The study of cloud patterns in the context of our changing climate is crucial for predicting the potential impact on both society and nature. Research conducted by scientists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and the Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology sheds light on how the clustering of clouds and storms affects extreme rainfall
Earth
One of the prevailing notions in the scientific community has been that higher soil temperatures lead to increased microbial growth and consequently, more carbon release into the atmosphere. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science at the University of Vienna challenges this assumption. The study, published
The atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, by the United States in August 1945 left a lasting impact on the city and its residents. The devastation caused by the bomb not only resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, but it also had long-standing effects, including an elevated incidence of cancer due to
Studying the first organisms on our planet requires a deep dive into the rocks of the early Earth. These rocks are rare and can only be found in a handful of locations around the world. One such site is the Pilbara Craton in Western Australia, where rocks dating back 3.5 billion years contain evidence of
By the year 2050, experts believe that the demand for food globally will rise by a staggering 110%. Unfortunately, this increased demand comes at a time when approximately 40% of croplands and pastures are facing threats due to rising global temperatures, high concentrations of greenhouse gases, and various other environmental factors. A team of researchers
The idea of utilizing anoxic marine basins for large-scale carbon sequestration in the deep ocean has gained significant attention in recent years. A study conducted by researchers at UC Santa Barbara sheds light on the viability of this method while emphasizing the importance of minimizing negative impacts on marine life. As the global community strives
Trace metals are vital nutrient elements that are necessary for the proper functioning of both animals and plants. These elements, such as zinc, are required in small amounts and can be obtained through diet or environmental exposures. However, it is important to find a balance, as deficiencies can lead to health issues while excessive amounts
A recent study conducted by Dr. Assaf Hochman and his team from the Institute of Earth Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has shed light on the complex dynamics of sub-seasonal precipitation anomalies in the Middle East. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, unveils significant correlations between these anomalies and key climate
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is rapidly approaching a tipping point that could have catastrophic consequences for the global climate system. A new study published in Nature, conducted by an international team of researchers including scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact research (PIK), warns that up
A recent study conducted by behavioral researchers at the University of Bonn, the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE in Frankfurt, and the University of Copenhagen has shed light on an encouraging trend: a majority of the world’s population is not only supportive of climate action but also willing to make personal sacrifices to combat
When studying rocks, one can uncover a captivating narrative hidden within. Frieder Klein, an associate scientist in the Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, compares studying rocks to reading a book. His recent analysis of rocks from the submerged flanks of the St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago in the
For decades, both the public and scientists have been captivated by the concept of catastrophic mass extinctions that occurred millions of years ago, decimating Earth’s ecosystems. In a groundbreaking publication by Jack Sepkoski and David Raup in 1982, they identified the “Big Five” extinction events in the planet’s geological history. These events include the end-Ordovician,
An alarming and catastrophic scenario of an abrupt halt in the Atlantic Ocean currents, with the potential to plunge large parts of Europe into a deep freeze, is becoming increasingly likely according to a new complex computer simulation. This simulation has identified a “cliff-like” tipping point in the future, indicating that the nightmare scenario may
In a stunning turn of events, a river of magma beneath an Icelandic fishing village has captured the attention of scientists worldwide. Late last year, a volcanic eruption on the western Reykjanes peninsula revealed a previously unknown level of magma flow. This region had not witnessed an eruption in 800 years, hinting at a reawakening
Australian geologists have recently conducted a study using plate tectonic modeling to uncover the cause of an extreme ice-age climate that occurred more than 700 million years ago. This research, published in Geology, not only sheds light on the Earth’s built-in thermostat but also highlights the sensitivity of global climate to atmospheric carbon concentration. Unraveling