Recent research has unveiled a critical piece of information regarding the West Antarctic Ice Sheet melt. The collapse of this ice sheet in the Ross Sea region can potentially be prevented by adhering to a low-emissions pathway. The implications of this study are significant as over 5 meters of potential global sea-level rise is stored
Earth
The extraction of natural gas from shale formations has revolutionized the energy industry by providing a plentiful and lower-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels. However, this process comes with its own set of challenges, particularly concerning methane emissions. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, can significantly contribute to global warming. As such, it is crucial to
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in weather prediction has shown significant advancements in predicting the path and intensity of major storms. In a recent study conducted by the University of Reading, researchers found that AI models can produce weather forecasts with similar accuracy to traditional methods but in a faster, cheaper, and more efficient
Oases are critical habitats that provide water and sustenance for dryland regions across the globe. Despite occupying only about 1.5% of the land area, these oases support 10% of the world’s population. The existence of oases is threatened by climate change and human activities, making it crucial to understand their distribution and changes over time.
Megaslides, massive underwater landslides triggered by earthquakes, volcanic activity, and sediment flux, can have significant consequences on the formation of tsunamis. These extreme events, such as the sixth-largest recorded megaslide in the Surveyor Fan in the Gulf of Alaska around 1.2 million years ago, can result in catastrophic tsunamis on the surface. With an area
Recent research has uncovered a feedback loop that may be accelerating the melting of the floating portions of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, thereby pushing up global sea levels. The study, titled “Antarctic Slope Undercurrent and onshore heat transport driven by ice shelf melting” and published in Science Advances, sheds new light on the mechanisms
The recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience sheds light on the weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) deep water limb in the North Atlantic. The research, led by scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Atlantic
Recent research has uncovered alarming findings regarding the absorption of cancer-causing flame retardants through the skin. These dangerous chemicals, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are commonly found in plastics, furniture, fabrics, and electronics, posing a significant risk to human health. The study, published in the journal Environment International, utilized a state-of-the-art 3D-printed skin model
The recent data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service has revealed some alarming trends in global weather patterns. While February 2024 has been recorded as the warmest February on a global scale, regions in North America, Asia, and parts of Europe have experienced extreme cold temperatures. The stark contrast between increasing temperatures globally and record-breaking
The severity and frequency of wildfires have been on the rise globally in recent years, with many attributing this trend to the effects of climate change. However, a study conducted by UC Riverside points to another significant factor – the increase in carbon dioxide levels. The study revealed that the rising levels of CO2 in
Rogue waves, those colossal waves that appear seemingly out of nowhere, have long been a mysterious phenomenon that poses great danger to ships and coastal infrastructure. A recent expedition by the University of Melbourne to the southernmost waters encircling Antarctica has shed new light on the formation of these rogue waves. The findings from this
Recent studies have shown that climate change is leading to more intense but less frequent rainfalls worldwide. This shift in rainfall patterns is having a significant impact on plant life, with some plants benefiting from the changes while others are being burdened by them. Plants in different ecosystems are responding differently to the changing rainfall
When we think of soil carbon, we often focus solely on the organic matter component known as soil organic carbon (SOC). However, it is crucial to recognize that soil carbon also includes an inorganic component known as soil inorganic carbon (SIC). While solid SIC, typically calcium carbonate, may accumulate more in arid regions with infertile
The Biden administration recently unveiled the first-ever nationwide tap water standards aimed at safeguarding the public from harmful “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked to a myriad of serious health issues, including cancers and developmental damage in children. Despite being invisible, PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment,
Mud, often seen as a simple part of the Earth’s landscape, is actually a complex and vital component of global ecosystems. A recent study led by University of Florida biogeochemist Thomas S. Bianchi reveals the significant impact human actions have on the movement and dispersion of mud worldwide. This new research sheds light on the