Pop quiz... what is a product that people around the world buy millions of, every minute of every day? If your answer was bottled water, pat yourself on the back -- and then worry. 



This seemingly innocuous, everyday act is causing a tidal wave of concern among population health experts globally.



Why? Because the implications of bottled water consumption are far-reaching, affecting not just our health but also our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-emissions-now-measured-using-global-standard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mother Earth herself</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bottled-water-as-a-personal-preference">Bottled water as a personal preference</h2>



Safe tap water is not a luxury for the majority of us. 



Yet, we forsake it for bottled water. Even more startling is the plight of two billion people worldwide without safe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-a-crucial-role-in-clean-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking water</a> who are reliant on bottled water for hydration. 



The reasons behind this are convenience and a misplaced belief, mostly fueled by aggressive industry propaganda, that bottled water is superior to tap water. 



But how true is this belief?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-of-bottled-water">Safety of bottled water</h2>



Bottled water is in no way safer than tap water, assert medical sleuths from <a href="https://qatar-weill.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weill Cornell Medicine</a> in Qatar. The logic is simple yet overlooked.



Bottled water does not undergo the rigorous quality checks that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/too-much-fluoride-in-tap-water-supply-might-lower-kids-iq-by-few-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tap water</a> does. It also comes with a side effect -- the possibility of chemical leakage from the plastic bottles it's stored in, especially if stored for long periods or exposed to sunlight and high temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-really-in-your-bottled-water">What's really in your bottled water?</h2>



Bottled water might be clearer in appearance than its counterparts, but it houses a murky secret – a startling 10-78% of samples were found to contain pollutants. 



The villains? Microplastics, dubbed as endocrine disruptors, and other malevolent substances like phthalates and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastic-items-pose-a-hidden-risk-to-childrens-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bisphenol A (BPA)</a>.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contamination-crisis-microplastics-found-in-88-of-protein-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a> can disrupt body functions and cause oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and blood fat level changes. 



BPA exposure has been linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, all of which typically surface later in life.



Our estimates about the long-term impacts of these contaminants are still a work in progress, warns the study author. Add to this mix the possibility of microplastics infiltrating the food chain, and we're in for worrying times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-better-option-tap-water">The better option: Tap water</h2>



Choosing tap water doesn't just benefit your health. It's an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">act of environmental responsibility</a>. 



Plastic bottles are the second most common pollutant in the ocean, accounting for 12% of total plastic waste.



Of these, only a dismal 9% are recycled globally. 



The rest find their way into landfills, incinerators, and low-and-middle-income countries' waste management systems, putting a spotlight over issues of social justice and sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-single-use-plastic-harms-earth">How single-use plastic harms Earth</h2>



Single-use plastics are items made from plastic that are designed to be used once and then thrown away. These include things like plastic bags, straws, bottles, cutlery, and packaging materials. 



We often use them for convenience in our daily lives, such as drinking water in plastic bottles, without considering their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term impact</a>.



When we discard single-use plastics, they often end up polluting our environment. They litter our streets, clog landfills, and pollute oceans where they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-kills-ocean-embryos-during-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harm marine life</a>. Animals can mistake plastic for food or become entangled in it, leading to injury or death. 



As these plastics break down, they become microplastics that contaminate soil and water, eventually entering the food chain and affecting our health. 



By relying on disposable plastics, we contribute to environmental degradation and risk the well-being of our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoiding-bottled-water">Avoiding bottled water</h2>



Despite steps being taken to promote tap water use in public spaces and restaurants and to contain the scourge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-use plastics</a>, our experts call for more action.



Emphasis is on government interventions and educational campaigns to bring about a perceptual change in public behavior. 



The message to drive home? Tap water is not just safe but is also an act of environmental stewardship.



Collectively, the accumulated evidence underscores the critical role of government interventions and educational campaigns in shifting public perception and behavior. 



"These campaigns should highlight the environmental stewardship and health benefits of choosing tap water, effectively driving a cultural change towards more sustainable consumption practices,”  the authors suggest.



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



Bottled water's reign may be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collecting-water-from-the-air-to-tackle-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overthrown by technology</a>. Innovations like water filtration systems and portable purifiers give individuals the power to sip safe water, minus the reliance on plastic bottles. 



Research into the creation of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic presents a promising future. 



Furthermore, investment in and development of smart water systems could rebuild public trust in tap water's safety and quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-to-take-stock-and-do-something">Time to take stock and do something</h2>



The mounting health, financial, and environmental toll associated with bottled water is alarming. The need to reassess this issue is dire, especially in low-and-middle-income countries where investing in safe drinking water infrastructure could be pivotal.



“The reliance on [bottled water] incurs significant health, financial and environmental costs, calling for an urgent re-evaluation of its widespread use,” they implored.



Governments must urgently confront these issues, including those in low and middle income countries where there is a pressing need for them to invest in safe drinking water infrastructure.



“By prioritizing tap water consumption, we can collectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by [bottled water] and embrace tap water as a cornerstone of environmental responsibility and public health," the authors concluded.



In choosing tap water over bottled water, we take a step towards environmental responsibility and safeguard public health. 



Our collective efforts can tackle the problems that bottled water poses head-on, reaffirming tap water as a symbol of progressive, sustainable living.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015226" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Global Health</a>.



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Bottled water has become a global scourge, wreaking environmental havoc

Pop quiz... what is a product that people around the world buy millions of, every minute of every day? If your answer was bottled water, pat yourself on the back -- and then worry. This seemingly innocuous, everyday act is causing a tidal wave of concern among population health experts globally. Why? Because the implications of bottled water consumption are far-reaching, affecting not just our health but also our Mother Earth herself. Bottled water as a personal preference Safe tap water is not a luxury for the...

Wetlands, the most extensive natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-release-more-methane-from-wetlands-than-expected/">methane</a> sources on Earth, are contributing significantly to atmospheric warming, with methane being around 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide.&nbsp;



A study led by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-release-more-methane-from-wetlands-than-expected/">Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory</a> (Berkeley Lab) has revealed a concerning trend. Methane emissions from the Boreal-Arctic wetlands have surged by approximately nine percent since 2002. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerated-warming-rates-nbsp">Accelerated warming rates&nbsp;</h2>



This rise is particularly alarming given the accelerated warming rates in Boreal and Arctic ecosystems, which are currently warming at nearly four times the global average.



The study was led by Qing Zhu, a Berkeley Lab research scientist, along with postdoctoral researcher Kunxiaojia Yuan. Their work leverages advanced monitoring techniques to quantify the uptick in emissions over the last two decades.&nbsp;



“Boreal and Arctic environments are carbon-rich and vulnerable to warming. Rising temperatures increase microbial activity and vegetation growth, which are associated with methane emissions. By understanding how natural methane sources are evolving, we can better track greenhouse gasses critical for projecting future climate change scenarios,” Zhu explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-s-impact-on-global-warming">Methane's impact on global warming</h2>



The study underscores methane's significant impact on atmospheric warming, despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/">carbon dioxide</a>.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, higher temperatures not only boost the activity of methane-producing microbes in saturated soils but also expand their habitat as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-from-melting-permafrost-pose-great-risk-to-the-earth/">permafrost</a> thaws and precipitation patterns shift.



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



Employing a combination of traditional gas trapping and eddy covariance towers, the Berkeley Lab team analyzed over 307 years' worth of methane emissions data from Arctic-Boreal wetlands.&nbsp;



Their findings indicate an average annual release of 20 teragrams of methane since 2002, equating to the mass of roughly 55 Empire State Buildings, with a notable nine percent increase in emissions during this period.



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



The study also identifies two "hotspot" regions with significantly higher emissions, emphasizing the importance of focused mitigation efforts in these areas.&nbsp;



The analysis further reveals temperature and plant productivity as key drivers of methane emissions, with warmer conditions and more productive vegetation leading to increased microbial activity and, consequently, higher methane release.



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



The year 2016, marked as the warmest in the high-latitudes since 1950, also recorded the highest methane emissions, underscoring the direct correlation between temperature elevations and methane release.



However, according to Zhu, since “methane has a relatively short lifetime in the atmosphere, its reduction and removal can be achieved relatively quickly.”&nbsp;



The research provides a scientific baseline for comprehending wetlands' role in global climate dynamics and addressing climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetland-methane-emissions">Wetland methane emissions</h2>



Wetland methane emissions significantly contribute to the global methane budget, playing a critical role in atmospheric chemistry and climate change.&nbsp;



Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released from wetlands primarily through the metabolic activities of microorganisms. In these waterlogged environments, organic matter decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), leading to the production of methane by methanogenic archaea.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors-nbsp">Contributing factors&nbsp;</h3>



The rate of methane emissions from wetlands depends on several factors, including temperature and water saturation levels.



Warmer temperatures and higher levels of water saturation typically enhance methane production, as they provide ideal conditions for methanogens.&nbsp;



The type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetation-impacts-energy-movement-in-the-arctic/">vegetation</a> present in wetlands also influences methane emissions, as different plant species contribute varying amounts of organic material for decomposition.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities">Human activities</h3>



Human activities, such as land use changes and water management practices, can alter wetland conditions and thus affect methane emissions.&nbsp;



Drainage, agriculture, and the construction of dams can reduce wetland areas and their capacity to emit methane. Conversely, restoration of wetlands and creation of artificial wetlands can increase methane emissions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-wetlands">Benefits of wetlands</h3>



Globally, wetlands represent the largest natural source of methane emissions to the atmosphere. Despite their contribution to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-plans-to-eliminate-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-power-plants-by-2040/">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, wetlands also provide critical ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation. 



Balancing the ecological benefits of wetlands with their role in methane emissions is a key challenge in climate change mitigation and environmental management.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-01933-3">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Wetland methane emissions have surged at high latitudes

Wetlands, the most extensive natural methane sources on Earth, are...

Desert locusts, recognized by the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization as the most destructive migratory pest in the world, have been identified as a growing threat due to climate change. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/">insects</a> are capable of traveling in swarms of millions and devastating crops across vast regions.&nbsp;



The experts report that outbreaks of desert locusts could increase in frequency and severity due to erratic weather patterns fueled by global warming.&nbsp;



In particular, the researchers found that extreme weather events such as increased rainfall and extreme wind conditions may lead to bigger and worse desert locust outbreaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasingly-difficult-outbreaks-nbsp">Increasingly difficult outbreaks&nbsp;</h2>



Desert locusts are found in dry areas of northern and eastern Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. They thrive in conditions where extreme rainfall follows prolonged periods of aridity. These conditions create ideal breeding grounds for these pests.



A square-kilometer swarm contains 80 million locusts. In a single day, this swarm can wipe out enough food crops to feed 35,000 people. The study authors said these outbreaks will be increasingly hard to prevent and control in a warming climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-hotspots-for-desert-locusts">Major hotspots for desert locusts</h2>



With an analysis of incidents from 1985 to 2020, the study underscores a significant correlation between climate change and locust outbreaks. Notably, the researchers identified ten countries, including Kenya, Morocco, Niger, Yemen, and Pakistan, as major hotspots among 48 affected nations.&nbsp;



The research brings to light the worst outbreak in 25 years, which struck East Africa in 2019 and 2020. The outbreak caused unprecedented agricultural damage and threatened the livelihoods of millions by impacting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-infections-are-threatening-global-food-security/">food security</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favorable-conditions-for-outbreaks-nbsp">Favorable conditions for outbreaks&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Xiaogang He at the <a href="https://nus.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of Singapore</a>, who led the research, said more extreme weather events will add unpredictability to locust outbreaks.&nbsp;



The researchers linked the magnitude of desert locust outbreaks to specific weather and land conditions, such as air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/">temperature</a>, precipitation, soil moisture, and wind patterns. The study also highlights the role of El Niño in exacerbating the conditions favorable for locust outbreaks.



Douglas Tallamy is a professor of Entomology at the University of Delaware who was not part of the research. He noted that erratic weather and rainfall trigger spurts in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetation-impacts-energy-movement-in-the-arctic/">vegetation</a> and therefore fuels enormous population growth in locusts. "As such variability increases, it is logical to predict that locust outbreaks will increase as well," said Tallamy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-impacts-and-food-security-nbsp">Economic impacts and food security&nbsp;</h2>



The financial implications of locust outbreaks are staggering, with past events costing hundreds of millions in response efforts and causing billions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/laser-scarecrows-could-revolutionize-crop-protection/">crop damage</a>. This study highlights the urgent need for action against climate change. The research also underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies to combat the threat of desert locust outbreaks.&nbsp;



As the habitats of these pests expand and the frequency of extreme weather events rises, the global community faces a critical challenge in safeguarding food production systems against the looming threat of increased locust activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-desert-locust-swarms">Broader implications of desert locust swarms</h2>



Countries affected by desert locust outbreaks are already grappling with climate-driven extremes like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-droughts-are-becoming-the-new-normal/">droughts</a>, floods and heat waves, and the potential escalation of locust risks in these regions could exacerbate existing challenges, said Professor He. "Failure to address these risks could further strain food production systems and escalate the severity of global food insecurity."



He hopes the study will help countries understand the climate impacts on locusts, particularly in the context of food security. He also urges for better regional and continental cooperation to respond quickly and build early warning systems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj1164" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Extreme weather dramatically increases the threat of desert locust swarms

Desert locusts, recognized by the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization...

Rivers are complex and crucial parts of our planet. From playful otters to towering salmon, countless creatures call rivers home, relying on their ever-flowing waters for survival.&nbsp;



But what happens when powerful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-floods-are-set-to-become-much-more-common-in-the-u-s/">floods</a> disrupt this delicate balance? Scientists from the <a href="https://www.unr.edu/">University of Nevada, Renohas</a> created a model in their lab to answer this question.&nbsp;



The results challenge our previous ideas about how well rivers can recover from floods and other disturbances. The research provides a new perspective on the delicate balance of life in these flowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/">ecosystems</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-resilience-of-the-river-ecosystem-nbsp">The resilience of the river ecosystem&nbsp;</h2>



After floods, the rising water in a river might seem insignificant, but beneath the surface, a battle for survival is waged. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/">Plants</a> and algae, known as autotrophic biomass, face the flood's fury. How quickly they recover after the flood subsides determines the resilience of the entire river ecosystem.



The researchers set out to gain a better understanding of the resilience of the river ecosystem. They developed a clever method using underwater sensors that monitor oxygen levels of 143 rivers.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-post-flood-recovery-nbsp">A window into post-flood recovery&nbsp;</h2>



This data, fed into their specially designed latent biomass time series (LB-TS) model, revealed a hidden treasure: the daily growth rate of the vital biomass. This model acted as a window into their post-flood recovery, a real-time glimpse into their fight for survival.



"Previously, you would have to go to a river and scrub rocks to measure the algae, and do that several times for an extended period of time in order to estimate changes in biomass growth and loss," said study lead author Joanna R. Blaszczak. "This is very time consuming, so the data have been extremely limited relative to how extensive our sensor networks are."



"The dissolved oxygen sensors show the peak during the day, and the low during the night, and from those patterns, you can estimate how much new algae and other biomass grew that day."



"With the sensors measuring data continuously in hundreds of rivers for years now, we can get a much bigger, clearer picture. The data is there, and we can use it to model the size of flood needed to disturb the biomass in a river, as well as the rate at which a river recovers from flood disturbances, which can help us manage rivers more effectively."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovering-from-disruptions">Recovering from disruptions</h2>



Traditionally, scientists believed rivers could handle natural floods pretty well. But the research shows rivers might be more sensitive to changes in water flow than we realized.



Different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/">rivers</a> recover from disruptions like floods at different speeds. Some bounce back quickly (2 days), while others take longer (14 days).



Normally, we judge a river's flood resistance based on how often it can handle major floods without damage. But it turns out, even smaller changes in water flow can hurt how much life the river supports.&nbsp;



This means our current ways of managing rivers might not be enough. If they're truly more sensitive than we thought, we need to change our approach. This could involve using less water, fixing floodplains, and making plans that better consider the specific needs of each river.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-width-and-dams">River width and dams</h2>



Wider rivers bounce back faster from floods than narrow ones, especially if they don't have dams upstream. This study shows that both a river's size and human impacts affect how well it recovers from floods.



Wider rivers spread flood waters out more, which makes the water flow slower and gentler. This gentler flow causes less damage to the plants and animals living in the river, so they can recover more quickly.&nbsp;



Dams, on the other hand, mess up the natural flow of water, sand, and nutrients in the river, making it harder for the ecosystem to bounce back after a flood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-contributing-factors">Additional contributing factors</h2>



Rivers deal with many factors- light, water, plants, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">animals</a> all play crucial roles. Sunlight acts like fuel for the river ecosystem, powering the growth of plants and algae. Water flow acts like a delivery service, bringing nutrients, shaping the riverbed, and controlling the pace of everything happening.



When a flood disrupts this balance, changes in sunlight and water flow can affect the ecosystem's "food production" (how much organic matter is generated) and its structure (how different organisms are arranged).



Animals like fish and insects play a role in recovering from the disturbance. They eat algae, preventing it from taking over completely, but they can also overeat and slow down the growth of new plants.



Talking about plants, floods can mix things up by moving them around, favoring certain species over others. Initially, fast-growing types might dominate, but as things settle down, a more diverse group usually arrives. This shift in plant life affects everything from nutrient movement to animal habitats.



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



Healthy rivers are vital for clean water, diverse plant and animal life, and strong communities. This study helps us understand how floods affect rivers, which is crucial for protecting their health.



The study focuses on "thresholds": points where floods become harmful to the river ecosystem. Knowing these thresholds is key to managing and protecting rivers effectively. By identifying them, we can take action beforehand, like adjusting dam releases or reinforcing riverbanks, to prevent major damage.



This knowledge is even more important with climate change increasing the number and intensity of floods. We need strong conservation strategies to protect rivers in the face of these challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.14269">Ecology Letters</a>. The river analysis is published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.230706512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Can rivers always recover from floods?

Rivers are complex and crucial parts of our planet. From...

New research aimed to observe the changes in the blooming patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-true-survivors-flowering-plants-lived-through-the-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> and 51 species of shrubs, bushes, and trees over the past 35 years, providing insights into how plant communities are adapting to climate shifts in the southern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/sunny-summer-day-iberian-peninsula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iberian Peninsula</a>.



Researchers from the <a href="https://ics-seville.org/university-of-seville/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Seville</a> have conducted a significant study to explore the effects of climate change on the flora of <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/685/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doñana National Park</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-s-grip-on-flower-blooming-patterns">Climate's grip on flower blooming patterns</h2>



The backdrop of this study is a notable increase in temperatures in the area, with an average rise of 1°C and a minimum temperature increase of 2°C. 



This warming has led to a significant shift in the plant community's peak flowering time, moving forward by 22 days, from May 9 to April 17. 



This change signifies that the majority of species are now blooming earlier, altering the traditional rhythm of the ecosystem.



This phenomenon is widespread, affecting 80% of the observed species by advancing their flowering start, and 68% by moving up the end of their flowering period. 



Remarkably, rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) exemplifies this shift, flowering 92 days earlier than in the past. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crowded-gardens-pollination-in-a-warmer-world">Crowded gardens: Pollination in a warmer world</h2>



This uneven shift in flowering times has resulted in prolonged blooming periods for many species, leading to an "overcrowded" floral neighborhood. 



This crowding could intensify competition for the attention of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-90-of-flowering-plant-species-rely-on-animal-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinating</a> insects, as 55% of the species now find themselves in a more congested flowering environment.



Flowering is a crucial phase for plants, as it facilitates sexual reproduction. Since plants are stationary, they depend on insects to transfer pollen from one flower to another. 



This intricate dance requires precise timing; however, the advancing flowering times due to climate change could disrupt the synchronization between plants and their pollinator insects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mediterranean-meltdown-hotspot-for-flowering-havoc">Mediterranean meltdown: Hotspot for flowering havoc</h2>



The study underscores that the Mediterranean region, including Doñana National Park, is experiencing climate change impacts more acutely than many other areas, with temperature increases outpacing the global average by 20%. 



This rapid change challenges plants, which rely on accumulating warmth to determine the right moment to flower. 



The altered timing may affect the plants' ability to reproduce effectively, potentially leading to fruiting or germination at less optimal times, especially as drought conditions worsen. 



Moreover, unexpected competition for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-are-self-fertilizing-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> could arise, further complicating the survival of these species.



This research was made possible by leveraging data collected in the 1980s, initially aimed at a different study. 



The foresight to monitor the flowering patterns of these plant communities has provided invaluable data, highlighting the profound effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change on biodiversity</a>. 



It emphasizes the importance of long-term research perspectives, often challenged by the short-term nature of most research projects. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-s-toll-on-flowering-and-reproduction">Climate change's toll on flowering and reproduction</h2>



The research conducted by the University of Seville reveals the profound impact of climate change on the flowering patterns of plant species in Doñana National Park, highlighting a critical shift towards earlier bloom times and the resulting ecological consequences. 



This study underscores the urgent need for continued and comprehensive research to understand the broader implications of these changes on biodiversity and ecosystem health. 



By documenting the significant advancement in flowering times and the challenges posed to plant-pollinator interactions, the findings serve as a compelling call to action for mitigating climate change effects and preserving the delicate balance of our natural environments for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aob/advance-article/doi/10.1093/aob/mcad193/7473614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Botany</a>.



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Flowers are blooming up to 92 days earlier due to climate change

New research aimed to observe the changes in the blooming...

Finnish researchers have explored a captivating idea. Could the stunning Northern Lights (auroras) reveal more than just beauty? Could they hold clues about how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-need-resilient-electricity-networks-to-cope-with-climate-change/">electricity</a> we use?



The investigation, led by the <a href="https://www.oulu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oulu</a>, has uncovered a surprising link between auroras and winter temperatures. 



This unique study investigates how activity in Earth's atmosphere, which generates auroras, affects the amount of electricity Finland uses during winter. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-space-weather">Studying space weather</h2>



The researchers analyzed information about air pressure, wind patterns, and surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a> from Europe's weather center (ECMWF) for the period 1950-2021.



Later, the team analyzed the amount of electricity Finland used each month between 1990 and 2021, and estimated values for earlier years based on temperature data.



"From these data, we had to carefully remove variations unrelated to temperatures. This then revealed the influence of particle precipitation on temperature and electricity consumption," said Veera Juntunen, a doctoral researcher at the University of Oulu.



Initially, the researchers focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/">space weather</a>. While Earth has its own weather, space experiences its own set of dynamic events. Just like on Earth, these events aren't random - they're largely driven by the Sun's activity.



For example, when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amaterasu-extremely-high-energy-cosmic-ray-detected-with-no-clear-source/">Sun</a> experiences intense activity, it can emit a surge of energetic particles in space. These may collide with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/communications-satellites-may-disrupt-astronomical-observations/">satellites</a> and affect our internet connections.



The phenomenon is known as energetic particle precipitation (EPP) and it plays a role in the creation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/">auroras</a> too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-auroras-and-electricity-a-cosmic-connection">Auroras and electricity: A cosmic connection</h2>



Auroras happen when charged particles from the Sun (carried by the solar wind) collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere and react with its magnetic field. These collisions release energy as light, creating the beautiful displays.



For a long time, we knew this activity could create beautiful auroras, but this study found something new: it can also warm up Finland's winters. This happens because the charged particles interact with our atmosphere in multiple ways.



Warmer winters mean less need for heating, which means lower energy use in Finland. So, the sun throwing its particles, creating auroras, can actually affect how much electricity people use on Earth.



The study explains that EPP can intensify the polar vortex, which is a strong wind pattern that typically circulates around the polar region&nbsp;



When the wind blows from the east, these warm patches from the sun have an even bigger effect on Finland, making its winters much warmer.&nbsp;



That's why scientists concluded - it depends on a specific wind pattern we didn't know about before. So, space weather and wind work together to influence how warm (and how much electricity Finland needs) in winter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harsh-weather-conditions">Harsh weather conditions</h2>



The researchers found that the polar vortex "broke" once already this winter. This "breaking" means the cold air spread out in unexpected ways, potentially impacting weather patterns.&nbsp;



The experts predict this will happen again soon, this weekend specifically. It's impressive that their models even hinted at this possibility months ago.



Breaking of the polar vortex can lead to colder temperatures in areas like Europe and North America. This happens because the weakening allows cold Arctic air to escape southward.&nbsp;



Such weakening is often linked to cold spells and harsh winter weather in these regions.



The researchers found several critical links. The way the Sun interacts with Earth's atmosphere, especially how it sends energetic particles down, can directly affect how much electricity we use in winter. 



For Finland, this "space weather" can explain about 14% of how much electricity they use – that's pretty significant.



By understanding how space weather affects winter weather, scientists can potentially predict how much electricity we'll need ahead of time. This could help energy companies prepare and make sure everyone has enough power during cold months.



"The results demonstrate a previously unrecognized societal influence of space weather, and imply that long-term energy consumption forecasts could potentially be improved by considering long-term space weather predictions," wrote the study authors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47605-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Auroras have a surprising link to electricity consumption

Finnish researchers have explored a captivating idea. Could the stunning...

Bacteria,And,Viruses,On,Surface,Of,Skin,,Mucous,Membrane,Or

In an era where the threat of climate change and carbon emissions loom larger by the day, scientists are delving into the world's oceans, armed with an extensive catalog of hundreds of thousands of DNA and RNA <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-virus-discovered-in-the-deepest-part-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus species</a>. 



Their goal? To pinpoint viruses capable of enhancing carbon dioxide capture in seawater and preventing methane release from thawing Arctic soil, thereby mitigating climate change effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-depths-viruses-and-carbon-capture">From the depths: Viruses and carbon capture</h2>



Researchers, leveraging genomic sequencing data coupled with artificial intelligence, have embarked on a journey to identify and analyze <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-new-rna-viruses-identified-in-ocean-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean-based viruses</a>. 



Their findings reveal a fascinating aspect of these viruses: their ability to "steal" genes from other microbes involved in carbon processing within the sea. 



This gene theft aids in the mapping of microbial metabolism, uncovering 340 known metabolic pathways across the global oceans, with 128 pathways also found in ocean virus genomes.



<a href="https://microbiology.osu.edu/people/sullivan.948" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew Sullivan</a>, a professor of microbiology and the director of the <a href="https://coms.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center of Microbiome Science</a> at The Ohio State University, expressed his astonishment at the discovery, "I was shocked that the number was that high." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-the-ocean-and-climate-resilience">AI, the ocean, and climate resilience</h2>



This fascinating research has been propelled forward through advancements in computational methods, allowing the team to identify viruses integral to carbon metabolism. 



They are now utilizing this information to develop community metabolic models, aiming to predict the outcomes of engineering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/racing-boat-collects-edna-samples-on-a-round-the-world-sailing-competition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean microbiome</a> for improved carbon capture.



Sullivan, speaking at the annual meeting of the <a href="https://meetings.aaas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Association for the Advancement of Science</a> in Denver on February 17, 2024, shared insights into the research's implications. 



“The modeling is about how viruses may dial up or dial down microbial activity in the system,” Sullivan said. 



“Community metabolic modeling is telling me the dream data point: which viruses are targeting the most important metabolic pathways, and that matters because it means they’re good levers to pull on.”



As the virus coordinator for the <a href="https://oceans.taraexpeditions.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tara Oceans Consortium</a>, Sullivan has played a pivotal role in this three-year global study examining climate change's impact on the world's oceans. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phages-as-earth-s-physicians">Phages as Earth's physicians</h2>



His lab's focus on phages, viruses that infect bacteria, aims to leverage these microbes in converting carbon into a form that sinks to the ocean floor, thus strengthening the ocean's role as a carbon sink.



This approach builds on the 2016 discovery by the Tara team that carbon sinking in the ocean is facilitated by viruses. 



By causing virus-infected cells to cluster into larger aggregates, carbon is more efficiently deposited on the ocean floor. 



The team's AI-based analytics have identified "VIP" viruses for further study and potential use in ocean geoengineering efforts.



Moreover, the implications of this research extend beyond oceanic health. Sullivan's lab is exploring the application of these findings in human settings, aiming to use viruses to engineer microbiomes to aid in recovery from spinal cord injuries, improve outcomes for infants born to mothers with HIV, and more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-engineering-viruses-to-trap-carbon">The future: Engineering viruses to trap carbon</h2>



Sullivan also highlighted early efforts to apply phage-based geoengineering strategies to permafrost in northern Sweden, demonstrating the broad potential of these microbial manipulations in various ecosystems.



In summary, the Sullivan's research marks a significant leap forward in our quest to mitigate climate change through innovative oceanic and permafrost interventions. 



By harnessing the power of viruses to enhance carbon capture in the oceans and prevent methane release from thawing Arctic soil, this work deepens our understanding of microbial and viral interactions and forges new pathways for environmental engineering. 



As we explore the potential of viruses to act as natural geoengineering tools, the implications for both oceanic health and global climate strategies are profound, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against climate change.



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Ocean-based viruses discovered that trap carbon and combat climate change

In an era where the threat of climate change and...

About 56 million years ago, Earth went through a super-fast global warming spell called the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). It was one of the most intense warmings ever. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">temperatures</a> jumped by 5-8 degrees Celsius (9-14 degrees Fahrenheit) in just a few thousand years.



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.mpic.de/2285/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Chemistry</a> and <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> studied how the oceans responded to PETM.&nbsp;



Surprisingly, this period is similar to our current climate challenges. So, the study helps us understand how oceans handled oxygen levels during such dramatic warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-secrets-of-ocean-warming">Surprising secrets of ocean warming</h2>



To uncover secrets from the past, the researchers needed to go back in time. 



“Marine sediments are the history book of the ocean. By studying past intervals of time in which temperatures increased rapidly, we can gain precious insights on how ocean oxygen and biology responded to changes in climate," said study lead author Simone Moretti.



Therefore, the team dug into the ocean floor, looking at clues in the sediment to understand old nutrient cycles and oxygen levels. 



Usually, when water gets warmer, it cannot hold as much air. So, during the PETM, the ocean's top layers should have been warm and contain less oxygen.



Surprisingly, the study found increased oxygen levels in the upper ocean during the PETM. This challenges our current understanding of how oceans react to warming.&nbsp;



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



Other areas with very low oxygen, called "dead zones," actually got smaller during the PETM. The shrinking dead zones also indicate increased oxygen in the upper ocean.



The study suggests that the ocean has a way of balancing itself when things change rapidly. This discovery is important because it shows how the ocean can adapt to big environmental changes.



The scientists also examined any fossils they came across. They found fossils of microscopic creatures called foraminifera, which lived in the ocean and built miniature shells from minerals.&nbsp;



These tiny fossils held a big secret. During PETM, the foraminifera had larger shells than usual. This suggested they responded to their environment, hinting at warmer waters with more oxygen.



Foraminifera are sensitive to changes in temperature, acidity, and oxygen levels. So, their bigger shells during the PETM suggest they flourished in the warmer, more oxygen-rich conditions of that time.



"Remarkably, and unexpectedly, evidence shows that planktonic foraminifera from the central tropical Pacific got bigger during the PETM warming, implying a tropical oxygen rise in the upper layers of the ocean," said study co-author Professor Curtis Deutsch.



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



The deep ocean, sensitive to temperature and oxygen shifts, likely suffered during the PETM's rapid warming. Many deep-sea creatures, pushed beyond their limits, couldn't adapt, leading to a sharp drop in the variety of life there.



On the other hand, surface dwellers in the ocean's top layers may have fared better. A temporary boost in oxygen during this period gave them a breathing room, allowing them to keep their living conditions somewhat stable despite the chaos around them.&nbsp;



This extra oxygen might have even lessened the warming's impact, making the upper ocean a more welcoming place for these surface-dwelling marine animals than their deep-sea neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-warming-recovery-period">Ocean warming recovery period</h2>



Marine ecosystems took a long and arduous journey to recover even with a temporary oxygen boost. Over 100,000 years passed before they fully bounced back, highlighting the lasting effects of rapid climate change on ocean life.



The reason for this slow recovery lies in the complex interplay of factors triggered by the PETM. It wasn't just warming temperatures but also changes in ocean chemistry, like acidification and disruptions to nutrient cycles. These factors continued to stress marine life long after the initial warming event.



Organisms had to adjust to new conditions, repopulate lost habitats, and rebuild the life that the PETM had disrupted. This process unfolded gradually over millennia, a testament to the resilience of marine ecosystems.



But their resilience has limits. The extended recovery also underscores the long-term consequences of rapid climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Studying the PETM's recovery helps us understand how modern marine ecosystems might respond to current climate challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh4893" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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'History book' of the ocean reveals future impacts of warming 

About 56 million years ago, Earth went through a super-fast...

A recent study offers new insights into the battle against air pollution in the United States, focusing on the evolution of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels across the nation from 2006 to 2020.



This comprehensive research by the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a> reveals the impact of regulatory efforts by federal, state, and local authorities to improve air quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-the-pm2-5-challenge">Invisible threat: The PM2.5 challenge</h2>



PM2.5, a complex mixture of tiny particles smaller than 2.5 microns, poses <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant health risks</a>, including premature death, and contributes to reduced visibility through haze formation. 



The study's findings highlight a notable reduction in the annual average concentration of PM2.5, alongside shifts in its chemical makeup, suggesting that pollution control strategies tailored to specific regional needs could further diminish air pollution and its adverse health effects.



“The results from this study are especially timely given the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-stronger-standards-harmful-soot-pollution-significantly-increasing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA’s revision</a> of the health-based standard for PM2.5 from 12 µg/m3 to 9 µg/m3 that was just announced this month,” said <a href="https://ie.unc.edu/people/arunachalam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saravanan Arunachalam</a>, senior author of the study and deputy director of the UNC Institute for the Environment. 



“States with monitors that are exceeding the new standard for PM2.5 will be looking to understand the chemical constituents of PM2.5, and how they have changed over time, and this will be key to developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions reductions</a> policies to address potential future nonattainment designations.”  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decade-of-progress-how-america-cleaned-its-skies">Decade of progress: How America cleaned its skies</h2>



Utilizing data from the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/aqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. EPA Air Quality System</a>, the research team scrutinized PM2.5 trends across 48 states, identifying a range of chemical species originating from both human activities and natural sources. 



Their analysis revealed significant air quality improvements in regions with historically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air quality</a>, such as the Ohio Valley and southeastern states, largely due to stringent controls on emissions from coal-burning power plants and industrial sources.



The period studied saw a dramatic 91.5% reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants, particularly in the Ohio Valley and southeastern U.S., areas previously known for high sulfur dioxide levels. 



Additionally, the study noted a temporary deterioration in air quality along the West Coast in 2020, attributed to extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest fires</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chemical-puzzle-of-air-pollution">The chemical puzzle of air pollution</h2>



Despite a nationwide decrease in sulfate and ammonium levels, the researchers advocate for measures targeting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-exposure-in-the-womb-harms-offspring-reproductive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>, which increasingly contribute to PM2.5 levels. 



They observed a decline in high pollution days, with a notable rise in primary organic carbon during winter, attributed to the slower formation of secondary organic aerosols in lower temperatures.



Highlighting the significance of regional differences in pollution sources and effects, the study supports the adoption of targeted air pollution mitigation strategies. 



"Region-specific approaches are essential for further enhancing air quality, reducing healthcare costs related to air pollution, and saving lives," the researchers emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-clean-air-removing-pollution-from-us-skies">Future of clean air: Removing pollution from US skies</h2>



<a href="https://ie.unc.edu/people/cheng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bin Cheng</a>, a co-author and research associate at the Institute, stressed the importance of a detailed analysis of PM2.5's chemical composition and its emission sources for future emissions control strategies. 



"Different chemical constituents of PM2.5 are linked to various emissions sources, thus, the development of future emissions control strategies to reduce PM2.5 concentrations should be based on the comprehensive analysis of spatiotemporal trends of PM2.5 chemical composition and deep understanding of the relationships between changes in emissions and ambient concentrations," explained Cheng.



In summary, this important study contributes valuable data for policy development and lays the groundwork for future epidemiological research to pinpoint the PM2.5 components most harmful to human health. 



Through such comprehensive research, the journey towards cleaner air and healthier communities continues, informed by science and guided by effective policy.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1352231023006143" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Environment</a>.



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Chemical composition of US air pollution has changed over time

A recent study offers new insights into the battle against...

The Arctic, a realm often perceived as desolate and inhospitable, teems with life at the microscopic level. These microorganisms, particularly Arctic seabed bacteria, play a crucial role in Earth's ecological balance.



This bacteria transforms biomass into substances that sequester carbon for extended periods. Their work is vital in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">cycle of life</a>, yet their existence and function remain largely underexplored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arctic-s-microbial-universe-life-beneath-the-ice">The Arctic's microbial universe: Life beneath the ice</h2>



Polar regions are characterized by extreme seasonality, diverging from the typical diurnal cycle to oscillate between the midnight sun of summer and the polar night of winter. 



This stark contrast affects local ecosystems, especially primary producers that rely on sunlight. Summer brings a flourish of algae and terrestrial life, while winter sees a dramatic pause in productivity. 



The impact of these seasonal shifts on seabed bacterial communities had not been thoroughly investigated until recently.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.mpi-bremen.de/en/Home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology</a> in Bremen, Germany, embarked on a mission to the Svalbard archipelago to delve into the dynamics of these microbial communities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-the-mysteries-of-arctic-seabed-bacteria">Uncovering the mysteries of Arctic seabed bacteria</h2>



Their findings reveal surprising insights into the resilience and complexity of seabed bacteria.



Contrary to expectations, the composition of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial community</a> remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, despite significant fluctuations in organic matter and environmental conditions. 



This stability contrasts with the more variable communities found in the water column, showcasing the seabed bacteria's robustness. 



According to principal investigator Katrin Knittel, this complexity poses challenges but also highlights the community's resilience.



“Benthic bacterial communities -- i.e., those in the seabed -- are very complex,” Knittel adds. “That's what makes them so stable and robust, and it makes it very challenging for us to investigate their dynamics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-arctic-s-algal-bounty">Transforming the Arctic's algal bounty</h2>



To understand this phenomenon, Knittel's team investigated the functional diversity of these microbes, focusing on their ability to degrade algal sugars. 



Their research uncovered seasonal variations in gene expression related to carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. 



In winter, enzymes targeting a-glucans predominate, reflecting the microbes' reliance on intracellular storage compounds. 



Spring sees a shift towards enzymes that break down b-glucans, like laminarin, indicating a change in dietary sources corresponding to the availability of fresh algal material.



These findings underscore the adaptability of seabed bacteria to their environment, utilizing different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-awakening-arctic-food-webs-are-transforming-from-green-to-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food sources</a> based on seasonal availability. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-tiny-microbes-tremendous-impact">Global implications: Tiny microbes, tremendous impact</h2>



Their ability to switch between fresh material from the water column and reserves within the seabed demonstrates a remarkable ecological efficiency. This versatility is essential for their survival, especially in winter when external inputs are minimal.



The implications of this research extend beyond the confines of microbial ecology. As these bacteria process algal sugars, they release carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas. 



Thus, these microorganisms, though small in scale, play a significant role in global carbon cycling and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate processes</a>.



The Arctic seabed's bacterial community maintains a surprisingly consistent presence across the seasons, actively thriving despite the region's pronounced seasonality. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-arctic-seabed-bacteria-is-a-challenge">Studying Arctic seabed bacteria is a challenge</h2>



However, the challenge of studying these bacteria in Spitsbergen's seabed wasn't solely due to their internal dynamics; the methodology also posed significant hurdles. 



Doctoral student Chyrene Moncada, a member of Knittel's team, explains the difficulties encountered in sample collection. 



“It is very difficult to obtain undisturbed samples of the seabed and the pore water contained between the sand grains,” explains doctoral student Chyrene Moncada, who is also working on the project. “That's why we developed our own device: the Ellrott grab.”



Named after its creator and co-author Andreas Ellrott, this sampling tool allows for the undisturbed collection of sediment from sandy beds. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for small research vessels. 



“Andreas is a brilliant engineer and designed and built the grab from scratch, manufacturing many of the components himself in a 3D printer,” says Moncada. 



“To date, we have already collected over 100 sediment samples from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-north-frisian-islands-and-the-wadden-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wadden Sea</a> and the fjords of Svalbard with the Ellrott grab - and we plan to collect many more!”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-future-implications">Conservation and future implications</h2>



In summary, this fascinating research has unveiled the remarkable resilience and stability of the Arctic seabed bacteria microbial communities, challenging previous assumptions about their variability across seasons. 



Through innovative methodologies, the team has successfully navigated the methodological challenges of sampling, enabling the detailed study of these vital ecosystems. 



The findings highlight the complexity and adaptability of Arctic seabed bacteria to extreme seasonal changes and underscore their significant role in global carbon cycles and climate change. 



As the team plans to expand their research with further sediment samples, their work continues to expand our knowledge on the hidden dynamics of the Arctic's underexplored microbial world, offering new insights into the intricate connections between microorganisms and global environmental processes.



The full study was published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ismej/article/18/1/wrad005/7512817" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The ISME Journal</a>.



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Arctic seabed bacteria play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth

The Arctic, a realm often perceived as desolate and inhospitable,...

A new study utilizing advanced computational models has made a startling prediction about the future of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-rainfall/">Atlantic</a> Ocean. 



Researchers suggest that a subduction zone located beneath the Gibraltar Strait is set to extend further into the Atlantic, potentially giving rise to an Atlantic Ring of Fire, akin to the Pacific's notorious volcanic and seismic belt.&nbsp;



This significant geological shift is expected to occur 'soon' on a geological scale, approximately 20 million years from now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wilson-cycle-nbsp">The Wilson Cycle&nbsp;</h2>



The concept of oceans as permanent fixtures on Earth's surface is challenged by the reality of the Wilson Cycle, which describes the birth, growth, and eventual closure of oceanic bodies over hundreds of millions of years.&nbsp;



The Atlantic Ocean itself, formed from the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea around 180 million years ago, is destined to follow this cycle and eventually close. The Mediterranean Sea stands as a remnant of the once vast Tethys Ocean that lay between Africa and Eurasia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subduction-invasion-nbsp">Subduction invasion&nbsp;</h2>



For the Atlantic to transition from expansion to closure, new subduction zones, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, must emerge. However, the formation of subduction zones is a complex process due to the immense strength of tectonic plates.&nbsp;



A potential resolution to this "paradox" is the migration of subduction zones from older, contracting oceans, like the Mediterranean, to younger basins, such as the Atlantic - a process termed "subduction invasion."



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



This research marks the first illustration of such an invasion occurring directly. A sophisticated, gravity-driven 3-D model forecasts the expansion of a subduction zone beneath the Gibraltar Strait into the Atlantic, laying the groundwork for an Atlantic subduction system. This transformative event is predicted to unfold in roughly 20 million years.



João Duarte, the study's lead author from the Instituto Dom Luiz at the <a href="https://www.ulisboa.pt/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lisbon</a>'s Faculty of Sciences (Ciências ULisboa), Portugal, highlights the technological advancements enabling this discovery: “Subduction invasion is inherently a three-dimensional process that requires advanced modeling tools and supercomputers that were not available a few years ago. We can now simulate the formation of the Gibraltar Arc with great detail and also how it may evolve in the deep future.”



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



The study also re-evaluates the activity of the Gibraltar subduction zone, which some researchers previously thought was dormant due to a slowdown in activity over the last million years. The findings suggest this lull will persist for another 20 million years before the zone invades the Atlantic and intensifies, marking the onset of crustal recycling on the Atlantic's eastern flank and potentially the beginning of the ocean's closure.



Duarte further explains the significance of studying the Gibraltar zone: “There are two other subduction zones on the other side of the Atlantic – the Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean, and the Scotia Arc, near Antarctica. However, these subduction zones invaded the Atlantic several million years ago. Studying Gibraltar is an invaluable opportunity because it allows observing the process in its early stages when it is just happening.”



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



This research posits subduction invasion as a likely mechanism for initiating subduction in Atlantic-type oceans, underscoring its importance in Earth's geological evolution.&nbsp;



Moreover, the confirmation of ongoing activity in the Gibraltar subduction zone carries implications for seismic risk in the region, emphasizing the need for preparedness against potentially devastating earthquakes, reminiscent of the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/G51654.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>.



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The Atlantic Ocean may soon enter its declining phase

A new study utilizing advanced computational models has made a...

Cold-water corals are found in the depths of the world's oceans, hundreds of meters below the surface. These corals are far removed from the sunlit environments that nurture vibrant tropical reefs.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Groningen</a> reveals the extraordinary lengths to which cold-water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-survive-warming-waters-by-remembering-heat-waves/">corals</a> go to survive and flourish, even as they face the looming threat of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shadowy-realms-nbsp">Shadowy realms&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike their tropical counterparts, cold-water corals do not bask in sunlight nor engage in a symbiotic relationship with algae for their brilliant hues. Instead, they reside in the shadowy realms off coasts like Ireland's, creating their own spectacular ecosystems vital to the ocean's health.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-mountains-nbsp">Underwater mountains&nbsp;</h2>



The new <a href="https://research.rug.nl/en/publications/patterns-in-the-deep-sea-on-the-interaction-between-cold-water-co">study</a>, led by theoretical ecologist Anna van der Kaaden, highlights a peculiar behavior of these corals. In their quest for sustenance, they build vast underwater mountains, elevating themselves to capture more food carried by ocean currents.&nbsp;



These structures, formed over millennia, can surpass the height of the Eiffel Tower, showcasing the corals as "ecosystem engineers" who modify their environment to their advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-potential-trap">A potential trap</h2>



The irony of these monumental efforts is the potential trap they create for themselves. As Van der Kaaden points out, the very mountains that offer them abundant food and life might become their prisons. With the onset of climate change, warmer waters could compel the corals to seek cooler, deeper havens.



“When the water gets warmer, these creatures prefer to be deeper, but a coral doesn’t just walk down the mountain,” said Van der Kaaden.



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



Van der Kaaden conducted research on real reefs and using computational models. “In both cases, I tried to discover the spatial patterns in which the corals grow. With the Australian Great Barrier Reef, for example, this is very simple: you can even see their growth patterns from space." 



Van der Kaaden's exploration into the darkness wasn't straightforward. She ventured into what she describes as a dark maze. 



"With cold-water corals, you have to recognize these patterns while walking around in a pitch-dark maze, so to speak, with only a small flashlight. And yet, using statistical techniques and video stills, we did manage to get an overall picture."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ingenious-adaptation-nbsp">Ingenious adaptation&nbsp;</h2>



The findings not only shed light on the regular patterns of reefs, ridges, and mountains formed by these corals but also on their ingenious adaptation to manipulate water currents for food.



"Over hundreds of thousands of years, the coral reefs form mountains that can grow higher than the Eiffel Tower. So, the corals get higher in the ocean, where there is more food, and those mountains also create water currents that transport the food to the mountain."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-blooded-animals">Cold-blooded animals</h2>



The expectation is that if the water becomes too warm due to climate change, the corals will want to grow lower and colder.&nbsp;



"A cold-blooded animal like a coral uses up too much energy in warmer water. But a coral is an animal that is attached to the bottom, so it can't just move down the mountain," said Van der Kaaden.



"It disperses through larvae, but for new corals, the food conditions on the flanks of a coral mountain are worse because of the specific flow patterns."



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



Despite the potential challenges posed by climate change, Van der Kaaden remains cautiously optimistic about the future of cold-water corals.



"Maybe these organisms are more resilient than we think, and if not, they might build new mountains or reefs in other places. But with this research, I do want to show that an organism's response to climate change is not always easy to predict."



"There are many complex processes that create unexpected obstacles or opportunities. We, as a society must take that into account when preparing for the effects of climate change."



Image Credit: NOAA Fisheries



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Cold-water corals build mountains to battle climate change 

Cold-water corals are found in the depths of the world's...

The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the lungs of our planet, is edging closer to a critical tipping point that could trigger a widespread ecological collapse with far-reaching implications for the global climate system.



This dire warning comes from an international team of researchers, including experts from the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a> (PIK). 



The study reveals a harrowing scenario in which up to 47 percent of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-is-drying-out-with-far-reaching-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazonian</a> forest could be lost, underscoring the urgent need for global and local action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-stressors-on-the-amazon-rainforest">Multiple stressors on the Amazon rainforest</h2>



“The Southeastern Amazon has already shifted from a carbon sink to a source - meaning that the current amount of human pressure is too high for the region to maintain its status as a rainforest over the long term," said study co-author Boris Sakschewski.



"But the problem doesn't stop there. Since rainforests enrich the air with a lot of moisture which forms the basis of precipitation in the west and south of the continent, losing forest in one place can lead to losing forest in another in a self-propelling feedback loop or simply ‘tipping.’”



The researchers pinpointed the multifaceted stressors weakening the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-warming-amazon-deforestation-has-far-reaching-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon's resilience</a>, including increased temperatures, droughts, deforestation, and fires. 



By 2050, these disturbances are expected to threaten up to 47 percent of Amazonian forests, edging them closer to a tipping point beyond which recovery might be impossible.&nbsp;



The researchers identified five critical drivers of this tipping point: global warming, annual rainfall amounts, rainfall seasonality intensity, dry season length, and accumulated deforestation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-impact-of-the-amazon-rainforest">Far-reaching impact of the Amazon rainforest</h2>



The experts propose safe boundaries for these drivers to prevent crossing the tipping point, such as maintaining mean annual rainfall above 1000 mm to ensure the rainforest's existence.



“We found for example that for mean annual rainfall below 1,000 mm per year, the Amazon rainforest cannot exist. However, below 1,800 mm per year, abrupt transitions from rainforest to a Savanna-like vegetation become possible. This can be triggered by individual droughts or forest fires, which both have become more frequent and more severe in recent years," explained study co-author Da Nian.



The study also highlights the broader impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-amazon-crisis-deforestation-is-escalating-in-indigenous-territories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon forest loss</a> on global warming and regional precipitation patterns. The flows of atmospheric moisture from the Amazon, known as "flying rivers," are essential for the South American Monsoon system and, by extension, rainfall across the continent. 



Furthermore, the carbon stored in the Amazon, equivalent to 15-20 years of current human CO2 emissions, underscores the global stakes of preserving this rainforest.



Study lead author Bernardo Flores raised concerns about the compounding disturbances within the Amazon's core.&nbsp;



“Compounding disturbances are increasingly common within the core of the Amazon," said Flores. "If these disturbances act in synergy, we may observe unexpected ecosystem transitions in areas previously considered as resilient, such as the moist forests of the western and central Amazon.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-reinforced-forest-loss">Self-reinforced forest loss</h2>



The researchers investigated the consequences of disturbed forests across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazons-rainforests-are-at-risk-of-transforming-into-dry-grassy-savannas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a>, noting that some areas might recover but remain in a degraded state, while others may transition to an open-canopy, flammable state, exacerbating the spread of fires. 



“We have evidence showing that rising temperatures, extreme droughts and fires can affect how the forest functions and change which tree species can integrate the forest system," said study co-author Dr. Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert.



"With the acceleration of global change there’s an increasing likelihood that we will see positive feedback loops in which, rather than being able to repair itself, the forest loss becomes self-reinforced.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06970-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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The Amazon rainforest is approaching widespread collapse 

The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the lungs of...

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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"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

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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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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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.

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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

[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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



Image/ Video Credit: ESA



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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center&nbsp;



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

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon through sounds

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