Earth

The recent study published in Science Advances sheds light on the challenges of accurately predicting tipping points for critical Earth system components in response to human-caused global warming. The uncertainties surrounding these tipping events, such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), polar ice sheets, and tropical rainforests, are a cause for concern due to

Reconstructing ancient ocean temperatures is a complex process that has traditionally relied on analyzing the ratio of different oxygen atoms in fossils’ calcium carbonate remains. However, this method comes with challenges due to biological processes known as “vital effects,” which can significantly impact the data obtained from corals. A recent study led by the University

The U.S. West relies heavily on large infrastructure projects known as interbasin water transfers to transport water across vast geographical areas. A recent study published in Nature Water highlighted the significant impact of two major projects, the Central Arizona Project and the State Water Project in California, which collectively contribute to 85% of energy-related greenhouse

Recent research conducted by a team of scientists at the University of Manchester and the National Oceanography Center (NOC) has shed light on the intricate relationship between changes in the ocean floor and deep-sea currents. By examining the effects of varying and uneven surfaces and features on the ocean floor, the study has uncovered how

The disappearance of glaciers in the Alps is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on mountain environments. While this phenomenon is visible to the naked eye, the thawing of alpine permafrost beneath the surface is less obvious but equally concerning. The melting of underground ice can destabilize mountain slopes, alter landscapes, and

Addressing the urgent need for adapting California’s $59 billion agriculture sector to climate change, a recent report by University of California faculty members outlines the necessary steps that need to be taken. As the state faces declining water availability for crops due to factors such as increased evaporation, transpiration, and the impact of climate change,

The beauty and rarity of sapphires make them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. These blue-colored crystals are composed of chemically “contaminated” aluminum oxide, also known as corundum. While sapphires have been traditionally associated with silicon-poor volcanic rocks, the exact process of their formation has remained a mystery. Researchers at Heidelberg University

A recent study led by researchers from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and Charles University, Prague, has revealed a startling discovery – there are significantly more peatlands in the Amazon Basin than previously estimated. Peatlands, waterlogged landscapes that store vast amounts of carbon, have long been known to play a crucial role in regulating

Climate change is a topic that has been widely discussed in recent years, and new research now shows that human-induced warming has had a significant impact on rainfall variability worldwide. This increase in rainfall variability has been observed over 75% of the Earth’s land area, with particularly noticeable effects in areas such as Australia, Europe,

The recent study led by Dr. Andrew Dessler, an atmospheric scientist from Texas A&M University, sheds light on the climate impact of the 2022 Hunga Tonga volcano eruption. The research challenges existing assumptions about the effects of the eruption and reveals some surprising findings that have implications for our understanding of climate change. Unlike previous

In recent years, there has been a noticeable and concerning trend in rainfall patterns around the world. The frequency of intense downpours has increased, while dry periods have become more prolonged and severe. This erratic behavior of rainfall has led scientists to delve deeper into the relationship between climate change and these unpredictable patterns. A

The rise of e-commerce in America has brought about a surge in the warehousing industry, with products being delivered directly to consumers’ doorsteps. However, a recent study published in Nature Communications has shed light on the detrimental impact these large warehouses have on the air quality of neighboring communities. The lead author of the study,

Soil contamination is a growing concern worldwide, with synthetic chemicals posing a significant threat to both the environment and human health. In a recent breakthrough, Rice University chemist James Tour and his research team have developed a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process that could revolutionize soil remediation efforts. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent

Lead is a highly toxic metal that poses a serious threat to human health, especially in children. A recent study conducted in Portland, Oregon, sheds light on the alarming levels of lead found in urban moss, particularly in older neighborhoods where lead-sheathed telecommunications cables were once prevalent. The implications of this study are far-reaching and

A recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience has rocked the scientific world by challenging the long-held assumption that only photosynthetic organisms are responsible for generating Earth’s oxygen. An international team of researchers, led by Andrew Sweetman of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, discovered “dark oxygen” production on the deep-ocean floor, 13,000 feet