Earth

Barrier islands play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from the direct impacts of storms and sea-level rise. Composed of sand, these islands are constantly shifting and evolving in response to environmental factors such as winds, waves, and tides. They act as a buffer, shielding landward areas from the destructive forces of natural disasters. However,

A recent study conducted by researchers from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) sheds light on the world’s increasing reliance on groundwater systems that are being rapidly depleted. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate efforts to reduce groundwater depletion. However, the researchers also warn that addressing this issue

From providing oxygen through photosynthesis to serving as food for marine life, marine algae play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Their potential goes beyond sustaining marine life; they can also be utilized to create eco-friendly plastics and fuel. One method of leveraging marine algae for commercial purposes is through aquaculture. However, traditional aquaculture practices

In 2017, during a research field trip to the Ichinokawa Mine in Ehime prefecture, Noriyoshi Tsuchiya, a professor at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, stumbled upon a remarkable discovery. While most people would be captivated by the dazzling sword-shaped stibnite crystals in the mine, Tsuchiya’s attention was drawn to a seemingly mundane sedimentary rock

Earthquakes are natural disasters that can cause catastrophic damage to both the environment and human lives. The ability to predict earthquakes ahead of time is crucial in order to mitigate their impact. Recent studies have shown that satellites can play a key role in detecting anomalies that may serve as early warning signs for earthquakes.

Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Southern California has provided clear evidence that the Earth’s inner core is slowing down for the first time in many decades. This discovery contradicts previous studies suggesting that the inner core rotates faster than the planet’s surface. According to John Vidale, Dean’s Professor of Earth Sciences

The alarming increase in nitrous oxide emissions has been a major concern for researchers studying its impact on the environment. The recent report by the Global Carbon Project reveals that between 1980 and 2020, over 10 million metric tons of nitrous oxide were released into the atmosphere. This greenhouse gas is even more potent than

Climate models play a crucial role in predicting the impacts of climate change on our planet. These models help scientists and policymakers estimate sea level rise, flooding, temperature changes, and other important factors that influence decision-making. However, traditional climate models have limitations when it comes to providing quick and cost-effective information at smaller scales, such

The collaboration between researchers and artists has resulted in a groundbreaking project that aims to make invisible air pollution visible through the use of digital light painting and low-cost air pollution sensors. This innovative approach has shed light on the health risks faced by individuals living and working in Ethiopia, India, and the UK. The

The recent study published in Environmental Research Letters highlights the alarming fact that even individuals with an average sense of smell may be unknowingly exposed to natural gas leaks in their homes. This poses a significant risk to public health as small gas leaks can introduce hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, a known carcinogen.

Climate change has brought about an increase in flood risks in urban areas, posing a serious threat to communities worldwide. Heavy rainfall disasters are no longer confined to specific regions, but have become a global issue that demands urgent attention. Traditional methods of displaying flood risk simulations on flat maps have proven to be limited

The increasing shift towards a sustainable future, particularly in the transportation and energy sectors, is expected to lead to a significant rise in demand for key raw materials such as cobalt, lithium, copper, aluminum, iron, and rare earth elements. According to a recent study conducted by the Berlin-based climate research institute MCC, global demand for

Recent research led by Dr. Hamed Gamaleldien and Dr. Hugo Olierook from Curtin University has uncovered evidence suggesting that fresh water on Earth appeared much earlier than previously believed. By examining ancient crystals from the Jack Hills in Western Australia, the researchers have dated the onset of Earth’s hydrological cycle to about 4 billion years

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is about 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. When combined with water at low temperatures and high pressure, it forms methane hydrate, which is an ice-like solid found in large deposits under the seafloor. Estimates suggest that there are at least 1,800 gigatons of carbon stored in

The study conducted by Johns Hopkins University researchers sheds new light on the significant role that prehistoric worms and other invertebrates played in sparking a chain of events that led to the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, which occurred approximately 480 million years ago. These small creatures, which no longer exist today, were found to have