In the midst of rising global temperatures and increased pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the focus has turned towards methane, which is known for its high global warming potential in the short term. However, the task of monitoring and quantifying methane emissions has been a challenging one due to limitations with current detection methods.
Earth
The melting of the ice sheet in Greenland has been a cause for concern in recent years due to its impact on global sea levels. As the ice sheet melts, the bedrock beneath shifts slightly, allowing researchers to track the rate of ice melt. A new method developed by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
The rate at which atmospheric carbon dioxide is increasing today has been found to be 10 times faster than at any point in the past 50,000 years. This alarming discovery was made by researchers who conducted a detailed chemical analysis of ancient Antarctic ice. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
The transition from the African humid period (AHP) to dry conditions in North Africa serves as a stark example of climate tipping points in recent geological history. These tipping points occur when small changes within a system trigger large, non-linear responses, ultimately shifting the climate to a new state with far-reaching consequences for the biosphere.
The recent analysis conducted by the team of scientists from The University of Texas at Austin revealed a concerning trend in seismic activity within the Midland Basin. While earthquakes have historically been concentrated in the southwest region near Odessa and Midland, researchers have identified a shift in seismicity toward the northeast, particularly impacting the community
The recent study conducted by a Dutch-Chinese research team emphasizes the crucial role of turbidity in maintaining intertidal areas and salt marshes around the world. Turbidity, defined as the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid, is a key factor in the growth and preservation of these essential coastal ecosystems. The research findings suggest that higher
The movement of tectonic plates has long been known to shape the rocky features of Earth’s surface. However, recent research indicates that the mantle layer underneath the plates also exerts a significant influence on the topography of Earth. This subtle influence, known as residual topography, can be seen in various locations far from tectonic plate
As we delve into the recent study that offers the first extensive analysis of fire patterns in West and Central Africa’s wet, tropical forests, a concerning trend emerges. Over the span of 18 years, there has been a significant doubling in the number of active fires in these regions, particularly in the Congo Basin. This
Recent research led by a team from SMU has shed light on a pivotal moment in Earth’s history – the separation of South America and Africa and the subsequent formation of the South Atlantic Ocean. The findings from ancient rocks and fossils in Angola provide a clear picture of this geological event. The western coast
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience has shed light on the sensitivity of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to climate warming in permafrost-collapsed areas compared to non-collapsed areas. The research, based on field warming experiments and laboratory soil incubation, provides important insights into the permafrost carbon-climate feedback in the face of future climate change.
The recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on the changing landscape of California’s snowpack. With last year’s record-breaking snow deluge, researchers are warning that such occurrences are likely to become increasingly rare due to climate change. The significance of the 2023 snow bonanza, which effectively eradicated a
China recently made headlines with its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, a move that was met with enthusiasm by environmentalists worldwide. However, a new study sheds light on the potential hidden costs and environmental dilemmas associated with China’s decarbonization efforts. The research, led by Stefano Galelli and his colleagues at Cornell Engineering, focuses
Understanding the flow of water through Earth’s rivers is crucial for managing freshwater resources and comprehending the planet’s water cycle. A recent study led by NASA researchers offers new estimates of river water volume, flow rates, and fluctuations over time. This study sheds light on regions facing water depletion due to heavy usage, such as
Exploring the depths beneath Earth’s surface, hydrology researchers from the University of Arizona delved into how human activities, such as oil and gas production, geothermal energy extraction, and lithium mining, impact the deep subsurface. This zone, hidden from plain view, extends hundreds of meters to several kilometers below the planet’s surface. The study aimed to
The Nile River, spanning over 11 countries in East Africa, is a vital source of water, energy, environmental quality, and cultural wealth for the region. However, the utilization of Nile resources has led to longstanding tensions among the countries sharing the river, hindering opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit. Researchers from The University of Manchester