Free Republic

Nato’s silence in response to Donald Trump’s threats to seize Greenland has prompted alarm among European capitals fearful that the alliance is failing to defend the rights of Denmark. It has not issued a public statement asserting Denmark and Greenland’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, or responded to the US president’s stated ambition for the vast Arctic island that is part of the kingdom of Denmark. That has raised the ire of European members trying to present a united front and ease transatlantic tensions, and stands in stark contrast to the EU’s recent efforts to rally around Copenhagen. Mark Rutte, the...

The crew of the runaway Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera released the first video showing a U.S. Coast Guard Legend class cutter in close pursuit. The video was posted online Tuesday by the Russian RT news outlet as the military buildup in England continues, potentially for a future U.S. boarding of the vessel. Until recently known as the Bella-1 before it was re-registered and the crew painted a Russian flag on it, the Marinera is part of a so-called shadow fleet. These vessels are transporting oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela in violation of sanctions imposed by the United States and...

The Greenland-Scotland Ridge looms like a great undersea barrier, stretching from East Greenland to Iceland and the Faroe Islands, and across to Scotland. The Denmark Strait is a critical checkpoint through which cold, fresher waters from northern seas flow across the ridge into the the main body of the North Atlantic Ocean. (Illustration by E. Paul Oberlander, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)From USGS, who is now apparently in the climate business, because mapping and earthquakes are sooo 20th century.  New Discoveries Improve Climate ModelsUnderwater Ridges Impact Ocean’s Flow of Warm WaterNew discoveries on how underwater ridges impact the ocean’s circulation system...

Convective mixing resumes after a decade due to massive loss of Arctic ice. North Atlantic overturning – back with a vengeance?Nature Scientists have found evidence that convective mixing in the North Atlantic, a mechanism that fuels ocean circulation and affects Earth's climate, has returned after a decade of near stagnation – thanks, perhaps, to a dramatic loss of sea-ice in the Arctic during the summer of 2007.Convective mixing, or 'overturning', of ocean waters at high latitudes helps to drive the Atlantic 'heat conveyor belt' that carries warm water northwards and cooler deep-water back south. The phenomenon also helps to remove...

A fisherman has caught what has been described as a "miracle fish" off the North East coast. Peter Dent spotted the Mediterranean swordfish thrashing about in his salmon net a mile off Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland on Monday. It is thought the 6ft-long, 58lb specimen was following mackerel shoals. Fishing commentator Sam Harris said it was the first time he had heard of a swordfish being caught in chilly British waters. He said: "It's a miracle. This fish is 2,000 to 3,000 miles off course. It just proves how the water temperature is hotting up. "I couldn't believe it when someone...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. .................................................................. .................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should...

MOSCOW. Aug 2 (Interfax) - The Russian and U.S. navies are planning joint maneuvers in the North Atlantic, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Monday. "The first stage of talks involving fleet admirals of Russia and the United States has been completed. It is planned to hold these maneuvers in the Norwegian Sea in the middle of September," Ivanov said.

Scientists outline major climate changes in Ireland DUBLIN (AFP) May 15, 2003 Ireland's climate is heating up and if the trend continues it will have a major impact on most aspects of life in the country, according to research data being presented Thursday at an environmental conference in Dublin. Environment Minister Martin Cullen told the opening session of the two-day conference, entitled 'Pathways to a Sustainable Future,' that the research would assist in formulating policies to deal with the likely impact of water management, flooding, agricultural changes and coastal zone management. Irish temperatures have been increasing at a quarter...