Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is a tributary of the Congo River, one of the largest rivers in the world by discharge and depth.&nbsp;



The Ruki River, previously known as the Busira, merges with the Momboyo River near the town of Basankusu to become the Lulonga River, which eventually flows into the Congo River at the town of Lisala.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-waters-of-the-ruki-river">Dark waters of the Ruki River</h2>



"If the appearance of the muddy Amazon River evokes a coffee cut with cream, the Ruki River, coursing gently through the Congo Basin, is like a dark tea," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"On its slow path through mostly untouched lowland rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the water leaches organic material from vegetation, prompting some researchers to think it is one of the darkest blackwater rivers on Earth."



According to NASA, scientists are finding that the dissolved material in this distinctive water offers clues about the carbon cycle of tropical forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-compounds-in-the-ruki-river">Organic compounds in the Ruki River</h2>



In a recent study, researchers measured the chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-rivers-keep-antimicrobial-resistant-genes-at-bay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">composition</a> and flow of the Ruki for the first time.&nbsp;



"The study reported that, as the water color suggests, the Ruki is rich in dissolved organic carbon compounds," said NASA.



"It contains four times as much organic carbon as the Congo River and 1.5 times as much as the Rio Negro, the world’s largest blackwater river and a major tributary of the Amazon."



Due to this heavy carbon load, the researchers concluded that tropical forests like those around the Ruki might not accumulate quite as much carbon as we once thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-river">Significance of the river </h2>



The river is vital for the livelihoods of local communities. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-cooperate-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fishing</a> is a crucial activity, with many people depending on it for sustenance and income. The river also supports agriculture along its banks, where communities grow crops.



In many parts of the DRC, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-are-warming-up-and-losing-oxygen-faster-than-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> like the Ruki are crucial transportation corridors due to the challenging and often nonexistent road infrastructure. 



The river enables the movement of people and goods, facilitating trade and access to markets, health care, and education.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-the-ruki-river">Wildlife of the Ruki River </h2>



The region around the Ruki River is home to diverse wildlife. It is part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest area in the world, which is a critical habitat for endangered species.



Among the most notable species are elephants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-mean-chimpanzees-fare-better-in-life-than-nice-ones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a>, whose populations thrive in the surrounding forests. Other primates such as bonobos also live in this region, making it a critical area for primate conservation.



The river itself is home to various species of fish that are crucial to local livelihoods. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles are often found in the water.



Birds like kingfishers, herons, and egrets frequent the riverbanks - making it a haven for birdwatchers.



The Ruki River also supports several species of reptiles and amphibians - some of which are unique to the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-the-river-s-resources">Managing the river's resources </h2>



The region faces several challenges, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-directly-linked-to-atmospheric-mercury-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>, overfishing, and environmental degradation, which threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of people who depend on it. 



Efforts to manage and conserve the river's resources are vital for sustainable development.



Understanding and protecting the Ruki River and its surroundings are crucial for the DRC's environmental sustainability, economic development, and the well-being of its communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscapes-of-the-drc">Landscapes of the DRC</h2>



The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boasts some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes in Africa, reflecting its vast size and ecological richness. Dominated by the Congo Basin, the country is a haven for biodiversity.



Beyond its rainforests, the DRC's landscapes shift dramatically. In the east, the terrain rises into rugged mountains, including the Virunga and Rwenzori ranges, where snow-capped peaks like Mount Stanley pierce the sky. 



This region is also marked by active volcanoes such as Mount Nyiragongo, which harbors one of the world’s largest lava lakes, creating a dramatic and otherworldly spectacle.



To the south and west, the country transitions to expansive savannas with rolling grasslands and scattered trees. These areas contrast sharply with the lushness of the forests, providing vital habitats for species like lions and antelope. 



Rivers like the Ruki are a dominant feature, with the mighty Congo River coursing through the heart of the country. Its tributaries shape the lives of millions.



The image was captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is a tributary of the Congo River, one of the largest rivers in the world by discharge and depth.&nbsp; The Ruki River, previously known as the Busira, merges with the Momboyo River near the town of Basankusu to become the Lulonga River, which eventually flows into the Congo River at the town of Lisala. Dark waters of the Ruki River "If...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a brilliant stellar nursery located about 163,000 light-years away.



According to ESA, the image is one of the most photogenic examples of the many stellar nurseries observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope during its 30-year lifetime. 



“The portrait features the giant nebula NGC 2014 and its neighbor NGC 2020 which together form part of a vast star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-stellar-nursery">What is a stellar nursery?</h2>



Stellar nurseries are regions in space where new stars are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">born</a> - often within vast clouds of gas and dust called molecular clouds.&nbsp;



These areas are fascinating because they are cradles of stellar evolution, where gravity causes clumps of gas to collapse, eventually forming protostars.&nbsp;



Over time, the protostars will heat up and start the nuclear fusion process that powers a star.



One of the most well-known stellar nurseries is the Orion Nebula, which is visible to the naked eye and located about 1,350 light-years from Earth.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-a-stellar-nursery-nbsp">Dynamic nature of a stellar nursery&nbsp;</h2>



Within these nurseries, the balance between gravity and pressure determines the types of stars that form, from massive, luminous stars to smaller, cooler ones like our Sun.&nbsp;



The environment is incredibly dynamic, with powerful winds from young stars shaping the clouds and triggering the birth of even more stars.



These regions are often illuminated by the light from massive newborn stars - creating stunning, colorful displays. The light reveals the intricate structure of the dust and gas, sculpted by the energy of young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-stellar-nurseries-nbsp">Significance of stellar nurseries&nbsp;</h2>



Stellar nurseries are essential for understanding the early stages of planetary formation, as protoplanetary disks (the material from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets form</a>) are often found around young stars in these regions.



Stellar nurseries play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. They are responsible for the continuous birth of new stars that enrich the interstellar medium with heavier elements. This constant recycling of material is key to the development of future generations of stars and planets.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the study of these regions helps astronomers understand the fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of stars and the overall dynamics of the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-local-group">The Local Group</h2>



The Local Group is a collection of over 80 galaxies that includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Triangulum Galaxy, along with numerous smaller dwarf galaxies. These galaxies are bound together by gravity and span a region roughly 10 million light-years across.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-thin-disk-is-billions-of-years-older-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> and Andromeda are the dominant members, with their respective satellite galaxies orbiting them.&nbsp;



The Local Group is part of a larger structure known as the Virgo Supercluster, and its galaxies are moving toward the gravitational center of the Local Group, contributing to its dynamic nature.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-magellanic-cloud">Large Magellanic Cloud</h2>



The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the fourth largest galaxy in the Local Group and can be seen with the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



This irregular dwarf galaxy is home to the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in our cosmic neighborhood.&nbsp;



The Large Magellanic Cloud played a key role in astronomical history, particularly when the supernova SN 1987A was observed, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution.&nbsp;



The LMC's interaction with the Milky Way, along with its own companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud, is believed to influence its shape and star formation activity. Its proximity and unique properties make it a crucial object of study for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>, star formation, and the dynamics of interacting galaxies.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

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

Plume From Mount Meru, Tanzania On September 20, 2015, satellites—as well as air travelers—detected a curious plume moving westward over Mount Meru, a stratovolcano in Tanzania. Some observers speculated it was evidence of Meru’s first eruption since 1910. Others argued it was more likely just a wildfire.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this natural-color image of the plume on September 20, 2015. Red outlines indicate hot spots where the sensor detected unusually warm surface temperatures.

“The whole image is covered with volcanic features, so an eruption in the area wouldn’t be too outlandish,” explained Erik Klemetti, a volcanologist at Denison University. “However, in this case, it does seem to be a fire on the slopes of the volcano rather than any eruption.” Plume From Mount Meru, Tanzania

Depending on the event, the difference between a plume from a fire and from an eruption can be subtle. In natural-color satellite imagery, a volcanic plume that contains mostly steam can look very similar to smoke from a fire. However, volcanic plumes tend to become bluer when sulfur dioxide levels rise, and greyer and browner when ash content is high.

In this case, Klemetti notes there are several clues that suggest the plume’s origins are not volcanic. There have been no other signs of renewed volcanic activity, such as seismic shaking. Nor have satellites picked up any evidence of sulfur dioxide within the plume. And the plume emanates from the mountain’s northern flank, which is outside the caldera wall where the last few eruptions have occurred.

This is not the first time that the smoke has been mistaken for ash, according to Klemetti. In summer 2015, some thought that Mount Adams in Washington was erupting. That also turned out to be a forest fire.

Although the plume at Mount Meru stemmed from fire, the concern over volcanic hazards is real for the people living on the mountain’s flanks. More than 400,000 people live in Arusha—a city just south of the mountain and 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from its summit. The British Geological Survey outlined volcanic hazards for populations surrounding the mountain in a 2014 report.

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<a href="http://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NASA</a>

Plume From Mount Meru, Tanzania

Plume From Mount Meru, Tanzania On September 20, 2015, satellites—as...

Eastern United States The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) flying aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured a sky-high, true-color view of a late summer day across the eastern United States on September Eastern United States 14, 2015.

The five Great Lakes are the most prominent feature in the northern section of this image. Forming the largest surface freshwater system on Earth, the interconnected lakes are an integral part of life for the greater than thirty million people who reside in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-lakes-flooding-small-shorebirds/">Great Lakes</a> Basin. From northwest to southeast they are called Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and, farthest eastward, Lake Ontario.

North of the Great Lakes the boreal forests of Canada appear dark green, especially in areas where dark-needled evergreen trees are abundant. South of the border the greens fade into tan as the thinning forests and scrubland gives way to prairie and agricultural cropland. As fall approaches the crops – especially wheat, corn, and soybeans – turn tan as they become ready to harvest. The agricultural areas are most prominent in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

Fires are scattered across the region, especially in southern agricultural areas. The highest concentration of fires, which are marked by red hot spots, can be seen along the Mississippi River, especially in the broad flood plain which is heavily cropped.

Fires also are scattered across southern Georgia, while the city of Atlanta, which lies in northern Georgia, appears something like a gray star against the green background. The gray is evidence of man-made structures, including roadways that lead away from the center of the city. Additional evidence of human activity can be seen further to the northeast, where the I-95 corridor runs from northern Virginia, through the District of Columbia and Baltimore, then through Philadelphia and points north.

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<a href="http://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NASA</a>

Eastern United States

Eastern United States The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) flying...

Chile Earthquake On The Radar On September 16, 2015, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of central Chile, triggering tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations. Lasting three minutes, this powerful earthquake occurred along the boundary of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA">NASAs</a> view.

By combining Sentinel-1A radar scans from 24 August and 17 September, the rainbow-coloured patterns in the image show how the surface has shifted as a result of the quake. ‘Interferograms’ such as these allow scientists to quantify ground movement. By counting the ‘fringes’, it is estimated that the earthquake caused a displacement of 1.4 m along the viewing direction of the radar observation. In addition, a 0.5 m horizontal movement is estimated along the flight direction of the satellite.

Sentinel-1A’s all-weather, day-and-night radar imagery is particularly suited to support impact assessment for many types of geohazards. Read more about ESA’s <a href="http://insarap.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">InSARap</a> project. Also Chile Earthquake On The Radar has developed many damages in the area.

Sentinel-1A was developed and is operated by ESA. It was the first satellite launched for Europe’s environmental monitoring Copernicus programme, which is led by the <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/humans-extinction-european-cave-bear/">European</a> Commission. Also all of the radars showing the movement and amount of damage.

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<a href="http://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">European Space Agency</a>

Chile Earthquake On The Radar

Chile Earthquake On The Radar On September 16, 2015, an...

As the end of Southern Hemisphere winter approached, snow in the Andes painted the region’s mountain ranges. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this image of the snowy Andes Mountains on September 12, 2015.

The Andes—the longest series of mountain ranges the world—span about 7,242 kilometers (4,500 miles) and runs through seven countries. The segment visible in the image above shows about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) of the range in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile">Chile</a> and Argentina. View the large image to see an even broader area. Therefore you will see NASAs view of the snow covering Snow in the Andes.

The political boundary between Chile and <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/tectonic-forces-alter-the-landscape-in-argentina/">Argentina</a> runs through the rugged mountain terrain. Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, is visible just east of the border, in Argentina. The peak rises 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) above sea level.

The 2015 winter season began with little precipitation, compounding the effects of a multi-year drought in and around Santiago. In mid-July, however, a large storm dumped as much as 3 meters (10 feet) of snow in the mountains northeast of the city. Smaller accumulations were recorded elsewhere in the range.

The snowpack that accumulates in the mountains each winter is the primary source of water for communities at lower altitudes. Streams deliver the melt water to populated areas of central-western Argentina and central Chile, where it is particularly important for cities’ water supply, power generation, and agriculture. However, according to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, frozen areas in the Andes are generally retreating, and runoff in the vicinity of Chile and Argentina is decreasing.

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<a href="http://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NASA</a>

Snow In The Andes

As the end of Southern Hemisphere winter approached, snow in...

IDL TIFF file

In the fall and winter, dry northeasterly “Santa Ana” winds sweep across southern California with a vengeance, pelting coastal areas with dust storms and fanning wildfires. In a new study, a team of scientists has detailed just how destructive Santa Ana fires are in comparison to summer wildfire. The Split Personality Of Santa Ana Fires have caused so much damage.

While Santa Ana fires can occur any time between October and April, they are most common in October, when the weather is dry and a pressure gradient builds up between the Great Basin to the east and the cool <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/pumice-raft-spotted-in-the-pacific-ocean/">Pacific Ocean</a> to the west. The weather pattern sends gusty, dry winds streaming down the lee side of inland mountain ranges and toward the coast. (Meteorologists call this wind pattern a foehn wind; Santa Ana is a regional name for foehn winds with an etymological history discussed here.) In contrast, non-Santa Ana fires generally burn farther inland during heat waves between June and September.

[caption id="attachment_2384550" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://cff1.greenatom.net/uploads/2015/09/20104317/santa-ana-fires-102603_2big_modis_nasa.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2384550" src="http://cff1.greenatom.net/uploads/2015/09/20104317/santa-ana-fires-102603_2big_modis_nasa-150x150.jpg" alt="Zaca fire, August 12, 2007" width="150" height="150" /></a> Zaca fire, August 12, 2007[/caption]

By analyzing several decades of fire records, satellite observations, and economic data, researchers concluded that while the two types of fires burned about the same number of acres, Santa Ana-fueled blazes caused about 80 percent of economic losses. Satellite observations collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellite helped explain why. Santa Ana fires spread three times more rapidly than summer inland fires. Santa Ana blazes also push west toward the Pacific Ocean, bringing them into areas with denser development and high property value. Summer fires, on the other hand, are more likely to move east and stay in remote, higher-elevation forested areas.

The images above, both acquired by MODIS, are examples of a Santa Ana fire (top) and a summer fire (bottom). In October 2003, powerful Santa Ana winds with gusts over 30 miles (50 kilometers) per hour fueled the Cedar fire.Ignited by a hunter on October 25, 2003, the fire destroyed 2,800 structures and caused 15 deaths within a week. The top image shows vast plumes of thick smoke streaming southeast from the Cedar Fire on October 26, 2003. Red outlines indicate hot spots where the sensor detected unusually warm surface temperatures associated with fires.

The second image shows the Zaca fire, a summer blaze that charred 240,000 acres in Santa Barbara county between July 4 and October 29, 2007. Despite burning for two months and costing $118 million to suppress, the Zaca fire resulted in one structure loss and no deaths. Note the southwesterly winds pushing smoke inland rather than toward the coast.

According to the new research, summer fires tend to last longer, accounting for 70 percent of all fire-suppression costs. The researchers also noted that roads, younger stands of trees, and ridge lines were more effective at stopping summer fires than Santa Ana fires. Such findings could have an impact on how firefighters plan prescribed burns (to reduce fire risk) and how they deploy resources once fires are burning.

“The large economic and human impacts of Santa Ana fires raises the question of whether more resources during fall could be marshaled for suppressing these fires,” said James Randerson, a study coauthor and a professor at the University of California, Irvine.

After analyzing decades of computer data, the researchers turned to computer modeling to project how climate change might affect the two types of fires by the mid-21st century. They project that the area burned by Santa Anna fires will increase by 64 percent, and the area burned by summer fires will increase by 77 percent, mainly due to drier winds.

“Right now, the effect of the fall Santa Ana winds on fire leads to a strong sense of there being a ‘fire season.’ The future increase in the non-Santa Ana fires in the summer will make the fire season start much earlier,” notedcoauthor Alex Hall of the University of California, Los Angeles.

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<a href="http://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NASA</a>

The Split Personality Of Santa Ana Fires

In the fall and winter, dry northeasterly “Santa Ana” winds...

This Sentinel-2A ‘color vision’ image captures part of the Mississippi swampland on the east and west banks of the Mississippi River, south of <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/eastern-side-new-orleans/">New Orleans</a> and north of the Mississippi Delta.

From agricultural monitoring to charting changing lands, images from Europe’s Sentinel-2A ‘colour vision’ satellite can be used for many practical applications and to keep us, and our planet, safe. The red colour scattered throughout the image shows the enormous amount of vegetation in the area, while the grey represents the various bodies of water.

Close to the heart of the snake-like Mississippi River, the image clearly shows the typical French-style fields, with rows of sugar cane, around the towns of Lucy, Edgard and Wallace. On the east bank of the Mississippi lie the towns of LaPlace, Reserve, Lions, Garyville and Mount Airy, each with industries along the river, including a chemical plant, sugar refinery, grain elevators and an oil refinery.

Bayous are scattered all over the image. A bayou is a Franco-English term for an extremely slow-moving stream or river, marshy lake or wetland. They are commonly found in the Mississippi River Delta, famous within the states of Louisiana and Texas. Though fauna varies by region, many bayous are home to crawfish, certain species of shrimp, other shellfish, catfish, frogs, toads, American alligators and crocodiles, and the alligator snapping turtle.

Towards the upper left part of the image, under the many clouds, lies Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana and its second-largest city. On the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, research, motion picture and growing technology centre of the American south. The port of Baton Rouge is the ninth largest in the United States in terms of tonnage shipped.

Sentinel-2A has been in orbit since 23 June, with its multispectral camera supplying optical images of Earth’s land and water bodies. It provides imagery of vegetation, soil and water cover, inland waterways and coastal areas.

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<a href="http://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">European Space Agency</a>

Mississippi Swampland

This Sentinel-2A ‘color vision’ image captures part of the Mississippi...

Iceberg From Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica. As temperatures begin to slowly rise as springtime approaches in Antarctica, icebergs begin to shift positions in the moving sea ice, and new icebergs are born.

On August 11, 2015, the U.S. National Ice Center reported a new iceberg had calved from the Pine Island Glacier in Pine Island Bay. The new-born iceberg was named B-35 and measured about 12.66 miles (20.4 km) long by 8 miles (12.8 km) wide. It was located in the <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/cloud-streets-lingering-over-the-amundsen-sea/">Amundsen Sea</a> at 74°41’36” South, 103°53’12, still near the calving front of Pine Island Glacier. This location would be near the lower right corner of this image. Also is beautiful in color.

The last large iceberg calved off of Pine Island Glacier was B-31, which was calved in early August 2013. B-31 remains located within the Amundsen Sea, at 71°53’ South, 112°44’ West, near the upper left of this image. B-31 has traveled nearly 282 miles (484 km) since its birth over 2 years ago.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this true-color image of various icebergs in Pine Island Bay on September 9, 2015.

While icebergs are numerous in the Antarctic, not all icebergs are named. Only those that measure at least 12 mi (19 km) are named and tracked by the U.S. National Ice Center. Iceberg names come from the quadrant in the Antarctic in which they were originally sighted. Iceberg names beginning with B are those which were first seen in the Amundsen/Eastern Ross Sea (90 W to 180). The number in the name represents the sequential number of the iceberg tracked, so B-31 was the thirty-first iceberg tracked between 90W and 180, and B-35 was the thirty-fifth iceberg tracked.

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<a href="http://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NASA</a>

Iceberg From Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica

Iceberg From Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica. As temperatures begin to...

On a recent nautical chart of the Beaufort Sea, in a place where the long, narrow Tapkaluk Islands separate the sea from the shallow Elson Lagoon, a massive underwater shoal appears just west of the entrance to the lagoon. On the chart it looks like a massive blue thumb jutting into the sea from Alaska’s North Slope. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="http://www.earth.com/news/investigation-noaa-trump-dorian/">NOAA</a>) identified this potential 6-mile-long, 2-mile-wide navigation hazard using Landsat satellite data. Therefore Hidden Shoals On The Northern Slope Of The Beaufort Sea has caused a lot of damage.

Looking at natural-color Landsat imagery of this area, no shoal jumps out to the naked eye. The image above was acquired by the Operational Land Imager on <a href="http://www.earth.com/video/landsat-8-5-years/">Landsat 8</a> on September 6, 2014, and it captures the swirling sediments typical of the North Slope and Elson Lagoon. Those suspended sediments block most of the light that would normally be reflected by the seafloor.

[caption id="attachment_2384477" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/86000/86610/beaufort_sea_chart.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2384477" src="http://cff1.greenatom.net/uploads/2015/09/17004644/beaufort_sea_chart-150x150.jpg" alt="Beaufort Sea chart. Credit: NASA" width="150" height="150" /></a> Beaufort Sea chart. Credit: NASA[/caption]

Seafloor reflectance is what typically enables researchers to estimate water depth, a technique known as satellite-derived-bathymetry (SDB). In regions like the North Slope—where the waters are turbid and access to hydrographic survey vessels is limited—scientists are developing ways to derive the bathymetry from multiple satellite images taken on different dates. They employ traditional SDB techniques, examining the seafloor reflectance on different dates; they also analyze those images for differences in the swirl of suspended sediment in the water column. From these two approaches, they can detect signs of underwater shoals, gas plumes, or other seafloor formations.

The approach is experimental, and it is only used for reconnaissance now. Until a survey vessel is dispatched to the North Slope, the exact depths around this potential shoal cannot be known. But the potential for a large, shallow shoal provoked NOAA to add it to the chart and alert mariners to the potential danger. Hidden Shoals On The Northern Slope Of The Beaufort Sea

It was around 1950 that a hydrographic survey ship last took depth measurements in these waters. At the time, surveyors built their maps from a single-beam echo sounder and visual navigation. The data points were laboriously merged with shoreline and hazard information to create a chart. Given the low ship traffic in the region for many years afterward, updating the chart was a low priority compared to other high-traffic areas.

But things change. Fishing and water-commuting traffic have increased in the area, as has marine tourism. But that’s not all: Bottom depths have changed as currents, erosion, and sediments have sculpted the seafloor.

The Marine Chart Division of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is responsible for updating more than 1,000 nautical charts that keep mariners safe in U.S. waters. Charged with providing accurate charts, NOAA cartographers need to know when existing charts are out-of-date. They monitor navigation hazard reports submitted by mariners. They watch ship traffic patterns via vessel positioning information (the Automatic Identification System). And more-and-more they are turning to satellite imagery, especially Landsat data. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA">NASA's</a> view.

“NOAA is now been using Landsat imagery for chart adequacy assessment and mission planning,” said Shachak Pe’eri, a professor from the Joint Hydrographic Center at the University of New Hampshire. Pe’eri and Lieutenant Anthony Klemm, a NOAA Corps Officer in the Marine Chart Division, have developed new NOAA policies for prioritizing ship-based hydrographic surveys based in part on assessments from satellite-derived-bathymetry.

“These charts are considered intermediary, but they can be made publicly available and used until a proper hydrographic survey can be performed,” Pe’eri explains. Such was the case with nautical chart 16081; NOAA is now warning mariners of the massive shoal suggested by the Landsat data.

“We’re making charts safer up there,” Klemm says, “and that’s so exciting.”

---

<a href="http://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NASA</a>

Hidden Shoals On The Northern Slope Of The Beaufort Sea

On a recent nautical chart of the Beaufort Sea, in...

Desolate, arid and virtually lifeless - that's how one would traditionally describe the Atacama Desert. Stretching across the Pacific coast in Chile, this unforgiving territory is known as the driest spot on our planet. It's no surprise that the desert is deemed hostile to most forms of life.



Yet, a closer look at the sandy soil reveals a perfect paradox - a diverse community of resilient microorganisms, thriving in the seeming desolation.



Investigating the function of these microorganisms can be challenging. Modern science tools often hit a wall while trying to separate the genetic material of the living from the dead in this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-supports-ocean-life-far-from-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial community</a>.



But now, a promising solution to this mystery is at hand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-desert-microbes">Identifying the desert microbes </h2>



Presented this week in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, an international team of researchers announces a novel separation technique. 



This innovative method distinguishes extracellular (eDNA) from intracellular (iDNA) genetic material, casting a spotlight on the living members of the elusive microbial community.



The technique is a game-changer in studying microbial life in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-biomass environments</a> - an area where conventional DNA extraction methods have been falling short.



The research was led by Dr. Dirk Wagner from the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam. He believes this development could usher in a new era in microbial research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-life-in-arid-regions-of-desert">Active life in arid regions of desert</h2>



The microbiologists put their novel method to practice on soil samples collected from the Atacama Desert, running along a west-to-east path from the ocean's edge to the foothills of the Andes mountains. 



What they found was intriguing: a variety of potentially active microbes were discovered in the most arid regions of the desert.



"Microbes are the pioneers colonizing this kind of environment and preparing the ground for the next succession of life," said Dr. Wagner. He noted that these processes aren't exclusive to desert lands.



"This could also apply to new terrain that forms after earthquakes or landslides where you have more or less the same situation, a mineral or rock-based substrate."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-dna-extraction">New approach to DNA extraction</h2>



Conventional tools for DNA extraction from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-grass-survives-by-capturing-moisture-from-fog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soils</a> often present a blend of living, dormant and dead cells from microorganisms.



“If you extract all the DNA, you have DNA from living organisms and also DNA that can represent organisms that just died or died a long time ago," explained Dr. Wagner.



The formidable challenge, especially in low-biomass environments, is securing sufficient good-quality DNA for metagenomic sequencing to unravel specific microbes and their processes. 



Dr. Wagner and his team have found a way around this by creating a process that filters out intact cells from a mixture, leaving behind eDNA genetic fragments from dead cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-extraterrestrial-life">Implications for extraterrestrial life</h2>



The significance of this research extends far <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-desert-moss-might-help-humans-live-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beyond Earthly environments</a>. 



The techniques developed for distinguishing living microbial communities in the Atacama Desert could offer a tantalizing approach to astrobiology, a field dedicated to exploring life beyond our planet. 



Mars, with its barren and inhospitable terrain, presents a setting not unlike parts of the Atacama. Here, scientists speculate that if life ever arose, it might have persisted in microbial form beneath the surface. 



By applying this novel genetic separation technique, future missions to Mars could possibly identify signs of life that traditional methods might overlook, thus advancing our understanding of life's potential in the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-future-research">Charting future research</h2>



The advent of this cutting-edge method represents a paradigm shift in microbial ecology and environmental microbiology. 



It opens up new avenues for research, not only in desolate regions like the Atacama Desert but also in other extreme environments such as Antarctic ice, deep-ocean vents, and arid regions worldwide. 



By accurately categorizing active microorganisms, we can better understand their roles in nutrient cycling, climate change, and biogeochemical processes. 



This refined approach provides a critical tool for scientists aiming to unravel the life forms that have evolved to thrive against the odds. It also lays the groundwork for future discoveries at the intersections of life, earth, and space sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vibrant-life-beneath-atacama-desert">Vibrant life beneath Atacama Desert</h2>



Dr. Wagner plans to extend the study's methodology to other hostile environments. He believes that this technique, which focuses on active microorganisms (iDNA), can provide deeper insights into the active part of the community.



By examining the vibrant life thriving beneath the surface of the Atacama Desert, we are slowly unearthing the secret resilience of microbes in the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arid of environments</a>. 



As we continue to witness the incredible adaptation and survival of life in the harshest of conditions, the lines of possibility for microbial life continue to expand, taking us one step deeper into unraveling the mysteries of life itself.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fjournals.asm.org%2Fdoi%2F10.1128%2Faem.01443-24&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied and Environmental Microbiology</a>.



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Living microbes found in the driest desert on Earth

Desolate, arid and virtually lifeless - that's how one would...

Pando, an extraordinary organism residing in Utah, quietly stands out among the myriad of living beings that inhabit our planet, captivating scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. 



This remarkable colony of quaking aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) stretches across 106 acres, and is connected by an extensive underground root system that forms a single, unified organism rather than just a forest of unrelated individuals.



With its remarkable size and age, Pando dwarfs its fellow inhabitants, holding the potential to be not only the oldest living being but also the largest organism on Earth. It is a symbol of nature's resilience and complexity over millennia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-utah-s-pride-the-incredible-pando">Utah's pride: The incredible Pando</h2>



A group of American researchers has suggested that this 106-acre woodland in the heart of Utah could have originated from a single seedling, which sprouted 34,000 years ago, pre-dating the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last ice age</a>.



Even bolder estimates propose that this clonal organism, which appears to consist of 47,000 separate trees, might have been present tens of thousands of years earlier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-astonishing-life-of-clonal-organisms">The astonishing life of clonal organisms</h2>



Pando (which means "I spread" in Latin) is intriguing because of its massive size, but it also boasts a unique genetic identity shared by all its individual parts that are linked together through one vast network of roots.



This form of asexual reproduction makes Pando a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-to-the-largest-and-oldest-tree-on-earth-what-does-it-have-to-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clonal organism</a>, with each 'tree' being a part of the whole, rooted and growing from the same entity. 



There are other life forms, including fungi and the bristlecone pines on the White Mountains in eastern California, that display similar capabilities. They survive through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-had-a-breakthrough-in-cloning-coconut-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloning</a> methods for hundreds, or even thousands of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-pando-s-historical-tales">Unlocking Pando's historical tales</h2>



To discern Pando's true age more accurately, the research team meticulously collected around 500 samples, including root, leaf, and bark, from different parts of this giant organism.



They also obtained specimens from other, unrelated aspens and embarked on a journey to sequence their DNA.



The scientists identified 4,000 genetic variations within these samples, and the mutation patterns narrated a captivating story that dates back potentially between 16,000 and 80,000 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-genetic-enigma">Unraveling the genetic enigma</h2>



The researchers, led by Rozenn Pineau of the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, noted that they had initially expected a close genetic correlation between trees that are physically near each other.



"You would expect that the trees that are spatially close are also closer genetically," Pineau told Helena Kudiabor at Nature. "But this is not exactly what we find. We found a spatial signal, but that is much weaker than what we expected."



Those trees that were in close proximity did share more similar mutations than those that were far apart - but only slightly more.



This discovery adds a new layer of complexity to understanding Pando's genetic structure and resilience.



Additional research focusing on Pando's mutation history and its genomic protection methods could provide insights into how this plant (and other similar organisms) has managed to survive for millennia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-pando-s-enduring-legacy">Ensuring Pando's enduring legacy</h2>



Concerns are mounting over the longevity of Pando. Ensuring its survival will require a deep understanding of this ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant's resilience</a> against the assaults of man and nature.



Moreover, similar investigations into other clonal organisms elsewhere may offer Pando competition for its venerable title. 



One competitor lies in a patch of Posidonia oceanica seagrass off the Spanish island of Formentera, which some believe to be more than 200,000 years old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ecological-significance-of-pando">The ecological significance of Pando</h2>



Pando is more than just a marvel of age and size; it plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. 



This vast network of quaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aspen-forests-could-reverse-biodiversity-loss-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aspens</a> supports a diversity of wildlife by providing habitat and food for numerous species, from insects and birds to larger mammals such as deer and elk.



The interconnected root system of Pando also aids in soil stabilization, which prevents erosion and supports the health of the surrounding environment.



However, understanding Pando's ecological contributions has become more urgent than ever, as climate change and human activities threaten its survival. 



Efforts to study and preserve this unique organism are now critical, not only to protect its ancient legacy but also to help maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem it anchors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enduring-hymns-of-pando">The enduring hymns of Pando</h2>



Pando's survival through the ages is a tribute to time itself. It stands as a constant reminder of the ancient world, sharing with us stories of an era long gone. 



As we continue to unravel the mysteries of Pando, we can only hope that this ancient marvel stands tall and flourishes in the years to come.



The research is published in <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.19.619233v2">BioRxiv</a>.



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The world's largest living organism consists of 47,000 trees

Pando, an extraordinary organism residing in Utah, quietly stands out...

Our world is changing. The ocean is on the rise, threatening to disrupt the lives of coastal communities.



As the water inches its way into people's lives, various agencies and organizations are making strides to prepare for this new reality. Right in the heart of these efforts is NASA, offering critical insights on rising sea levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-level-data-is-accessible-to-the-public">Sea-level data is accessible to the public</h2>



NASA's extensive global data is now accessible to the public in the brand-new sea level section of the Earth Information Center. 



This comprehensive global sea level <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change</a> website is the product of a collaboration between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, the U.S. Department of Defense, the World Bank, the U.S. Department of State, and the UN Development Programme.



The site presents comprehensive projections of expected sea level rise through the year 2150 for coastlines around the globe. It also provides estimates of anticipated flooding for coastal communities or regions over the coming three decades. 



The projections draw on diverse sources such as data gathered by NASA and its collaborators, computer models of ice sheets and the ocean, the latest sea level assessment from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and more.



"NASA innovates for the benefit of humanity. Our cutting-edge instruments and data-driven information tools help communities and organizations respond to natural hazards and extreme weather, and inform critical coastal infrastructure planning decisions,” said Karen St. Germain, the director of the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-sea-level-changes">Global sea level changes</h2>



Major global organizations like the World Bank are set to utilize the valuable data from the global sea level change site for creating Climate Risk Profiles for countries particularly susceptible to sea level <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-sea-levels-are-rising-faster-than-anywhere-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rise</a>.



The Defense Department will consistently feed sea level rise data into its plans to help predict - and possibly avoid - hazards caused to its facilities by rising oceans.



Similarly, the State Department will use the data for a range of activities, from disaster preparedness to long-term adaptation planning, and supporting partners globally in related efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moment-of-truth-in-our-climate-fight">Moment of truth in our climate fight</h2>



Assistant Secretary-General Selwin Hart, special adviser to the United Nations secretary-general on climate action and just transition, stresses the significance of the current period. 



“We are at a moment of truth in our fight against the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>. The science is unequivocal and must serve as the bedrock upon which decision-making is built," said Hart.



"With many communities around the world already facing severe impacts from sea-level rise, this new resource provides a vital tool to help them protect lives and livelihoods."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-faster-than-ever">Rising faster than ever</h2>



NASA-led data has revealed that between 1970 and 2023, 96% of countries with coastlines have experienced sea level rise. Furthermore, the rate of this global rise has doubled, from 0.08 inches (0.21 centimeters) per year in 1993 to about 0.18 inches (0.45 centimeters) per year in 2023.



As the rate of sea level rise increases, millions could face the linked effects earlier than anticipated, including larger storm surges, more saltwater intrusion into groundwater, and additional high-tide flood days.



“This new platform shows the timing of future floods and the magnitude of rising waters in all coastal countries worldwide,” said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, director of the ocean physics program at NASA Headquarters in Washington.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clear-data-for-unclear-times">Clear data for unclear times</h2>



Earlier data released this year shows that Pacific Island nations will face at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) of sea level rise over the next 30 years. Moreover, the number of high-tide flood days will increase significantly for nearly all Pacific Island nations by the 2050s.



Ben Hamlington is a sea level researcher at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California and head of the agency’s sea level change science team.



“The data is clear: Sea levels are rising around the world, and they’re rising faster and faster. Having the best information to make decisions about how to plan for rising seas is more crucial than ever,” concluded Hamlington.



While the future remains uncertain, one thing stays clear - the importance of accurate, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reliable data</a> to guide our decisions. 



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Sea level warnings: What coastal cities must prepare for

Our world is changing. The ocean is on the rise,...

The lifeline of our oceans is in danger. A recent study warns us about the impacts of global warming on marine life, with plankton populations at significant risk. 



The study points out a straightforward, yet frequently undervalued reality that if we don't act quickly, vast amounts of marine life could be on the brink of extinction within this century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plankton-struggle-with-rapid-warming">Plankton struggle with rapid warming</h2>



The research examines the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny ocean dwellers</a> known as plankton, which are more important than one might think. 



For the first time, the researchers compared how these tiny creatures responded to significant global warming in the past with how they might react to similar conditions anticipated by the end of our century.



The revelations were rather disturbing. It seems that plankton are struggling to keep up with the current rate of temperature increases. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plankton-cannot-adapt-quickly-enough">Plankton cannot adapt quickly enough</h2>



Dr Rui Ying, the lead author of the study, led this project during his PhD work in marine ecology at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>. 



“The results are alarming as, even with the more conservative climate projections of a 2°C increase, it is clear plankton cannot adjust quickly enough to match the much faster rate of warming which we’re experiencing now and looks set to continue," said Dr. Ying.



“Plankton are the lifeblood of the oceans, supporting the marine food web and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-plankton-play-a-big-role-in-the-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>. If their existence is endangered, it will present an unprecedented threat that would disrupt the whole marine ecosystem and have devastating, wide-reaching consequences for marine life and also human food supplies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future-by-looking-at-the-past">Predicting the future by looking at the past</h2>



To arrive at these conclusions, the scientists developed a new model to analyze how plankton behaved 21,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age.



They compared this with how the plankton might behave under future climate conditions. This approach, which focused on a specific plankton group that has survived through the ages, provides unique insights and an impressive level of accuracy.



“The past is often considered key to understanding what the world could look like in the future. Geological records showed that plankton previously relocated away from the warmer oceans to survive," explained Dr Ying.



“But using the same model of ecology and climate, projections showed the current and future rate of warming was too great for this to be possible again, potentially wiping out the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-tiny-ocean-creatures-overlooked-critical-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precious organisms</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-issue-of-global-warming">Broader issue of global warming</h2>



This research brings attention to the broader issue of global warming and our collective responsibility to curb its effects on plankton and overall marine ecosystems.



The Paris Agreement was a worldwide commitment to keep the increase in global average temperatures well below 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels and strive to limit the increase to 1.5°C (2.7°F).



However, a recent United Nations report indicates that the world may face as much as 3.1°C (5.6°F) warming if governments do not act more decisively to reduce carbon emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-global-climate-action">Need for global climate action</h2>



Study co-author Daniela Schmidt is a professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol and a celebrated marine ecologist. She has led multiple Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) reports and her insights are critical to understanding the climate crisis.



“This work emphasizes the great risks posed by the dramatically fast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate and environmental changes</a> the world is now facing. With these worrying trends set to worsen, there will be very real consequences for our ecosystems and people’s livelihoods, including fishing communities," said Schmidt.



"So, the message is clear - all nations must collectively and individually step up efforts and measures to keep global warming to a minimum.”



With the ocean’s lifeblood under threat, it’s time to act. If tiny plankton are at risk, the entire marine world - and our food supply - could be, too.



The research on plankton tells us that it does not have to be this way - the world can still limit global warming. But in order for that to happen, every nation needs to step up and take action.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08029-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Plankton at risk: Global warming threatens the ocean's lifeline

The lifeline of our oceans is in danger. A recent...

Microplastics and nanoplastics have emerged as pressing global concerns, capturing significant scientific attention and driving advancements in nanotechnology that is aimed at addressing their pervasive presence in the environment.



These minute <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> infiltrate our air, water, and soil, and even make their way into the bodies of animals and humans.



Originating from everyday consumer products and the breakdown of larger plastic materials, they represent an unseen environmental foe with potentially far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-dangers-of-nanoplastics">The hidden dangers of nanoplastics</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a>, defined as fragments smaller than 5 mm in diameter, are already recognized as a major issue.



However, nanoplastics, which are nearly a thousand times smaller, pose an even more insidious threat. 



These particles can bypass biological barriers and infiltrate the vital organs of living creatures. Alarmingly, recent research has even detected nanoplastics in the human brain.



Study senior author Henrique Eisi Toma is a professor in the Institute of Chemistry at the University of São Paulo (IQ-USP).



"Nanoparticles aren't visible to the naked eye or detectable using conventional microscopes, so they’re very hard to identify and remove from water treatment systems," said Professor Toma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanotechnology-solutions-for-plastic-pollution">Nanotechnology solutions for plastic pollution</h2>



Researchers at USP, with support from FAPESP, have developed a novel solution using nanotechnology.



The team, led by Professor Toma, created a low-cost method employing magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with polydopamine (PDA), a polymer derived from dopamine which is a neurotransmitter present in the human body.



These nanoparticles bind to micro- and nanoplastic waste, allowing for their removal through the application of a magnetic field.



“Polydopamine is a substance that mimics the adhesive properties of mussels, which cling very tenaciously to many surfaces," noted Toma. 



"It adheres firmly to fragments of plastic in water and enables the magnetic nanoparticles to capture them. This undesirable material can then be removed from the water with a magnet."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-striving-for-plastic-degradation">Striving for plastic degradation</h2>



The research team aims for more than just the removal of these particles; they are also exploring methods for sustainable degradation. 



By immobilizing lipase, an enzyme capable of breaking down <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-can-break-down-pet-pollution-in-ocean-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyethylene terephthalate</a> (PET), the team decomposes PET and other plastics into their basic components, such as terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, which can be reused in the production of new plastics.



"Our goal isn't just to remove plastic from water but also to contribute to its recycling in a sustainable manner," Toma emphasized.



PET is a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollutants-from-fossil-fuels-are-embedded-in-coral-skeletons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutant</a> due to its prevalence in plastic bottles and other common items.



The degradation process developed by Toma's team breaks PET down into monomeric forms, enabling the reuse of these components in new manufacturing processes.



"Our study focused on PET, but other researchers can include other specific enzymes to process different plastics, such as polyamide or nylon, for example," he noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-complexities">Challenges and complexities</h2>



Addressing the micro- and nanoplastics problem is far from straightforward. 



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yale-scientists-are-turning-wood-into-high-quality-bioplastic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioplastics</a> offer a potential solution as they come from renewable sources, they too can fragment into micro- and nanoplastics before fully degrading.



"Being biocompatible, they’re even more insidious because they can interact more directly with our organisms and trigger biological reactions," Toma explained.



An additional concern raised by Professor Toma is the contamination of bottled mineral water. While mineral water is often valued for its taste and mineral content, it can contain higher levels of micro- and nanoplastics than treated tap water.



"Treated potable water undergoes processes such as filtration, coagulation and flotation to eliminate most residues, whereas mineral water, which is better in some ways - it’s lighter, contains more salts and tastes better, for example - isn't processed in any of these ways because that would destroy its properties," said Toma.



"If the environment from which it's collected is contaminated by bioplastics, these particles will reach the consumer."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-solutions-with-nanotechnology">Advancing solutions with nanotechnology</h2>



The scale of this environmental challenge demands continuous innovation and policy intervention. 



The nanotechnology developed by Toma and his colleagues represents a significant advancement, showcasing how science can address complex environmental issues. 



Professor Toma calls for persistent research efforts and urges public administrators to recognize and tackle the problem, stressing the need for collective action to safeguard the planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0968432824001392" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Micron</a>.



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How nanotechnology is fighting microplastic pollution

Microplastics and nanoplastics have emerged as pressing global concerns, capturing...

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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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