Click through this CNN interactive to learn more about how the Fukushima Daiichi reactors work, what�s causing the problems with these reactors and what�s being done to get this nuclear incident under control.
Japanese military helicopters have dumped water on the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant in a bid to cool radioactive fuel rods. The rising temperatures inside the plant's reactors are givving cause for increasing concern. But Japanese officials were hoping power could be partially restored at the plant by Thursday afternoon, meaning cooling systems might once again be operational.
Okay, I�ve been passively watching, safe in my relative geography. Then today I read that there are TWO Fukushima nuclear plants.
It�s F1 that�s having all the problems, reportedly F2 is shut down and cooling off.
When I�m confused about geography, my current go-to is Google Earth.
So:
There are two Fukushima nuclear plants, you ask?
So, what�s F1 look like, from above?
(Update: from Reuters, a nice diagram. Via @scanman).
I have no idea which of the six are in trouble. I�ll leave it to you to tell me which are. Also, reportedly somewhere there are �rod ponds� where the used fuel rods are kept here on site, and it�d be nice to know
Incidentally, it looks to my uneducated eye that the Japanese bury their power lines. US power plants are renowned for their transmission lines stringing in overhead. None here that I can see. (Tell me if I missed it). Probably typhoon-related.
And, F2?
Again, I believe these are okay. I�m not in the know, so YMMV.
And, as these are North of Tokyo (24M people), How Far North are they?
It�s 140 miles. Cozy, unfortunately.
I have nothing to add to the commentary on the nuclear problems there. It�s beyond me in intensity and scope. I can only hope for the best for the operators there, and the rest of Japan.
