The emissions released into the air when a vehicle brakes have been a topic of interest for scientists, yet there is still much to learn about the potential harm they pose to public health. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine sheds light on the electric charge carried by a
Earth
The study on emergency evacuation planning in Shanghai and New York City reveals significant disparities in the efficiency of evacuating elderly citizens to safety during coastal flooding. While New York City demonstrates quicker evacuation times for vulnerable populations, Shanghai faces challenges due to the lack of neighborhood shelters in flood-prone areas. The research highlights the
The pressing issue of climate change is not only causing the loss of biodiversity but also necessitating the transition to clean, renewable energy sources. However, these two critical aspects are often considered in isolation from each other. There is a crucial question that needs to be addressed – where can clean energy projects be implemented
The Earth’s climate has been relatively stable for hundreds of millions of years, with the average surface temperature varying only by about 20 degrees Celsius. This stability is crucial for the existence of life on our planet and is maintained by a natural ‘thermostat’ mechanism that regulates the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over geological
The Earth’s atmosphere is a complex system that plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate and affecting human health. Understanding the chemistry of the atmosphere, particularly in the lowest layer known as the troposphere, is essential for predicting changes in air quality and the planet’s radiation balance. One key aspect of atmospheric chemistry
Creating accurate models of the Earth’s water cycle is critical for predicting and managing floods and droughts. Dr. Luca Brocca and his team have made significant progress in this area by building highly detailed models known as digital twins. These models are virtual representations of the Earth that are constantly updated with the latest data,
The state of the Earth’s freshwater system is currently facing a crisis like never before. A recent analysis conducted by an international research team has revealed alarming trends in freshwater change that have been happening since the mid-twentieth century. This article will delve into the findings of this analysis, highlighting the significant impacts of human
Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, with devastating consequences for the environment and human populations. A recent study conducted by researchers at Portland State University sheds light on the meteorology behind such events and their impacts. The study, published in the journal Weather and Climate Extremes, focused on a weather system that led to
Glacier-fed streams are experiencing a significant transformation, as highlighted by a recent study conducted by EPFL and Charles University scientists. This research, part of the Vanishing Glaciers project, involved expeditions to various mountain ranges around the world to collect samples from 154 glacier-fed streams. The findings suggest that as glaciers continue to shrink due to
Recent modeling results published in Scientific Reports have highlighted the alarming likelihood of several regions experiencing record-breaking average surface air temperatures in the period leading up to June 2024. These regions include the Bay of Bengal, the Philippines, and the Caribbean Sea. The primary culprit behind this forecast is the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which
The potential impact of melting ice from Greenland and Antarctic glaciers on global sea levels is a significant concern for scientists and researchers. One critical aspect that remains largely unknown is how glacier fracture physics contribute to the process of ice shelf destabilization. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington sheds
In a recent study conducted by Dr. Brian Pratt and Dr. Colin Sproat of the University of Saskatchewan (USask), evidence of a tsunami that occurred hundreds of millions of years ago in Western Canada and the northern United States has been uncovered. This significant discovery sheds light on a catastrophic event that took place in
University of Calgary researchers have recently discovered a concerning link between radon exposure in rural homes and their proximity to drilled groundwater wells. This transdisciplinary team of experts from various faculties delved into the reasons behind the elevated levels of radon found in rural communities compared to urban areas. Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, the principal investigator
When we think of earthquakes, we often focus on the immediate human impact in terms of fatalities and infrastructure damage. However, it is essential to consider the long-term environmental effects as well. Research published in Nature Geoscience indicates that the recovery of forests after earthquakes may take decades, longer even than rebuilding urban infrastructure. The
The recent study conducted by researchers at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna sheds light on the relationship between soil temperature and microbial diversity. This study challenges the traditional belief that higher soil temperatures lead to increased microbial growth and, consequently, greater release of carbon into the