A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at The Ohio State University has discovered that ice recovered from high tropical mountains can unveil crucial information about past climate changes on Earth. In a surprising revelation, the study revealed that oxygen-stable isotope records found in ice cores from tropical mountain glaciers can offer a unique insight into
Earth
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been hailed as a solution to reducing pollution and improving air quality. However, a study conducted by UCLA has shed light on the complex relationship between EV ownership, pollution, and disadvantaged communities. While EVs do improve air quality in all communities, the traffic corridors that run through disadvantaged areas remain a
Volcanic eruptions, despite their rarity, have the potential to cause widespread devastation and loss of life. One key challenge in volcanic hazard assessment is understanding the behavior of dormant volcanoes. Can a volcano erupt after tens of thousands of years of dormancy? And what factors contribute to making volcanic eruptions more dangerous? These are questions
Marine ecosystems have a critical role in the global carbon cycle. Phytoplankton, for instance, sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it in organic matter that sinks to the deep ocean, contributing to the long-term storage of carbon. Traditionally, it has been believed that this process, known as the biological carbon pump,
Stir-frying has become a popular cooking method worldwide, known for its quick and easy preparation of meals. However, this cooking technique is not without its drawbacks. When stir-frying, tiny particles and gases are emitted into the air, leading to air pollution and potential health risks. Understanding and accurately estimating these cooking emissions is crucial for
A team of international scientists, spearheaded by Dr. Xin Liu from The University of Hong Kong (HKU), has recently introduced a groundbreaking method known as ambient noise differential adjoint tomography. Dr. Liu, along with seismologists from the United States and China, has developed this technique to enhance the visualization of rocks with fluids. The potential
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have once again reached record levels in 2023, as revealed by recent research conducted by the Global Carbon Project science team. The 18th annual report, published in the journal Earth System Science Data, estimates that fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will reach 36.8 billion metric tons in 2023, marking
A recent study suggests that understanding how mountains influence El Niño and La Niña-induced precipitation change in western North America could improve water conservation planning along the Colorado River. The research compares 150 years of rain and snow data with historic El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) patterns to make more accurate winter precipitation predictions. The study
The formation of the East Coast of the United States has long been a topic of interest for geologists. A recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth sheds new light on this “passive margin” and its significance in the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea and the opening of the Atlantic Ocean.
When one thinks of summer, images of longer days and a slower pace often come to mind. However, recent record-breaking heat in Arizona has brought attention to the concerning future of the planet’s warmest season. The consequences of extreme heat extend far beyond Arizona, with heat-related deaths and power outages impacting vulnerable populations worldwide. As
The University of Oxford, in collaboration with Trillium Technologies’ NIO.space, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging machine learning and hyperspectral data, researchers have developed a tool capable of automatically detecting methane plumes on Earth from satellite orbits. This development could potentially revolutionize the identification of “super emitters”
The consequences of global warming continue to dominate environmental discussions and research worldwide. One of the key concerns is the rising sea levels and the subsequent flooding of coastal areas and low-lying islands. These events lead to the destruction of ecosystems and displacement of both human and animal populations. Among the natural habitats affected are
Sustainability has become a pressing concern in our world today. The existing consumption and production systems that cater to our basic needs are proving to be unsustainable. Researchers from socio-technical and socio-environmental research communities are now coming together to investigate how these systems can be transformed into more sustainable ones. A special feature published in
Climate change has been a topic of concern and study for decades. One crucial factor that affects the climate is the presence of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. Aerosol particles have the ability to hold water, which is known as hygroscopicity (K). However, understanding the relationship between the chemical composition of aerosol particles and their
The issue of climate change continues to dominate global discussions, and rightfully so. With the looming threat of the climate crisis, it is crucial to analyze the factors contributing to carbon emissions. A recent analysis by the nonprofit Oxfam International sheds light on a disturbing reality: the richest one percent of the world’s population is