The relationship between carbon dioxide levels and the increase in wildfires has been a topic of interest in recent years. While many attribute the surge in wildfires to hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change, a study conducted by UC Riverside suggests that the role of carbon dioxide in fueling plant growth may be
Earth
Rogue waves, which are single swells much higher than nearby waves, have always been a source of fear and fascination for sailors and scientists alike. A recent University of Melbourne expedition to the waters surrounding Antarctica has shed new light on the formation of these unpredictable waves. The expedition led by Professor Alessandro Toffoli discovered
The impacts of climate change on rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly evident, with April showers turning into deluges and May flowers experiencing changes that will alter their growth. A recent study led by the University of Maryland highlights the worldwide trend of more intense but less frequent rainfalls, which will have significant implications for plant
Soil carbon has traditionally been associated with soil organic carbon (SOC), while soil inorganic carbon (SIC) has often been overlooked. However, a groundbreaking study published in Science has brought attention to the significant role that SIC plays in the global carbon cycle. Led by Prof. Huang Yuanyuan and Prof. Zhang Ganlin, researchers have quantified a
In a groundbreaking move, the Biden administration recently unveiled the first nationwide tap water standards aimed at safeguarding the public from the pervasive threat of toxic “forever chemicals”. These per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with a wide array of serious health risks, ranging from cancers to developmental issues in children. One of
The San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, California, presents scientists with a distinctive chance to observe and analyze earthquakes. The northern part of the fault sees constant movement between two tectonic plates, while the southern part remains locked. This contrast allows researchers to predict earthquakes based on a pattern – approximately every 22 years. Additionally, the
Mud, often seen as a dirty and murky substance, is actually much more than meets the eye. Recent research conducted by a team of global scientists led by University of Florida biogeochemist Thomas S. Bianchi has revealed the profound impact that human actions have on the movement and dispersion of mud. This discovery sheds light
In a recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, researchers from the University of California, Irvine have established a direct correlation between human-induced climate change and the prolonged drought currently affecting southern Madagascar. The lead author of the study, Angela Rigden, emphasized the significance of their findings in relation to the region’s hydrological
Recent studies have shown a direct correlation between the reduction of emissions of tiny particles, the leading cause of air pollution worldwide, and an increase in heat within the Earth’s climate system. This shift has significant implications for global warming trends and the overall health of the planet. Earth’s Energy Imbalance Satellite measurements have demonstrated
A recent study conducted by researchers from Stockholm University sheds light on the re-emission of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from crashing ocean waves. This research, published in Science Advances, challenges the common belief that PFAS simply drain from land into the oceans and stay there. Instead, the study reveals a cyclical transport process that
The impact of human activity on the Earth’s water cycle is profound and multifaceted, with long-lasting consequences that are difficult to predict. Land use changes, such as deforestation and urbanization, are altering the way clouds form and precipitation is distributed. Additionally, activities like cloud seeding are reshaping how nations plan for water resources in a
California, a state known for its aggressive greenhouse gas reduction policies, is ironically the nation’s greatest emitter of sulfuryl fluoride, a common pesticide used for treating termites and other wood-infesting insects. Despite being a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, California has been identified as the primary source of 60-85% of sulfuryl fluoride emissions
On August 30, 2022, a severe hail event occurred in Gerona, north-eastern Spain, causing significant damage to buildings, cars, and agricultural areas. Individual hailstones reached a massive 12cm, marking the largest ever documented in the country. This unusual phenomenon resulted in 67 injuries and one fatality, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of extreme hail events. Professor
Weather predictions play a crucial role in the daily lives of over a billion people in the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the South Asian monsoon season from June to September. The ability to forecast when heavy rains will occur is vital for agricultural and urban planning, as it allows farmers to schedule their harvests and
El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by warmer waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, has been responsible for bringing record heat and heavy precipitation across the world over the past year. Recent research suggests that melting Arctic sea ice may be contributing to the intensification of El Niño events. A study published in Science Advances