Earth

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,

With climate change exacerbating flood risks in urban areas around the world, heavy rainfall disasters are becoming increasingly common. The traditional method of displaying flood risk assessments on flat maps has limitations, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the potential dangers posed by flooding to residents. Researchers at Osaka University have introduced a groundbreaking solution to

Recent research has shed light on a concerning issue – the presence of natural gas leaks that go undetected even by individuals with an average sense of smell. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, revealed that small gas leaks can significantly impact indoor air quality by introducing hazardous air pollutants, including the carcinogen benzene.

The increasing global demand for cobalt and lithium for e-car batteries, as well as other materials such as copper, aluminum, iron, and rare earth elements for renewable energy technologies, poses significant challenges for the future. The transition to a fossil-free power supply is essential for combating climate change, but it also comes with its own

Methane is a greenhouse gas with a potency 25 times greater than carbon dioxide. When combined with water at low temperatures and high pressure, methane forms methane hydrate, a solid substance found in large deposits under the seafloor. Estimates suggest that there are at least 1,800 gigatons of carbon stored in this form, with some

Recent research conducted by a team led by Dr. Hamed Gamaleldien has challenged previous beliefs about the timeline of the emergence of fresh water on Earth. The study, titled “Onset of the Earth’s hydrological cycle four billion years ago or earlier,” published in the journal Nature Geoscience, reveals that fresh water appeared on Earth approximately

The Earth has undergone various bursts of biodiversity throughout its history, with one of the most significant being the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event around 480 million years ago. Recent findings by researchers at Johns Hopkins University suggest that the seemingly humble creatures, such as prehistoric worms and other invertebrates, played a crucial role in this