The Antarctic Treaty System, which sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve and limits military activity on the continent, its islands and ice shelves, comes into force.

The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) is a set of international agreements that regulate activities in Antarctica, ensuring that the continent is used exclusively for peaceful purposes and scientific research. The core of the ATS is the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in Washington, D.C., on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961.

Peaceful Use: The treaty prohibits any military activity on the continent, including the establishment of military bases and fortifications, military maneuvers, and the testing of any type of weapons.

Scientific Research: It encourages scientific cooperation and mandates the free exchange of information and personnel in scientific investigations. All scientific observations and results from Antarctica must be made freely available.

No Sovereignty Claims: The treaty does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial sovereignty claims; no new claims are allowed while it is in force. It essentially freezes the status of territorial claims made by various countries.

Environmental Protection: Although initially the treaty did not have specific environmental provisions, subsequent agreements have expanded its environmental protections. These include the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol) which designates Antarctica as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.

Additional Agreements within the ATS:

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR): Adopted in 1980, it focuses on conserving marine life in the Southern Ocean.

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS): Adopted in 1972, it provides measures for the conservation of seal populations.

Protocol on Environmental Protection (Madrid Protocol): Adopted in 1991 and entered into force in 1998, it adds comprehensive environmental protection provisions to the ATS, including a ban on all mineral resource activities except for scientific research.

Consultative and Non-Consultative Parties:

Consultative Parties: These are the original signatories and those countries that conduct substantial scientific research in Antarctica. They have voting rights in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM).
Non-Consultative Parties: These are countries that have acceded to the treaty but do not conduct significant scientific research in Antarctica. They can participate in the meetings but do not have voting rights.

Governance and Meetings:

The ATS is administered through the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM), where decisions are made by consensus. The ATCM oversees the implementation of the Treaty and its associated agreements, addressing issues related to governance, scientific cooperation, environmental protection, and the management of tourism and other human activities.

The ATS is a unique and successful example of international cooperation, ensuring that Antarctica remains a continent dedicated to peace and science, free from political and military conflicts.

The 1946 Vancouver Island earthquake strikes Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

The 1946 Vancouver Island earthquake was a significant seismic event that occurred on June 23, 1946, off the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is known as one of the largest earthquakes to have struck the region in the 20th century.

Magnitude and Location: The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Courtenay, a town on Vancouver Island.

Tectonic Setting: The earthquake was the result of the Juan de Fuca Plate subducting beneath the North American Plate. This region is part of the highly active tectonic boundary known as the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Damage and Impact: The earthquake caused widespread damage across Vancouver Island and the nearby mainland. The strongest effects were felt in the communities of Courtenay, Comox, and Campbell River. Buildings and infrastructure suffered significant damage, including collapsed chimneys, cracked walls, and landslides. A tsunami was generated as a result of the earthquake, causing additional destruction along the coast.

Casualties: The earthquake resulted in the loss of two lives. One person died in Courtenay due to a heart attack induced by the shaking, while another person was killed by a landslide near Campbell River.

Tsunami: The earthquake triggered a tsunami that affected the coastal areas of Vancouver Island and the surrounding region. The wave heights varied along the coast, with some areas experiencing waves as high as 5 meters (16 feet). The tsunami caused damage to harbors, boats, and coastal structures.

Response and Recovery: Following the earthquake, emergency response efforts were launched to assist those affected and to assess the damage. Rescue teams were dispatched to affected areas, and relief supplies were provided to the impacted communities. The process of rebuilding and recovery took several years.

Seismic Awareness: The 1946 Vancouver Island earthquake highlighted the need for increased seismic awareness and preparedness in the region. It contributed to the development of seismic monitoring networks and the implementation of stricter building codes in earthquake-prone areas.

The 1946 Vancouver Island earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic activity that characterizes the Cascadia Subduction Zone and underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to mitigate the potential impacts of future earthquakes in the region.

U.S. President Richard M. Nixon and White House Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman are taped talking about illegally using the Central Intelligence Agency to obstruct the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s investigation into the Watergate break-ins.

A series of terrorist attacks took place in Pakistan resulting in 96 deaths and wounded 200 others.

The United Kingdom votes in a referendum to leave the European Union, by 52% to 48%.

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The College Board administers the first SAT exam.

The Greeks defeat the Bulgarians in the Battle of Doiran during the Second Balkan War.

The Battle of Doiran was a battle of the Second Balkan War, fought between the Bulgarian and the Greek army. The battle took place in 23 June 1913.

The Greek armed forces, after the victory at Kilkis-Lachanas, continued their advance north and successfully engaged the Bulgarians at Lake Doiran. As a result of their subsequent defeat, the Bulgarian forces retreated further north.

The Doiran Lake was at the right wing of the Bulgarian line of defense. The 2nd Bulgarian Army was responsible for the defense of this sector. The Bulgarian artillery was for some time successful against the Greek attack.

The Bulgarians evacuated the region and retreated north after several hours of fighting.

Nik Wallenda walks across the Grand Canyon on a tight rope.

A severe earthquake strikes Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.