Earth

Located in Antarctica, the McMurdo Dry Valleys are known for being one of the driest places on Earth. Surrounded by mountains, these valleys are shielded from melting glacier water and have extremely low humidity levels. Interestingly, there was no recorded rainfall in the valleys between the 1960s and the early 2020s. In March 2022, the

Following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Luding County, China, researchers from the Southern University of Science and Technology conducted a study to determine whether Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations could assist in rapid landslide prediction post-earthquake. The results of their study, published in Seismological Research Letters, provided valuable insights into the potential of GNSS

Groundwater is an essential resource that plays a crucial role in sustaining plants, ecosystems, agricultural production, and drinking water supplies. However, there is a common misconception that groundwater levels are continuously declining everywhere, especially in southwestern Europe. A recent study conducted by an international research team led by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)

Recent research conducted by a team of Earth scientists, environmental engineers, and geomaticists has shed light on an interesting trend in urban development. The study, published in the journal Nature Cities, revealed that modern cities around the world have been experiencing more vertical growth than horizontal expansion. This finding challenges the traditional notion of cities

Antarctica, the largest ice mass on Earth, plays a crucial role in predicting future sea levels and the impacts of climate change. A recent study led by McGill University has shed light on the relationship between Antarctic ice melt and rising sea levels, emphasizing the importance of reducing carbon emissions to mitigate the consequences. The

The study published in Science Advances highlights the challenges faced by climate scientists in accurately predicting tipping times for critical Earth system components such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), polar ice sheets, and tropical rainforests. These tipping events, triggered by human-caused global warming, can lead to rapid and irreversible climate changes with potentially

Ocean temperatures from ancient times have been reconstructed using the ratio of different oxygen atoms in fossils’ calcium carbonate remains. This method, however, is not without its challenges. Biological processes, known as “vital effects,” can significantly impact the data, particularly in corals. A recent study led by the University of Göttingen introduces a new approach

Interbasin water transfers play a crucial role in supplying water across vast geographical areas in the U.S. West. However, recent research published in Nature Water has shed light on the significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with two major interbasin transfer projects in Arizona and California. These projects, namely the Central Arizona Project and the State

Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Manchester and the National Oceanography Center (NOC) has shed new light on the relationship between changes in the ocean floor and deep-sea currents. This study, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals that the topography of the ocean floor has a significant impact on the speed, direction, and

The melting of permafrost in the Alps is a significant concern that poses numerous risks to the landscape and infrastructure of the region. As glaciers vanish, the underlying bedrock, which is usually permanently frozen, begins to thaw. This thawing process can lead to destabilization of mountain slopes, changes in the landscape, and potential dangers to

California is facing a critical juncture in its agriculture sector as the impact of climate change becomes increasingly evident. A recent report by University of California faculty members highlights the urgent need for bold measures to adapt the $59 billion agriculture sector to a future with declining water availability. The report, published in the Proceedings

Sapphires have always been considered one of the most precious gems in the world, known for their striking blue color. However, despite their beauty, sapphires are composed primarily of aluminum oxide which is considered a “contaminant” in the gemstone world. Researchers at Heidelberg University have been delving into the formation of these unique gems in

A recent study led by researchers from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and Charles University, Prague, has highlighted the importance of field data collection in mapping peatlands in the Amazon basin. The new data-driven map reveals a significantly larger extent of peatlands in the region compared to previous estimates, emphasizing the critical role these

The recent research published in the journal Science by Chinese researchers and the UK Met Office reveals a concerning trend in rainfall variability due to human-induced climate change. The findings indicate a significant increase in rainfall variability over the past century, with regions such as Australia, Europe, and eastern North America being particularly affected. The

The eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano in mid-January 2022 injected significant amounts of volcanic aerosols and water vapor into the atmosphere. Unlike previous major volcanic events, Hunga Tonga, being a submarine volcano, introduced an unprecedented amount of water vapor into the stratosphere. This increase in total stratospheric water content by about 10% raised questions