Earth

For years, the perception of coca production has been largely tied to its historical roots in South America, primarily Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. However, recent research has illuminated a concerning shift: nearly half of northern Central America presents a viable environment for coca cultivation. This newfound potential for coca farming in countries like Honduras, Guatemala,

In a groundbreaking development, Stanford University researchers have unveiled SandAI, an advanced artificial intelligence-driven tool that has the potential to discern the history of quartz sand grains that stretches back hundreds of millions of years. This sophisticated technology allows scientists to accurately identify the natural forces—whether wind, water, glaciers, or waves—that shaped and deposited these

The increasing implications of ice sheet meltwater on global sea levels have propelled scientists to delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. A recent study conducted by researchers from The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, has introduced a new

The intricate processes governing the movement of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the ocean surface to its depths are central to our understanding of climate dynamics. Given the ocean’s role as a significant carbon sink, how carbon is sequestered can have profound implications on our efforts to combat climate change. A recent study published in *Science*

Ice may evoke an image of a frosty paradise suitable for winter sports and leisurely pursuits; however, recent findings from a study conducted at York University indicate that its apparent strength can be misleading. As winter temperatures rise, the implications on ice thickness, formation, and overall quality present significant risks to safety. The quality of

The summer of 2024 brought with it unprecedented heat, marking the hottest season on record. This alarming trend is not merely a fleeting instance of extreme weather but a reflection of a broader paradigm shift in our global climate system. As regions around the world, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, grapple with escalating temperatures, severe

Droughts have long posed significant threats to ecosystems, agriculture, and human communities around the world. The fluctuations in rainfall and water availability can lead to dire socio-economic consequences, particularly in regions heavily reliant on agriculture. Traditional methods of drought monitoring often fall short due to the complex and varied nature of hydroclimatic conditions across different

Throughout Earth’s history, dramatic climatic shifts have shaped the planet and the life it harbors. One of the most profound of these shifts is the phenomenon known as “Snowball Earth,” which refers to periods when the Earth was nearly entirely frozen over, encased in ice up to a staggering 0.6 miles thick. Occurring a handful

Recent research led by Dr. Zoë Thomas from the University of Southampton has unveiled a fascinating chapter in the ecological history of the Falkland Islands, an archipelago known today for its rugged, treeless grasslands. This surprising study revealed that these islands were once blanketed by a lush rainforest, teeming with life 30 million years ago.

Deep beneath the Earth’s surface, a complex interplay of water and rock is continuously taking place. Researchers have long recognized that this dynamic relationship has significant implications for geological events, including earthquakes and the movement of tectonic plates. The latest research, spearheaded by Schmalholz and his team, investigates how water interacts with rocks that appear

The continuing crisis of plastic pollution represents one of the most insidious environmental threats facing our planet today. Recent scientific insights emphasize the urgency of a coordinated international response to address this multifaceted problem. A group of experts from various fields has highlighted that the current national legislative efforts fall notably short in mitigating this

A groundbreaking study co-led by the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Arizona has revealed intriguing insights into Earth’s global mean surface temperature (GMST) over an astonishing timescale of 485 million years. Published in the journal Science on September 19, this research amalgamates the expertise of paleobiologists and climate scientists to trace temperature fluctuations throughout

In an era where climate change is at the forefront of global concerns, understanding the complexities that govern our oceans is more critical than ever. Recent findings showcase a significant step forward in this regard. New research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, harnesses the power of advanced deep ocean robots called Deep Argo floats, combined

As the global demand for seafood continues to rise, industrial fishing practices have evolved to accommodate our insatiable appetite for fish, particularly large pelagic species like tuna. This relentless harvesting from our oceans has led to significant environmental and health ramifications, most notably increased exposure to methylmercury, a highly toxic compound with severe implications for

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Japan have uncovered significant findings about deep-ocean hydrothermal vents. Led by Ryuhei Nakamura at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science and The Earth-Life Science Institute, this research provides not only a deeper understanding of life’s origins on Earth but also opens avenues for novel industrial applications. The implications