Researchers at Montana State University (MSU) have unearthed a remarkable ancient forest preserved under ice on the Beartooth Plateau, providing a rare look into how warming climates could reshape alpine ecosystems.&nbsp;



The study, published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2412162121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, analyzes the remnants of a mature whitebark pine forest that once thrived at an elevation of 10,000 feet during a period of warmer temperatures roughly 6,000 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-exposed-by-melting-ice">Ancient forest exposed by melting ice</h2>



The forest, which endured for centuries before cooling temperatures forced it to retreat downslope, was sealed under ice approximately 5,500 years ago due to a shift in summer solar radiation and subsequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-cooling-not-warming-caused-a-major-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic cooling</a>.&nbsp;



“This is pretty dramatic evidence of ecosystem change due to temperature warming. It's an amazing story of how dynamic these systems are,” said David McWethy, one of the study’s authors and an associate professor in <a href="https://www.montana.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>’s Department of Earth Sciences.



Unlike glaciers, ice patches do not flow and instead preserve deposited materials such as pollen, charcoal, and macrofossils in their frozen layers. These conditions allowed the forest to remain intact until recent warming caused the ice to melt, exposing the ancient remnants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-effort-to-decode-climate-history">Collaborative effort to decode climate history</h2>



The idea to explore the Beartooth Plateau for ancient climate clues stemmed from earlier discoveries by Craig Lee, now an assistant professor at MSU. In 2007, Lee uncovered a 10,300-year-old atlatl fragment in the region, suggesting that layers of ice held vast records of cultural and environmental history.



“Most of our best long-term climate records come from Greenland and Antarctica. It's not a small thing to find ice patches that persisted for that long a time period at lower latitudes in the interior continent,” McWethy noted.



Building on this discovery, McWethy, Lee, and Greg Pederson, a paleoclimatologist with the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>, began investigating the ice patches in 2016. By 2018, their team expanded the project to study additional alpine ice patches in the region.&nbsp;



This collaborative effort involved tribes, federal agencies, and multiple universities and focused on reconstructing the area’s long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-temperature-has-changed-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate history</a> and its influence on Indigenous peoples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconstructing-the-ancient-alpine-ecosystem">Reconstructing the ancient alpine ecosystem</h2>



To piece together the story of the forest, the team examined multiple elements of this alpine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-ecosystems-are-thrown-off-balance-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>. Using ice cores, they analyzed water isotopes and organic material, while Pederson harvested cross-sections of ancient wood for radiocarbon dating. 



The findings confirmed that during a period of moderate and moist climate, tree lines shifted upward, allowing whitebark pine forests to thrive for 500 years.



“The plateau seems to have been the perfect place to allow for ice patches to establish and persist for thousands of years, recording important information on past climate, human activity and environmental change,” Pederson said.



The study suggests that as today’s climate warms, tree lines could rise again, transforming areas of alpine tundra into forest. However, Pederson cautioned that factors such as precipitation, wind, and snowpack would influence the density, distribution, and composition of these potential new forests.&nbsp;



“Growing season temperatures are the primary control on tree line elevation and latitude, but other factors such as moisture, wind, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-driven-climate-change-is-to-blame-for-sharp-snowpack-declines-since-1980/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpack</a> and human disturbance may play an important role in dictating forest structure and elevational limits,” he explained.



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



The researchers warn that these changes could have profound impacts on the region’s ecosystem and resources. Rising tree lines might alter high-altitude snowpack, which serves as a critical water source for irrigation and hydroelectric power.&nbsp;



Additionally, if forests encroach on tundra areas, they could increase the risk of wildfires due to changing fuel conditions.



Cathy Whitlock, a climate expert and MSU Regents Professor Emerita, emphasized the broader implications. She noted that reduced snowpack could strain water supplies, while McWethy added that the establishment of forests in tundra areas might fundamentally alter the region’s fire dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-past-to-predict-the-future">Learning from the past to predict the future</h2>



The study emphasizes the importance of understanding past ecological changes to prepare for future challenges.&nbsp;



“That’s the reason why studies of past ecological change are more than interesting pieces of science. They have much larger implications for the resources we all depend on,” Pederson said.



As climate change accelerates, the Beartooth Plateau’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient forest</a> serves as both a stark reminder of the Earth’s dynamic ecosystems and a window into the potential future of high-altitude environments.



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Frozen forest reveals climate impacts on alpine ecosystems

Researchers at Montana State University (MSU) have unearthed a remarkable ancient forest preserved under ice on the Beartooth Plateau, providing a rare look into how warming climates could reshape alpine ecosystems.&nbsp; The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzes the remnants of a mature whitebark pine forest that once thrived at an elevation of 10,000 feet during a period of warmer temperatures roughly 6,000 years ago. Ancient forest exposed by melting ice The forest, which endured for centuries before cooling temperatures forced...

Researchers from the <a href="https://www.umw.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mary Washington</a> have discovered alarming levels of cancer-causing metals in both the sediments and fish of a Chesapeake Bay tributary situated near a coal ash landfill. 



This research, led by Dr. Tyler Frankel, highlights previously overlooked dangers posed by trace metal contamination in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-wildfires-reshape-aquatic-ecosystems/">aquatic ecosystems</a>.



The study represents a significant step forward in understanding the environmental and health risks associated with metal contamination near coal ash landfills.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The researchers set out to investigate the role of sediments in the storage, release, and transportation of trace metals in waterways.&nbsp;



The study was initiated in an effort to address a gap in risk management concerning these contaminants, specifically in relation to aquatic species and their habitats.



"While the ecological impacts of large scale accidental releases such as the Kingston coal ash spill are well documented, little is known about the effects of chronic exposure to contamination stemming from leaking repositories," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



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



The research was focused on areas surrounding five coal ash facilities in Virginia. The results were alarming. Coal ash, a common industrial waste in the U.S., contains several water-soluble metals such as cadmium, selenium, mercury, lead, and arsenic.&nbsp;



The experts found that there were significantly increased levels of these metals in the sediments at the bottoms of waterways and within the tissues of banded killifish living near the coal ash landfills.



"These waterways serve as important routes for several migratory fish species and sensitive nursery habitats for various endemic species," said Dr. Frankel. "Our work highlights the importance of considering this exposure pathway in conservation strategies."&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-nbsp">Health implications&nbsp;</h2>



The health implications of these findings are severe. Long-term exposure to metals like arsenic, cadmium, and chromium is linked to cancer, cardiovascular risks, and other health issues in both wildlife and humans.&nbsp;



Furthermore, these contaminants increase in concentration as they progress up the food web, posing threats to predatory fish and birds, noted Dr. Frankel. He emphasized the importance of this research in the broader context of environmental stewardship.



"As the Chesapeake Bay watershed is one of the largest and most productive estuaries in the United States, understanding our impacts on its waterways is critical to the long-term stewardship of this precious resource," said Dr. Frankel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-and-support">Funding and support</h2>



The research was made possible through a $92,037 grant from the Morris Animal Foundation. This funding not only supported field sampling and laboratory analyses but also allowed the findings to be distributed to national societies, including the Chesapeake Potomac Regional Chapter of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. The grant also provided training opportunities for emerging scientists.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749123017700" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a>. 



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Cancer-causing metals leak into water near coal ash landfills 

Researchers from the University of Mary Washington have discovered alarming...

Flying,Honeybee,Collecting,Pollen,At,Yellow,Flower

It's a well-established fact that pesticide sprays pose a significant threat to honey bees. However, recent research has shed light on a less known aspect of this peril -- the impact of such sprays on bees' sense of smell, with potential consequences on their vital social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-communication-in-bee-colonies">Chemical communication in bee colonies</h2>



Honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concerning-levels-of-bee-harming-pesticides-discovered-in-english-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> are part of highly dynamic communities where communication is key. They rely heavily on chemical signals, known as pheromones, to perform essential colony functions. 



Nurse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-cannot-fly-straight-after-ingesting-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>, tasked with nurturing future queens and worker bees, use these pheromones to monitor larvae in the darkness of the hive. 



Larvae emit specific pheromones to signal their need for food, while worker bees produce alarm pheromones to alert the colony to danger. If these chemical cues are distorted or not perceived accurately, the entire colony's survival can be at stake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insecticides-pesticides-and-bees">Insecticides, pesticides and bees</h2>



For years, scientists have been aware of the declining bee populations since 2007, with insecticides being a major concern. <a href="https://experts.illinois.edu/en/persons/may-r-berenbaum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Berenbaum</a>, a respected professor of entomology at GEGC/IGOH, highlights a surprising twist in this saga. 



“For many years, it was assumed that fungicides do not have an adverse impact on insects because they are designed for fungal targets,” Berenbaum explains. “Surprisingly, in addition to insecticides, fungicides also have an adverse effect on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-oil-may-help-protect-pollinators-from-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and combining the two can disrupt colony function.”



The problem has been particularly evident in almond orchards, which host two-thirds of U.S. honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-increase-pesticide-toxicity-in-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> annually. Here, pesticide sprays often include adjuvants -- substances added to increase the efficacy of insecticides. 



These adjuvants, though traditionally viewed as harmless, have not undergone the rigorous safety testing that other insecticidal agents have. 



Berenbaum's recent findings are alarming. “Recently, researchers have shown that adjuvants alone or when used in combination with fungicides and insecticides are toxic to bees,” Berenbaum said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-impact-of-pesticides-on-bees">Investigating the impact of pesticides on bees</h2>



The health of nurse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-make-it-harder-for-male-bees-to-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>, crucial for producing healthy queens, is particularly jeopardized by these chemical combinations. 



Berenbaum emphasizes the gravity of this issue, stating, “The health of the queens is paramount,” she said. “If healthy queens are not produced, the colony can suffer.”



To delve deeper, researchers conducted an experiment using the adjuvant Dyne-Amic, the fungicide Tilt, and the insecticide Altacor. 



They divided bees into four groups, exposing each to different treatments involving these chemicals. The bees' antennae were then tested for their response to mimic brood and alarm pheromones using a technique known as electroantennography.



Ling-Hsiu Liao and Wen-Yen Wu, members of the <a href="https://publish.illinois.edu/maybe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berenbaum lab</a>, discovered that nurse bees consuming pollen contaminated by these chemicals showed altered responses to certain pheromones. 



This finding implies that commonly used pesticides can interfere with honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-impair-the-ability-of-bees-to-pollinate-strawberries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee</a> communication, disrupting their crucial social cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-research-is-needed">More research is needed</h2>



However, the exact mechanisms behind how these chemicals affect bees' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-danger-bees-cant-taste-lethal-pesticides-in-nectar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory responses</a> remain unclear.



“There are many possible explanations for how consuming these chemicals can affect the sensory responses of bees,” Liao said. “The antenna detects and triggers the response to olfactory signals. In this study we did not look at what other changes are triggered, particularly changes in behavior.”



The team aims to further investigate the molecular pathways affected by these chemicals and to test other pesticide mixtures. Their goal is to provide insights that could help beekeepers better protect their colonies.



In summary, this study is a crucial reminder of the intricate and delicate balance within bee colonies and how human practices can inadvertently disrupt it. 



As we continue to unravel the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-communication-is-hindered-by-human-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee communication</a> and its susceptibility to external chemicals, we also uncover the urgent need to reevaluate and possibly reform our agricultural practices for the preservation of these vital pollinators.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41818-7">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Pesticides disrupt bees’ sense of smell and social signals

It's a well-established fact that pesticide sprays pose a significant...

A report from the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> outlines a strategy to drastically reduce nitrogen pollution from agriculture and the food system in Europe.&nbsp;



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



Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, yet its excessive use in agriculture, primarily through animal excretion and synthetic fertilizers, leads to severe environmental impacts.&nbsp;



The report highlights that up to 80% of nitrogen leaks into the environment in harmful forms like ammonia, nitrogen oxides, nitrous oxide, and nitrate, causing air pollution and water quality degradation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recipe-for-change">Recipe for change</h2>



The researchers identified a startling inefficiency in the European food system, where only 18% of nitrogen is effectively utilized, leaving the vast majority to pollute air, water, and soils. The report presents a "recipe" to halve these losses.



<ul>
<li>Reducing meat and dairy consumption: Halving the average European consumption of meat and dairy, currently around 70kg per year, and shifting to plant-based diets.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Improving fertilizer management: More efficient application and storage of fertilizers and manure.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Cutting down food waste: Reducing waste by retailers and consumers.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Enhancing wastewater treatment: Capturing nitrogen from sewage to reduce emissions and recycle nutrients for field application.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Incentivizing sustainable food choices: Offering financial incentives for low-impact foods and incorporating them into public sector catering.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Policy support: Implementing policies that support a sustainable transition in food production and consumption.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Collaborative effort: Engaging farmers, industry, government, and consumers in joint efforts to reduce nitrogen losses.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-nitrogen-pollution-reduction">Implications of nitrogen pollution reduction</h2>



“Action does not begin and end at the farm gate; it requires a holistic approach involving not only farmers but policymakers, retailers, water companies and individuals. It is also not saying we should all become vegan," said Professor Mark Sutton.



"Our analysis finds that a broad package of actions including a demitarian approach (halving meat and dairy consumption) scored most highly in looking to halve nitrogen waste by 2030.”



The research builds on the 2014 "Nitrogen on the Table" report, which identified livestock as a major contributor to Europe's nitrogen emissions. It suggests that plant-based diets are not only healthier but also more environmentally efficient, requiring less land and fertilizers.



The recent energy and fertilizer price hikes, partly due to the Ukraine war, underline the urgency to minimize wasteful nitrogen losses.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-diets">Plant-based diets</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Adrian Leip from the European Commission emphasized the resilience benefits of plant-based diets amidst the current food, energy, and climate crises.



“The unprecedented rise of energy, fertilizer and food prices since 2021 underlines the need to address the vulnerability of the current food system," said Dr. Liep.



"Plant-based diets require less land and fertilisers, reduce energy use and increase our resilience to the current multi-crises: food, energy, climate. Freeing up land to restore habitats would help tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.”



The researchers evaluated 144 scenarios involving varying degrees of dietary changes, agricultural practices, and wastewater treatment investments.&nbsp;



The team found that the balanced approach of halving meat and dairy consumption combined with improved farm management could potentially reduce nitrogen losses by 49% and offered the highest net societal benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-nitrogen-pollution">The future of nitrogen pollution</h2>



The report, a critical contribution from the <a href="https://www.clrtap-tfrn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Task Force on Reactive Nitrogen</a> of the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, will be accessible from the taskforce’s website from December 20, 2023.&nbsp;



In summary, the research presents a comprehensive and actionable blueprint to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It shows that a collective effort can lead to significant improvements in both environmental and human health.



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Nitrogen pollution from food production could be reduced by 50%

A report from the United Nations Centre for Ecology &amp;...

Recent genetic analyses of an Antarctic octopus have shed light on the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/west-antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-will-accelerate-regardless-of-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WAIS</a>) during the Last Interglacial period, approximately 129,000 to 116,000 years ago. 



Despite a mere 1 degree Celsius increase in temperatures from preindustrial levels, the WAIS collapsed, emphasizing the vulnerability of this ice sheet to even minimal temperature rises. 



These findings have significant implications for our understanding of future climate change and its impact on the cryosphere, particularly the potential irreversible collapse of the WAIS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-the-west-antarctic-ice-sheet">Vulnerability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-was-more-dynamic-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctic Ice Sheet</a> is known to be particularly susceptible to warming temperatures, and it could reach a critical tipping point within the current global climate targets of 1.5 to 2 °C. 



The consequences of a total collapse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WAIS</a> would be severe, leading to an estimated global sea-level rise of 3 to 5 meters. 



Given that global sea levels during the Last Interglacial period were 5 to 10 meters higher than preindustrial levels and temperatures were approximately 0.5 to 1.5 °C warmer, understanding how the WAIS responded to such conditions in the past is crucial for predicting its fate in our rapidly warming future.



Despite growing evidence suggesting the potential collapse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-much-thinner-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WAIS</a> during the Last Interglacial period, current oceanographic and modeling studies have produced conflicting and inconclusive results. 



To address these uncertainties, Sally Lau and her colleagues took a unique approach by examining the genetic history of Turquet's octopus (Pareledone turqueti). This species is found in the Weddell, Amundsen, and Ross Seas, geographically isolated and separated by the WAIS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-octopus-and-the-wais-collapse">The octopus and the WAIS collapse</h2>



Lau et al. conducted genetic analyses, sequencing genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms in 96 octopuses collected from the Southern Ocean. 



They discovered distinct genetic populations of the octopus but observed signs of admixture between the Ross Sea and the Weddell Sea. 



This indicates a historical gene flow between these regions during the Last Interglacial period. The persistence and historic signals of gene flow suggest that the two seas were connected by an interior open waterway, where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-has-lost-3000-billion-tons-of-ice-in-25-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WAIS</a> now occupies. 



This supports the hypothesis of complete WAIS collapse during the Last Interglacial. Andrea Dutton and Rob DeConto, in a related Perspective, highlight the significance of these findings. 



They wrote, "Whether or not this analysis withstands further scrutiny and the test of time, the implications of this result pose some intriguing questions, including whether this history will be repeated, given Earth's current temperature trajectory." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-past-to-understand-the-future">Learning from the past to understand the future</h2>



This research underscores the importance of understanding past climate events and the potential for similar outcomes in the future.



The genetic analyses of Turquet's octopus provide valuable insights into the collapse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-slow-antarctica-ice-melt-with-sunlight-reflecting-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctic Ice Sheet</a> during the Last Interglacial period. 



This research highlights the vulnerability of the WAIS to even minimal temperature rises and emphasizes the need to comprehend its response to warming climates. As global temperatures continue to rise, understanding the consequences of potential WAIS collapse becomes increasingly critical. 



In summary, by studying the past, we can shape a better understanding of our rapidly changing future and develop effective strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade0664" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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The tale of an Antarctic octopus and the vulnerable West Antarctic Ice Sheet

Recent genetic analyses of an Antarctic octopus have shed light...

One of North America’s largest rivers, Canada’s Mackenzie River, is driving intense carbon dioxide emissions in the Arctic Ocean, according to a recent study. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-dipole-the-atmospheric-pattern-shaping-our-future-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Ocean</a>, despite being the world’s smallest ocean, plays a significant role in influencing climate change.



It is estimated that the cold waters of the Arctic absorb as much as 180 million metric tons of carbon per year, making it one of Earth’s critical carbon sinks. 



However, recent findings from a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> study reveal that thawing permafrost and carbon-rich runoff from the Mackenzie River are triggering the release of more carbon dioxide than the ocean can absorb.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-the-arctic-ocean-as-a-carbon-sink">Role of the Arctic Ocean as a carbon sink</h2>



The study, published earlier this year, sheds light on how scientists are using advanced computer modeling techniques to study rivers like the Mackenzie, which flows into the Beaufort Sea, a region of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Ocean</a>. 



The Mackenzie River and its delta have experienced significantly warmer temperatures in recent years, resulting in increased melting and thawing of waterways and landscapes.



As this vast river system concludes its thousand-mile journey in the marshy corner of Canada’s Northwest Territories, it acts as a conveyor belt for mineral nutrients, organic matter, and inorganic matter. 



This material then drains into the Beaufort Sea as a mixture of dissolved carbon and sediment, with some of the carbon being eventually released into the atmosphere through natural processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ecco-darwin-model">The ECCO-Darwin model</h2>



Previous assumptions characterized the southeastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mackenzie-river-delta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beaufort Sea</a> as a weak-to-moderate carbon dioxide sink, where it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases. However, due to limited data, there has been significant uncertainty surrounding this perception.



To address this data gap, the research team employed a global ocean biogeochemical model called ECCO-Darwin, which was developed jointly by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and the <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a>.



This model assimilates nearly all available ocean observations collected for over two decades using sea- and satellite-based instruments. The scientists utilized the ECCO-Darwin model to simulate the discharge of fresh water and the elements and compounds it carries, including carbon, nitrogen, and silica, spanning a period of almost 20 years (from 2000 to 2019).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-amount-of-carbon-emitted-from-the-arctic">Surprising amount of carbon emitted from the Arctic</h2>



Their findings indicate that the river discharge is triggering intense outgassing in the southeastern Beaufort Sea, resulting in a net carbon dioxide release of 0.13 million metric tons per year. This amount is roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from 28,000 gasoline-powered cars. 



The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere varies with the seasons, with warmer months exhibiting more pronounced outgassing due to higher river discharge and reduced sea ice coverage, allowing the gas to escape instead of being trapped.



This research sheds light on the role of rivers and coastal areas in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-carbon-pump-found-in-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> carbon cycle. Lead author Clément Bertin, a scientist at <a href="https://lienss.univ-larochelle.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Littoral Environnement et Sociétés</a> in France, explains, “With our model, we are trying to explore the real contribution of the coastal peripheries and rivers to the Arctic carbon cycle.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-arctic-carbon-emissions">Implications for Arctic carbon emissions</h2>



The implications of this study reach beyond the specific region examined. Roughly half of the Arctic Ocean is comprised of coastal waters, where land and sea embrace in a complex interplay. 



Understanding the dynamics of carbon exchange in these regions is crucial for comprehending the environmental changes unfolding in the Arctic.



The rate of warming in the Arctic since the 1970s has been at least three times faster than in any other part of the world. This rapid warming has resulted in transformations in its waters and ecosystems. Some of these changes promote increased carbon dioxide outgassing, while others stimulate greater carbon uptake.



For example, the thawing of Arctic lands and increased melting of snow and ice have caused rivers to flow more rapidly. Consequently, more organic matter from permafrost and peatlands is flushed into the ocean, contributing to carbon release. 



On the other hand, microscopic phytoplankton near the ocean surface are taking advantage of the shrinking sea ice to bloom in the newfound open water and sunlight. These marine organisms, akin to plants, capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.



The ECCO-Darwin model is being employed to investigate these blooms and the intricate ties between ice and life in the Arctic.



In summary, scientists diligently monitor these significant and seemingly subtle changes in the Arctic and beyond. Our ocean waters remain a critical buffer against a changing climate, sequestering up to 48% of the carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels.



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Arctic waters are emitting more carbon as they continue to warm

One of North America’s largest rivers, Canada’s Mackenzie River, is...

Cancer,Cells,,Malignant,Cells,Under,Microscope,,3d,Illustration

In a new study by researchers at the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a>, two “forever chemicals” spurred cancer cells in the lab to migrate to new positions, an indication that the chemicals could contribute to cancer metastasis in living organisms.



The study addressed the group of industrial chemicals called <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html#:~:text=Print-,Per%2D%20and%20Polyfluorinated%20Substances%20(PFAS),in%20a%20variety%20of%20products." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)</a>. The substances are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can build up in the human body. They have the ability to shed water and resist penetration by oils. They are notorious for their ubiquity, their exceptional environmental stability, and their suspected toxic effects.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-us-drinking-water-taps-are-likely-to-contain-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> make up a prevalent class of persistent organic pollutants of increasing public concern worldwide. They have been frequently detected in the environment, such as in drinking water, indoor dust, cleaning products, and coatings,” said co-first author Jie Zheng, a postdoctoral associate who was working in the <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/cjohnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab</a> of principal investigator <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/profile/caroline-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caroline Johnson</a>, associate professor of epidemiology (environmental health sciences), at the time the research was conducted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-in-the-blood-of-babies">Forever chemicals in the blood of babies</h2>



The forever chemicals show up in the blood of newborns, of people living in sub-Arctic Indigenous communities, in fish and mussels, and even in bird eggs. No level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> in the body is considered safe, and they have been linked to a litany of health problems, including cancers. 



In November, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) <a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-the-carcinogenicity-of-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-and-perfluorooctanesulfonic-acid-pfos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classified</a> perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, as carcinogenic to humans and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), another common PFAS, as possibly carcinogenic to humans.



No studies have addressed the relationship between PFAS and colorectal carcinoma (CRC), Zheng explained. However, firefighters experience this type of cancer at higher rates than the general population and they are heavily exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> at work. About 80% of CRC cases are thought to be related to environmental exposure of some kind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-forever-chemicals-spread-cancer">How do forever chemicals spread cancer?</h2>



But what the chemicals might be doing to initiate or spur on this type of cancer has been unclear.



The Johnson lab studies CRC with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolomics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolomics</a>, a tool that measures fluctuating levels of thousands of small molecules like amino acids, lipids, and proteins in a biological sample. 



"We look at patterns that occur within an exposed group of people or a diseased group of people, then try to generate a hypothesis as to why somebody may develop a disease or have progression of disease," Johnson said. "Metabolomics is one of the only tools where you can measure environmental exposures in the same sample as the biological effect."



In this series of experiments, the authors studied how CRC cells react to being immersed in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> solution for up to seven days. They observed increased cell motility with exposure and found metabolic changes that were consistent with cancer metastasis.



Results agreed with current knowledge about CRC metabolism, spread, and prognosis, amounting to evidence that the chemicals can induce metastasis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-on-the-move">Cancer on the move</h2>



To investigate the metabolic profile of CRC cells after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-crisis-humans-are-early-warning-system-for-wildlife-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> exposure, the study focused on PFOS and PFOA. Both have been used in firefighting foam and many other products.



The authors used two CRC cell types. One type consisted of cells with an unmutated or “wild-type” KRAS gene; in the other, the KRAS gene carried a common mutation associated with an especially deadly type of colon tumor in women. 



The cells formed into tiny balls called spheroids. KRAS — an acronym for kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene — is a member of the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RAS family</a>. KRAS mutations are one of the most dominant mutations leading to the development of colorectal cancer. 



The researchers found that bathing spheroids in the chemicals boosted the cells’ migration ability. They showed a tendency to spread and to penetrate membranes. In another experiment, researchers grew the cells as a flat, two-dimensional layer, then drew a scratch down the middle, separating half of the cells from the other half. When they added PFAS, the cell lines grew and migrated back together again.



“It doesn't prove it's metastasis, but they have increased motility, which is a feature of metastasis,” Johnson said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spheroids-in-forever-chemicals">Spheroids in forever chemicals</h2>



Metabolomic analysis revealed the spheroids were producing a variety of fatty acids, amino acids, and signaling proteins in patterns previously linked to metastasis. Small-chain fatty acids, which can protect against tumors and inflammation, were downregulated.



A Western blot found telltale up- and down-regulation of specific signal proteins associated with metastasis during a process called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epithelial%E2%80%93mesenchymal_transition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)</a>. 



During EMT, epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion while gaining migratory and invasive properties to become mesenchymal stem cells. EMT has been shown to occur in wound healing, organ fibrosis, and in the initiation of metastasis in cancer progression.



For example, when exposed to either chemical at higher levels, both cell types expressed less <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadherin-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E-cadherin</a>, rendering them less adhesive—a key step in EMT-related metastasis. The results added to the team's confidence that the cell was behaving in vitro like a metastatic cell in the body. E-cadherin is a cell-cell adhesion protein. Mutations have been associated with gastric, breast, colorectal, thyroid, and ovarian cancers.



Some changes suggesting metastatic potential were more pronounced in the KRAS-mutated line. That could mean that cancers with this mutation may be especially prone to spread after exposure to these chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-at-the-exposome">A look at the exposome</h2>



The research is part of an ongoing quest by scientists to better understand the exposome — that is, all environmental influences upon a person from conception until death, including biological, chemical, environmental, social, and so on. Because PFAS are so widespread, almost everyone is exposed.



This study used exposure levels similar to those detected in firefighters and others in frequent contact with PFAS, such as people living near landfills, airports, military bases, or wastewater treatment plants. In future studies, the Johnson lab aims to test exposures that are lower, more like those most people face every day. They also plan to look at PFAS levels and clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer.



“Many in vitro studies can't be translated into humans," Johnson said. "But I think understanding first the mechanisms of how they can actually affect cancer cell growth is important.”



The research was published in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c04844" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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"Forever chemicals" encourage cancer to spread around the body

In a new study by researchers at the Yale School...

A new study from <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a> and the University of Montpellier provides yet another example of how human activities are impacting the natural world. 



The experts have discovered that flowering plants in farmlands are increasingly adapting to self-fertilization due to the widespread decline of insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/">pollinators</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-conditions-nbsp">Challenging conditions&nbsp;</h2>



This adaptation is a direct response to the challenging conditions faced by plants as reproduction becomes more difficult for them in an environment depleted of pollinating insects.



"Plant-pollinator interactions evolved early in the angiosperm radiation. Ongoing environmental changes are however leading to pollinator declines that may cause pollen limitation to plants and change the evolutionary pressures shaping plant mating systems," wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research team conducted a comparative study involving field pansies, analyzing both current specimens and those grown from seeds collected between 1992 and 2001.&nbsp;



"We used resurrection ecology methodology to contrast ancestors and contemporary descendants in four natural populations of the field pansy (Viola arvensis) in the Paris region (France), a depauperate pollinator environment," wrote the researchers.



"We combine population genetics analysis, phenotypic measurements and behavioral tests on a common garden experiment."



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



The researchers found that today's flowers are approximately 10% smaller, produce 20% less nectar, and attract fewer pollinators than their predecessors.



According to the experts, their analysis revealed a 27% increase in realized selfing rates in the field during the study period.&nbsp;



"We documented trait evolution towards smaller and less conspicuous corollas, reduced nectar production and reduced attractiveness to bumblebees, with these trait shifts convergent across the four studied populations."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-evolutionary-response-nbsp">Rapid evolutionary response&nbsp;</h2>



This change in the plants' traits is thought to be a rapid evolutionary response to the decline in pollinator populations across Europe.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, a separate study in Germany highlighted this issue, noting a 75% reduction in the biomass of flying insects in protected areas over the past thirty years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vicious-cycle-nbsp">Vicious cycle&nbsp;</h2>



The CRNS study reveals a concerning feedback loop: the decline in pollinators leads to reduced nectar production, which could further exacerbate the decline of these essential insects.&nbsp;



This vicious cycle poses a significant threat to the longstanding symbiotic relationship between plants and pollinators, a relationship that has existed for millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



"In summary, our study highlights the potential of natural populations to respond quickly to environmental changes. However, such evolutionary responses may have impacts on ecological interactions, here plant–pollinator interactions, and potentially cascading trophic consequences in ecosystems," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"There is thus an urgent need to investigate whether these results are symptomatic of a broader pattern among angiosperms and their pollinators, and if so understanding whether there is a possibility to reverse this process and break this eco-evolutionary-positive feedback loop."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nph.19422" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.&nbsp;



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Wildflowers are self-fertilizing to deal with a lack of pollinators

A new study from CNRS and the University of Montpellier...

The impact of climate change on wildlife behavior, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-predator-prey-equilibria/">predator-prey</a> dynamics in snowy environments, is a growing area of interest among ecologists.&nbsp;



Laura Prugh, a wildlife ecologist and associate professor at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>’s School of Environmental &amp; Forest Sciences, is exploring how changing weather patterns and snow consistency due to global warming will affect hunting strategies in various species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-and-disadvantages-nbsp">Advantages and disadvantages&nbsp;</h2>



“When you wear snowshoes in deep snow, you stay on top of the snow. But if you take the snowshoes off, you might go up to your waist. Certain species, such as wolves and lynx, have adapted to deep snow conditions because their feet act like snowshoes,” Prugh said.&nbsp;



However, she points out that their prey, like caribou and moose, are at a disadvantage due to their weight and hoofed feet, leading to deeper sinking in snow.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



“As climate change is making things warmer and changing the amount of precipitation, it’s going to affect how deep and hard the snow is. And that’s going to affect how deep the animals are sinking into the snow. Few scientists have looked at this before.”



To delve deeper into this phenomenon, Prugh collaborated with Jessica Lundquist, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Washington.&nbsp;



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



Together with their research team, they studied snow properties to identify “danger zones” where prey animals are more likely to sink, while predators remain on the surface. Their recent paper focuses on these zones for ten predator-prey pairs in Washington’s Methow Valley and Denali National Park in Alaska.



“Imagine having a snow fort - you’ve got this cave under the snow and it has a roof. And when people run on top of your snow fort, you hope it doesn’t collapse on you, right? This is what we are trying to measure: the strength of the snow to support itself against collapsing,” Lindquist said.&nbsp;



"But snow is such a dynamic thing. It’s not even one phase; you can’t call it a solid, liquid or gas. It’s all of the above, and that makes snow really fun to study.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snow-density-nbsp">Snow density&nbsp;</h2>



The team used snow density as a proxy for its strength, hypothesizing that denser snow would better support an animal’s weight than light, fluffy snow. They tested this theory in the field, traveling through Denali National Park and the Methow Valley to examine animal tracks and study the surrounding snow’s density and other properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



Both Prugh and Lundquist emphasized the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in this study. Prugh gained a deeper understanding of snow types, while Lundquist learned about identifying animal tracks. They also relished the opportunity to conduct research outdoors. Lundquist shared an anecdote to illustrate this point:&nbsp;



“There’s this Calvin and Hobbes cartoon where Calvin’s standing in front of his class holding a box of water. And he says, ‘this was a snowflake outside.’ It’s unique and exquisite, but when you bring it into the classroom, it melts. The science is outside. You cannot bring snow inside and have the same characteristics as the snow outside.”



This study - published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/oik.09925" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oikos</a> - underscores the complexity of ecological systems and how climate change could significantly alter predator-prey dynamics.



"Understanding when and where danger zones occur remains an outstanding, urgent need for resource managers to anticipate and proactively adapt to changing snow conditions," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



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Danger zones: Climate change is altering predator-prey dynamics

The impact of climate change on wildlife behavior, particularly predator-prey...

A recent study led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> has uncovered alarming trends regarding the impact of tropical cyclones on global populations. 



According to the researchers, there is a steady increase in the number of people at risk from tropical cyclones and the number of days per year these storms threaten health and livelihoods.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



With climate change fueling more frequent and intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/">weather events</a>, this type of research is critical in understanding and responding to these growing threats.



Study lead author Renzhi Jing, a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of the study.&nbsp;



"Understanding the demographics of populations exposed to cyclones is crucial for understanding evolving risks,” said Jing. “It’s particularly important for risk mitigation and achieving other socially desirable objectives, such as education and poverty alleviation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical cyclones, characterized by rotating systems of clouds and thunderstorms, bring strong winds and heavy rain. Traditional estimates of exposure to these cyclones have been regional, lacking a global perspective and failing to consider population vulnerabilities.



For the investigation, researchers from Stanford, the RAND Corporation, and other institutions used a new model to merge demographic estimates with tropical cyclone wind fields estimates. This allowed the experts to create a comprehensive global profile of populations exposed to these storms between 2002 and 2019.&nbsp;



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



The study revealed that approximately 560 million people are exposed to cyclones annually and there has been an increase in the number of people exposed across all cyclone intensities.&nbsp;



The researchers also found that the demographic profile of those exposed has shifted, with a decrease in children and an increase in individuals over 60.



Furthermore, socioeconomically deprived populations are more likely to be exposed to tropical cyclones, and this exposure is more pronounced in higher-intensity storms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The findings suggest tropical cyclones can worsen existing inequalities, and highlight the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable groups, noted the researchers.



“Severe storms hit the poor the hardest, and could worsen socioeconomic and health inequalities,” said study senior author Professor Eran Bendavid. “Interventions for mitigating tropical cyclone impacts should address this vulnerability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tropical-cyclones-nbsp">More about tropical cyclones&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical cyclones are intense circular storms that originate over warm tropical oceans. Their formation is fueled by the energy released when moist air rises and condenses, a process that is most efficient when the ocean waters are at least 26°C (79°F).&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure">Structure</h3>



These systems are distinguished by their organized structure, typically featuring a calm eye at the center, surrounded by a wall of thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rainfall.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle">Life cycle</h3>



The life cycle of a tropical cyclone begins with a tropical disturbance, which is essentially a disorganized cluster of thunderstorms. Under the right conditions, such as sufficient ocean heat and low vertical wind shear, this disturbance can evolve into a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and eventually a cyclone. These stages are marked by increasing organization and wind speed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-damage">Damage</h3>



Tropical cyclones are known for their potential to cause significant damage. High winds can wreak havoc on infrastructure, vegetation, and power systems. However, the storm surge – the rise in sea level that occurs as the storm approaches the coast – is often the most destructive element, leading to severe coastal flooding.&nbsp;



Additionally, the heavy rains associated with these storms can result in inland flooding, and in mountainous areas, trigger landslides or mudslides.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-names">Names</h3>



Globally, these storms are called different names based on their location: hurricanes in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, typhoons in the Northwest Pacific, and simply cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category">Category</h3>



They are categorized based on their wind speeds, with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale being a common method in some regions. This scale ranges from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-nbsp">Climate change&nbsp;</h3>



The impact of climate change on tropical cyclones is a growing concern. While it's not clear if climate change will increase the total number of cyclones, it is expected to intensify the proportion of high-category storms and increase the volume of rainfall they deliver. Furthermore, rising sea levels can amplify the impact of storm surges, leading to more significant coastal damage.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06963-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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The rising impact of tropical cyclones in a warming world

A recent study led by Stanford University has uncovered alarming...

Valley,Of,Himalayan,Mountains,With,Mountain,Lake,On,Track,To

In an era where climate change poses a significant threat to natural resources, recent research highlights a glimmer of hope for the Himalayan glaciers. 



The findings suggest that reducing air pollution to levels experienced during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> lockdowns could significantly slow the melting of these glaciers, crucial for billions of people in Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-reduced-air-pollution">Impact of reduced air pollution</h2>



During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the world witnessed an unprecedented reduction in industrial activities and transportation, resulting in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-levels-of-air-pollution-can-negatively-impact-the-developing-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner air</a>. This period offered a unique opportunity for scientists to study the effects of reduced air pollution on the environment, particularly on the Himalayan glaciers. 



An international team, including researchers from India, Germany, and the UK, analyzed data from this period and found that less soot deposition on the glaciers led to a decrease in snowmelt by 0.5 to 1.5 mm per day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-himalayan-glaciers-a-critical-resource">The Himalayan glaciers: A critical resource</h2>



The Himalayas and the Tibetan highlands form the largest snow-covered region outside the polar areas. The meltwater from these glaciers is a lifeline for rivers in India and China, supporting agriculture, hydropower, and the economies of these nations. 



Approximately 4 billion people in South and East Asia depend on the Himalayan snowmelt for their annual fresh water supply. 



However, global warming has already caused a significant reduction in the Himalayan glacier area, making the preservation of these glaciers more crucial than ever.



While climate change and its resultant higher air temperatures and precipitation changes are long-term challenges, short-term factors like the deposition of light-absorbing particles, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust and soot</a>, are also major contributors to glacier melting. 



The study revealed that reduced emissions during the COVID-19 lockdowns led to less soot and greenhouse gases polluting the air, which, in turn, resulted in a substantial decrease in snowmelt.



The research team utilized the <a href="https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/11/1695/2018/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECHAM6-HAMMOZ</a> chemistry-climate model with updated soot-snow parameterization for their analysis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-covid-slowed-himalayan-glaciers-melt">Findings: COVID slowed Himalayan glaciers' melt</h2>



This model was complemented by data from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (<a href="https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MODIS</a>) and ground-based measurements from Aerosol Robotic Network (<a href="https://www.aeronet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AERONET</a>) stations in Pakistan and Tajikistan. 



These comprehensive data sets helped the scientists understand the impact of reduced air pollution on the snow and atmospheric conditions in the region.



The findings are clear: reduced anthropogenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/almost-no-place-on-earth-is-safe-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> leads to less soot on snow, which in turn reduces snowmelt. During the lockdown period, there was a 25 to 70 mm decrease in snowmelt compared to the 20-year average. This resulted in an increased water storage due to reduced surface water runoff.



"The aerosol optical thickness (AOD), i.e. the atmospheric opacity, over this region decreased by around 10 per cent in April 2020 compared to before the pandemic. This is supported by measurements from MODIS, which also show a reduction in AOD compared to the average of the last 20 years," reports Dr Suvarna Fadnavis from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (<a href="https://www.iitm.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IITM</a>).



Dr. Bernd Heinold from <a href="https://www.tropos.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TROPOS</a> adds, "In the model, we were able to show that the decrease in air pollution reduced snowmelt in spring 2020 by 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters per day and thus reduced the runoff meltwater in the year by up to half."&nbsp;



Prof. Ina Tegen from TROPOS emphasizes the importance of this discovery, saying, "Our results make it clear that of the two processes causing the retreat of the Himalayan glaciers - global climate change and local air pollution - a reduction in air pollution in particular could be a short-term help." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-urgent-call-to-action">An urgent call to action</h2>



Reducing air pollution to levels experienced during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-linked-to-severe-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronavirus pandemic</a> could cut snowmelt by up to half. Such clean air measures would benefit not only the health of billions of people in Asia but also enhance the water supply, agriculture, and ecosystems across vast regions of the continent.



"Even if we were to stop CO2&nbsp;emissions immediately, temperatures would not initially fall. However, our results confirm the importance of reducing short-lived climate drivers such as soot and their complementary role in CO2&nbsp;mitigation. Reducing air pollution to similar levels as during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 could protect the Himalayan glaciers, which are otherwise at risk of disappearing by the end of the 21st century," Tegen concluded.



In summary, the research underscores the need for clean energy and lower-emission transport to protect the Himalayan glaciers. Such measures would not only improve air quality but also ensure sustainable water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems in Asia. 



As the glaciers currently lose nearly half a meter of ice annually, the urgency to replicate the air quality levels of the COVID-19 lockdowns becomes a critical environmental imperative.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/23/10439/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics</a>.



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COVID-19 pandemic reduced the melting rate of Himalayan glaciers

In an era where climate change poses a significant threat...

Hurricane,Over,The,Atlantic,Seen,From,A,Satellite.,Elements,Of

In a significant advancement in climate research, an international team of experts has linked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/">ocean</a> weather systems with the global climate.&nbsp;



The research, led by Professor Hussein Aluie from the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>, offers a new perspective on how the Earth's climate system operates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-ocean-s-influence-on-weather">Studying the ocean's influence on weather</h2>



The ocean has weather patterns like what we experience on land, but on different time and length scales, explained study lead author Benjamin Storer, a research associate in Professor Aluie’s Turbulence and Complex Flow Group.&nbsp;



A weather pattern on land might last a few days and be about 500 kilometers wide, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> weather patterns such as swirling eddies last three to four weeks but are about one-fifth the size, noted Storer.



These patterns have always been thought to impact climate scales, but until now, the specifics of this interaction were unclear. 



“Scientists have long speculated that these ubiquitous and seemingly random motions in the ocean communicate with climate scales, but it has always been vague because it wasn’t clear how to disentangle this complex system to measure their interactions,” said Professor Aluie.&nbsp;



“We developed a framework that can do exactly that. What we found was not what people were expecting because it requires the mediation of the atmosphere.”



The method used for the study involved a mathematical technique devised by Professor Aluie in 2019, which the team refined and implemented into advanced coding.&nbsp;



This technique enabled the experts to analyze energy transfers across various scales, from global circumferences to as small as 10 kilometers, using both advanced climate models and satellite data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-key-insights">Implications and key insights</h2>



The findings indicate that ocean weather systems both gain and lose energy when interacting with climate scales. This interaction closely mirrors global atmospheric circulation patterns.&nbsp;



Particularly noteworthy is the role of the intertropical convergence zone near the equator, responsible for a significant portion of global precipitation. This atmospheric band is a hotbed for energy transfer, intensifying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> turbulence.



Storer and Aluie said that studying such complex fluid motion happening at multiple scales is not easy, but it has advantages over previous attempts to link weather to climate change. They believe the team’s work creates a promising framework for better understanding the climate system.



“There’s a lot of interest in how global warming and our changing climate is influencing extreme weather events,” said Professor Aluie. “Usually, such research efforts are based on statistical analysis that require expansive data to have confidence in the uncertainties."&nbsp;



"We are taking a different approach based on mechanistic analysis, which alleviates some of these requirements and allow us to understand cause and effect more easily.”



The collaborative effort included contributions from Michele Buzzicotti of the <a href="https://web.uniroma2.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rome Tor Vergata</a>, Hemant Khatri of the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>, and Stephen Griffies from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton</a>. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi7420" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>. 



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Study reveals the ocean's hidden influence on global weather patterns

In a significant advancement in climate research, an international team...

In a new study, researchers have uncovered the profound impact that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-great-for-mosquitoes/">climate change</a> is expected to have on the world's natural capital by 2100. This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, anticipates a 9% decline in ecosystem services, a measure of the benefits nature provides to humanity.



The concept of "natural capital" encompasses a range of vital services including breathable air, clean water, healthy forests, and biodiversity. These elements are crucial to human well-being, though they are often challenging to quantify in economic terms. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-natural-capital">Studying natural capital</h2>



The study was led by Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, who was a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> during the research and is now a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>.&nbsp;



The researchers investigated how the redistribution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-wildfires-reshape-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial ecosystems</a> due to climate change will negatively impact natural capital.



The team combined global vegetation models, climate projections, and World Bank data on natural capital values to assess the impact of climate shifts on various countries' ecosystem services, economic production, and natural capital stocks. 



The research reveals a stark reality: by the end of the century, climate-induced changes, such as alterations in vegetation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-diversity-is-driven-by-global-precipitation-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall patterns</a>, and increased CO2 levels, are expected to reduce global gross domestic product (GDP) by an average of 1.3%. This economic impact, however, will not be evenly distributed. 



The researchers found that the poorest 50% of countries are projected to bear about 90% of the GDP losses, while the wealthiest 10% may experience only a 2% reduction. 



This discrepancy highlights the greater dependency of lower-income countries on natural resources for their economic output and the larger proportion of their wealth tied to natural capital.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservative-estimates-nbsp">Conservative estimates&nbsp;</h2>



While comprehensive, the authors acknowledge that their estimates might be conservative, as they primarily focused on land-based systems like forests and grasslands. 



The researchers also did not factor in disturbances such as wildfires or insect-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emerging-diseases-threaten-trees-globally-and-the-trend-is-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree mortality</a>, which could further impact these ecosystems. Future research is planned to address the impacts on marine ecosystems.



Study senior author Frances C. Moore, an associate professor in the <a href="https://desp.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> Department of Environmental Science and Policy, emphasized the importance of integrating the unique values derived from natural systems into climate policies. 



“With this study, we’re embedding natural systems and human well-being within an economic framework,” said Professor Moore. “Our economy and well-being depend on these systems, and we should recognize and account for these overlooked damages when we consider the cost of a changing climate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-capital-implications-and-future-study">Natural capital implications and future study</h2>



Jeffrey Mantz, an NSF program officer, highlighted the significance of this study.



“Thanks to the efforts of this research team, we now know that damage to ecosystems impacts human well-being in ways that are both measurable and wildly disproportionate across populations. The results will be critical to abating economic losses in the coming decades.”



In summary, this research sheds light on the urgent need to consider the full scope of climate change's impact on natural systems and human economies, and to develop policies that comprehensively address these challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06769-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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How climate change will impact the world's "natural capital"

In a new study, researchers have uncovered the profound impact...

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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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;



"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.



"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;



According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



Video Credit: ESA



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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.

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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Saturn,-,High,Resolution,3d,Images,Presents,Planets,Of,The

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. 



According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.



"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.



"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."



Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;



"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.



The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.



"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.



"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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.

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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Closeup,Of,Fresh,Green,The,Napier,Bush,Grass,As,Animal

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/">NTU Singapore</a> reveals that some plants can remove toxic heavy metals from soil.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed samples of various tropical plant species to test for levels of heavy metals and metalloids. The study showed that there are existing plants with high levels of these contaminants, which means that these species are great candidates for drawing pollutants out of the soil.&nbsp;



Among the plants examined in the study, 12 species had accumulated several types of heavy metals and metalloids. These plants are widely available, including species that are native to Singapore.



“In a small nation like Singapore, land may be repurposed to support new development plans, so it is important that we have a green and sustainable way to remediate land that is contaminated," said Professor Lam Yeng Ming.



"We set out to uncover how to better make use of tropical plants to do phytoremediation and through advanced characterization techniques, we showed how some of these tropical plant species can be an environmentally friendly and literally a 'green' way to remove contaminants in soil."&nbsp;



"Phytoremediation also has benefits of cost effectiveness, simplicity of management, aesthetic advantages, and long-term applicability and sustainability. The strategy prevents erosion and metal leaching by stabilizing or accumulating heavy metals, so that helps reduce the risk of contaminant spread.”



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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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.

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes why herbicides are not as effective in killing weeds anymore. In the 20th century, chemical companies developed thousands of herbicides. The most commonly used herbicide was glyphosate, which was introduced in 1974.



Over the past few decades, dozens of species of weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Depending on the site of action, the part of the plant that an herbicide interacts with, weeds may even be resistant to herbicides that have not been developed yet.&nbsp;



With increasing resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides, weeds are - once again - becoming a major concern for farmers.&nbsp;



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.

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) describes a dust storm on Mars that was nearly twice the size of the United States. As the storm covered the southern hemisphere of the planet, some of NASA’s explorers had to delay their normal activities.



NASA’s Insight lander put itself in a "safe mode" for 11 days to conserve battery power because solar power was disrupted by the dust. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter postponed flights until conditions improved.



"A fleet of NASA orbiters monitor Martian dust storms like this one and serve as lifelines to Earth by relaying data from the rovers and lander on the ground back to the team. This includes the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and Odyssey," reports JPL.



"Dust storms like this recent one start close to the ground and are spread by wind as they rise – warming the cold Martian atmosphere."



The images in the video were captured by NASA’s Curiosity as the dust rolled in. A fleet of orbiters monitored the dust storm from above, relaying data from Mars’ explorers back to scientists on Earth.



Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



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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.

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.



Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;The Hara Forest Protected Area is a network of shallow waterways and forest located between the island and the mainland. This protected region is home to sea turtles, snakes, and more than 150 species of migrating birds.



Qeshm is famous for its wide range of&nbsp;ecotourist&nbsp;attractions, such as the&nbsp;Hara marine forests. According to environmentalists, about 1.5 percent of the world birds and 25 percent of Iran's native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-hummingbirds-avoid-sexual-harassment-by-looking-like-males/">birds</a> annually migrate to the forests, which are the first national geo park in Iran.



Tourists are also drawn to the island to see an age-old Portuguese&nbsp;fort, historic mosques, the&nbsp;Seyyed Mozaffar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bibi Maryam&nbsp;shrines, and the "Valley of Stars."



The average temperature on the island is 81 degress and the region is often hot and humid. From June to August, the island is described as being oppressively hot. The ideal time to visit is during the winter season. 



Video Credit: ESA&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.

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

[sendtonews key="sFFhiK9OOn-1720418-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique.&nbsp;



"Inhambane Bay is a deep inlet into which the small Mutamba River flows," says ESA. "On one side of the bay lies the historical city of Inhambane, capital of the Inhambane Province, while the sister city of Maxixe, the economic capital of Inhambane, sits across from it. The province is the second largest grower of cashews, after Nampula, and it also produces coconut and citrus fruits."



The beaches of Barra and Tofo are popular with tourists. There are also coral reefs along the long coastline of Inhambane, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.



"Mozambique’s extensive coastline heightens the country’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones that develop in the Indian Ocean as well as storm surge flooding," says ESA.



"More than half of the population lives in low lying coastal areas, putting communities at risk. Inhambane Bay was dangerously close to where Cyclone Idai made landfall in 2019 causing widespread destruction to the country."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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.

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

[sendtonews key="yPSXGZek1I-2312529-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, one of the largest tidewater outlet glaciers in Greenland. The glacier is located on the east coast of the Greenland ice sheet.



As human-induced climate change continues to drive up temperatures, global ice loss is accelerating at an alarming rate. ESA reports that, over the past decade alone, 3.5 trillion tons of ice have melted from the Greenland ice sheet. This is enough to cover the UK with meltwater 15 meters deep.



Based on satellite imagery, researchers determined that Kangerlussuaq entered a new phase of rapid retreat and acceleration in 2017. In their study, published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2019.00123/full">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>,&nbsp; the experts report that the glacier's ice front is now at its most retreated position since the early 20th century.



"Given Kangerlussuaq’s previous impacts on both the magnitude and pattern of ice sheet wide mass loss, we predict that its new phase of retreat, acceleration and thinning will markedly enhance the south-east region’s contribution to increasing discharge from the ice sheet," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"More broadly, accurate forecasting of the ice sheet’s contribution to sea level rise will require a deeper understanding of, and responses to, these non-linear ice dynamic processes."



Video Credit: ESA



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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.

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the complex relationship between ocean and climate. ESA's Climate Change Initiative will help us understand how oceans influence the climate and how climate change is impacting the oceans.&nbsp;



"Earth’s oceans are huge heat stores, soaking up 93% of the excess heat from human activity over the past 70 years. Ocean currents redistribute heat around the planet, from the Equator to the poles. Where this ocean heat goes influences weather patterns and regional climate," explains ESA.



"As well as absorbing heat, oceans are a natural carbon sink, absorbing a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. This has led to the acidification of ocean water, threating marine life."



The amount of heat and carbon dioxide soaked up by the ocean depends on specific variables, including phytoplankton, temperatures, waves, salinity, and ice cover. Satellites can be used to measure these variables from space.



"From their unique vantage point, satellites provide key information for understanding the complexities of our planet and monitoring environmental issues," says ESA.



Video Credit: ESA



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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.

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the importance of monitoring the shape of the sea surface, which is constantly changing. These observations have many applications, such as ship routing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-modem-ocean-is-a-tough-place-for-whales-to-survive/">ocean</a> current forecasting, and debris tracking.



"A project supported by the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities recently investigated a new technique to measure sea surface topography very precisely," reports ESA.



"The technique involves looking at satellite navigation (GNSS) signals that have been reflected off of the sea surface at very low angles. At these so-called grazing angles, waves and surface roughness have very little impact on the reflection process; the sea surface acts as a very smooth mirror."



Estel Cardellach is the principal investigator at the Institute for Space Studies of Catalonia, who first submitted the idea for the project.



“In a mirror-like reflection the phase of the signal can be tracked – it is continuous," said Cardellach. "Different surface heights result in different phase measurements. It gives a very precise measurement of the surface altitude at a few centimetres’ precision.”



The researchers developed a GNSS receiver and set up an experiment in the Balaeric Islands to collect signals from the receiver that were reflected off the sea surface. Ultimately, these signals will provide improved measurements of the shape of the sea surface.



Image/ Video 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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

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Aerial,Photo,Of,River,In,Amazon,Rainforest,Jungle,In,Peru

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a> describes how scientists are using autonomous sound sensors to monitor deforestation in the Amazon. By recording soundscapes, the experts can determine which animals are present through their distinct sounds.&nbsp;



Using this method, sounds can be used as scientific measurements to analyze the effects of deforestation. The researchers will gain a better understanding of how the acoustics of a forest can be used to measure its health.&nbsp;



"From space, parts of the Amazon rainforest that have previously been logged or burned may look lush and green, like a place buzzing with activity and full of sounds. But inside the rainforest, the animal life may tell a different story, of a harsh environment and a quieter soundscape," says NASA.



Video Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center&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

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon through sounds

[sendtonews key="u0TYxxqfF7-2186404-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA’s...