Earth

The recent findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences have shed light on the alarming rate at which atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are increasing. According to the study, the current rate of increase is 10 times faster than any other point in the past 50,000 years. This unprecedented speed of change

Climate tipping points are moments where small changes lead to dramatic shifts in the climate system, resulting in significant consequences for the environment and human societies. The transition from the African Humid Period (AHP) to dry conditions in North Africa serves as a powerful example of such tipping points in recent geological history. There are

A recent study conducted by a team of scientists at The University of Texas at Austin has revealed a concerning trend in seismic activity in the Midland Basin region. The research, led by Dino Huang, a research assistant professor at the Jackson School of Geosciences, analyzed seven years of earthquake data and found that seismic

Maintaining the delicate balance between nature conservation and coastal protection is crucial for the future of our planet. A recent study conducted by a Dutch-Chinese team of researchers has shed light on the significance of turbid water in preserving intertidal areas and salt marshes off our coasts. The Role of Turbidity in Coastal Defense The

The movement of tectonic plates has long been known to shape the rocky features of Earth’s surface. However, recent research indicates that the mantle layer underneath also plays a significant role in influencing Earth’s topography, even in areas located far from tectonic plate edges. This residual topography, as it is known, can have a profound

The recent large-scale analysis of fire patterns in West and Central Africa’s wet, tropical forests reveals alarming trends that are likely to have significant implications for the future. The study highlights a concerning increase in the number of active fires in the region over an 18-year period, particularly in the Congo Basin. These increases are

The research conducted by an SMU-led team in Angola has unveiled crucial evidence of the splitting of South America and Africa, leading to the formation of the South Atlantic Ocean. This discovery sheds light on a significant chapter in Earth’s history, providing a remarkable glimpse into the past. The juxtaposition of ancient rocks and fossils

A recent study published in Nature Geoscience has shed light on the sensitivity of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to climate warming in permafrost-collapsed areas compared to non-collapsed areas. With the rapid thawing of permafrost in high-latitude and high-altitude regions due to warmer temperatures, it is crucial to understand the implications of this phenomenon on

Last year’s snow deluge in California, marking the end of a two-decade long megadrought, was identified as an extraordinary and rare event by a recent study. This particular snow deluge was categorized as a one-in-20-year occurrence of heavy snowfall, creating a deep snowpack through April 1. The study identified that these extreme snowfalls are expected

China has set a commendable goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, which has been celebrated by environmentalists around the world. However, a recent study has shed light on the potential hidden costs and environmental challenges that may come with this ambitious decarbonization plan. The research, led by Stefano Galelli from the School of Civil

A recent study conducted by NASA researchers sheds light on the dynamics of river water flow, the rates at which water enters the ocean, and the fluctuations in these figures over time. This information is crucial for understanding Earth’s water cycle and managing freshwater resources. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, utilized a unique methodology

The impact of human activities on Earth’s surface has been extensively studied, but what about the deep subsurface that lies beneath the planet’s surface? A recent study conducted by hydrology researchers from the University of Arizona sheds light on how humans are affecting Earth’s deep subsurface. The study reveals how activities such as oil and

The Nile River, spanning over 11 countries in East Africa, holds significant importance as a source of water, energy production, environmental quality, and cultural wealth. However, the utilization of Nile resources has led to longstanding tensions among the countries sharing its waters, hindering opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit. In light of increasing demands for

Rivers play a crucial role in shaping the landscape as they flow across it. They create valleys, canyons, floodplains, and deltas while transporting sediment from the uplands to the ocean. A recent study conducted by researchers from UC Santa Barbara sheds light on what drives the migration rates of meandering rivers. Lead author Evan Greenberg,

As wildfires in Siberia continue to increase in frequency, researchers have been studying the potential impacts on global climate, air quality, health, and economies in regions across the northern hemisphere. A recent study conducted by researchers at Hokkaido University, the University of Tokyo, and Kyushu University has shed light on the significant and widespread effects