In a terrifying twist, though, it’s not just the sharks and the rough seas that have rendered the Farallones mostly out of bounds. According to the Golden Gate Audubon Society, a local conservation group, the islands have long been plagued by oil slicks that drench and kill the native birds. Photo Credit: Nic Kirschner/Getty Images

Lethal oil slicks

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Costa Atlántica Reserve stretching along the Atlantic coast in Argentina.



“At the far southern reaches of South America, a stretch of tidal flats, shoals, and beaches serves as a refuge for migratory shorebirds and copious aquatic life,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina extends for 220 kilometers (140 miles) along the eastern shore of Tierra del Fuego. The area was designated a Ramsar site in 1995 and a provincial nature reserve in 1998." 



According to NASA, the reserve is the southernmost site both on the Ramsar list and in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-costa-atlantica-reserve">Significance of the Costa Atlántica Reserve</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is an important conservation site that signifies Argentina's commitment to preserving its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal biodiversity</a>.&nbsp;



This vast expanse of protected area serves as a sanctuary for many species, ranging from migratory birds to marine mammals and diverse plant life.



“Tidal habitats along the coast support some 135 species of birds, while crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and cetaceans feed in the productive coastal waters,” said NASA.&nbsp;



“The topography inland of Costa Atlántica, stretching into Chile to the west, is blanketed in shrubs and grassland vegetation adapted to dry conditions - part of a semiarid ecosystem known as the Fuegian steppe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-ecological-balance-nbsp">Maintaining ecological balance&nbsp;</h2>



Established to safeguard the delicate ecosystems of dunes, estuaries, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-lagoons-have-high-loads-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal lagoons</a>, the reserve plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.&nbsp;



The Costa Atlántica Reserve provides critical habitats for numerous threatened species, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-right-whales-have-shifted-their-foraging-grounds/">Southern Right Whale</a>, which finds refuge in these waters during its breeding season. 



The reserve’s sheltered bays and nutrient-rich waters create an ideal environment for mothers to nurse their calves before embarking on long migrations. 



In addition to whales, the reserve supports populations of sea lions and Magellanic penguins. Its protection is vital for the long-term survival of these species in the face of climate change and human activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-costa-atlantica-reserve-a-living-laboratory-nbsp">Costa Atlántica Reserve: A living laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is not only a refuge for wildlife but also a living laboratory for scientific research. 



Conservationists and researchers work within its bounds to monitor ecosystems, study species behaviors, and develop strategies for sustainable management. 



This ongoing research is pivotal in understanding the impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-river-deltas-face-major-threats-beyond-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal environments</a> and in devising measures to mitigate these effects.



Furthermore, the reserve illustrates the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Local communities are engaged in sustainable tourism and educational programs.&nbsp;



Through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bird-photographers-improve-nesting-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-tourism</a> initiatives, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the reserve while contributing to its preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tierra-del-fuego-archipelago">Tierra del Fuego archipelago</h2>



According to NASA, the broader landscape of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago was shaped by glaciers.&nbsp;



“Ice advanced over the mountains and lowlands during cold climatic periods between the mid-Pleistocene, about 1 million years ago, and the Last Glacial Maximum, about 20,000 years ago. San Sebastián Bay formed in a tectonic depression that was deepened by glacial erosion," noted NASA.&nbsp;



“Further evidence of glaciation, including hummocky moraines and fields of glacial erratics, appears around the bay, though it is too small to be visible in this image.”



“Partially enclosed by a long, sandy peninsula, San Sebastián Bay attracts copious migratory birds, some of which shuttle seasonally between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”



“Large populations of the Hudsonian godwit, white-rumped sandpiper, and other long-distance flyers congregate in the vast intertidal zones. This part of the reserve, however, is vulnerable to the impact of oil and gas extraction from onshore and offshore deposits.”



The image was captured on February 20, 2024 by the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a> (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an explosive eruption of Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. The photo was captured on February 13 by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on the Landsat 8 satellite.



<a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153962/river-of-fire-on-mount-etna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> noted that the natural-color scene is overlaid with an infrared signal to distinguish the lava’s heat signature on the mountain's snowy slopes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-unrest">Signs of unrest</h2>



“On February 8, 2025, Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that Mount Etna had begun exhibiting ‘signs of unrest above its background level,’”&nbsp;said NASA.



“That’s unsurprising for the frequently unruly Sicilian peak, one of the most active stratovolcanoes in the world. But the fiery explosions, disruptive ash clouds, and long lava flows that ensued stood out as being unusually spectacular to many Etna watchers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensifying-eruptions-on-mount-etna">Intensifying eruptions on Mount Etna </h2>



The activity intensified on February 10th, with lava flowing from the Bocca Nuova crater at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters above sea level.&nbsp;



According to news reports, the eruption created a striking visual as molten lava traversed the snow-covered slopes, producing rivers of lava up to 3 kilometers long and emitting ash plumes visible from several kilometers away.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> attracted thousands of tourists eager to witness the spectacle. However, the influx of visitors led to traffic congestion, obstructing emergency services and prompting warnings from local authorities about the potential dangers of approaching the active volcano.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-mount-etna-eruptions">Impacts of Mount Etna eruptions </h2>



Despite the dramatic displays, there were no reports of injuries or significant property damage, though experts continue to closely monitor the situation.



Satellite imagery has provided detailed views of the active lava flow cutting through the snow-covered slopes, with ash plumes dispersing from the summit.



“The presence of ash prompted authorities to raise the aviation color code to orange on February 13. On other days during this eruption, it was elevated to red, the highest level of concern. The airport in nearby Catania diverted flights amid hazardous conditions, according to news reports,” said NASA.



“Since Etna stirred to life this time around, crowds of hikers and even some skiers flocked to its slopes to witness the fiery displays and lava flows melting through snow. The eruption was ongoing as of February 18, with weak ash emissions and decreasing explosive activity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-volcano-with-a-long-history">A volcano with a long history </h2>



Mount Etna has a history stretching back hundreds of thousands of years. Located on the east coast of Sicily, near Catania, the volcano has shaped the landscape and influenced human civilization.



The volcano’s activity dates back at least 500,000 years, with its earliest eruptions occurring beneath the sea before the landmass emerged. Over time, lava flows, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a>, and collapses have sculpted the towering stratovolcano seen today.



Ancient civilizations were well aware of Etna’s power. Greek mythology depicted it as the forge of Hephaestus, the god of fire, while the poet Pindar described its violent eruptions. The philosopher Empedocles was even said to have perished in its fiery depths.&nbsp;



Etna’s eruptions were documented throughout Roman history, including a major event in 122 BC that devastated Catania.



During the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, Etna continued its eruptions, frequently altering its landscape and affecting nearby settlements.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-activity-of-mount-etna">Monitoring the activity of Mount Etna </h2>



One of the most devastating eruptions occurred in 1669, when lava flows destroyed several villages and overwhelmed parts of Catania’s city walls. Despite these dangers, people continued to live and farm on Etna’s fertile slopes, taking advantage of its rich volcanic soil.



Scientific study of Mount Etna began in the 19th and 20th centuries, as researchers sought to understand its behavior and mitigate its risks. Advances in monitoring technology have since helped track its activity, though eruptions remain unpredictable.&nbsp;



In modern times, Etna continues to be one of the most closely watched <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> in the world, with frequent eruptions, ash clouds, and lava flows affecting air travel and local communities.



Mount Etna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 due to its geological significance and cultural history.&nbsp;



Today, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-next-big-volcano-eruption-will-cause-global-chaos-climate-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> attracts tourists, scientists, and locals alike, serving as both a reminder of nature’s power and a source of economic and scientific interest.



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Fiery eruption of Mount Etna captured from space

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-webb-nbsp-nbsp">The power of Webb&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



The same cluster was featured as the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023.&nbsp;



According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. 



"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc-1333">Webb’s view of NGC 1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC 1333 cloud. 



“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."



The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-the-sun">Formation of the Sun</h2>



“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.



Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.



Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> is ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.



Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. 



These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;



These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-ngc-1333">Significance of NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy, still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks.&nbsp;



In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;



It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;



These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.



The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features smoke streaming from Tasmania, where bushfires were ignited by dry lightning strikes earlier this month.&nbsp;



By February 5, more than a dozen fires were burning in the state's remote central and western regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bushfires-fueled-by-challenging-conditions">Bushfires fueled by challenging conditions </h2>



Communities such as Zeehan, Corinna, and Pieman Heads have been threatened, leading to evacuations and significant disruptions during the peak tourism season.



“In early February 2025, bushfires ignited in northwestern Tasmania, where they have continued to burn on the island for more than a week amid windy, warm, and dry conditions,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153933/smoke-billows-from-bushfires-in-tasmania" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Smoke from the fires is visible in this image, acquired at about 4 p.m. local time on February 12, 2025, by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA’s Aqua satellite.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-the-tasmania-bushfires">Impacts of the Tasmania bushfires</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-the-recovery-of-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> have burned over 90,000 hectares, with a combined perimeter exceeding 1,200 kilometers.



The fires are expected to continue burning for several more weeks. Due to the region's remote and challenging terrain, authorities report that significant effort is still needed to gain control over the blazes.



“According to a heatwave warning from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), much of the state’s west coast saw severe heatwave conditions on several days during the week of February 10,” noted NASA.



“The region has also been exceptionally dry. For example, the past 12-month period has been the driest on record (since 1900) along the coastal areas near Sandy Cape.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-heritage-sites">Cultural and heritage sites</h2>



One significant area under threat is the takayna/Tarkine region in northwest Tasmania. This region is home to a grove of ancient Huon pine trees, including one estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old, making it the oldest known Huon pine.&nbsp;



The Yellowband Plain fire has burned perilously close to this grove, coming within meters of these irreplaceable trees.



Firefighters from Tasmania, interstate, and New Zealand are collaborating to control the blazes and help protect the Huon pine trees, as well as Indigenous heritage sites. 



Efforts to assess and mitigate the damage have been hampered by challenging weather conditions, including low cloud cover that restricts aerial surveys. Strong winds of up to 50 miles per hour have also complicated efforts to contain the bushfires.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-is-intensifying-bushfires-nbsp">Climate change is intensifying bushfires&nbsp;</h2>



Climate change and bushfires are deeply interconnected, with rising global temperatures intensifying the frequency and severity of wildfires in many regions.&nbsp;



Warmer temperatures lead to drier conditions, reducing moisture in vegetation and making it more susceptible to ignition. Prolonged droughts - which are becoming more common due to climate change - further dry out forests and grasslands, creating an abundance of flammable material.



Extreme heat waves increase the likelihood of fires starting and spreading rapidly. Higher temperatures also contribute to stronger winds, which can fan flames and carry embers over long distances, igniting new fires. 



Additionally, shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultrafine-particles-in-wildfire-smoke-change-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a> are altering fire seasons, making them longer and more unpredictable. Some areas that previously had clear fire seasons are now experiencing fires year-round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-behavior-of-wildfires-nbsp">Shifting behavior of wildfires&nbsp;</h2>



Climate change is also affecting the way bushfires behave. Many recent wildfires have been more intense, burning hotter and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spreading faster</a> than historical fires. This makes them harder to control and increases their impact on communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. 



The destruction of forests not only contributes to immediate carbon emissions but also reduces the planet’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, creating a feedback loop that worsens climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-increased-fire-activity">Consequences of increased fire activity</h2>



Beyond the direct effects on landscapes and air quality, increased bushfire activity has severe consequences for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a>, economies, and biodiversity. 



Smoke from large wildfires contains fine particles that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, even for people far from the fire zones.&nbsp;



Wildlife struggles to escape or recover from habitat destruction, sometimes pushing species closer to extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-the-risks">Mitigating the risks</h2>



Efforts to mitigate these risks include better fire management strategies, improved early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bushfires-are-detected-500-times-faster-with-ai-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warning systems</a>, and sustainable land-use practices. 



However, long-term solutions require addressing the root cause - reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down global warming.&nbsp;



Without significant action, climate change will continue to fuel more extreme and destructive bushfires, with devastating consequences for both nature and society.



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Tasmania bushfires: A growing crisis in an era of climate change

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of Mount Nemrut, a volcano located in eastern Turkey near Lake Van.



Mount Nemrut is notable for its immense caldera, which was formed through a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a>. The caldera, one of the largest in the world, now contains several lakes such as Lake Nemrut.&nbsp;



"The eastern half of the caldera is partially filled by solidified lava flows from past eruptions. Snow cover present at the time of this photo accentuates pressure ridges that formed as the lava was flowing and cooling," noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"These pressure ridges vary in size, thickness, and orientation due to the varying viscosity and flow direction of the lavas during eruptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-lake-nemrut">Formation of Lake Nemrut</h2>



"Lake Nemrut (Nemrut Gölü) occupies the western half of the caldera, creating a rough crescent shape that partially submerges the old lava flows," said NASA.



"This freshwater lake, reaching up to 176 meters deep, is accompanied by a smaller lake at the upper-center of the caldera."



The lake was formed after the collapse of the Nemrut volcano's summit. This collapse created a massive crater, which gradually filled with water over time, forming the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unesco-world-heritage-site">UNESCO World Heritage Site </h2>



Mount Nemrut and its surroundings are part of a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their ecological and geological significance.



The site is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species that use the lake as a stopover during migration. The caldera also contains smaller lakes and wetlands, adding to the area's biodiversity.



Lake Nemrut is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape.



Despite its popularity, the lake remains relatively remote and unspoiled, contributing to its appeal as a natural wonder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mount-nemrut-has-shaped-the-landscape">Mount Nemrut has shaped the landscape</h2>



Geologically, Mount Nemrut is interesting because its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a> have played a key role in shaping the local landscape. 



Its last major eruption occurred around 1441 AD, which indicates that it's not currently active.



The area around Nemrut is known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and fumaroles, suggesting that there is still significant heat beneath the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tribute-to-a-king">Tribute to a king</h2>



Over thousands of years, various civilizations have inhabited the region around Nemrut, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological sites.



The summit of Mount Nemrut is dominated by a vast funerary mound constructed by King Antiochus I Theos, who ruled the Kingdom of Commagene in the 1st century BCE. 



The site was intended to serve as his tomb sanctuary and a place to commemorate the king's vision of divine kingship and unity between Eastern and Western cultures.



The mound, made of loose crushed stones, measures about 50 meters (164 feet) in height and spans a diameter of 150 meters (492 feet), creating an imposing feature visible from afar.



Surrounding the mound are terraces on the eastern, western, and northern sides, each adorned with colossal statues and reliefs. The statues, ranging in height from 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet), represent various deities, including Zeus, Apollo, Hercules, and the goddess Tyche, alongside King Antiochus himself. 



The heads of the statues, many of which have toppled over due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquakes</a> and erosion, lie scattered around the site.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiritual-and-religious-practices">Spiritual and religious practices</h2>



In addition to the statues, inscriptions at Mount Nemrut provide valuable historical information about the kingdom, the king's lineage, and the religious practices of the time.



The site is not only a marvel of ancient engineering but also a spiritual and astronomical center. Scholars believe the terraces were aligned with celestial events, serving as an observatory for solstices and equinoxes.



In addition to its natural and historical significance, the Nemrut volcano has been the subject of scientific study, as researchers aim to understand more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in the region, the history of its eruptions, and the potential risks it may pose in the future.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Mount Nemrut: Ancient mysteries and natural marvels 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features La Niña, a global climate event that is expected to be short-lived.



The map represents sea surface height anomalies on January 13, 2025 across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;



“Shades of blue indicate sea levels that were lower than average, while shades of red indicate areas where the ocean stood higher than normal. Normal sea level conditions appear in white,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153917/la-nina-is-here" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-onset-of-la-nina-nbsp">The onset of La Niña&nbsp;</h2>



According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea surface temperatures in the east-central equatorial Pacific dropped below average in December 2024, marking the onset of La Niña. This cooling pattern has persisted into early 2025.



NOAA's Climate Prediction Center indicates a 59% chance that La Niña conditions will continue through February-April 2025, with a likely transition to ENSO-neutral conditions during March-May 2025.



“After seven months of waiting, La Niña - the cooler sister of El Niño - finally showed up in the eastern Pacific Ocean in early December 2024. La Niña may not stick around long, though,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-la-nina">What is La Niña?</h2>



La Niña is a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle that occurs when strengthened easterly trade winds enhance the upwelling of cooler water from the depths of the eastern tropical Pacific.&nbsp;



This process leads to a significant cooling of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific near the equator. The intensified trade winds also drive warm equatorial waters westward toward Asia and Australia.&nbsp;



“This dramatic cooling of the ocean’s surface layers affects the atmosphere by modifying the moisture content across the Pacific,” explained NASA.



“In a report published on January 9, 2025, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center confirmed that La Niña conditions were present. They measured sea surface temperatures 0.7 degrees Celsius (1.3 degrees Fahrenheit) below average in an area of the tropical Pacific, from 170° to 120° West longitude, known as the Niño 3.4 region.”



“The signature of La Niña is also visible in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean as areas of lower-than-average water levels. That’s because cooler water contracts, lowering sea levels. (Conversely, warmer water expands, raising them).”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-la-nina-forecast-nbsp">La Niña forecast&nbsp;</h2>



Josh Willis, an oceanographer and Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich project scientist at JPL, pointed out that although La Niña is here, it’s not a particularly strong one.



Willis noted that during an especially strong La Niña in 2010-2011, temperatures in the tropical Pacific were about 1.6°C (2.9°F) below average in January 2011, compared to just 0.7°C (1.3°F) below average in January 2025.&nbsp;



NOAA predicts that this La Niña will remain weak and is unlikely to drop below -1°C from the average - the threshold for a moderate-strength event. Neutral conditions are expected to return during the meteorological spring.



La Niña’s interaction between the ocean and atmosphere alters global atmospheric circulation, shifting mid-latitude jet streams in ways that can intensify rainfall in some regions and cause drought in others.&nbsp;



In the western Pacific, Indonesia and Australia may experience increased rainfall. The central and eastern Pacific is expected to experience reduced cloud cover and precipitation, leading to drier conditions in Brazil, Argentina, and other parts of South America. Meanwhile, Central America may see wetter conditions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-"></h2>



In North America, La Niña typically brings cooler, stormier weather to the Pacific Northwest, while the southern United States and northern Mexico tend to experience warmer, drier conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-source-of-variability">Natural source of variability</h2>



“ENSO adds a natural source of year-to-year variability in global temperatures. Because such a wide swath of the Pacific is cold, La Niña tends to keep a lid on the average global surface temperature,” explained NASA.



“But even the cool water in the Pacific does not completely offset long-term warming trends; some of the hottest years on record have coincided with La Niña, such as in 2010 and 2020.”



The map is based on data that was acquired by the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite and processed by scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).&nbsp;



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La Niña has arrived - but it may not stay for long

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.



Collectively, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine glaciers</a> of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-archives-of-past-climate">Natural archives of past climate </h2>



"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"In just over two decades, Corbassière has shrunk in area and surface mass. The glacier was darker in 2023 due to lack of snow, and the glacier’s tongue had retreated."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-from-the-corbassiere-glacier">Ice cores from the Corbassière glacier</h2>



To reconstruct past concentrations of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-aerosols-impact-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, a team of scientists analyzed ice cores that were collected from the Corbassière glacier in 2018 and 2020.&nbsp;



Aerosols are tiny airborne particles that are deposited in the ice. "Such information from glaciers around the world can provide clues about past environmental conditions thousands of years ago," noted NASA.



"Ice cores contain ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions - signatures of aerosols lacing the snow that’s deposited on glaciers year after year. Ion concentrations are lower in winter than in summer because less polluted air can rise from the valley when the air is cold."



When the researchers analyzed the ice core from 2018, they found seasonal fluctuations in the amount of ion deposits - which is what they expected to find.&nbsp;



"But when we went to core the glacier in 2020, we noticed melting on the surface right away,” said Margit Schwikowski, an environmental chemist at <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> in Switzerland.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-surface-melting-on-corbassiere-glacier">Rapid surface melting on Corbassière glacier</h2>



The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. 



"This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.



Schwikowski has joined a team of other experts in an effort to preserve cores from the last remaining glaciers. Led by the <a href="https://www.ice-memory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Memory Foundation</a>, the goal of the project is to obtain ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers around the world in 20 years and collect them in a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-has-a-history-of-rapid-and-unexpected-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate archive</a>.



“Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and we may find similar issues at other sites,” said Schwikowski. She added that even at the highest altitudes in the Alps, "glaciers are on the verge of becoming unsuitable as natural paleo-archives."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-the-corbassiere-glacier">Features of the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. 



The glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.



A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. 



One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. 



This bridge not only enhances the experience for visitors but also serves as a crucial observation point for scientists studying glacier dynamics and the effects of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Swiss Alps&nbsp;</h2>



The Swiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a> are a majestic and expansive mountain range that stretches across the southern part of Switzerland, forming a part of the greater Alpine region that spreads across several countries in Europe.&nbsp;



Renowned for their stunning beauty and formidable peaks, the Swiss Alps are not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural symbol of Switzerland, epitomizing its identity as a nation of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure.



The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. Among these peaks are some of the highest in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa massif, which is the highest point in Switzerland. 



The Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss mountains, is celebrated for its unique, pyramid-like shape and is a magnet for climbers and tourists alike.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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The Corbassière glacier in the Swiss Alps

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy I Zwicky 18, which was captured in remarkable detail by the James Webb Space Telescope.



I Zwicky 18 is a blue compact dwarf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located approximately 59 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-i-zwicky-18">Star formation in I Zwicky 18</h2>



The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> compared to other galaxies of similar age.



“The galaxy was first identified by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in the 1930’s and resides roughly 59 million light-years from Earth,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. “This galaxy has gone through several sudden bursts of star formation.”&nbsp;



According to ESA, I Zwicky 18 is typical of the kinds of galaxies that inhabited the early universe and is much smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-image-of-the-galaxy">Webb telescope image of the galaxy</h2>



“Two major starburst regions are embedded in the heart of the galaxy. The wispy brown filaments surrounding the central starburst region are bubbles of gas that have been heated by stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation unleashed by hot, young stars,” said ESA.



“A companion galaxy resides nearby to the dwarf galaxy, which can be seen at the bottom of the wider-field image. The companion may be interacting with the dwarf galaxy and may have triggered that galaxy's recent star formation.”&nbsp;



ESA explained that the “orange blobs” surrounding the galaxy are the dim glow from ancient fully formed galaxies at much larger distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-i-zwicky-18">Key characteristics of I Zwicky 18</h2>



As previously mentioned, the galaxy has a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, suggesting that it has not undergone significant stellar processing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-stellar-population-nbsp">Young stellar population&nbsp;</h3>



Despite its old age, I Zwicky 18 contains many young, hot stars. This suggests that it might have experienced a burst of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> relatively recently in its history.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-medium-nbsp">Interstellar medium&nbsp;</h3>



The galaxy has a high density of gas, which is a prime ingredient for star formation. This gas is mostly in the form of hydrogen.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics">Unusual characteristics</h3>



Its characteristics are more typical of primordial galaxies found in the early universe, making it a valuable object of study for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.



Ultimately, I Zwicky 18 provides insights into the conditions and processes that might have been prevalent in the early universe.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-of-stars-and-dust">Life cycles of stars and dust</h3>



The image was captured as part of a Webb program to study the life cycle of dust in I Zw 18.&nbsp;



“Scientists are now building off of previous research with Hubble obtained at optical wavelengths, studying individual dusty stars in detail with Webb’s equivalent spatial resolution and sensitivity at infrared wavelengths.”&nbsp;



ESA noted that this galaxy is of particular interest as its content of elements heavier than helium is one of the lowest of all known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in the local universe.&nbsp;



“Such conditions are thought to be similar to those in some of the first star-forming galaxies at high redshift, so the Webb study of I Zw 18 should shed light on the life-cycle of stars and dust in the early universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-ursa-major">The constellation Ursa Major </h2>



Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable constellations in the northern sky. 



Its name, "Ursa Major," means "Great Bear" in Latin, and it has been a significant part of various mythologies and star lore across cultures for thousands of years. 



One of the most famous asterisms within Ursa Major is the Big Dipper, a group of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The Big Dipper is often used as a navigation tool because it points to Polaris, the North Star, located in the nearby constellation Ursa Minor.



Ursa Major is best viewed in the northern hemisphere and is circumpolar, meaning it is visible year-round for much of the Northern Hemisphere. Its position changes with the seasons, rotating around Polaris, the North Star.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

The MODIS instrument, short for Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, is a key instrument aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites. MODIS is playing a vital role in the development of Earth ecosystem models, able to predict global changes, which then assist policy makers in making informed decisions about the protection of the global environment.

Heavy snow and cloud cover in the Alps are seen in this Image of the day&nbsp;from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at heavy snow and low clouds in the Alps. Wildlife such as ibex live in the higher peaks to elevations of 3,400 m (11,155 ft), and plants such as Edelweiss grow in rocky areas in lower elevations as well as in higher elevations.

Heavy snow and cloud cover in the Alps

Monitoring Earth Changes with MODIS

Aqua is a NASA scientific research satellite that studies precipitation, evaporation, and water cycles. Terra and Aura make up the Earth Observing System. It's the second component of the system.

A frozen Lake Erie in February Today’s Image of the Day comes from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at a frozen <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/icy-lake-erie/">Lake Erie</a>, which is currently 93.3 percent iced over. A frozen Lake Erie in February
This false-color image was created using data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the Aqua satellite to differentiate between snow, ice, and clouds.
Lake Erie /ˈɪəri/ (French: Lac Érié) is the fourth-largest lake (by surface area) of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the eleventh-largest globally if measured in terms of surface area.It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. At its deepest point Lake Erie is 210 feet (64 metres) deep. 
Situated on the International Boundary between Canada and the United States, Lake Erie&#8217;s northern shore is the Canadian province of Ontario, specifically the Ontario Peninsula, with the U.S. states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York on its western, southern, and eastern shores. These jurisdictions divide the surface area of the lake with water boundaries. 
The lake was named by the Erie people, a Native American people who lived along its southern shore. The tribal name &#8220;erie&#8221; is a shortened form of the Iroquoian word erielhonan, meaning long tail
&#8212;
By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Image Credit: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a>

A frozen Lake Erie in February

Aqua Earth Observing Satellite

This beautiful photo gallery contains 50 incredible images of Earth from Space. These images were taken by astronauts onboard the International Space Station, as well as by a multitude of NASA satellites orbiting the earth.

Today’s Image of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=90654&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=iotd_readmore">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at Super Typhoon Noru in the Pacific Ocean just south of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-blue-chrysanthemums-created/">Japan</a>.
This image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on July 31, 2017. 
At the time the photo was taken, Typhoon Noru was located just 250 kilometers south of Iwo Jima. Maximum sustained winds hit 150 miles per hour.
The storm briefly became a category 5 on July 30, before being downgraded to a category 4 one day later.
&#8211;
By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Source: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=90654&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=iotd_readmore">NASA Earth Observatory</a>

Super Typhoon Noru in the Pacific Ocean

Incredible Images of Earth from Space

Photos from the International Space Station are found in this awesome Earth.com image gallery. Flat-earthers won't agree, but these incredible photos of the Earth were taken by astronauts onboard the International Space Station. The International Space Station is a modular space station in low Earth orbit.

Northern Italy from the space station is seen here in this Image of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> (ESA). The view includes the top half of the Italian Peninsula, along with <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/wildfires-burn-northern-corsica/">Corsica</a> and Sardinia off the coast. This image was captured by ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli on his third and final mission to the Space Station.

Northern Italy from the Space Station

Photos from the International Space Station

Water is essential to life, driving our economies and supporting the foundation of ecosystems. Yet, despite its critical role, many regions are facing severe water shortages.



Add to this the plight of a warming planet, and the result is an urgent global crisis that needs effective water management strategies.



Research conducted by Lorenzo Rosa of <a href="https://carnegiescience.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carnegie Science</a> and Matteo Sangiorgio of the <a href="https://www.polimi.it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polytechnic University of Milan</a> sheds light on the growing water crisis under various climate scenarios.



The experts emphasize a critical need for robust <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fog-harvesting-could-ease-water-shortages-in-the-worlds-driest-places/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> policies, with insights that could prove instrumental in future preparations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-water-gap-issue">The water gap issue</h2>



A "water gap" happens when people need more water than what is available. This problem affects billions of people around the world.



The amount of water needed for drinking, farming, and industry is often more than what nature can provide. When people use too much water without allowing time for it to be replenished, natural sources like rivers, lakes, and aquifers start to dry up.



Over time, this continuous overuse creates a serious water shortage, making it harder for communities, farms, and businesses to get the water they need.



"Water scarcity is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity this century. About 4 billion people reside and about half the world's irrigated agriculture is in regions that experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> scarcity for at least one month each year," said Rosa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-water-shortages">Climate change and water shortages</h2>



The water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scarcity</a> issue is further complicated by climate change. Rising temperatures destabilize rainfall patterns, shift water cycles, and deplete natural freshwater sources. 



This adds substantial strain to already fragile water systems, elevating the risk of shortages in urban and rural areas.



According to Rosa, higher temperatures accelerating evaporation rates can deplete water supplies, even in regions that have historically been stable. Unpredictable weather patterns causing droughts and floods further complicate water management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-demand-amidst-population-growth">Water demand amidst population growth</h2>



Population explosion further strains water resources with expanding cities requiring greater quantities for drinking, sanitation, and industrial usage. 



Agricultural production must also increase to feed the growing population, making water conservation and management even more critical.



"We must be able to balance environmental resilience and the growing need for water in a warming world with a burgeoning population," noted Rosa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-water-shortages">Rising temperatures and water shortages</h2>



The research paints a troubling picture. The baseline global water gap stands at nearly 458 billion cubic meters (121 trillion gallons) annually.



The water gap is expected to increase by 6% under 1.5°C (2.7°F) warming and by 15% under 3°C (5.4°F) warming.



"Even relatively modest increases in the water gap can put pressure on ecosystems and lead to severe shortages for agricultural use, resulting in food insecurity," said Rosa.



Water resource management needs quick action and future planning. Building better systems to store and share water can help solve the problem. Advances in technology present possibilities like desalination of seawater and wastewater treatment and reuse.



Agriculture, a major consumer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global water</a>, must adapt by shifting to crops that require less water or employing advanced irrigation techniques.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-solutions-for-water-shortages">Finding solutions for water shortages </h2>



Rosa's research plays an important role in finding solutions for water shortages. He is exploring ways to make irrigation more efficient so that less water is wasted.



Rosa also investigates how to keep soil moist for longer, which helps crops grow with less water. Another part of his work focuses on improving how water is stored, making sure it is available when needed.



In addition to water management, Rosa also examines how to reduce the harmful effects of fertilizer production on the environment. The goal is to make farming more sustainable, ensuring that future generations can grow food without harming natural resources.



As climate change intensifies, water shortages will continue to be a significant issue across the globe. It is essential for policymakers, researchers, and communities to collaborate on finding effective solutions.



By understanding water scarcity and exploring innovative approaches, we can work toward ensuring a sustainable water future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56517-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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Climate change is fueling a global water crisis

Water is essential to life, driving our economies and supporting...

For centuries, humans have explored the potential of mushrooms. Valued not only for their unique flavors, mushrooms have also been revered for their medicinal properties, including their ability to enhance immunity and promote overall health.



These ancient perceptions are now being confirmed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-bacteria-help-plants-balance-growth-and-immunity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science</a>, which has found that mushrooms have more than gastronomic value.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-beta-glucan">The role of beta-glucan</h2>



One small yet remarkably significant component found in all mushrooms - beta-glucan - has recently gained the attention of scientists, thanks to its potential role in combating the flu. 



While mushrooms are often celebrated for their nutritional value, this particular compound has been highlighted for its ability to bolster the immune system. 



Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that enhances the body's defense mechanisms, making it a promising ally in the battle against various viral infections, including the flu. 



Though it may seem surprising at first, this unassuming fungal ingredient could play a pivotal role in helping to prevent or mitigate the severity of flu infections, offering a new avenue for research into natural immune support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms-and-wellness">Mushrooms and wellness</h2>



In the food and health industry, mushrooms have achieved superfood status due to their nutrient-dense structure of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Their application in diets worldwide has been shifted from being flavor-based to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tiny-bacteria-outsmart-the-human-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health-based</a>.



Mushrooms are linked to improved brain health, as evidence shows that they may help protect against cognitive decline. Mushrooms also contribute to better digestive health with their fiber content.



A new study sheds light on a special role of mushrooms in health maintenance beyond what was previously recognized. 



According to the research, mushrooms might assist the body in keeping infections at bay and preventing harmful inflammation. The experts report that mushrooms might render flu infections less damaging. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-mushrooms-fight-the-flu">How mushrooms fight the flu</h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> in Canada investigated the intriguing effect of beta-glucan on the immune system response to flu. 



The findings indicate that the natural fiber can help people manage flu infections by inhibiting the out-of-control inflammation that usually leads to complications.



"It is tempting to hypothesize that the levels and composition of fungi in an individual could influence how their immune system responds to infections, in part because of beta-glucan," noted study co-author and immunologist Maziar Divangahi.



This is an optimistic departure from conventional flu <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-impact-the-immune-system-of-wild-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a> protocols.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-immunity-in-check">Keeping immunity in check</h2>



Beta-glucan, present in fungi cell walls, has been shown to possess immune-stimulating activity. But the study identifies a significant role - it maintains immune balance.



Instead of provoking an out-of-control immune reaction, beta-glucan provokes a controlled reaction within the body, restricting uncontrolled inflammation, which is typically the main threat in extreme cases of the flu.



The researchers tested beta-glucan on mice, infecting some with the flu virus after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdowns-weakened-our-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a> with beta-glucan.



What they found was remarkable. The treated mice had very little lung inflammation, improved lung function, and a very low probability of becoming seriously ill or dying, even though the mice received no beta-glucan.



Another fascinating finding of the study is the impact of beta-glucan on neutrophils, a type of immune cell. 



Normally, neutrophils induce inflammation, which has the consequence of exacerbating flu infections. Beta-glucan alters their function and makes them resistant to inducing over-inflammation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-flu-prevention-with-mushrooms">Future of flu prevention with mushrooms</h2>



For years, conventional flu medications have targeted antiviral drugs that directly assault the virus. Antiviral drugs, though, have limitations. Certain strains of the flu develop resistance, and not every patient responds to antivirals.



The study proposes another approach that centers on enhancing the body's immunity against infection, thus opening a new chapter in the treatment of flu.



The study reinforces the idea that edibles can have medicinal benefits. While further research is needed, mushrooms may soon shift from a nutritious ingredient to a vital component for enhancing immunity and protecting against severe respiratory diseases.



As scientific research continues to uncover the immune-boosting benefits of mushrooms, they may soon become a vital component of flu prevention <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protocols</a>. 



Ultimately, mushrooms are more than just a nutritious food - they are a powerful ally in strengthening the immune system.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41590-024-02041-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Immunology</a>.



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How mushrooms help the body fight off the flu

For centuries, humans have explored the potential of mushrooms. Valued...

Global warming has already contributed to an alarming decline in plant species. By some estimates, around 600 plant species have vanished since 1750, which is twice the number of animal species lost in the same period.&nbsp;



Yet, questions persist: which plant species are most vulnerable to climate change, and how does changing biodiversity influence interactions between plants?&nbsp;



A research team from the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute</a> (AWI) tackled these issues by analyzing centuries of plant genetic material preserved in lake sediments.



By focusing on the dramatic warming at the end of the last ice age - approximately 15,000 to 11,000 years ago - the experts gained novel insights into how flora reorganized during what they consider the last major mass extinction event prior to today. 



The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56176-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>, may help us gauge what could lie ahead in our current era of rapid climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-clues-from-ancient-plant-dna">Climate clues from ancient plant DNA</h2>



“Everyone knows that the woolly mammoth went extinct, but virtually no-one mentions the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> that were lost at the end of the last ice age,” said Ulrike Herzschuh, a scientist at AWI. “Until recently, we lacked suitable methods for investigating the extinction of plant species in detail.”



Traditionally, scientists studied fossil pollen to learn about past vegetation, but pollen cannot reliably reveal extinct species or pinpoint which ones died out.



The AWI team employed advanced methods to scrutinize old DNA fragments deposited in lake sediments taken from Alaska and Siberia.&nbsp;



“Using cutting-edge methods, we analysed old DNA from sediment cores taken from lakes in Alaska and Siberia, which allowed us to reconstruct the changes in vegetation in these regions,” Herzschuh explained.&nbsp;



Those cores, containing up to 30,000-year-old plant DNA, were enriched, sequenced, and matched with existing genetic databases in specialized labs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-interactions-changed-with-the-climate">Plant interactions changed with the climate</h2>



The scientists used their data to chart where and when plant species emerged or disappeared across Siberia and Alaska, unlocking details about how plant communities evolved toward the end of the last ice age.&nbsp;



“We’ve now been able to determine in detail when and where species appeared and disappeared in Alaska and Siberia,” said Herzschuh. 



“Our research shows that the composition of plant species changed substantially at the end of the last ice age, and that this was accompanied by fundamental changes in the ecological conditions.”



Crucially, they found a link between temperature shifts and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-climates-force-plants-to-compete-with-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-to-plant interactions</a>. During colder periods, plant species often supported one another, while in warmer periods, they primarily competed. 



“In the DNA from the lake sediments, we found e.g. many cushion plants, which most likely supported the expansion of other species by forming sheltered habitats,” Herzschuh noted.&nbsp;



In the modern Arctic, however, this helpful role might speed the cushion plants’ own decline.&nbsp;



“Since the warming of the Arctic has already progressed quite far, woody plants can survive even in the high latitudes. The cushion plants could facilitate their spreading, hastening their own extinction in the process,” explained Herzschuh.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-disappearance-of-entire-vegetation-types">The disappearance of entire vegetation types</h2>



The end of the last ice age triggered the loss of key types of vegetation, as the researchers confirmed using their new method. For instance, the mammoth steppe - a vast, grassy biome widespread during the ice age - vanished during the Earth’s transition to the current warm phase.&nbsp;



Identifying which species ceased to exist posed a particular challenge since modern DNA databases only catalog living plants.



“To identify the species that no longer existed, we had to use a trick,” Herzschuh said. They sifted through all DNA fragments in the sediment cores and systematically ruled out those resembling any species still alive. What remained were sequences likely belonging to extinct plants.&nbsp;



From this analysis, the experts concluded that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-perennial-grasses-could-help-curb-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grasses</a> and shrubs are among those most at risk in a warming climate, while woody plants typically expand under warmer conditions. A surprising discovery was the time lag. 



“That means the full impacts of today’s human activities might not become apparent until the distant future,” Herzschuh added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-today-s-arctic">Implications for today’s Arctic</h2>



The researchers emphasize that their findings offer essential reference data for assessing ongoing Arctic shifts, where the climate is changing more rapidly than almost anywhere else on Earth.&nbsp;



Their two new studies illustrate how warming influences not only individual species but also their ecological interactions - and how these changes may lead to permanent shifts in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-biodiversity-will-get-a-boost-from-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.



“Our studies show how important it is to understand biodiversity and ecological interactions, also in the long term, in order to better predict the impacts of climate change,” Herzschuh said. “Using the information locked in old DNA from sediments, we can gain the fundamental knowledge needed to do so.”



By establishing extinction rates for ancient plants and examining how temperature-induced stressors remolded their communities, the research provides a valuable lens through which to view future risks.&nbsp;



The team hopes that comparing past extinctions with current conditions can guide policymakers and conservationists in predicting - and possibly mitigating - the fate of today’s Arctic and global ecosystems, which face many of the same pressures that once toppled the woolly mammoth and its lesser-known plant neighbors.



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Lessons from the ice age: How climate change reshapes plant life

Global warming has already contributed to an alarming decline in...

The Arabian Peninsula, known for its severe and arid climatic conditions, might have had a drastically different climate in the past.



A new study reveals that Arabia historically received higher levels of rainfall, shattering notions about the region’s long-term arid climate stability.



The research was conducted by experts from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. 



The findings hold significant implications for urbanization trends in the Middle East, signaling a need for comprehensive planning to combat possible extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather risks</a>. 



The research emphasizes the importance of harnessing past data for predicting and preparing for the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arabia-once-had-abundant-rainfall">Arabia once had abundant rainfall</h2>



Contrary to the present barren desert, Arabia boasted of lush greenery thousands of years ago, sustained by consistent rainfall. 



The region, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and wolves, was far wetter than it is now in the last 2,000 years.



The researchers investigated the region's historical rainfall patterns. They found that rainfall was twice as much as it is today 200 years ago, and five times higher 400 years ago.



The results of the study indicate that the region has always been subjected to extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-summer-rainfall-events-have-increased-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> fluctuations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-climate-variations">Consequences of climate variations</h2>



The swift pace of urbanization in the Middle East raises concerns about the potential aftermath of unexpected alterations in rainfall patterns. The infrastructure, shaped with the assumption of a stable climate, might not be equipped to withstand sudden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic changes</a>.



Sam Purkis, the study’s lead author, is a professor at the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School.



"As major development projects like <a href="https://www.neom.com/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEOM</a> in Saudi Arabia continue to reshape the landscape, these findings underscore the critical need for enhanced climate resilience and disaster preparedness to address the growing threat of extreme weather events in the region,” noted Professor Purkis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-sediments-reveal-arabia-s-rainfall-history">Deep-sea sediments reveal Arabia’s rainfall history</h2>



The researchers used deep-sea sediment from a brine pool in the Gulf of Aqaba, part of the northern Red Sea, to reconstruct past rainfall patterns. 



The unique chemistry of the brine splendidly preserved the sediment layers for centuries. These layers offer precise records of past rainfall patterns, enabling a more accurate understanding of long-term climate trends.



Recent trends have shown a rise in extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasting-the-floods-new-clues-about-extreme-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> events in the Middle East, heightening the region's vulnerability to climate change. 



The winter of 2024 saw disastrous flooding across the Arabian Peninsula, emphasizing the need for climate adaptation to be prioritized by policymakers, urban planners, and scientists.



“This is a key record to fill in the history of the Middle Eastern climate. What it tells us is that the climate, both the average and the extremes, can change dramatically in this region, and the assumption of long-term climate stability in future development is not a good one,” noted Amy Clement, a professor at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-equipping-for-a-unpredictable-future">Equipping for a unpredictable future</h2>



The study accentuates the need for improved planning and adaptation, as human development in the region becomes increasingly exposed to extreme weather consequences. 



It also highlights the criticality of considering long-term climate patterns while designing new infrastructure and cities.



Scientific advancements have significantly bolstered climate research, permitting a more accurate understanding of historical climate patterns. 



“Utilizing the technology on OceanXplorer in combination with multidisciplinary experts in ocean and climate science we can further our understanding of the linkages between ocean systems and long-term weather and climate trends, to help at-risk areas be ready for the future,” noted Mattie Rodrigue, science program director at <a href="https://oceanx.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OceanX</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-arabia-s-rainfall-history">Learning from Arabia's rainfall history</h2>



The study, A 1,600-Year Record of Extreme Rainfall in Northern Arabia, is pivotal in understanding how the climate of the Arabian Peninsula has evolved over the centuries. 



While we might not have the power to control natural climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a>, it is within our capacity to determine how effectively we adapt to these variations.



Therefore, it is imperative for governments, researchers, and urban planners to collaboratively create a future that effectively navigates the challenges posed by a rapidly changing climate, drawing valuable lessons from the past.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq3173" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Arabia’s surprising rainfall history: Clues buried in the deep sea

The Arabian Peninsula, known for its severe and arid climatic...

Improvements in human life expectancy throughout Europe have slowed significantly since 2011, with England experiencing the largest slowdown, according to a new study. 



The research, led by the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA), identifies poor diets, physical inactivity, obesity, and the COVID-19 pandemic as major factors contributing to this shift. 



The experts warn that instead of living increasingly longer than older generations, many people now face the possibility of earlier mortality.



“Advances in public health and medicine in the 20th Century meant that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/women-in-the-us-now-live-6-years-longer-than-men-as-life-expectancy-gap-widens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life expectancy</a> in Europe improved year after year. But this is no longer the case,” said professor Nick Steel, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decreases-in-life-expectancy">Decreases in life expectancy </h2>



From 1990 to 2011, lower death rates from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a> and cancers steadily increased average life expectancy across the continent. But the study found that between 2011 and 2019, progress stagnated as major risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol either rose or stopped improving in virtually all European nations.



“We found that deaths from cardiovascular diseases were the primary driver of the reduction in life expectancy improvements between 2011–19. Unsurprisingly, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-expectancy-fell-sharply-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Covid pandemic</a> was responsible for decreases in life expectancy seen between 2019–21,” explained Steel.



Researchers highlight that while improved treatments for high cholesterol and blood pressure have helped, they haven’t offset the harmful effects of increasingly unhealthy lifestyles.&nbsp;



As the pandemic further eroded longevity figures after 2019, the concern is that people may begin dying younger unless governments take robust action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-government-policies-targeting-health-risks">Government policies targeting health risks </h2>



Among 19 European countries studied, England showed the sharpest reduction in life expectancy growth following 2011, a trend mirrored to varying degrees in the rest of the UK.&nbsp;



In contrast, some nations, including Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium, managed better resilience. They also had stronger policies targeting health risks and a more favorable record in controlling major cardiovascular threats.



“In contrast, England and the other UK nations fared worst after 2011 and also during the Covid pandemic, and experienced some of the highest risks for heart disease and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>, including poor diets,” Steel said. 



“This suggests that stronger government policies are needed to reduce major health risks including obesity, poor diet, and low physical activity - to improve population health over the long term.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-human-life-expectancy-still-improve">Can human life expectancy still improve?</h2>



The study emphasizes that rising longevity is still possible. “Life expectancy for older people in many countries is still improving, showing that we have not yet reached a natural longevity ceiling,” Steel explained. By focusing on preventing early deaths - chiefly among younger adults - there is ample room to reduce mortality.



“These results are a cause for concern especially here in the UK, but also some hope,” said John Newton, a scientist at the European Center for Environment and Human Health at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



“We should be concerned because many European countries including the UK are showing such poor progress but hopeful because addressing the underlying causes of major illnesses appears to be effective if only improvements in the key risks can be sustained.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-action">Urgent need for action</h2>



Sarah Price, National Director of Public Health at <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHS England</a>, said the findings highlight a need for stronger measures to tackle cardiovascular disease and cancer at their roots.



“The slowdown in life expectancy improvements, particularly due to cardiovascular disease and cancer, highlights the urgent need for stronger action on the root causes - poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.”



Although the NHS offers weight management programs and widespread blood pressure checks to curb these conditions, Price emphasized that government intervention is crucial to address the broader societal drivers of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles. “We cannot treat our way out of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-are-surging-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> crisis, and we need to stem it at source,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-the-human-life-expectancy-trend">Reversing the human life expectancy trend</h2>



Overall, the study found that while the European public enjoyed steady life expectancy gains for decades, those gains have lately diminished - mostly due to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and the pandemic’s toll.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, reversing this trend depends on decisive actions, from healthier lifestyle promotion to better policy frameworks.



In short, a coordinated public health response that prioritizes dietary changes, physical activity, and tackling obesity may help restore the upward curve in life expectancy. Otherwise, Europe’s younger generations risk shorter lifespans than those who came before them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00009-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Public Health</a>.



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Human life expectancy faces a triple threat 

Improvements in human life expectancy throughout Europe have slowed significantly...

Building collapses in one of the world’s oldest port cities have dramatically increased in recent years, and researchers are pointing to sea-level rise and seawater intrusion as key drivers. 



The alarming trend highlights the vulnerability of historic coastal hubs to even small changes in ocean levels.



In the port city of Alexandria, located on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, the rate of building collapses has jumped from approximately one per year to around 40 per year.&nbsp;



Study co-author Essam Heggy is a water scientist at the <a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern California</a> (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering. 



“The true cost of this loss extends far beyond bricks and mortar. We are witnessing the gradual disappearance of historic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal cities</a>, with Alexandria sounding the alarm. What once seemed like distant climate risks are now a present reality,” said Heggy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-seas-and-intensifying-storms-nbsp">Rising seas and intensifying storms&nbsp;</h2>



Alexandria has a history stretching back more than two millennia and has survived earthquakes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/20-years-later-remembering-the-worlds-deadliest-tsunami/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tsunamis</a>, and conquests. Yet modern challenges appear to be outpacing the city’s traditional resilience. 



“For centuries, Alexandria’s structures stood as marvels of resilient engineering, enduring earthquakes, storm surges, tsunamis and more. But now, rising seas and intensifying storms - fueled by climate change - are undoing in decades what took millennia of human ingenuity to create,” said Sara Fouad, a landscape architect at the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a> (TUM) and the study’s first author.



Even slight sea-level increments - just a few centimeters - can prove destructive for coastal cities, weakening the ground beneath buildings and eroding essential infrastructure.&nbsp;



These dangers are not confined to Alexandria. Along many shorelines worldwide, scientists have identified the gradual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sinking</a> of coastal terrain, coupled with rising seas, which exacerbates the risk of flooding and saltwater infiltration into structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarm-bells-for-other-coastal-regions">Alarm bells for other coastal regions</h2>



The latest research on Alexandria parallels <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads8163" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>, which have documented areas of California - such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Valley, and parts of Southern California - also sinking. 



Though these changes may be measured in mere centimeters, they heighten flood risks significantly when combined with coastal erosion.&nbsp;



“Our study challenges the common misconception that we’ll only need to worry when sea levels rise by a meter,” Heggy said.&nbsp;"However, what we’re showing here is that coastlines globally, especially Mediterranean coastlines similar to California’s, are already changing and causing building collapses at an unprecedented rate.”



Such phenomena demonstrate how cities on the Mediterranean - long admired for their coastal beauty - face problems that echo those now emerging in other shoreline communities, from Los Angeles to Naples.&nbsp;



Rising seas and shifting shorelines threaten everything from ancient monuments to modern housing developments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-collapse-of-alexandria-s-coastline">The collapse of Alexandria’s coastline</h2>



To quantify the growing crisis, the research team employed a comprehensive three-part strategy. First, they produced a detailed digital map of collapsed buildings in six districts of Alexandria’s historic core, among the most densely populated areas of the city.&nbsp;



The map includes location, size, construction materials, foundation depth, and floor count. Information was compiled via site visits, governmental records, news stories, and private company reports spanning 2001 to 2021.



Second, the group examined satellite images and historical maps from 1887, 1959, and 2001 to chart how parts of the city’s 50-mile shoreline have receded by tens of meters in recent decades.&nbsp;



By calculating the annual rate of coastal retreat, they found that the diminished coastline is raising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> levels, allowing saltwater to permeate deeper into the ground beneath buildings.



Third, they conducted a chemical isotope analysis of soil samples to pinpoint where seawater intrusion is undermining structural foundations.&nbsp;



“Our isotope analysis revealed that buildings are collapsing from the bottom up, as seawater intrusion erodes foundations and weakens the soil. It isn’t the buildings themselves, but the ground underneath them that’s being affected,” said Ibrahim H. Saleh, a soil radiation scientist at <a href="https://www.alexu.edu.eg/index.php/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexandria University</a> and one of the study’s co-authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-nature-based-response">A nature-based response</h2>



Among the proposed solutions is a nature-based coastal defense strategy, which involves creating sand dunes and planting vegetation along the shoreline.&nbsp;



This approach, the researchers argue, could help slow incoming seawater and keep groundwater levels from rising to the point where they compromise building footings. Such methods have proven effective in other regions where climate-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal erosion</a> is intensifying.



“Preserving the diverse architectural attributes of Mediterranean historic cities is a powerful reminder of how landscape transformation has played a crucial role in creating climate-resilient societies,” noted Udo Weilacher, a landscape architect at TUM and study co-author.&nbsp;



The idea is not only to protect roads, infrastructure, and buildings, but also to maintain the cultural identity of heritage sites under siege from a rapidly changing environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-historic-cities-from-rising-seas">Protecting historic cities from rising seas</h2>



Alexandria has long been celebrated as a crossroads of civilizations, highlighted by iconic structures such as the Great Lighthouse (Pharos) in ancient times. Today’s unraveling coastline, however, represents a pressing threat to that cultural tapestry.&nbsp;



“Historic cities like Alexandria, which represent the cradle of cultural exchange, innovation and history, are crucial for safeguarding our shared human heritage,” Heggy said. “As climate change accelerates sea level rise and coastal erosion, protecting them isn’t just about saving buildings; it’s about preserving who we are.”



While the study’s authors urge immediate action in Alexandria, they also view the city as a bellwether for many other coastal urban centers. With targeted mitigation measures and renewed focus on nature-based solutions, it may still be possible to safeguard these locations - even as global warming ushers in an era of volatile seas.&nbsp;



The researchers hope that policy initiatives and international collaboration can help retain the architectural marvels of Alexandria and other ancient coastal sites for generations to come.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024EF004883" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s Future</a>, an American Geophysical Union (AGU) journal.



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Rising seas are already toppling coastal cities

Building collapses in one of the world’s oldest port cities...

The persistence of certain toxic chemicals in the environment has emerged as a modern threat. Among them, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a severe menace to wildlife and humans, infiltrating and accumulating in our systems over time. 



New research suggests a particularly high concentration of these chemicals in migratory birds, contributing to alarmingly high levels of these substances in our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-a-lasting-threat-to-birds">PFAS: A lasting threat to birds</h2>



PFAS, known as "forever chemicals" due to their resilience, are synthetic substances found in countless industrial and consumer products - from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams. 



Due to their non-degradable nature, these compounds persist in the environment and infiltrate living <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-navigate-using-clues-from-earths-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms</a>.



These chemical contaminants not only exist in the air we breathe and the food we consume, but are also present in human blood. 



The accumulation of PFAS can lead to serious health implications such as liver damage, immune system suppression, endocrine disruption, reduced fertility, and various forms of cancer.



Despite increasing awareness, their pervasive use makes complete avoidance nearly impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-pollution-spreading-in-birds">PFAS pollution spreading in birds</h2>



Recent studies have shown more alarming levels of PFAS in different ecosystems, particularly in birds migrating long distances. 



“The biggest increase is in the livers of wading birds. We found up to 180 times more PFAS than previously,” noted Junjie Zhang, a postdoctoral fellow formerly affiliated with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTNU</a>).



This discovery indicates that our previous understanding of contamination levels significantly underestimated the actual situation.



Animals, particularly migratory birds, ingest PFAS through their diet and drinking water. As these birds rely on various habitats during their journeys, they are likely to consume polluted food sources, thereby ingesting these toxic substances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-bird-and-seafood-contamination">Analyzing bird and seafood contamination</h2>



Recently, Zhang's team analyzed samples from migratory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and the shellfish they consume. The goal was to learn more about how PFAS infiltrate the ecosystem.



The samples were collected from the East Asian-Australian Flyway, which is a critical migratory route for millions of shorebirds.



The results of the analysis indicated that shellfish living in polluted waters absorb these chemicals. Birds then ingest the shellfish, leading to an accumulation of toxins within their bodies, which they carry across continents, spreading contamination further.



A significant development in the recent study is the successful use of the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay. This advanced detection method, developed by co-author Lara Cioni, allows scientists to identify PFAS compounds previously difficult to identify.



“The TOP results show a significant increase in several types of harmful substances in all of the samples,” noted Zhang.



With studies like these, we are gaining insights into the hidden sources of contamination and how they are impacting our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-further-research">Urgent need for further research</h2>



Given the unknown sources of contamination and the alarming rate at which these substances are infiltrating our ecosystems, further research is crucial. 



As these chemicals also find their way into seafood, humans, particularly those relying on seafood, could be at severe risk.



“We need to find out more about the sources, but also about the effects PFAS have on wading birds, other animals and humans,” said Professor Veerle Jaspers of NTNU’s Department of Biology.



The PFAS issue is not isolated to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-bird-species-face-extinction-risks-in-the-neotropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>; it is a global human health crisis. The rising levels discovered in migratory birds emphasize the urgency for immediate action. The fact that birds carry these chemicals across the globe means that no region is immune to this threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-populations-of-shorebirds">Declining populations of shorebirds </h2>



The researchers noted that shorebirds are under threat worldwide and are particularly threatened in the East Asian Australian Flyway, where many species are declining by up to 8% per year.



"The causes for these population declines can be diverse including habitat loss, habitat alterations, climate change but also pollution along the East Asian Australian Flyway, especially in coastal China, has been suggested to play a role," wrote the experts.



"The coast of China is the most important replenishing area for shorebirds in the EAAF where they are feeding on the tidal mudflats on a diet of shellfish and other benthic invertebrates." 



"At the same time, this coastline is heavily impacted by mollusc aquaculture&nbsp;and industry, resulting in environmental contamination including PFAS."



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389425001013?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Hazardous Materials</a>. 



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Migratory birds reveal alarming new clues about the spread of PFAS

The persistence of certain toxic chemicals in the environment has...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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