Earth

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

In recent years, many individuals worldwide have noticed a significant shift in rainfall patterns. The occurrence of intense downpours has become more frequent, while periods of drought seem to be extending and becoming more severe. These changes have sparked concerns among the population and have led scientists to investigate the underlying causes of these unpredictable

The surge in e-commerce demand across America has led to a significant rise in the warehousing industry. However, a groundbreaking study has shed light on the concerning impact of this growth on communities situated near large warehouses. The study, titled “Air pollution impacts from warehousing in the United States uncovered with satellite data,” published in

In a recent study published in Nature Communications, Rice University chemist James Tour and his research team have introduced a groundbreaking approach to remediate synthetic chemicals that contaminate soil and the environment. This new method, known as the Rapid Electrothermal Mineralization (REM) process, has the potential to revolutionize the way we address environmental pollutants. Per-

Lead Contamination in Older Neighborhoods Lead contamination in urban moss has been a growing concern, especially in older neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. A recent study conducted by Alyssa Shiel, an environmental geochemist at Oregon State University, revealed that lead levels in moss from older Portland neighborhoods can be as much as 600 times higher than

An international team of researchers, led by Andrew Sweetman of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), recently made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges long-held assumptions about oxygen production on Earth. The study, titled “Evidence of dark oxygen production at the abysmal seafloor,” published in the journal Nature Geoscience, reveals that metallic minerals on the

The earthquake that struck western Morocco on 8 September 2023, with a magnitude of 6.8, left a trail of destruction in rural communities in the High Atlas Mountains. The aftermath of this seismic event took a heavy toll on human lives, bringing attention to the region’s lack of preparedness for such disasters. Prior to the

Greenhouse gases are a major contributor to global warming, with varying levels of impact based on their global warming potential (GWP). Methane, for example, has a GWP 28 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), on the other hand, have GWPs thousands of times higher than CO2, making them significant contributors