The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has been a subject of extensive research since its monitoring began in 2004. Scientists have delved into the complexities of this system of currents in the Atlantic Ocean, which plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. A recent study published in Nature Communications sheds light on a
Earth
While much attention has been given to tailpipe emissions from vehicles, researchers at the University of California, Irvine have shed light on the concerning issue of particles released into the air when a vehicle’s brakes are applied. This often-overlooked source of pollution may pose a greater threat to public health than previously thought, with up
The study reveals that emergency planners in coastal cities such as Shanghai and New York City are facing increasing pressure to protect elderly citizens from the devastating impact of coastal flooding caused by storms and cyclones. The analysis shows that there are two distinct systems of emergency operation in these cities, leading to significant differences
Climate change is a pressing issue that is not only driving the loss of biodiversity but also creating a need for clean, renewable energy. It is essential to consider these two realities together to ensure the sustainability of our planet and its ecosystems. Species are already facing habitat loss and shifts in their ranges due
It has been established that Earth has a ‘thermostat’ that helps regulate the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over long periods of time, ultimately influencing global temperatures. One of the key players in this regulation process is the erosion and weathering of rocks. When rocks weather, carbon is removed from the atmosphere and sequestered as
The Earth’s atmosphere is a complex system with multiple layers, each playing a vital role in regulating our planet’s climate and air quality. However, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of atmospheric chemistry, particularly in the troposphere – the lowest layer of the atmosphere. One crucial aspect that has garnered attention in recent
The water cycle is a fundamental aspect of the Earth’s natural processes, but predicting floods and droughts remains a challenge due to human impacts, climate change, and complex geography. To effectively model water on Earth, scientists require incredibly high-resolution data that spans vast areas. This data needs to account for various factors such as snowcaps
The analysis of freshwater resources around the world reveals a concerning trend – the planetary boundary for freshwater change has been surpassed as early as the mid-twentieth century. This means that for the past hundred years, human activities have significantly altered the Earth’s freshwater system, pushing it beyond the stable conditions that existed before industrialization.
The extreme weather event that occurred in the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains in 2020, leading to devastating wildfires and record-breaking cold, has been the subject of new research conducted by Portland State University. This research aims to shed light on the meteorology behind the event and its impacts. The study, published in the
The world’s major mountain ranges are experiencing a significant transformation in their glacier-fed streams, as reported by scientists from EPFL and Charles University. The Vanishing Glaciers project conducted expeditions to these streams and found that ongoing glacier shrinkage is leading to the flourishing of microbial life. This shift is evident in the samples collected from
The El Niño phenomenon is known to have significant impacts on climate variability around the world, affecting regions such as the Bay of Bengal, the Philippines, and the Caribbean Sea. A recent study published in Scientific Reports has projected record-breaking average surface air temperatures in these areas for the period up to June 2024 as
One of the biggest unknowns in predicting the future of rising sea levels is the behavior of glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica. The amount of water frozen in these glaciers is enough to significantly raise global sea levels if they were to melt. Understanding the physics behind glacier fractures is crucial in determining how warmer
In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, evidence of a massive tsunami that occurred hundreds of millions of years ago in Western Canada has been uncovered. Dr. Brian Pratt and Dr. Colin Sproat have shed light on this ancient event, providing remarkable insights into the geological history of the region.
Recent research conducted by a transdisciplinary team at the University of Calgary has revealed a concerning link between radon exposure in rural homes and their proximity to drilled groundwater wells. This discovery sheds light on the higher concentrations of radon found in rural communities compared to urban areas, prompting further investigation into the geophysical makeup
When we think of the aftermath of earthquakes, we often focus on the immediate human casualties and infrastructure damage. However, a recent study published in Nature Geoscience highlights the long-term environmental impact of seismic events on forests. The research suggests that the recovery of forests post-earthquake may take decades, surpassing the time required for rebuilding
