Over the past 20 years, scientists have observed a subtle but widespread shift in the color of our oceans. While these changes might not be noticeable during a day at the beach, you can easily see them from airplanes and satellites in space.



This is happening on a massive, global scale, signaling to anyone paying attention that significant transformations are taking place beneath the surface of our seas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounding-alarm-bells">Sounding alarm bells</h2>



Stephanie Dutkiewicz, a senior research scientist at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>, has been studying this phenomenon closely. She's part of a team that's raising concerns about what these color changes mean for the health of our planet.



"We hope people take this seriously," says Dutkiewicz. "It's not only models predicting these changes; we can now see them happening, and the ocean is changing."



In a study published in Nature, researchers from the <a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanography Center</a> in the UK and other institutions revealed that more than half of the world's oceans have experienced a shift in color. 



They found that these changes can't be chalked up to natural variations alone -- they're likely a result of human-driven climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greener-ocean-color-near-the-equator">Greener ocean color near the equator</h2>



Tropical regions near the equator have become noticeably greener over time. This isn't just a visual tweak; it's a sign that the ecosystems within the surface ocean are changing. 



The color of the ocean is influenced by what's in its upper layers, especially tiny organisms like phytoplankton.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/earth-ocean-waters_south-carolina-coast_landsat8_green-color_nasa-1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/earth-ocean-waters_south-carolina-coast_landsat8_green-color_nasa-1s.webp" alt="Winyah Bay (roughly midway between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) receives input from a number of blackwater rivers whose dark, reddish hues arise from the absorptive properties of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) which some have likened to nature's tea. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1951739"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Winyah Bay (roughly midway between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) receives input from a number of blackwater rivers whose dark, reddish hues arise from the absorptive properties of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) which some have likened to nature's tea. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-forest-of-phytoplankton-thrives-in-a-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytoplankton</a> are microscopic, plant-like creatures that contain chlorophyll, giving them their green tint. They're a cornerstone of the marine food web and play a key role in capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 



Shifts in their populations can have ripple effects throughout marine ecosystems and impact the global carbon cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blame-the-humans-of-course">Blame the humans, of course</h2>



Lead author B.B. Cael from the National Oceanography Center points out that this isn't a random occurrence. 



"This evidence shows how human activities are affecting life on Earth on a vast scale," he says. "It's another way humans are impacting the biosphere, affecting even the most extensive environments on the planet."



Traditionally, scientists have monitored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-algae-genes-chlorophyll-boost-crop-yields-land-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chlorophyll levels</a> to keep tabs on phytoplankton populations. But tracking changes using chlorophyll alone can take decades because of natural year-to-year fluctuations. 



Back in 2019, Dutkiewicz and her colleagues suggested that looking at the full spectrum of ocean colors could reveal climate change-driven trends more quickly. They estimated that such changes could become apparent within 20 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellites-spot-the-difference">Satellites spot the difference</h2>



The team analyzed data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (<a href="https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MODIS</a>) on NASA's Aqua satellite. 



Since 2002, this instrument has been observing ocean color across seven visible wavelengths. Their analysis showed a clear trend over two decades, lining up with what their models had predicted.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/earth-ocean-waters_new-zealand-coast_modis-satellite_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/earth-ocean-waters_new-zealand-coast_modis-satellite_nasa_1s.webp" alt="Phytoplankton blooms are evident throughout the South Pacific Ocean with sediment re-suspended from the ocean floor by waves and tides along much of the New Zealand coastline. Credit: MODIS/NASA" class="wp-image-1951737"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Phytoplankton blooms are evident throughout the South Pacific Ocean with sediment re-suspended from the ocean floor by waves and tides along much of the New Zealand coastline. Credit: MODIS/NASA</figcaption></figure>



Cael explains that these trends match up with the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-induced</a> climate change, not just random shifts in the Earth's system. 



This means the changes in ocean color are a direct response to how we're altering the planet's climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-ocean-color-matter">Why does ocean color matter?</h2>



So, what's the big deal about the ocean turning a bit greener? It suggests that the types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-at-risk-global-warming-threatens-the-oceans-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton communities</a> are changing. 



Different phytoplankton have varying abilities to capture carbon and support marine life. Changes in these communities can affect the entire food web, from tiny marine organisms all the way up to fish and whales.



Dutkiewicz emphasizes that these shifts will impact all creatures that rely on plankton for food. 



"Different types of plankton influence how much carbon the ocean can absorb," she notes, highlighting the broader implications for climate regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visible-sign-of-invisible-changes">Visible sign of invisible changes</h2>



This research shines a light on the far-reaching effects of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>. Monitoring ocean color offers a tangible way to detect and understand these shifts. 



The findings are a stark reminder of the significant impact human activities have on Earth's complex systems.



"The evidence is clear: human activities are altering the very color of our oceans," says Cael. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about the intricate balance of marine life that keeps our planet healthy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-we-do-to-help">What can we do to help?</h2>



This shift in the ocean's hue is more than just a scientific curiosity -- it's a call to action. 



Scientists are continuing to study these trends to grasp the full impact on marine ecosystems and the global climate.



By keeping a closer eye on the full spectrum of ocean colors, researchers hope to gain a quicker understanding of how climate change is affecting the oceans.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/earth-ocean-waters_lake-erie_great-lakes_modis_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/earth-ocean-waters_lake-erie_great-lakes_modis_nasa_1s.webp" alt="At the end of winter the ice is nearly all gone from Lake Erie, and growing phytoplankton populations are revealed mingling with suspended sediments in this relatively shallow Great Lake. Credit: MODIS/NASA" class="wp-image-1951741"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At the end of winter the ice is nearly all gone from Lake Erie, and growing phytoplankton populations are revealed mingling with suspended sediments in this relatively shallow Great Lake. Credit: MODIS/NASA</figcaption></figure>



This could lead to faster responses and more effective strategies to lessen the impacts.



As we face the realities of climate change, understanding what's happening in our oceans is crucial. Changes in the oceans can affect weather patterns, sea levels, and biodiversity on a global scale.



Addressing these challenges isn't something scientists can do alone. It requires all of us to pitch in -- from reducing our carbon footprints to supporting policies that protect marine environments. 



Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-color-climate-change-and-human-health">Ocean color, climate change, and human health</h2>



To sum it all up, scientists have noticed that over the past 20 years, more than half of the world's oceans have subtly changed color. 



Stephanie Dutkiewicz points out that this shift matches what climate change models have been predicting. 



The color change is linked to alterations in phytoplankton communities -- tiny, plant-like organisms with chlorophyll that give the ocean its green tint. 



These little guys are essential for marine life and play a big role in capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



By analyzing satellite data, researchers found that these changes aren't just natural fluctuations; they're consistent with human-driven climate change. 



The shift in ocean color suggests significant changes in marine ecosystems, which could impact the entire food web -- from microscopic organisms to large marine animals. 



This finding highlights how human activities are affecting the planet in profound ways, even down to changing the very color of our oceans. It's a clear sign that we need to take climate change seriously and start making changes now.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06321-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Earth's oceans are rapidly changing colors, and it's too late to stop it

Over the past 20 years, scientists have observed a subtle but widespread shift in the color of our oceans. While these changes might not be noticeable during a day at the beach, you can easily see them from airplanes and satellites in space. This is happening on a massive, global scale, signaling to anyone paying attention that significant transformations are taking place beneath the surface of our seas. Sounding alarm bells Stephanie Dutkiewicz, a senior research scientist at MIT, has been studying this phenomenon closely. She's part...

As cities become rapidly more densified, there is now construction very close to roads and thoroughfares. Although scientists have already known that traffic noise can have a negative impact on human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oil-and-gas-production-linked-to-77-billion-in-annual-health-care-costs/">health</a>, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/">Chalmers University of Technology</a> in Sweden has now found that exposure to even as little as 40 decibels of such noise – the usual level of background noise in an office environment or kitchen – can have a detrimental effect on cognitive performance.



The experts conducted a laboratory experiment in which participants took concentration tests while being exposed to background traffic noise, consisting of two audio sequences simulating trucks passing at a distance of ten and fifty meters. More specifically, they had to look at a computer screen and react to certain letters, and assess their perceived workload afterward.&nbsp;



The results showed that the participants had significantly poorer results on the test, and felt that the task was more difficult to carry out, with traffic noise in the background.



“What is unique about our study is that we were able to demonstrate a decline in performance at noise levels as low as 40 dB, which corresponds to the regular noise level in an office environment or a kitchen,” said lead author Leon Müller, a doctoral student in Applied Acoustic at Chalmers.



“The audio sequence simulating the closer passages, where the sound changes significantly as the vehicle passes by, was usually the one that bothered the test subjects the most. This could be because traffic that is further away is perceived as a more constant drone.”



These findings highlight the negative impact of traffic noise on health and job performance. In recent years, the distance between roads and newly built housing has been allowed to shrink in many cities in Sweden and beyond. For instance, the current Swedish regulations for where construction is permitted are based on the average noise level over a 24-hour period and fail to take into account individual passer-bys or the peaks of low frequency noise indoors.&nbsp;



Since such noise is mainly generated by heavy traffic at low speeds, it is very difficult to avoid even with well-insulated windows and buildings that comply with the construction norms and guidelines for sound isolation.



“The calculations for different types of facades show that it is difficult to achieve ideal indoor sound environments near heavily trafficked roads,” said Jens Forssén, a professor of Applied Acoustics at Chalmers and lead author of a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1351010X221143571">study</a> modelling such low-frequency noise. “Reducing speeds is not a solution, as our calculations show that the indoor noise exposure can even increase at lower speeds.”



According to the researchers, noise and the sound environment are factors that are often considered too late in the planning process. While construction adjustments to better utilize the space in terms of noise pollution could certainly help, the most effective solution would be to avoid urban densification in areas where traffic noise would have too great an impact on health and wellbeing.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053798">International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-health-impacts-of-traffic-noise">Health impacts of traffic noise</h2>



Traffic noise has several potential health impacts. Here are some of the most significant:



<h3 id="h-sleep-disturbances">Sleep disturbances</h3>



The World Health Organization recognizes traffic noise as a major cause of sleep disturbances. Lack of quality sleep can lead to various health issues such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression, and increased risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease.



<h3 id="h-cardiovascular-issues">Cardiovascular issues</h3>



Chronic exposure to traffic noise can potentially lead to cardiovascular diseases. It is believed that noise acts as a stressor, causing the body to release stress hormones which in turn affect heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can increase the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.



<h3 id="h-hearing-impairment">Hearing impairment</h3>



Long-term exposure to high levels of traffic noise can potentially lead to noise-induced hearing loss. This can occur when the delicate structures within the ear are damaged by prolonged loud noise.



<h3 id="h-mental-health-issues">Mental health issues</h3>



There is evidence to suggest that chronic noise pollution, including traffic noise, can lead to an increase in stress levels, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, it can affect concentration, leading to decreased performance and productivity.



<h3 id="h-child-development">Child development</h3>



Some studies have suggested that chronic exposure to traffic noise may affect cognitive development and learning in children. Noise can be distracting and disruptive, potentially affecting concentration, attention span, and academic performance.



<h3 id="h-annoyance-and-quality-of-life">Annoyance and quality of life</h3>



Apart from specific physical and mental health issues, noise pollution from traffic can also significantly affect people's quality of life. Chronic noise can cause annoyance, disrupt daily activities, and overall decrease well-being.



While further research is needed to fully understand the extent of these impacts and their mechanisms, it is clear that traffic noise has potential negative implications for public health. Mitigation strategies can include things like improved urban planning, the use of noise barriers, noise-reducing asphalt, and promoting quieter modes of transport.



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Even slight traffic noise impacts work performance

As cities become rapidly more densified, there is now construction...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) has provided clear evidence of a human “fingerprint” on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate change</a>, showing that specific signals from human activities have altered the temperature structure of our planet’s atmosphere.



While differences between tropospheric and lower stratospheric temperature trends have long been recognized as anthropogenic effects on the climate, scientists have largely ignored what happens from the mid to the upper stratosphere (about 25-50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface).



“Including this information improves the detectability of a human fingerprint by a factor of five. Enhanced detectability occurs because the mid to upper stratosphere has a large cooling signal from human-caused CO2&nbsp;increases, small noise levels of natural internal variability, and differing signal and noise patterns,” the authors explained.



While in the troposphere, noise can include daily weather, interannual variability caused by El Niños and La Niñas, and longer-term natural fluctuations in climate, in the upper stratosphere such noises are smaller, making anthropogenic climate change signals easier to distinguish.&nbsp;



“Extending fingerprinting to the upper stratosphere with long temperature records and improved climate models means that it is now virtually impossible for natural causes to explain satellite-measured trends in the thermal structure of the Earth’s atmosphere,” the scientists argued.



“This research undercuts and rebuts claims that recent atmospheric and surface temperature changes are natural, whether due to the Sun or due to internal cycles in the climate system,” said study lead author Benjamin Santer, an expert in Physical Oceanography at WHOI.&nbsp;



“A natural explanation is virtually impossible in terms of what we are looking at here: changes in the temperature structure of the atmosphere. This research puts to rest incorrect claims that we don’t need to treat climate change seriously because it is all natural.”



This study is rooted in the earlier work of Suki Manabe and Richard Wetherald in 1967, who utilized a simple climate model to investigate the potential impact of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion on atmospheric temperature. Their modeling revealed a distinct finding: an elevation in CO2 levels resulted in increased heat retention within the troposphere (the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere) and decreased heat dissipation in the stratosphere (the layer above the troposphere), consequently causing warming in the troposphere and cooling in the stratosphere.&nbsp;



This projection of tropospheric warming and stratospheric cooling in response to rising CO2 levels has been consistently supported by more intricate models and validated through comparisons of model outcomes with global-mean atmospheric temperature measurements obtained from weather balloons and satellites.



While these earlier studies focused on global-mean temperature alterations in the middle and upper stratosphere, approximately 25 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, they did not delve into the intricate patterns of climate change within this particular layer. However, advancements in simulations and satellite data have now made it possible to examine this region more comprehensively.&nbsp;



The current study marks the first attempt to identify discernible climate change patterns, often referred to as “fingerprints,” specifically attributed to human activities in the middle and upper stratosphere.



“The human fingerprints in temperature changes in the mid to upper stratosphere due to CO2 increases are truly exceptional because they are so large and so different from temperature changes there due to internal variability and natural external forcing. These unique fingerprints make it possible to detect the human impact on climate change due to CO2 in a short period of time (~10 - 15 years) with high confidence,” said co-author Qiang Fu, a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/">University of Washington</a>.



“This study shows that the real world has changed in a way that simply cannot be explained by natural causes. We now face important decisions, in the United States and globally, on what to do about climate change. I hope those decisions are based on our best scientific understanding of the reality and seriousness of human effects on climate,” Santer concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300758120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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New evidence that climate change is caused by human activities

A new study led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution...

In the midst of rising Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the looming presence of El Nino, the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) forecasts a near-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic in 2023.&nbsp;



These predictions, made by NOAA forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center - a division of the National Weather Service - anticipate a 40 percent likelihood of a near-normal season, with a 30 percent chance each for either an above-normal or below-normal season.



The Atlantic hurricane season, traditionally stretching from June 1 to November 30, will likely witness 12 to 17 named storms, with winds blowing at a minimum of 39 mph, according to NOAA's estimates.&nbsp;



Within this range, five to nine storms are predicted to escalate into hurricanes, packing winds of 74 mph or more, and one to four of these could become major hurricanes of category 3, 4 or 5, with winds exceeding 111 mph. The confidence level of NOAA in these projections stands high at 70 percent.



Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo commended the efforts of the Commerce Department and NOAA in advancing the scientific and technological aspects of hurricane modeling.



“Thanks to the critical investments this year, NOAA will be able to deliver even more accurate forecasts, helping ensure communities have the information they need to prepare for and respond to the destructive economic and ecological impacts of Atlantic hurricanes," said Raimondo.



NOAA's outlook suggests that the upcoming hurricane season may be less active than recent ones, due to various influencing factors. The convergence of some of these factors may suppress storm development, while others may fuel it, which contributes to an overall forecast of a near-normal season.&nbsp;



Intriguingly, after the continual presence of La Nina for three hurricane seasons, NOAA scientists now anticipate a high potential for El Nino to develop in the upcoming summer.&nbsp;



While El Nino often suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity, its potential impact might be offset by favorable conditions inherent to the tropical Atlantic Basin.&nbsp;



Other factors that could play a role include warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, which provide the energy for storm development, and the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which contributes to the generation of some of the stronger and longer-lived Atlantic storms.



These conditions are part of the long-term variability in Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic conditions conducive to hurricane development. This state, known as the high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes, has been responsible for more active Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995.



NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad emphasized the importance of NOAA's data and expertise for decision-making during hurricanes, particularly in the context of a changing climate.&nbsp;



"This year we are operationalizing a new hurricane forecast model and extending the tropical cyclone outlook graphic from five to seven days, which will provide emergency managers and communities with more time to prepare for storms," said Dr. Spinrad.



NOAA is gearing up to implement a suite of enhancements and improvements this summer, such as expanding the capacity of the agency's operational supercomputing system by 20 percent. This advancement in computing capability will empower NOAA to improve and run more intricate forecast models, including significant model upgrades during this hurricane season.



Notably, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), jointly created by NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic &amp; Meteorological Laboratory Hurricane Modeling and Prediction Program and NOAA’s National Weather Service Environmental Modeling Center, will become operational by late June. This model has demonstrated a 10-15 percent improvement in track forecasts over existing operational models based on retrospective analysis of tropical storms and hurricanes from the 2020-2022 seasons.



In addition, the Probabilistic Storm Surge model upgrade will advance storm surge forecasting for the contiguous U.S. and new forecasts for surge, tide and waves for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.&nbsp;



Forecasters now have the ability to run the model for two storms simultaneously. This model provides forecasters with the likelihood, or probability, of various flooding scenarios including a near worst-case scenario to help communities prepare for all potential outcomes.



Over the last 10 years, flooding from tropical storm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-in-the-tropics-linked-to-reduced-rainfall/">rainfall</a> was the single deadliest hazard. To give communities more time to prepare, the Weather Prediction Center is extending the Excessive Rainfall Outlook an additional two days, now providing forecasts up to five days in advance. The outlook shows general areas at risk for flash flooding due to excessive rainfall.



“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives. So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials. Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.&nbsp;



“Visit ready.gov or listo.gov for readiness resources, and get real time emergency alerts by downloading the FEMA App. Actions taken today can save your life when disaster strikes. The time to prepare is now.”



—-



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NOAA forecasts near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season

In the midst of rising Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the...

In a groundbreaking study from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, engineers have demonstrated the potential to produce clean energy continuously from humidity in the air. The secret is a porous structure at the nanoscale that can be incorporated into virtually any material.&nbsp;



The research, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202300748">Advanced Materials</a>, could revolutionize the renewable energy sector and pave the way for a more sustainable future.



The lead author of the paper, Xiaomeng Liu, is a graduate student at UMass Amherst’s College of Engineering. Liu expressed his excitement about the discovery: “We are opening up a wide door for harvesting clean electricity from thin air."



The atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-swarms-charge-the-lower-atmosphere-with-static-electricity/">electricity</a> that is exploited with this new technology is abundant. Study senior author Professor Jun Yao compared it to a cloud which, he noted, is essentially a mass of charged water droplets.&nbsp;



“The air contains an enormous amount of electricity,” said Yao, "Each of those droplets contains a charge, and when conditions are right, the cloud can produce a lightning bolt. What we've done is to create a human-built, small-scale cloud that produces electricity for us predictably and continuously so that we can harvest it."



The remarkable mechanism, referred to as the "generic Air-gen effect," is an expansion of earlier work by Yao and co-author Professor Derek Lovley that was published in 2020. The study demonstrated that electricity could be continuously harvested from the air using a specialized material made of protein nanowires, derived from a bacterium named Geobacter sulfurreducens.



According to Yao, the team realized after making the Geobacter discovery that the ability to generate electricity from the air – which they called the 'Air-gen effect' – is a generic process that any material can perform, given one specific property. The key characteristic is a porosity with nanopores smaller than 100 nanometers (nm), which is less than a thousandth of the width of a human hair.



This condition relates to a parameter known as the "mean free path," which refers to the average distance between the single molecules of a substance. In this case, water in the air travels before it collides with another molecule of the same substance. In the context of air humidity, this distance is approximately 100 nm.



This realization allowed Yao and his team to design an electricity harvester based on the mean free path. The device features a thin layer of material replete with nanopores smaller than 100 nm, facilitating water molecules' movement from the top to the bottom.&nbsp;



Because of the tiny pore size, the water molecules collide with the pore's edge, creating a charge imbalance akin to that in a cloud, with the upper part of the layer amassing more charge-carrying water molecules than the lower part. This essentially results in a continuously running battery, as long as there is humidity in the air.



Yao described the idea as "simple," but noted its novelty and the potential it opens for the future. "It's never been discovered before, and it opens all kinds of possibilities."&nbsp;



The wide range of materials that could be used to construct the harvester means that it can be adapted for different environments and made cost-effective. The continuous generation of electricity, regardless of the time of day or weather, addresses some of the challenges faced by renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power that depend on specific conditions.



Another advantage of the technology lies in its scalability. Given that air humidity diffuses in three-dimensional space and the Air-gen device's thickness is just a fraction of a human hair's width, thousands of these devices could be stacked on top of each other.&nbsp;



The ability to layer devices without significantly increasing their footprint could greatly enhance energy production without requiring additional space. Such an Air-gen device has the potential to generate power at the kilowatt level, sufficient for standard electrical utility usage.



Yao is optimistic about the possibilities this technology can bring, envisioning a future where clean electricity can be accessed anywhere. "Imagine a future world in which clean electricity is available anywhere you go," he said. The universal nature of the Air-gen effect could transform this vision into reality, making renewable energy more accessible than ever.



This promising research was made possible thanks to the support of several organizations, including the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation</a>, Sony Group, Link Foundation, and the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) at UMass Amherst. The IALS is an interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing expertise from 29 departments on the UMass Amherst campus, committed to translating fundamental research into practical innovations for human health and well-being.



<h2 id="h-more-about-clean-energy">More about clean energy</h2>



Clean energy, also referred to as renewable energy, is produced by sources that don't deplete natural resources or significantly harm the environment during their operation. Here are some common types of clean energy:



<h3 id="h-solar-energy">Solar energy</h3>



Generated by harnessing the power of the sun, solar energy has become increasingly popular due to falling solar panel costs. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use. Solar farms can generate large amounts of electricity, while smaller installations can power individual buildings or homes.



<h3 id="h-wind-energy">Wind energy</h3>



Wind turbines capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. Wind farms can be onshore or offshore, and the latter often produces more energy due to stronger and more consistent wind at sea.



<h3 id="h-hydroelectric-power">Hydroelectric power</h3>



This form of energy is generated by the flow of water, often from dams. The water's flow drives turbines, which generate electricity. Although hydroelectric power is renewable and produces no direct emissions, building dams can have significant environmental impacts.



<h3 id="h-geothermal-energy">Geothermal energy</h3>



This type of energy utilizes the Earth's internal heat. Steam or hot water from beneath the Earth's surface is used to drive turbines and generate electricity. Geothermal energy is constant and doesn't depend on weather conditions, unlike solar or wind power.



<h3 id="h-bioenergy">Bioenergy</h3>



Energy derived from organic materials, such as plants and waste, is known as bioenergy. This can be in the form of solid (wood, dried plants), liquid (biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel), or gaseous (biogas) forms. While the burning of biomass does produce carbon emissions, it's considered carbon-neutral if the rate of biomass consumption is sustainable.



<h3 id="h-tidal-and-wave-energy">Tidal and wave energy</h3>



These types of marine energy capture the movement of the ocean. Tidal energy uses the regular rise and fall of coastal tides to drive turbines, while wave energy harnesses the power of ocean surface waves.



<h3 id="h-nuclear-energy">Nuclear energy</h3>



While technically not a form of renewable energy, nuclear power is sometimes included in discussions of clean energy because it produces electricity without releasing carbon dioxide. However, it does produce other types of radioactive waste, which require careful management.



In the transition to a sustainable future, clean energy plays a pivotal role. Innovations, like the one from the UMass Amherst team that can harvest electricity from air humidity, represent exciting advancements. The development and adoption of these technologies have the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change.



—-



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Continuous clean energy: Scientists are pulling power out of thin air

In a groundbreaking study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst,...

The widespread conversion of tropical forests into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-in-oil-palm-plantations-are-key-to-conservation/">oil palm plantations</a> leads to considerable losses of biodiversity and ecological functions. Currently, about 21 million hectares of palm oil plantations are cultivated worldwide, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.&nbsp;



Recently, an international team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/">University of Göttingen</a> has found that planting islands of trees in such plantations could counteract the species loss caused by the intensive cultivation of oil palms and significantly increase biodiversity within a period of five years without reducing productivity.



To test this hypothesis, the researchers established 52 tree islands with local tree species in an industrial oil palm plantation on the island of Sumatra. Although they expected yields to deteriorate over time as the tree islands consumed resources for their own development, this was not the case.



“Even five years after the experiment began, the oil palms have continued to flourish. And this has been accomplished without the use of artificial fertilizer in the tree islands,” said study lead author Delphine Clara Zemp, an expert in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning at the <a href="https://www.unine.ch/">University of Neuchâtel</a>. “Our results show that the industry can benefit from this intervention. There is real potential to develop these methods to enrich biodiversity on a large scale.”



Between three to five years after establishing the experiment, the scientists analyzed the biodiversity of soil microorganisms, insects and other small invertebrates, plants, birds, and bats. In addition, they quantified the impacts in terms of water, nutrient cycle regulation, carbon, microclimate, soil quality, pollination, and control of biological communities and invasive species.&nbsp;



The analyses revealed significant increases in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in plantations with tree islands compared to conventionally managed ones.



“Most studies of the ecology of palm oil plantations are limited to observing the loss of biodiversity and deterioration of the ecosystem,” added co-author Holger Kreft, Head of University of Göttingen’s Biodiversity, Macroecology, and Biogeography Research Group.&nbsp;



“Our approach to ecological restoration goes a step further and is unique worldwide, as it takes place against the backdrop of industrial-scale oil palm plantations across large areas. Using a rigorous experimental design, we can determine the optimal composition and size of islands of trees that will bring about the best possible way to restore the ecology.”



Although these findings suggest that planting tree islands on oil palm plantations can have highly beneficial effects, the prevention of deforestation remains a top priority for biodiversity conservation worldwide.&nbsp;



“The encouraging results must not be allowed to jeopardize the conservation of tropical forests, which are home to irreplaceable biodiversity,” the authors concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06086-5">Nature</a>.



<h2 id="h-environmental-impacts-of-palm-oil-plantations">Environmental impacts of palm oil plantations&nbsp;</h2>



Palm oil plantations can have several significant environmental impacts. Here are some of them:



<h3 id="h-deforestation">Deforestation</h3>



One of the most devastating impacts of palm oil production is the large-scale deforestation that often precedes it. Vast areas of tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa are cleared to make way for palm plantations. This process not only destroys the habitat of numerous plant and animal species but also contributes significantly to global carbon emissions due to the burning and decay of organic matter.



<h3 id="h-biodiversity-loss">Biodiversity loss</h3>



The conversion of diverse ecosystems into monocultures of palm trees significantly reduces biodiversity. In Southeast Asia, for example, this deforestation threatens the habitat of critically endangered species such as orangutans and Sumatran tigers. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health and resilience.



<h3 id="h-soil-and-water-degradation">Soil and water degradation</h3>



Palm oil plantations often contribute to soil degradation due to intensive fertilizer use and the disruption of local hydrological processes. Additionally, the heavy use of pesticides can contaminate local water supplies.



<h3 id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



Deforestation associated with palm oil production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. When peatlands are drained and converted into plantations, they release large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Furthermore, when these plantations are burnt, it releases additional CO2.



<h3 id="h-air-pollution">Air pollution</h3>



The slash-and-burn techniques often used to clear land for palm oil plantations can cause severe air pollution. This not only contributes to climate change but can also have severe health impacts for people living in regions downwind of the fires.



<h3 id="h-peatland-degradation">Peatland degradation</h3>



A significant proportion of palm oil is grown on peatlands. These are carbon-rich environments, and when they are drained for plantation development, they release significant quantities of carbon dioxide.



While these impacts are significant, it's also important to note that there are efforts to create more sustainable palm oil production methods.&nbsp;



These include commitments to no deforestation, peatland development, and exploitation (also known as "NDPE policies"), as well as the certification of sustainable palm oil through organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).&nbsp;



Nevertheless, the effectiveness and implementation of these initiatives have been mixed, and deforestation for palm oil continues to be a serious global concern.



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Tree islands can help prevent biodiversity loss in oil palm plantations

The widespread conversion of tropical forests into oil palm plantations...

Among the approximately 2,000 species of termites, many are extraordinary ecosystem engineers. For instance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/termite-mounds-brazil/">mounds</a> built by some of the genera – including Amitermes, Macrotermes,&nbsp;Nasutitermes, and&nbsp;Odontotermes – are some of the world’s largest biological structures, reaching up to eight meters in height.&nbsp;



Now, researchers from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/">Lund University</a> in Sweden and <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk/">Nottingham Trent University</a> in the UK have found that the design of termite mounds could have major applications in architecture, helping us develop comfortable interior climates for our buildings that do not have the carbon footprint of air conditioning.



“Here we show that the ‘egress complex,’ an intricate network of interconnected tunnels found in termite mounds, can be used to promote flows of air, heat, and moisture in novel ways in human architecture,” explained lead author David Andréen, a senior lecturer in Architecture at Lund.



Together with his co-author Rupert Soar, an associate professor in Sustainable Technologies at Nottingham, Andréen examined mounds built by Macrotermes michaelseni&nbsp;termites from Namibia. At the heart of these mounds – which can shelter over a million inhabitants – lie symbiotic fungus gardens, farmed by termites for food.&nbsp;



The experts focused on the egress complex, a dense, lattice-like network of tunnels three to five millimeters wide that connects wider conduits inside with the exterior. While during the rainy season (when the mound is growing), the egress complex extends over the mound’s north-facing surface to be exposed to the midday sun, outside this season, termites keep the egress tunnels blocked. Such methods are thought to allow evaporation of excess moisture, while maintaining adequate ventilation.



To clarify how this structure works, the researchers explored how the layout of the egress complex enables oscillating or pulse-like flows. When simulating wind with a speaker that drove oscillations of a CO2-air mixture through a fragment of a complex collected from the wild, they discovered that air flow was greatest at oscillation frequencies between 30Hz and 40 Hz, moderate at frequencies between 10Hz and 20 Hz, and least at frequencies between 50Hz and 120 Hz.



These findings suggest that tunnels in the complex interact with the wind blowing on the mound in a way that increases mass transfer of air for ventilation. At the same time, wind oscillations at certain frequencies generate turbulences inside the mound, and carry respiratory gases and excess moisture away from the mound’s heart.



“When ventilating a building, you want to preserve the delicate balance of temperature and humidity created inside, without impeding the movement of stale air outwards and fresh air inwards. Most HVAC systems struggle with this. Here we have a structured interface that allows the exchange of respiratory gasses, simply driven by differences in concentration between one side and the other. Conditions inside are thus maintained,” Soar said.



Subsequently, the researchers replicated the egress system by employing a sequence of 2D models. These models progressively evolved from simple straight tunnels to a more intricate lattice structure. To observe the movement of water within the tunnels, they utilized an electromotor to generate oscillations, allowing the dyed water to become visible on camera.&nbsp;



To their astonishment, they discovered that the motor only required slight back-and-forth movements, equivalent to gentle wind oscillations spanning a few millimeters, for the ebb and flow to permeate throughout the entire complex. Crucially, the necessary turbulence emerged solely when the layout was sufficiently lattice-like.



“We imagine that building walls in the future, made with emerging technologies like powder bed printers, will contain networks similar to the egress complex. These will make it possible to move air around, through embedded sensors and actuators that require only tiny amounts of energy,” Andréen said.



“Construction-scale 3D printing will only be possible when we can design structures as complex as in nature. The egress complex is an example of a complicated structure that could solve multiple problems simultaneously: keeping comfort inside our homes, while regulating the flow of respiratory gasses and moisture through the building envelope. We are on the brink of the transition towards nature-like construction: for the first time, it may be possible to design a true living, breathing building,” Soar concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2023.1126974">Frontiers in Materials</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-termite-mounds">More about termite mounds</h2>



Termite mounds, also known as termite hills, are large, complex structures made by a certain species of termites. They are a prime example of insect architecture, and they vary in design depending on the species of termite, the type of soil, and the climate.



Most termite mounds are built by subterranean termites, which live underground. These mounds can range in size from a few inches to over 30 feet tall. The mound is not the actual colony but a structure that provides an optimal environment for the colony which is located below the ground.



The construction of a termite mound is a marvel of natural engineering. Termites mix dirt, saliva, and feces to form a strong, cement-like substance. This is then used to build a complex network of tunnels and chambers. The outer wall of the mound is particularly hard and resistant to predators.



Inside the mound, there are various chambers serving different functions such as nurseries, fungal gardens, and royal chambers. The royal chamber, deep within the mound, houses the queen and king termites, responsible for the growth and survival of the colony.



A termite mound is not just a place for termites to live; it's also an incredibly efficient system for climate control. The mound's structure aids in regulating temperature and humidity, which is crucial for the survival of the termites as they are sensitive to environmental conditions.&nbsp;



Many mounds feature a complex system of vents and conduits which facilitate air circulation, thus maintaining a stable internal environment regardless of external conditions.



Despite being known as pests due to their wood-eating habits, termites play a crucial role in ecosystems, especially in nutrient recycling, soil formation, and influencing plant community structure.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Termite mounds could inspire “living and breathing” buildings

Among the approximately 2,000 species of termites, many are extraordinary...

Researchers at Western’s <a href="https://birds.uwo.ca/">Advanced Facility for Avian Research</a> (AFAR) have made a remarkable discovery about birds: they can quite literally flick a brain switch to perceive Earth’s magnetic field.&nbsp;



The study sheds new light on the intriguing manner in which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/">migratory birds</a> navigate, highlighting the importance of a brain region called "Cluster N" for processing geomagnetic information.



For context, it's vital to recognize that the Earth's magnetic field extends far into space. This protective layer, caused by the flow of molten iron within our planet’s inner core, serves as our shield against the harmful cosmic radiation the Sun emits.&nbsp;



Yet, for some members of the animal kingdom, this invisible force is a natural GPS. Salmon, sea turtles, and migratory birds use the magnetic field to navigate across vast distances.



The process of how and why this happens has been somewhat of a mystery. The new study, led by PhD candidate Madeleine Brodbeck and AFAR co-director Scott MacDougall-Shackleton, has begun to unravel this mystery. The research was focused on white-throated sparrows.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The team found that these birds have the ability to activate Cluster N in their brains at night when they were motivated to migrate. This activation allows the birds to avoid prey and fly during cooler periods. But the birds are also capable of making the region go dormant when they are ready to rest.



Brodbeck explained: “This brain region is super important for activating the geomagnetic compass, especially for songbirds when they migrate at night." The study represents the first evidence of this brain region functioning in a North American bird species, and it builds upon the previous work that was primarily conducted in Europe.



For decades, Earth’s magnetic field has intrigued not only physicists and aerospace engineers, but also creative minds, inspiring the works of renowned science fiction writers like Frank Herbert and Stephen King. The concept of invisible forces guiding our movements, wholly imperceptible to humans, continues to be a fascination for Brodbeck as well.



“Magnetic fields are really fun to think about because they’re invisible to humans. We can’t see them or sense them, but most animals perceive them in some way,” said Brodbeck.



<h2 id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



To navigate and migrate, birds rely not just on Earth's magnetic field, but also on visual cues from the sun and the stars. Unfortunately, our increasingly urbanized landscapes, dotted with artificial lights and glass skyscrapers, disrupt their migratory paths.



“This type of basic research informs us and lets us know the full suite of ways that animals perceive the world when they’re migrating and what we as humans need to do to minimize our impact,” said Professor MacDougall-Shackleton.&nbsp;



He emphasized that understanding the physical mechanisms of animal movement isn't just academic; it's fundamentally important in order to comprehend and possibly mitigate the ways human actions influence their journeys.



This groundbreaking study, published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14609568">European Journal of Neuroscience</a>, underlines the need for continued exploration into the complex mechanisms that drive animal behaviors. Furthermore, it also provides a perspective into our responsibility towards co-inhabitants of our planet, as our actions inevitably leave a footprint on their migratory paths.



<h2 id="h-more-about-earth-s-magnetic-field">More about Earth's magnetic field</h2>



Earth's magnetic field is a powerful, invisible force that extends from the interior of the planet out into space. It originates from the flow of molten iron and nickel in the planet's outer core, which creates electric currents that, in turn, generate the magnetic field. This is known as the dynamo effect.



The Earth's magnetic field is important for several reasons.



<h3 id="h-protection-from-solar-radiation">Protection from Solar Radiation</h3>



The magnetic field shields the Earth from harmful solar radiation. Without it, life as we know it would not exist, because the atmosphere would be stripped away by solar winds - streams of charged particles from the Sun.



<h3 id="h-aid-to-navigation">Aid to Navigation</h3>



The Earth's magnetic field creates the North and South magnetic poles, which are slightly offset from the geographic poles. These magnetic poles are the basis for magnetic navigation, used by both humans and many animals. Animals such as birds, sea turtles, and even some types of bacteria can sense the Earth's magnetic field and use it to navigate.



<h3 id="h-generation-of-auroras">Generation of Auroras</h3>



The Earth's magnetic field is also responsible for phenomena like the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). These occur when charged particles from the Sun are trapped in the Earth's magnetic field and collide with atmospheric atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light.



The Earth's magnetic field is not static. Over millions of years, it has undergone numerous reversals, where the North and South magnetic poles switch places. The last reversal, known as the Brunhes-Matuyama reversal, occurred approximately 780,000 years ago.&nbsp;



Scientists are still investigating why these reversals occur, but it is believed that changes in the flow of molten iron and nickel in the Earth's outer core are responsible.



Despite its importance, many mysteries remain about the Earth's magnetic field. As studies like the one at Western’s Advanced Facility for Avian Research (AFAR) continue, our understanding of this complex and vital part of our planet will continue to grow.



—-



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Birds can switch their perception of Earth’s magnetic field on and off

Researchers at Western’s Advanced Facility for Avian Research (AFAR) have...

Marine ecosystems of the South Atlantic Ocean that were once vibrant are now teetering on the brink of collapse. Overfishing and habitat degradation have forced a dramatic decline in recent decades, leading these underwater worlds to become shadows of their former selves.&nbsp;



These shocking revelations have been unearthed in a groundbreaking study led by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the <a href="https://www.uab.cat/web/universitat-autonoma-de-barcelona-1345467954774.html">Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona</a> (ICTA-UAB).



The scientists at ICTA-UAB embarked on an innovative research journey that combined the worlds of marine biology and archaeology.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The researchers meticulously examined the archaeological remains of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-snow-monkeys-have-learned-to-fish-for-food/">fish</a> species from several sites in Brazil. The comparison between these ancient marine fingerprints and the current state of fish populations drew a sobering picture.



Before the surge of modern human activities, indigenous communities thrived along Brazil's southern coast for thousands of years. They were sustained by the rich bounty of the sea, brimming with large, high trophic level fish and apex predators.&nbsp;



Primitive fishing technologies enabled these communities to intermittently exploit the seas without tipping the delicate ecological balance.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



Today, the picture is drastically different. The study revealed a stark decrease in many species, especially sharks and rays, a trend likely tied to the accelerating human impacts of overfishing and habitat degradation.



"Many species documented in archaeological sites are now endangered, while for other species there is insufficient data on their distribution and abundance. By using archaeological data, we can gain insight into these lost environments and can redefine conservation baselines," said study lead author Thiago Fossile.



This work underlines the pivotal role coastal and marine ecosystems once played in sustaining subsistence fisheries for thousands of years.&nbsp;



Study senior author André Colonese emphasized the value of the hundreds of archaeological sites. She noted that they "provide valuable information on past biodiversity, contributing to discussions on fisheries management and conservation."



<h2 id="h-impact-on-fish-biodiversity">Impact on fish biodiversity</h2>



The findings also offered a fresh lens to understand the exploitation of fish biodiversity through time. Study co-author Mariana Bender from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria stated, "It is amazing what archaeological sites can tell us relative to the impacts of ancient human populations on fish biodiversity. We found evidence that large top predators have long been exploited and recent fisheries have moved towards lower trophic levels. This process has been in place for thousands of years."



Dione Bandeira of the Universidade da Região de Joinville, another contributor to the study, reminded us of the potential lessons we can learn from the past. "Indigenous environmental stewardship serves as a model for sustainable resource utilization and plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity in tropical and subtropical regions of South America."



The research, funded by the ERC TRADITION project, was a joint venture of experts from ICTA-UAB in Spain, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität in Germany, and several Brazilian universities. The results are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285951">PLOS One</a>.



The study's findings underscore the significance of integrating archaeological data into conservation debates, thereby bolstering the discipline's relevance to contemporary environmental issues. As we face the stark realities of environmental degradation, insights from our past might hold the key to a sustainable future.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-impact-of-overfishing">More about the impact of overfishing</h2>



Overfishing has long-lasting and potentially catastrophic impacts on marine ecosystems, the environment, and humanity at large.



<h3 id="h-impact-on-marine-ecosystems">Impact on marine ecosystems</h3>



Starting with marine ecosystems, overfishing can lead to a significant decline in the population of various fish species. This is especially noticeable with top predators like sharks and tunas. When these species are overfished, it disrupts the balance of the entire marine food web.&nbsp;



For instance, removing top predators can lead to an increase in the population of their prey, which in turn can overgraze on their food source. This phenomenon, known as a trophic cascade, can ultimately alter the structure and function of marine ecosystems, leading to their degradation and even collapse.



<h3 id="h-impact-on-the-environment">Impact on the environment&nbsp;</h3>



Furthermore, overfishing can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, with some species being fished to the point of endangerment or extinction. This not only harms the health of marine ecosystems but also reduces their resilience to other threats, such as climate change and pollution.



On a broader environmental level, overfishing can contribute to the loss of critical habitats. Some fishing methods, like bottom trawling, can destroy seafloor habitats, including coral reefs and seagrass beds, which serve as important nurseries for many fish species.



<h3 id="h-impact-on-humanity">Impact on humanity</h3>



Turning to the impact on humanity, the consequences are equally grave. Many communities around the world rely heavily on fish for their food security and nutritional needs.&nbsp;



According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, fish provide more than 20% of the average per capita animal protein intake for about half the global population.&nbsp;



Overfishing threatens this vital food source and could potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in coastal and island nations heavily reliant on seafood.



Moreover, the fishing industry is a significant economic driver and employer. It provides livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Overfishing, therefore, threatens the economic stability of these individuals and can have cascading effects on local and national economies.



Lastly, the cultural importance of fishing should not be overlooked. For many societies, fishing traditions form a vital part of their cultural heritage and identity. Overfishing can erode these traditions and the associated cultural values.



In summary, overfishing is a complex issue with profound implications for marine ecosystems, the broader environment, and human societies. Addressing it requires comprehensive, collaborative, and sustainable fisheries management efforts on a global scale.



—-



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Overfishing and habitat degradation have devastated marine ecosystems

Marine ecosystems of the South Atlantic Ocean that were once...

A severe and sudden weather phenomenon known as a flash drought is increasingly catching the attention of climate scientists due to its potential to significantly impact agricultural and ecological systems. The ripple effects of such events can resonate far beyond their immediate environments.&nbsp;



A team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.ou.edu/">University of Oklahoma</a> is digging deeper into this concern, particularly focusing on how our ever-warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a> might influence the frequency of these flash droughts and the ensuing risks posed to global cropland.



The study, led by postdoctoral researcher Jordan Christian, takes center stage in the climate science community today with its publication in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00826-1">Nature Communications Earth and Environment</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



“In this study, projected changes in flash drought frequency and cropland risk from flash drought are quantified using global climate model simulations," said Christian.&nbsp;



"We find that flash drought occurrence is expected to increase globally among all scenarios, with the sharpest increases seen in scenarios with higher radiative forcing and greater fossil fuel usage.”



Radiative forcing refers to the imbalance caused when more radiation penetrates the Earth's atmosphere than leaves it. Activities like burning fossil fuels are substantial contributors to this imbalance and consequently to the warming climate.&nbsp;



The escalating climate change threatens to provoke an upsurge in severe weather events, ranging from storms and flash flooding to the sudden droughts under study.



Christian provides further insight into the study’s results, explaining, “Flash drought risk over cropland is expected to increase globally, with the largest increases projected across North America and Europe.”



<h2 id="h-predicting-the-future-of-flash-droughts">Predicting the future of flash droughts</h2>



“We anticipate a 1.5 times increase in the annual risk of flash droughts over croplands across North America by 2100, from the 2015 baseline of a 32% yearly risk in 2015 to 49% in 2100," said Christian. "Europe, on the other hand, is expected to face the most significant increase in the most extreme emissions scenario, witnessing an increase from 32% to 53%, a 1.7 times increase in annual risk.”



Study co-author Professor Jeffrey Basara is Christian's faculty advisor and leads the University of Oklahoma’s Climate, Hydrology, Ecosystems, and Weather research group.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-next-steps-finding-a-way-to-predict-flash-droughts">Next steps - finding a way to predict flash droughts</h2>



The team has been exploring ways to enhance flash drought identification and prediction since 2017 and has contributed numerous papers to notable scientific journals.



Basara elaborates on the practical implications of their findings, stating, “This study continues to emphasize that agricultural producers, both domestic and abroad, will face increasing risks associated with water availability due to the rapid development of drought. As a result, socioeconomic pressures associated with food production, including higher prices and social unrest, will also increase when crop losses occur due to flash drought.”



In summary, this groundbreaking research underscores the increasing threat of flash droughts in the context of a warming climate. The implications of such events are vast and extend to numerous societal sectors, bringing an imperative for further study and mitigating strategies to the forefront.



<h2 id="h-more-about-flash-droughts">More about flash droughts</h2>



Flash droughts are rapid-onset drought events that can cause severe agricultural and ecological damage. These droughts develop quickly, often within a few weeks, leaving little time for preparation or mitigation.&nbsp;



They are characterized by a sudden decrease in soil moisture and a rapid increase in evapotranspiration, which is the sum of evaporation from the land surface and transpiration from plants.



Flash droughts can occur in various climatic conditions but are most common in summer months, often coinciding with periods of high temperatures and low rainfall. They tend to result in acute water shortages, leading to a rapid deterioration of crop conditions.&nbsp;



Because of their quick onset and severity, flash droughts can have devastating impacts on agriculture and ecosystems, leading to significant economic losses.



<h3 id="h-different-types-of-flash-droughts">Different types of flash droughts&nbsp;</h3>



There are generally two types of flash droughts: heatwave-dominant and precipitation-deficit dominant. Heatwave-dominant flash droughts are mainly caused by high temperatures, leading to increased evaporation and transpiration.



On the other hand, precipitation-deficit dominant flash droughts are triggered by significantly reduced rainfall over a period of time.



Climate change is thought to increase the likelihood of flash droughts, as rising global temperatures can intensify evaporation rates, alter rainfall patterns, and potentially increase the frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves.



Predicting flash droughts is challenging due to their rapid onset and development. However, scientists are making strides in this area, using advanced climate models and real-time monitoring of soil moisture and atmospheric conditions to provide early warnings.&nbsp;



Despite these advancements, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of flash droughts fully and to improve our ability to predict and mitigate their impacts.



<h2 id="h-how-climate-change-impacts-and-amplifies-severe-weather-events">How climate change impacts and amplifies severe weather events</h2>



Climate change has a profound impact on severe weather events, leading to an increased frequency, intensity, and duration of such events. This is primarily due to the fact that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which can fuel extreme weather.



Here are a few key examples of how climate change affects different types of severe weather:



<h3 id="h-heatwaves">Heatwaves</h3>



As the average global temperature increases due to climate change, heatwaves have become more frequent, intense, and prolonged. Heatwaves can lead to a range of health issues, from heat exhaustion and heatstroke to increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations.



<h3 id="h-droughts-and-flash-droughts">Droughts and flash droughts</h3>



Rising temperatures increase evaporation rates, altering the hydrological cycle and potentially leading to more frequent and severe droughts, including flash droughts. Changes in precipitation patterns can also exacerbate drought conditions in certain regions.



<h3 id="h-storms-and-hurricanes">Storms and hurricanes</h3>



Warmer ocean surface temperatures can fuel more intense storms and hurricanes. Increased water vapor in the atmosphere can lead to heavier rainfall during these events, increasing the risk of flooding.



<h3 id="h-floods">Floods</h3>



With a warmer atmosphere capable of holding more moisture, rainfall patterns can change, potentially leading to more heavy rainfall events and, consequently, more flooding. Additionally, sea-level rise due to melting polar ice can increase the risk of coastal flooding.



<h3 id="h-wildfires">Wildfires</h3>



Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires. These conditions can lead to more combustible vegetation and longer wildfire seasons.



<h3 id="h-extreme-cold-events">Extreme cold events</h3>



While it may seem counterintuitive, climate change can also influence extreme cold events. Changes in atmospheric conditions can occasionally cause frigid polar air to spill into lower latitudes, leading to severe cold snaps.



In summary, climate change is leading to a wide range of changes in severe weather patterns. This increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events highlight the need for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.



—-



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Flash droughts are increasing around the world due to warming climate

A severe and sudden weather phenomenon known as a flash...

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a massive, mineral-rich region of the Pacific Ocean, spanning six million square kilometers from Hawaii to Mexico (about twice the size of India), which has already been divided up and assigned to companies for future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-poses-unknown-threats-to-whales/">deep-sea mining</a>.&nbsp;



To clarify how these mining operations may impact biodiversity, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/">Natural History Museum</a> (NHM) in London has recently compiled all the species records from previous sea expeditions to the region, and estimated that CCZ is currently home to a total of 5,578 different species, among which 88 to 92 percent are entirely new to science.



“We share this planet with all this amazing biodiversity, and we have a responsibility to understand it and protect it,” said study lead author Muriel Rabone, a deep-sea ecologist at NHM.



In various expeditions, scientists have employed different techniques, ranging from the use of remote-control vehicles traversing the ocean floor to that of sturdy boxes landing on the bottom of the ocean to perform “box core sampling.”



“It’s a big boat, but it feels tiny in the middle of the ocean. You could see storms rolling in; it’s very dramatic. And it was amazing - in every single box core sample, we would see new species,” Rabone explained.



By examining over 100,000 records of creatures found in the CCZ during these deep-sea expeditions, the researchers discovered that only six of the new species found in this region – including a sea cucumber, a nematode, and a carnivorous sponge – have previously been seen in other regions.&nbsp;



The most common types of animals found in the CCZ were arthropods (invertebrate creatures with segmented joints), worms, echinoderms (spiny invertebrates such as sea urchins), and sponges.



“There’s some just remarkable species down there. Some of the sponges look like classic bath sponges, and some look like vases. They’re just beautiful,” Rabone said. “One of my favorites is the glass sponges. They have these little spines, and under the microscope, they look like tiny chandeliers or little sculptures.”



In future studies, the scientists plan to increase cohesive, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research efforts to better understand CCZ’s biodiversity. Learning more about the newly discovered species and their connection to their environment could help experts better understand the risks involved in future mining operations.



“There are so many wonderful species in the CCZ, and with the possibility of mining looming, it’s doubly important that we know more about these really understudied habitats,” Rabone concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.052">Current Biology</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-deep-sea-mining">More about deep sea mining</h2>



Deep-sea mining is the process of extracting mineral resources from the ocean floor. This includes seafloor massive sulphide deposits, polymetallic nodules, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.&nbsp;



As these resources become harder to find and access on land, and as our technology and capability to operate at great depths improves, interest in deep-sea mining has increased.



<h3 id="h-types-of-deep-sea-mining">Types of deep-sea mining:</h3>



<h4 id="h-seafloor-massive-sulphides-sms">Seafloor Massive Sulphides (SMS)</h4>



SMS are rich in copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver. They are formed by hot springs on the seafloor near volcanically active areas, such as the famous 'black smokers'.



<h4 id="h-polymetallic-nodules">Polymetallic Nodules</h4>



Also known as manganese nodules, these are rock concretions on the seafloor that contain valuable metals like nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese. They are most commonly found in the Pacific Ocean.



<h4 id="h-cobalt-rich-crusts">Cobalt-rich Crusts</h4>



These crusts are rich in cobalt, but also contain nickel, copper, and platinum. They form on the flanks and summits of seamounts.



<h3 id="h-environmental-concerns">Environmental concerns:</h3>



<h4 id="h-biodiversity-loss">Biodiversity loss</h4>



The deep sea is home to a wide array of species, many of which are not yet known to science. Mining operations could destroy or disturb these habitats and species.



<h4 id="h-sediment-plumes">Sediment plumes</h4>



When machines extract minerals from the seafloor, they generate plumes of sediment that can spread over large areas, suffocating marine life and potentially disrupting the marine food chain.



<h4 id="h-noise-and-light-pollution">Noise and light pollution</h4>



Mining operations would introduce noise and light into the extremely quiet, dark deep-sea environment, with unknown impacts on species that live there.



<h4 id="h-unknown-long-term-effects">Unknown long-term effects</h4>



The deep sea is the least understood ecosystem on Earth. It's difficult to predict what the long-term impacts of mining might be, especially given that operations would likely continue for decades.



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Deep sea surveys identify over 5,000 species in future mining hotspot

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a massive, mineral-rich region of...

The Arctic ground squirrels, unique among their mammalian kin, have captured the curiosity of scientists for their incredible survival skill. They don't freeze to death even when their body temperatures plummet below zero. This ability keeps them alive in some of the most inhospitable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/winter-swimming-helps-increase-the-bodys-metabolism/">winter</a> climates on the planet.



In a study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf5341">Science</a>, an in-depth analysis spanning over a quarter of a century has shed light on how these creatures react to changing temperatures.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-arctic-ground-squirrels-are-adapting-but-not-in-a-good-way">Arctic ground squirrels are adapting, but not in a good way</h2>



Their hibernation periods, it turns out, are getting shorter, and intriguingly, differ between the sexes. The females, in a surprising twist, wake up from their winter slumber slightly ahead of the males.



This seemingly minor shift in wake-up calls may have profound impacts on the local ecosystems. These early risers, in turn, could set off a chain reaction affecting the entire food chain, with both positive and negative outcomes yet to be fully understood.



Cory Williams, a senior author of the study and an assistant professor at the Department of Biology at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/">Colorado State University</a>, brings more than 15 years of experience studying these squirrels. He began his research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.



“The thing that makes our study unique is that we are looking at a long enough dataset to show the impacts of climate change on a mammal in the Arctic," explained Professor Williams. He noted that this extensive research provides evidence of a direct link between changes in temperature and the physiology and ecology of these squirrels.



Helen Chmura, lead author of the study and a researcher at USDA Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station, began her analysis as a postdoctoral fellow in Alaska. “Our data show that the active layer, the soil layer above the permafrost, freezes later in the fall, doesn’t get as cold in the middle of winter, and thaws slightly earlier in the spring," said Chmura.



She emphasized that these shifts, accounting for roughly a 10-day reduction in frozen soil, have happened over a mere 25 years – a rapid change in ecological terms.



<h2 id="h-how-arctic-hibernation-patterns-have-changed">How Arctic hibernation patterns have changed</h2>



Arctic ground squirrels hibernate for more than half the year to survive the brutal Alaska winters. During hibernation, they slow down their body functions to the bare minimum but still need to burn stored fat to prevent their tissues from freezing. Each spring, they emerge from burrows dug deep into the ground, starved and ready to mate.



In this extensive study, Chmura, Williams and their team used a range of biologging tools to measure the body temperatures of 199 free-living ground squirrels. They combined this data with long-term air and soil temperature data from two sites in Arctic Alaska.&nbsp;



Interestingly, they found that only the female squirrels were adjusting their hibernation schedules and coming out earlier every year. Males appeared to stick to their old schedules.



The females' shift to earlier spring emergence is in sync with the early thawing of spring. The positive side is that females can conserve their stored fat during hibernation and start foraging earlier in the spring. This could potentially lead to healthier offspring and increased survival rates.



However, if the males fail to adjust their hibernation patterns, it could result in fewer mating opportunities, disrupting the balance of the species.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-importance-of-arctic-ground-squirrels-to-the-ecosystem">Importance of Arctic ground squirrels to the ecosystem</h2>



Ground squirrels are also an important food source for predators like foxes, wolves, and eagles. Longer periods above ground could lead to greater exposure and a higher risk of predation.



The consequences for the squirrel population remain uncertain – there are no clear winners or losers. Hibernation conserves energy, which might aid in winter survival. But predator responses to climate shifts could also impact ground squirrel numbers.



“Our paper shows the importance of long-term datasets in understanding how ecosystems are responding to climate change,” said Williams.&nbsp;



Additional contributors to this research include Brian Barnes from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Loren Buck from Northern Arizona University. Both began the study in the 1990s with the goal of understanding how Arctic ground squirrels could survive the extremely long, cold, and dark winters in the Arctic and exactly how cold their hibernation spots were.



<h2 id="h-new-technology-provided-great-results-to-the-researchers">New technology provided great results to the researchers</h2>



The initial curiosity around the squirrels' survival strategies prompted them to install the first soil temperature monitors. As technology evolved over the years, they were able to continuously measure the soil temperature during winter. Cassandra Duncan and Grace Burrell, students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, were also part of the research team.



This research marks a significant contribution to our understanding of the Arctic's unique wildlife and the rippling effects of climate change. It is through this type of long-term, dedicated study that we can start to comprehend the profound impacts of changing temperatures on the delicate balances within Arctic ecosystems.



This analysis of the Arctic ground squirrels' changing hibernation patterns reminds us of the resilience of nature, while simultaneously underscoring the vital importance of continued climate research. As ecosystems continue to adapt to a warming world, the full scope of these changes is yet to be discovered.



<h2 id="h-more-about-arctic-ground-squirrels">More about Arctic ground squirrels</h2>



Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) are remarkable creatures that are equipped with a variety of adaptations to help them survive in some of the world's harshest climates. Here are some key facts and traits of Arctic ground squirrels:



<h3 id="h-distribution-and-habitat">Distribution and Habitat</h3>



These ground squirrels are native to the Arctic and are found across the northernmost parts of North America. They live in various regions, including Alaska, Northern Canada, and Siberia. They prefer open habitats like meadows, fields, or tundra.



<h3 id="h-physical-features">Physical Features</h3>



Arctic ground squirrels are the largest among North American ground squirrels. They have a sturdy build and are generally brown or reddish-brown in color, with some white spotting.



<h3 id="h-hibernation">Hibernation</h3>



Arctic ground squirrels are known for their extended hibernation periods, which can last for up to 8 months in a year. During hibernation, their body temperature can drop to below freezing, a physiological marvel allowing them to survive in the extreme Arctic winter. They slow down their metabolic processes to conserve energy, with heart rates dropping to as low as one beat per minute.



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



They are omnivorous creatures, consuming a diet of seeds, fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. They gather and store food in their burrows for consumption after hibernation.



<h3 id="h-social-structure">Social Structure</h3>



These ground squirrels live in colonies and have complex burrow systems. They're mostly diurnal, meaning they're active during the day.



<h3 id="h-breeding-and-lifespan">Breeding and Lifespan</h3>



Breeding occurs shortly after hibernation, usually in April or May. The female raises the young alone, and the litter size can range from 5 to 10 pups. The typical lifespan of an Arctic ground squirrel in the wild is around 3 to 6 years.



<h3 id="h-predation">Predation</h3>



Arctic ground squirrels are prey for various carnivores including foxes, wolves, and birds of prey like eagles and hawks.



Climate Change Impact



Recent research shows that these squirrels are altering their hibernation patterns in response to climate change. Specifically, female squirrels are emerging earlier from hibernation due to earlier spring thaw, a change that could impact breeding patterns and the wider Arctic ecosystem.



These fascinating creatures continue to be subjects of scientific study, especially in the context of climate change and its impacts on Arctic ecosystems. Their ability to survive in harsh climates through remarkable physiological adaptations makes them unique models for understanding biological responses to extreme environments.



—-



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Arctic ground squirrels have changed their hibernation patterns due to climate change

The Arctic ground squirrels, unique among their mammalian kin, have...

Have you ever wondered what would happen if we could rewind and replay the evolution of species on our planet over hundreds of millions of years?&nbsp;



It's clear that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a> would cluster around areas teeming with tectonic upheaval. Regions like the Himalayan and Andean mountains, characterized by their constantly shifting landscapes, are particularly abundant in diverse flora and fauna. This tectonic turmoil diversifies species over time.



Yet, biodiversity is not exclusively tied to tectonic chaos. Take, for example, the Appalachian Mountains. Despite experiencing little tectonic activity for hundreds of millions of years, this region is a prominent hub of freshwater biodiversity. Why is this so?



Recent research from <a href="https://www.mit.edu/">MIT</a> provides an answer. The experts suggest that river erosion shapes the evolution and diversity of species in these tectonically dormant regions. The findings highlight how erosion drives biodiversity in these aged, tranquil environments.



<h2 id="h-where-the-study-was-conducted">Where the study was conducted</h2>



The researchers used the southern Appalachians, specifically the Tennessee River Basin, as a case study. This region is renowned for its tremendous diversity of freshwater fishes.&nbsp;



As the team delved into the area, they found that rivers carving through varying types of rock changed the landscape, pushing a fish species - the greenfin darter - into different river tributaries. Over time, these isolated populations evolved into distinct lineages.



These findings lead the team to believe that erosion played a crucial role in the diversification of the greenfin darter. Despite outward similarities, like the green-tinged fins characteristic of the species, significant genetic differences exist among the separate populations. However, these diverse populations are still classified as a single species.



"Give this process of erosion more time, and I think these separate lineages will become different species," said Maya Stokes, a former graduate student at MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS).



The greenfin darter might not be the only species influenced by river erosion. The researchers speculate that erosion could be a driving force behind the diversification of several species within the basin and perhaps even in other tectonically inactive regions worldwide.



"If we can understand the geologic factors that contribute to biodiversity, we can do a better job of conserving it," said study co-author Professor Taylor Perron.



The study also includes contributions from Yale University, Colorado State University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).



<h2 id="h-origins-of-the-hypothesis">Origins of the hypothesis</h2>



The genesis of this study lies in Stokes' PhD work at MIT, where she collaborated with Professor Perron to study connections between geomorphology (the study of how landscapes evolve) and biology. They came across Thomas Near’s work at Yale. He studies North American freshwater fish lineages using DNA sequence data to unravel the evolutionary divergence and connections between different species.



Near's research led to an intriguing observation. The habitat distribution map of the greenfin darter indicated that the species was found exclusively in the southern half of the Tennessee River Basin. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA sequence data showed a distinct genetic makeup among the fish populations based on the tributary they inhabited.



To understand this pattern, Stokes examined greenfin darter tissue samples from Near’s collection at Yale and from fieldwork conducted with TVA colleagues. By analyzing DNA sequences and comparing the genes of individual fish, they constructed a phylogenetic tree based on genetic similarities between fish.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The results revealed that fish within a tributary were more genetically related to each other than to fish in other tributaries. This led to a question: could a geological mechanism be responsible for splintering this single species into different, genetically distinct groups over time?



Investigations revealed a strong correlation between the habitats of the greenfin darter and the type of rock where they were found. Notably, most of the southern half of the Tennessee River Basin, where the species thrive, is composed of metamorphic rock, whereas the northern half predominantly features sedimentary rock, absent of the species.



Rivers flowing through metamorphic rock were found to be steeper and narrower, creating more turbulence - a condition greenfin darters seem to favor. This led to a question: Could the landscape changes resulting from river erosion into varying rock types over time have shaped the distribution of the greenfin darter's habitat?



<h2 id="h-creating-a-simulated-landscape-model">Creating a simulated landscape model</h2>



To validate this hypothesis, the researchers designed a model to simulate landscape evolution due to river erosion through different rock types. They fed the model with information about current rock types in the Tennessee River Basin. The simulation was then run backward to depict the region millions of years ago, when more metamorphic rock was exposed.



Running the model forward showed the shrinking exposure of metamorphic rock over time. They noted where and when tributary connections crossed into non-metamorphic rock, effectively creating barriers for fish movement between these tributaries.



The scientists then sketched a timeline of these blocking events and compared it to the phylogenetic tree depicting the divergence of greenfin darters. The results were strikingly similar: the fish seemed to form distinct lineages in the same order as when their respective tributaries became isolated.



"It means it’s plausible that erosion through different rock layers caused isolation between different populations of the greenfin darter and caused lineages to diversify," said Stokes.



This groundbreaking study was supported by the Terra Catalyst Fund and the U.S. National Science Foundation through the AGeS Geochronology Program and the Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Stokes' work at MIT was supported through the Martin Fellowship for Sustainability and the Hugh Hampton Young Fellowship.&nbsp;



The research, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.add9791">Science</a>, not only reveals the influence of geologic factors on biodiversity but also underscores the need for understanding these processes to conserve the rich tapestry of life on our planet.



<h2 id="h-more-about-river-erosion">More about river erosion</h2>



River erosion is a natural process that involves the wearing away of the Earth's surface by the action of flowing water. This process can shape the land in various ways, leading to a number of distinct features.



River erosion primarily occurs through four processes: hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, and corrosion (or solution).



<h3 id="h-hydraulic-action">Hydraulic action</h3>



This process occurs when the force of water removes soil and rock from the river bed and banks. It is especially effective when water enters cracks and crevices, causing pressure to build up and pieces of rock to break off.



<h3 id="h-abrasion">Abrasion</h3>



Also known as corrasion, this is the process by which rocks and sediment carried by the river scrape and wear away the bed and banks. Essentially, the river bed and banks are 'sand-papered' by the river's load.



<h3 id="h-attrition">Attrition</h3>



This process involves the wearing down of the load (rocks and pebbles) carried by the river itself. When these materials collide, they break into smaller pieces and become smoother. Over time, large boulders can be reduced to tiny particles of sand and silt through attrition.



<h3 id="h-corrosion-or-solution">Corrosion (or solution)</h3>



This process involves the river water dissolving certain types of rocks. For instance, limestone and chalk can be gradually dissolved by the carbonic acid present in water.



These processes of river erosion contribute to the formation of various landforms such as v-shaped valleys, waterfalls, meanders, and oxbow lakes.



In a v-shaped valley, river erosion creates a steep-sided, narrow valley in its upper course. When a river flows over an area with layers of hard and soft rock, a waterfall may form as the softer rock erodes more quickly, causing the river to drop steeply.



As a river moves towards its middle and lower courses, lateral (sideways) erosion becomes more significant, which can lead to the formation of large bends known as meanders. If a meander continues to erode laterally, it can eventually form a separate body of water called an oxbow lake.



River erosion is a significant factor in the overall process of the water cycle and sediment transportation. It's important in shaping the Earth's surface and creating habitats for various forms of life.&nbsp;



However, excessive river erosion can also have negative impacts, such as loss of land, property damage, and negative effects on ecosystems. Therefore, managing river erosion is often a significant consideration in environmental and urban planning.



—-



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Fish evolution and biodiversity is shaped by river erosion

Have you ever wondered what would happen if we could...

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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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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



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.

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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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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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://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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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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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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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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.

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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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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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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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.

Melt ponds 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 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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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

[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NTU...

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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



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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



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Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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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



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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



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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



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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...