Earth

The McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are known for their extreme dryness and harsh conditions. With mountains acting as a barrier to melting glacier water and minimal humidity, these valleys have experienced no rain for decades. However, a sudden and unexpected event in March 2022 brought about drastic changes that had a profound impact on

In a recent study conducted after the 2022 magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Luding County, China, researchers have explored the potential of utilizing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data for the rapid prediction of landslides triggered by earthquakes. This study, published in Seismological Research Letters, sheds light on the effectiveness of GNSS observations in identifying and

Groundwater is a critical resource that sustains plants, ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies in various regions around the world. In southwestern Europe, there has been a widespread belief that groundwater levels are continuously declining everywhere. However, a recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment by an international research team led by the Helmholtz

In a recent study published in the journal Nature Cities, a team of Earth scientists, environmental engineers, and geomaticists discovered an interesting trend in urban development. Contrary to previous beliefs, modern cities across the globe have been experiencing more upward growth than outward expansion. This shift in growth patterns has significant implications for city planners

A recent study led by researchers at McGill University indicates that the influence of Earth’s natural forces could have a significant impact on mitigating sea level rise caused by Antarctica’s melting ice sheets. However, this phenomenon is contingent upon the swift reduction of carbon emissions in the next few decades. On the contrary, if carbon

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