect a snowy winter?

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes near southern Japanese island; tsunami warning issued

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of a Japanese island early Wednesday morning. A tsunami warning was issued after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake.

Lunar eclipse tonight will likely be totally eclipsed by clouds

Lunar eclipse: For some cities, the local weather will unfortunately not cooperate for a view of tonight's big moon show.