Earth

The Aral Sea, situated in Central Asia, has been steadily shrinking in surface area due to a combination of climate change and human activities. This drastic reduction in size has triggered a regional ecological crisis, disrupting the key ecosystem services that the region relies on for survival. The consequences of this shrinkage are far-reaching and

Researchers at Caltech have recently made a groundbreaking discovery involving a new class of enzymes that allow various bacteria to “breathe” nitrate in low-oxygen environments. While this ability provides an evolutionary advantage for bacterial survival, it also leads to the production of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. This finding has significant implications for

In a recent study published in Science Advances by a team of researchers led by Professor Johannes Quaas from Leipzig University and Hao Luo and Professor Yong Han from Sun Yat-sen University in China, the changing patterns of cloud cover in response to climate change have been analyzed. They have found that there are increasingly

The explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the southern Baltic Sea resulted in one of the largest unnatural methane gas emissions ever recorded. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg conducted measurements to assess the impact of the incident on the marine environment. Contrary to expectations, a significant amount of the methane released remained

Wildfires have been a significant environmental concern in California, causing destruction and posing serious risks to both the environment and human health. A recent study conducted by UC Riverside sheds light on a lesser-known impact of wildfires – the effect of soot emitted by large wildfires on the state’s climate. While many studies focus on

A seismic event that rocked Earth 2,500 years ago resulted in the dramatic redirection of one of the world’s largest rivers, the Ganges. This previously undocumented earthquake caused the main channel of the Ganges River to change course in present-day Bangladesh, impacting a densely populated area susceptible to future earthquakes. The findings of this study

Barrier islands play a vital role in protecting coastlines from the direct impacts of storms and sea-level rise. These islands, made primarily of sand, are constantly changing and evolving due to environmental factors. With the looming threat of climate change and increased human development, the natural processes that shape these islands can be disrupted, leading

Groundwater depletion is a pressing issue that continues to impact food security globally. A recent study conducted by researchers from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) sheds light on the growing dependence on depleting groundwater systems and the potential consequences of halting groundwater depletion. While efforts to address this issue are crucial, the study

The potential of marine algae in combating climate change and promoting sustainability is undeniable. From producing oxygen through photosynthesis to serving as a source of eco-friendly plastics and fuel, marine algae play a crucial role in our ecosystem. However, the process of growing algae for commercial purposes, known as aquaculture, often involves significant carbon emissions

In a research field trip to the Ichinokawa Mine in Ehime prefecture, Noriyoshi Tsuchiya made a groundbreaking discovery that shifted the focus from dazzling stibnite crystals to an unsung hero, breccia. Tsuchiya, a professor at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, and the Hachinohe National College of Technology, found that the sedimentary rock bundle known

Earthquakes, natural disasters that can cause significant death and destruction, may be detected earlier than previously thought through the use of satellite technology. A recent study in the Journal of Applied Geodesy suggests that anomalies in the ground, atmosphere, and ionosphere can serve as earthquake precursors that betray their impending presence. The study proposes the

University of Southern California scientists have recently published research in Nature demonstrating that the Earth’s inner core is slowing down in relation to the planet’s surface, contrary to previous beliefs. This discovery has sparked much debate within the scientific community, as previous studies had indicated that the inner core rotates faster than the surface of

Nitrous oxide emissions, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide or methane, have continued to rise without restraint from 1980 to 2020. The Global Carbon Project’s latest report revealed that over 10 million metric tons of nitrous oxide were released into the atmosphere primarily due to agricultural practices. Chemical fertilizers and animal waste used

Climate models play a crucial role in helping scientists and policymakers predict the impacts of climate change. These models simulate the Earth’s climate, providing insights into phenomena such as sea level rise, flooding, and temperature changes. However, the current challenge lies in the efficiency and affordability of these models, especially at smaller scales like the

When researchers and artists collaborate, magic can happen. This is exactly what occurred in the “Air of the Anthropocene” project, where invisible air pollution was transformed into colorful and impactful images. By combining digital light painting and low-cost air pollution sensors, the team was able to create stunning visual evidence of pollution levels in Ethiopia,