closing

Spain turns in the opposite direction to the rest of Europe. Form part of a geological plan: closing the Mediterranean

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Spain and Portugal are dancing to a different rhythm than the rest of Europe. They are moving clockwise and the consequence is clear: a long-term closure of the Mediterranean that connects the Iberian Peninsula directly to North Africa. The convergence between continents is slow, a few millimeters a year (so we will continue needing the tunnel between Spain and Morocco), but one thing is clear: another Pangea is on the way. And the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco will be a unit. In short. Continental plates move. Some separate, others collide, and that continental drift has caused the emergence the Pangea Ultima theory. In 250 million years, there will only be one continent. There is a long way to go for that, but now, some researchers from the University of the Basque Country have analyzed geodetic data that allows them to affirm that the Iberian Peninsula is rotating clockwise. This east-west rotation is driven by the convergence between the Eurasian and African plates, and the conclusion is clear: both are moving between four and six millimeters closer each year. This information is not new, but the researchers’ discovery is to specify the processes that take place at the diffuse boundary of the two western Mediterranean plates. Thanks, Gibraltar. Although the boundaries of other plates are well defined, this does not occur in the Western Mediterranean. There, the processes are much grayer, and there is something called “Gibraltar Arch” which plays an interesting role in this tectonic dynamic. To the east of the strait, the crust absorbs the deformation caused by the collision between the Eurasian and African plates. This ‘Gibraltar Arc’ acts as a buffer, but it has a consequence: in the west of the strait there is a direct collision between the plates, while in the east it is absorbed by the Gibraltar Arc. This lack of buffering from the southwest is what causes the clockwise rotation. Rotational strain rate field. Positive values ​​correspond to clockwise rotation, while negative values ​​refer to counterclockwise rotation. Active and potentially active faults are marked with solid and dashed gray lines, respectively. Double analysis. The researchers combined two types of accuracy analyzes to obtain these results. On the one hand, those of satellite deformation through GNSS system (Global Navigation Satellite System). Analyzing the data, they measured surface displacements with millimeter precision, relying on both permanent and occasional GPS markers. On the other hand, they also analyzed information from recent earthquakes that allowed them to determine the tectonic “stresses” in the area. They are independent data sets, but by crossing them they were able to draw a series of ‘lines’ that have allowed them to better specify the boundary between the plates. So that? Well, to better understand which sectors are in direct collision between plates and which are still more protected by the Gibraltar Arc. And the neighbors? The problem is that, although they claim that it is a rapid tectonic movement, this is true in geological terms. For us it is invaluable, but it also comes into play that we only have satellite data since 1999 and detailed seismic data since the 1980s. Even so, if with such a short range of data we have reached that conclusion in the annual approach, it is because the phenomenon is not in a hurry, but it does not pause either. And the most interesting thing is that this only affects the Iberian Peninsula. It is not that we are going to separate from France, since we ‘drag’ the rest of the continent thanks to the effect of the Gibraltar Arc, but we are not turning in the same direction as other neighbors. Italy, for example, experiences a counterclockwise rotation that exerts pressure in the alpine zoneand in the anatolian plate (where most of Türkiye is), there is also this counterclockwise rotation. Hello, Morocco. While in Turkey the consequence may be more earthquakes or mountain formations, this current speed of between 4 and 6 millimeters will cause, at some point, the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco to unite. This continental collision would close the Mediterraneanbut there is a lot left for it. How much? About 100 million years. They estimate that for 20 million years we will continue at the same speed, but within about 50 million years, things will gain momentum, accelerating the process and turning the region into one of the most active volcanic and seismic areas on the planet. It’s… foolish to worry. present utility. Now, beyond curiosity, the most immediate implication that the researchers point out is a better identification of active faults or areas in which previously unidentified tectonic structures could exist. Asier Madarieta-Txurruka, one of those responsible for the investigation, explains This information indicates where to look for these structures and boundaries to determine what type of folds and faults there may be. Thus, we can anticipate the type of earthquake that there will be and its magnitude in areas such as the Western Pyrenees or the region of Cádiz and Seville in which we know that there are numerous places with significant deformationbut we do not have well identified the active tectonic structures that cause them. And, although there is still a long way to go before the Alps and a new mountain range are founded across the peninsula and all of North Africa to Arabia, knowing better what we have right under our feet is much more useful. In Xataka | We knew that Africa was going to split in half. What we didn’t know was that it would happen so quickly.

Europe has been closing refineries for 10 years. Now even a fire in Nigeria raises the price of diesel

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Diesel prices in Europe have once again set off alarm bells. In a matter of days, the market has experienced a sharp rebound that cannot be interpreted as a one-off shock, but rather as the symptom of a fragile energy system that, in the face of a global chain of incidents, has left the continent without defenses. A chain of critical interruptions. The immediate origin is in a succession of stoppages in refineries and international tensions. According to the Financial TimesEuropean operators reacted with concern after several facilities in Kuwait, the United States and Nigeria were forced to stop or reduce production due to fires or technical problems. These interruptions coincided with already very low inventories and with demand that remains stronger than expected. Adding to this instability was the announcement that United States sanctions against the two largest Russian producers, Lukoil and Rosneft, will come into effect immediately. As the British media explains, these measures will block any operation related to the international assets of both companies, including refineries that still indirectly supply the European market. Only the Bulgarian Lukoil refinery has received a temporary exemption until 2026. The scenario is even more complicated with the fall of Russian crude oil. According to Bloombergits price has fallen to the lowest level in more than two years, just when large Asian buyers have paused purchases due to the entry into force of sanctions. In addition, the EU has also sanctioned Russian refined products that arrive re-exported from India or Türkiye, a flow that had served as an indirect way to compensate for the lack of European diesel. An extremely vulnerable market. Europe has lost refining capacity over the last decade. According to data cited by the Financial Timesthe continent has closed about 400,000 barrels per day since 2024. This reduction means that it is increasingly dependent on imported fuels and a global market that has become more volatile and unpredictable. The European industrial crisis amplifies this problem. Based on data from the petrochemical industry, high energy costs and Asian competition have caused massive closures of plants in the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. This industrial deterioration also affects the infrastructure linked to fuel processing. For analyst Benedict Georgethe result is clear: “European prices are much more sensitive to any disruption because Europe has closed many refineries in recent years.” A tense world. Although the price of diesel has skyrocketed, the global crude oil market presents a paradox. The International Energy Agency foresees a record surplus in 2026powered by the increase in OPEC+ production and for the rebirth of the American offshore. However, this future abundance is not alleviating current tension. As Bloomberg points outthe market remains trapped between sanctions, fears of specific shortages and sudden changes in global flows. Added to this is a particularly delicate geopolitical context for Europe. The peace plan proposed by the United States for Ukraine has generated a “diplomatic storm” in Brussels and kyiv for their apparent alignment with pro-Moscow positions. This diplomatic uncertainty – which affects sanctions, energy and continental security – adds pressure to an EU that already depends on abroad to guarantee its diesel supply after two years of war. A direct hit. Europe faces a structural problem: it has little of its own refining capacity, low inventories and a growing dependence on imports. Every global incident reaches the European consumer almost unmuffled. And this directly affects Spain for three reasons: Spanish transport depends mainly on diesel. Trucks, logistics vans, buses and much of rural transport continue to use diesel. The escalation is transferred to the prices of goods. Food, imported products, construction materials… Everything that moves by road becomes more expensive when diesel does. Price spikes are amplified. Being a net importer, Spain especially suffers from international volatility. The rapidity with which diesel has risen shows that Europe “has no margin”: each shock becomes a direct blow for consumers and companies. For a standard 55 liter tank, filling a diesel car is already around 79 euros, while with 95 gasoline the cost is close to 82 euros, according to current average prices. Is there relief in sight? In the short term, analysts cited by Financial Times They believe the rebound could moderate during the winter months, when refineries avoid scheduled shutdowns to maximize production. But they warn that the market will remain “vulnerable to any disruption.” In the medium term, the perspective is contradictory. On the one hand, the International Energy Agency anticipates a global surplus in 2026 and an increase in production in both the United States and OPEC+. On the other hand, Chinawhich has purchased more than 150 million barrels for reserves— could stop its acquisitions at any time, releasing an excess capable of sinking global prices or further tightening the chains if it decides to continue accumulating. The warning of a weak system. Europe faces uncomfortable evidence: it has built a fragile energy system at a time of maximum global tension. The combination of refinery shutdowns, sanctions on Russia, diplomatic tensions and loss of industrial capacity has left the continent exposed. As the London media summarizes, “inventories are extremely low and demand is better than expected.” An explosive mixture. While the world navigates between a future surplus and constant geopolitical crises, the present shows that any spark – a fire, a sanction or a diplomatic disagreement – ​​can reignite the European diesel market. And Europe, for now, appears to have few tools to prevent the next shock from hitting even harder. Image | FreePik Xataka | The world is heading towards an oil surplus: the US responds by filling the Gulf of Mexico with platforms again

Those who are closing the door to the US F-35

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Last week he met A news of great size for what it meant in Europe: Spain had slammed the 50 f-35 fighter fleet that had applauded with the United States. The reasons: the commitment to a “European defense” and distrust of a military technology in which Washington has great influence, even After purchased The lot. It turns out that many more nations have joined the “initiative.” The advance: Spain. It We count A few days ago. Spain has chosen not to acquire the American hunt F-35 Lightning II from Lockheed Martin and will focus its future purchases on European manufacturing aircraft, specifically on the Eurofighter Typhoon And in the future system FCAS (Future Combat Air System) that develops with France and Germany. The measure, confirmed By the Ministry of Defense, it implies the indefinite suspension of previous contacts with the United States and aligns with a strategy of reinforce sovereignty European industrial and military. According to analysts like Richard Abouulafiathis decision fits with the widest goal of Europe to reduce its technological and productive dependence from abroad. A hunt in the center of another “war.” Now, the furtive F-35, a symbol of that military cooperation between the United States and its allies, has also become political objective For countries that seek to respond to Trump’s tariff and security policies. The last reaction occurred after the entry into force of a 39% tariff against Switzerland, which has led Swiss parliamentarians to ask for the cancellation of its $ 9.1 billion contract for 36 F-35signed in 2022 to replace its F/A-18 and F-5. This agreement, initially valued in 6,250 millionalready dragged tensions for inflation before the tariff shock. The controversy comes, in addition and as we said, after Spain will announce that discarded his “50” F-35, and in a context where other allies Like Portugal and Canada They have expressed doubts about the strategic reliability of the United States. NGF model and a remote operator in the 2019 Paris Aeronautics Hall Domino effect. Denmark He said recently that has regretted the purchase. Portugal, through its defense minister Nuno Melo, He has stressed That the predictability of the allies is a key factor when deciding on future fighters, while Canada, despite having compromised funds for the first 16 devices of an order of 88, studies European alternatives before the political climate. However, recent reports indicate that the Canadian military dome Keep doubting If complete the total acquisition. The discomfort has also reached Switzerland, where voices from the entire political spectrum ask to review or directly cancel His purchase, in line with the growing tendency to use the F-35 as a political lever against Washington. Hunting as a business. Although Switzerland represents an acceptable request, the global impact on Lockheed Martin’s business is, for now, limited: hundreds of F-35 are in service with the United States and allies, and the Pentagon plans to acquire about 2,400 to replace non -poacher fighters in the three branches of their armed forces. In 2024, JPMorgan estimated that the F-35 will mean the 25% of sales of Lockheed, with the aeronautics area contributing 41% of quarterly income. At the same time, other clients have expanded orders: United Kingdom (+12), Belgium (+11) and Denmark (+10), and the recent commercial agreement Usa-Eue contemplates massive American weapons purchases. F35 Cost and projection. The program, awarded to Lockheed in 2001, has suffered constant criticism For cost overruns, delays and an estimated total cost of 1.8 billion dollars throughout its useful life, including development, production, operation and maintenance. Despite this, the F-35 is still the combat option more advanced Available for United States allies and it is expected to form the backbone of the US fleet for decades, even while Boeing and the Pentagon develop The new generation F-47 with integration of autonomous drones. In real combat he has demonstrated his abilities, as in recent Israeli operations against objectives in Iran. “European” comparative. He Eurofighter Typhoon With which some countries project part of the substitution is a fourth generation versatile hunting, the result of a European consortium. For its part, the FCAS It aspires to be a sixth generation system with an entry into service planned by 2040. Although some experts consider the Eurofighter equal to or greater than the F-35 in pure air performance, they recognize that the F-35 has A clear advantage by plane and mission pack. In addition, Eurofighter production is much more limited and FCAS is still in the development phase, which raises challenges to meet demand if American platforms are dispensed with. Limitations and adjustments. In a hypothetical scenario, the exclusive dependence on European fighters would imply changes in the Structure of forces. The Spanish Navy currently operates Harrier AV-8b In its Aaeronaves, which will be withdrawn soon, the F-35B was the logical option to replace them with their short take-off capacity and vertical landing, something that neither the Eurofightter nor other European models offer. Without that option, Spain and those who follow them would have to redefine the paper of its aircraft carrier or adapt other solutions. At the interoperability level, giving up F-35 limits the ability to operate homogeneously with allies that use it as standard. Strategic value against alternatives. JPMorgan analysts point out that, despite criticism, the F-35 offers a significant capacity At a relatively competitive cost in the international market, which is why it continues to be imposed in competitions. Unmanned capabilities deserve investment, but they are still far from replacing a hunt such as F-35. This combination of operational power, interoperability with numerous allies and technological projection reinforces its position, although commercial tensions and diplomatic promoted by American foreign policy aim to continue undermining cohesion around its acquisition and, perhaps, to that Sorpasso “European” that in no case can occur in the short term. Image | Robert Sullivan, Christopher Ebdon, TIRADEN In Xataka | The F-35 not only costs a fortune, it has a button that Spain does not like. So he told the US that he doesn’t want them In Xataka … Read more

Europe is closing its doors

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The Covid-19 Pandemia generated a great migration of US digital nomads towards countries with more lax mobility measures and with a much more affordable cost of life. Many European countries, including Spain, received them with open arms. To them and their investments. However, that has long been for a long time, and the geopolitical scenario It has changed radically. What has not changed is the Desire of Americans migrate to Europe In search of stabilitysecurity and a better quality of life than in the US. The difference is that, now, Europe is closing its doors. So much that even US citizens will need An entrance visa (Ethics) to visit Europe. The American exodus. The interest of Americans to obtain residence in European countries and in the United Kingdom has been increasing. Last year Ireland received 31,825 applications for American citizenship. Only during the month of February this year, 3,692 citizenship applications from the US have already been submitted. In statements to EuronewsArielle Tucker, founder of the Connected Financial Planning migration advisory platform, said that after the arrival in the presidency of Donald Trump, “many people feel that the longer they remain in the United States, the more insecure they are about how their quality of life will be and how that could affect their financial well -being.” Kelly Cordes, founder of Irish CitizenSHIP Consultants, He counted to Bloomberg that he had also noticed a notable increase in requests for citizenship of Americans to Ireland. “It is definitely different from everything we have seen. People are very worried; they have an urgency to obtain citizenship.” Of an average of 10 weekly citizenship requests that this agency processed in 2024, it has gone between 20 and 25 applications a week. Europe and the United Kingdom close their doors. Despite the increase in residence and citizenship requests, the authorities of Europe and the United Kingdom are responding with stricter regulations. Even so, 6,100 US citizens requested British citizens, according to data of the United Kingdom Ministry, taking advantage of its British roots. For its part, Italy, which previously allowed those who demonstrated family ties to obtain residence with relative ease, has carried out an emergency reform To avoid the avalanche of applications and now requires more rigorous evidence and longer processes to protect the interests of the local population. Gold Passports. Another option used by Americans With greater economic resources it is to obtain the calls “Gold Passports” either Golden Visa. These programs allow to obtain residence or citizenship in exchange for significant investmentsgenerally in real estate or the implementation of local businesses. Portugal and Spain were Very popular destinations Among Americans who were looking for this type of visas, but the situation It has changed In recent months due to negative impact In the real estate market and the local economy. New strategic opportunities. Faced with this panorama, some European countries are taking advantage of this migratory current of Americans to attract qualified talent. France, for example, has launched the campaign “Choose France for Science“, With the aim of attracting highly trained international and professional researchers by speeding up the processing of their residence permits. In contrast, Doge’s cuts, with Elon Musk in frontthey are putting in serious trouble the work of researchers in the USthus simplifying the immigration decision for these scientists. In Xataka | Of course, digital nomads love Oviedo. It is not for the way of life: it is because they charge 90,000 euros In Xataka | Digital nomadic visas: the countries hook to attract the best digital talent without paying the cost to keep them Image | Unspash (Global Residence Index)

China probes revenge from the United States closing its doors to Hollywood. And Europe could be the great beneficiary

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China is valuing to prohibit the distribution of American films In response to Donald Trump’s threat to impose additional 50% tariffs About Chinese products. Or that follows, since the original source is a Chinese journalist linked to the Communist Party. A Insider that releases the probe balloons. This measure is part of a retaliation package that would also include blockages to the importation of agricultural and poultry products in the United States. Why is it important. The Chinese government has described Trump’s strategy as “blackmail” and He said that “will fight until the end,” according to the Ministry of Commerce in an official statement. “The Chinese do not look for problems, but they don’t fear them,” added the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian. In figures. American films generated 585 million dollars in China for 2024approximately 3.5% of the 17,710 million dollars of total collection in the Chinese film market. If the veto materializes, next blockbusters like ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth‘,’The accountant 2‘And the next installment of’Impossible mission‘They could leave a lot of money at the box office. The threat. The confrontation has intensified after Trump’s announcement of an additional 50% tariff if China did not withdraw the 34% of US products. If this dynamic is maintained, total tariffs on Chinese products could reach 104%: Current tariffs: 20% (previous taxes). New tariffs: 34% (announced last week). Extra threat: 50% (if China does not withdraw its measures). Between bambalins. Dan Wang, a specialist in China in Eurasia Group, points out that when tariffs exceed 35%, Chinese exporters lose all profitability in the US market. “After that point, China should not export to the United States at all. Europe is and will be the most profitable market for China now,” Wang explains in statements collected by Daily Mail. To a scrambled river … Outstanding image | Jurassic World, Xataka with Mockuuuups Studio In Xataka | The highest blockbuster movie in history does not come from Hollywood, but from China, and now you can see it in Prime Video

How to delete cookies and other websites automatically when closing it

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Let’s explain How to delete Chrome cookies automatically when closing The browser, as well as other data that store the pages, and thus improve their safety and privacy. Cookies They serve to save certain information on your navigation, such as the late session, so as not to have to repeat them, although they are also used so that third -party companies can have your data and offer you personalized advertising. Therefore, taking care that cookies will erase will improve your privacy and safety sailing. However, a consequence is that you will have to log in to the websites when you reopen to the browser, and there will be other data that are not stored in it. Delete the data from the sites when closing The first thing you have to do is enter the Chrome configuration. Once inside, click on the section Privacy and safety of the lateral menu. Once you are inside, you have to click on the section Sites configuration That will appear. Once you are within the sites configuration, you have to go down to the group of options Content. Here, inside, click on the option of Additional content configuration That will appear practically down at all. When you are in the additional content configuration, now look at the section of Predetermined behavior and Select the option Eliminate the data that the sites keep on your device when you close all windows. This will make every time you close the browser and all the windows are erased the cookies and other data that the websites keep in your browser. In Xataka Basics | What does the eye icon mean in Chrome and what can you do with it to control third -party cookies

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