<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features South Korea, where a November storm set a new record for daily snowfall in Seoul.</p>



<p>“Wintry weather arrived in full force in South Korea. In the last week of November 2024, a storm brought record-breaking accumulations of snow to Seoul. The heavy snow disrupted travel and damaged structures in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153649/heavy-snows-in-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“On the morning of November 27, residents of Seoul awoke to 16.5 centimeters (6.5 inches) of new snow. That amount already surpassed the previous daily snowfall record for Seoul in November since records began in 1907, according to news reports.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowfall-across-the-korean-peninsula-nbsp">Snowfall across the Korean Peninsula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Yet, as NASA noted, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-snow-complexity-can-improve-winter-safety/">snow</a> kept flying. By the morning of November 28, Seoul had accumulated a total of 11.3 inches. About 22 miles to the south, the city of Suwon received 17 inches of snow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When clouds cleared the following day, the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this image, revealing a broad coating of white across the Korean Peninsula,” said NASA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-snowfall-event-in-south-korea-nbsp">Rare snowfall event in South Korea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Meteorologists attributed this rare event to a sharp contrast between cold northern air and the warmer surface of the Yellow Sea.</p>



<p>Officials said that the temperature difference between the air and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface</a> was more profound than normal due to unusual warmth in recent weeks, which likely contributed to the storm’s intensity.</p>



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



<p>“Those who braved the weather around Seoul witnessed landmarks transformed into a winter wonderland. However, the storm grounded hundreds of flights across the country, kept dozens of ferries in port, and snarled traffic,” said NASA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The weight of the snow also toppled trees and damaged greenhouses and other agricultural facilities in areas surrounding Seoul, according to reports.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowfall-in-seoul-south-korea-nbsp">Snowfall in Seoul, South Korea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Snowfall is not unusual in Seoul, but its frequency and accumulation levels are typically moderate. </p>



<p>Seoul has a temperate climate with cold, dry winters, and snow is a normal part of the season from December to February. However, heavy snowfall is rare, with most snowfalls being light to moderate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The city averages about 25-30 days of snow per year, with a total accumulation that is far less than what is seen in colder regions of the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-snowfall-patterns-nbsp">Climate change and snowfall patterns&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ski-resorts-face-snow-scarcity-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is altering snowfall patterns globally, with variations in both frequency and intensity - depending on the region. </p>



<p>Warmer average temperatures are shifting precipitation from snow to rain in many areas, particularly in low-lying regions and mid-latitudes. This trend reduces the duration and extent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow cover</a>, especially at lower elevations. </p>



<p>However, paradoxically, some regions experience heavier snowstorms due to increased atmospheric moisture. Warmer air can hold more water vapor, leading to intense snowfall under the right conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-climate-impacts">Complex climate impacts</h3>



<p>In high-altitude and polar regions, the impact is more complex. Some areas, like the Himalayas and the Arctic, see diminished snowfall because of warmer conditions and melting ice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, parts of the Arctic and Antarctica may experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased snowfall</a> due to changes in wind patterns and enhanced evaporation over open waters caused by sea ice loss. </p>



<p>For example, in recent years, storms fueled by unusual temperature differentials have resulted in historic snowfalls in some areas, like the U.S. Northeast and parts of East Asia, as warmer oceans supply more moisture to cold air masses.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifts-in-the-seasons">Shifts in the seasons</h3>



<p>Seasonal timing is also shifting, with snowfalls occurring later in fall and ending earlier in spring. </p>



<p>These changes disrupt ecosystems that rely on consistent snowpacks, affect water resources dependent on snowmelt, and complicate winter activities such as agriculture and tourism.</p>



<p>Overall, the effects of climate change on snowfall are not uniform but are instead influenced by local geography, altitude, and changing weather systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As global temperatures continue to rise, these shifts are expected to intensify, requiring adaptation in water management, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Winter storm set a new snowfall record in Seoul, South Korea

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc1333">Webb’s view of NGC1333</h2>



<p>ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC1333 cloud.&nbsp;</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Image Credit<strong>: </strong>ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA</p>



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

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

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy NGC 2090, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Columba.</p>



<p>NGC 2090 is a stunning spiral galaxy that is notable for its well-defined structure, featuring a bright central core surrounded by tightly wound spiral arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These arms are filled with young, hot stars and interstellar gas, indicating active star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Captured by the Webb Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam instruments, the image reveals the galaxy's winding spiral arms and the swirling gas and dust of its disc in magnificent and unique detail, noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-ngc-2090">Observations of NGC 2090</h2>



<p>The galaxy’s spiral pattern is relatively symmetrical, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers interested in galactic evolution and dynamics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations of NGC 2090, including those conducted by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-helps-solve-the-mystery-of-a-young-eruptive-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope, have provided valuable insights into the properties of its stellar populations, gas content, and the nature of its spiral structure.</p>



<p>“NGC 2090 was one of many galaxies studied by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to refine the measurement of the Universe’s expansion rate, or ‘Hubble constant,’” said ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This can be done by observing a special type of variable stars named ‘Cepheids’ in relatively nearby galaxies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-ngc-2090">New insights into NGC 2090</h2>



<p>A Cepheid-based measurement from 1998 indicated that NGC 2090 is 37 million light-years away from Earth. However, the latest measurements suggest that the galaxy is 40 million light-years away.</p>



<p>“Already before that Hubble project in 1998, NGC 2090 had been well studied as a very prominent nearby example of star formation,” noted ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Described as a ‘flocculent’ spiral, this galaxy has a patchy, dusty disc and arms that are flaky or not visible at all. We can see those patterns well in Hubble's visible-light images. However, Webb’s NIRCam near-infrared data reveal the spiral arms with remarkable clarity.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-spiral-galaxies">What are spiral galaxies?</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are among the most common and visually striking types of galaxies in the universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are characterized by their flat, disk-like shape with a bright central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-arms-and-central-bulge-nbsp">Spiral arms and central bulge&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The arms of a spiral galaxy are regions where stars, gas, and dust are concentrated, often glowing brightly with the light of young, hot stars that form within them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The central bulge typically contains older stars and can host a supermassive black hole at its core.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Types of spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on how tightly their arms are wound and the size of their central bulge, ranging from tightly wound "Sa" galaxies to loosely wound "Sc" types.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-nbsp">Star formation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The structure of spiral galaxies is maintained by the interplay of gravity and angular momentum, with a rotating disk of stars and gas giving rise to their iconic shape.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are active sites of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> due to the abundance of gas in their arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies often have a halo of older stars and globular clusters surrounding their disks, which provides clues about their formation and evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxy">Barred spiral galaxy</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, the galaxy that contains our Solar System, is a prime example of a barred spiral galaxy, a subtype where a bar-shaped structure of stars extends from the central bulge.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-columba-nbsp">The constellation Columba&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Columba is a small and relatively faint constellation in the southern sky, whose name means "dove" in Latin. It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius and first appeared in a celestial atlas by Johann Bayer in 1603.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> is said to represent the dove sent out by Noah during the biblical flood, tying it to themes of hope and peace.</p>



<p>Columba lies near the larger constellation Canis Major and is bordered by others such as Lepus and Puppis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although it lacks particularly bright stars, its most notable star, Alpha Columbae (also called Phact), shines at a magnitude of approximately 2.6 and is a hot blue-white star. Beta Columbae, another prominent star in the constellation, is a slightly cooler, yellow-white star.</p>



<p>The constellation is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere during the summer months, though it can also be seen from lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope&nbsp;</p>



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Webb unveils spiral galaxy NGC 2090 in magnificent detail

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope</p>



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a satellite view of retreating glaciers in Alaska, where meltwater is rapidly expanding glacial lakes. The image was captured on August 4, 2024 by the Landsat 8 satellite.</p>



<p>“In parts of Alaska, water is replacing ice. As glaciers thin and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-images-reveal-hidden-retreat-of-arctic-glaciers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreat</a>, meltwater collects at their fronts, forming proglacial lakes. According to an analysis by Mauri Pelto, a glaciologist at Nichols College, three such lakes in the southeastern part of the state have grown rapidly in recent decades,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreating-glaciers-in-alaska">Retreating glaciers in Alaska</h2>



<p>“A trio of glaciers - Yakutat, Alsek, and Grand Plateau - descend from inland mountains and flow onto the coastal plain southeast of Yakutat borough, ending at Harlequin Lake, Alsek Lake, and Grand Plateau Lake,” noted NASA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The retreat of the glaciers, as well as the growth of the lakes, are visible in the image. When compared to an <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/153000/153638/fastestlake_tm5_19840705_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> captured by Landsat 5 in the summer of 1984, the changes are even more evident.</p>



<p>NASA elaborated on the extent of the glacier retreat from 1984 to 2024. “During this period, Yakutat Glacier’s main arm retreated 4.3 miles, while Alsek Glacier’s northern and southern arms retreated 3.3 miles and 3.4 miles, respectively. Grand Plateau Glacier’s northern arm lost the most, retreating 4.8 miles.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes-doubled-in-size-nbsp">Glacial lakes doubled in size&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Collectively, the three lakes more than doubled in size over 40 years. In 1984, they covered about 50 square miles. By 2024, they spanned 90 square miles. That’s an area larger than Seneca Lake (67 square miles) - one of the Finger Lakes in New York, which also have a glacial origin,” said NASA.</p>



<p>Pelto noted that the lakes forming in this region are immense - starting at the mountains and spreading toward the coast - making this a new lake district that is unique in our nation.</p>



<p>“Millions of other lakes, named and unnamed, dot the state. But this system has grown fast, so much so that Pelto thinks it might represent the fastest lake growth in the United States this century,” said NASA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Understanding glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Glacier retreat is a significant phenomenon driven primarily by global warming the results from rising greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>. </p>



<p>As temperatures rise, glaciers lose more ice during the summer melt than they can regain in winter snowfall, causing them to shrink over time. This process has profound implications for ecosystems, water resources, and global sea levels.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes">Glacial lakes</h3>



<p>When glaciers retreat, they often leave behind depressions in the landscape that can fill with meltwater, forming glacial lakes. These lakes are typically bounded by natural dams made of rock, ice, or moraine - accumulations of debris left behind by the glacier's movement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the past century, the number and size of glacial lakes worldwide have increased significantly due to the accelerating pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> retreat. This trend is especially evident in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps, as well as in polar areas such as Alaska and Greenland.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-and-negative-impacts-nbsp">Positive and negative impacts&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Glacial lakes can have both positive and negative impacts. They provide critical water sources for downstream communities, support biodiversity, and sometimes offer opportunities for hydropower development or tourism.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, they also pose serious risks. The dams holding back these lakes can fail suddenly, causing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These catastrophic events can devastate downstream areas, destroying infrastructure, agricultural lands, and habitats while endangering human lives.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes">Monitoring changes</h3>



<p>Understanding glacier retreat and glacial lake formation requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining climate science, hydrology, and geology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Monitoring these changes is essential to mitigate associated risks and adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fperu-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming planet</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-worldwide">Glacier retreat worldwide</h2>



<p>Studies and satellite observations show that most glaciers in almost all regions of the world are shrinking.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Melting glaciers contribute significantly to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>, which threatens coastal communities and ecosystems.</p>



<p>The retreat of glaciers is considered one of the clearest indicators of climate change. Some glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, indicating accelerating climate impacts.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Retreating glaciers and expanding meltwater lakes in Alaska

<p>A new study reveals the remarkable evolutionary history of anglerfish, deep-sea creatures whose unusual adaptations have long fascinated both scientists and the public. </p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02586-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a>, the research reveals how these mysterious animals defied expectations by diversifying in the harsh, resource-poor environment of the bathypelagic zone - the open ocean depths ranging from 3,300 to 13,000 feet below the surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-seafloor-to-open-waters"><strong>From the seafloor to open waters</strong></h2>



<p>The study, led by biologists including Kory Evans of <a href="https://www.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a> and his former undergraduate student Rose Faucher, investigated the evolutionary progression of anglerfish (<em>Lophiiformes</em>) as they moved from seafloor habitats to the deep sea's open waters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By employing advanced genetic analysis and 3D imaging of museum specimens, the researchers reconstructed the anglerfish's evolutionary tree and identified the morphological innovations that enabled them to thrive in one of Earth's most challenging environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-adaptations-of-deep-sea-anglerfish">Unique adaptations of deep-sea anglerfish</h2>



<p>While anglerfish are famous for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioluminescence-emerged-in-animals-540-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioluminescent</a> lures that dangle from their heads to attract prey in the deep sea's eternal darkness, their evolutionary tale encompasses much more than this notable feature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study revealed that deep-sea pelagic anglerfish (ceratioids) descended from benthic, or seafloor-dwelling, ancestors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These ancestors inhabited the continental slope before venturing into the bathypelagic zone's open waters - a shift that paved the way for rapid evolutionary changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ceratioids developed characteristics such as larger jaws, smaller eyes, and laterally compressed bodies - adaptations suited to an environment with scarce food and no sunlight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-diversity-of-anglerfish">Surprising diversity of anglerfish </h2>



<p>Despite these directional trends, ceratioids exhibited remarkable variability in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-anemones-can-regrow-their-entire-body-in-its-original-shape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body shapes</a>, ranging from the typical globose anglerfish to elongated forms like the “wolftrap” phenotype, which features a jaw structure resembling a trap.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This was the most unexpected finding of the study, as the bathypelagic zone did not limit evolution as previously thought, despite its apparent lack of ecological diversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, anglerfish achieved high levels of phenotypic disparity, surpassing their benthic relatives in both shallow and deep waters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This suggests that, rather than being constrained by the deep sea's environmental challenges, ceratioids explored new evolutionary avenues, diversifying their body forms and hunting strategies.</p>



<p>“With their unique traits like bioluminescent lures and large oral gapes, deep-sea anglerfish may be one of the few documented examples of adaptive radiation in the resource-limited bathypelagic zone,” said Evans, a co-corresponding author on the paper and assistant professor of biosciences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These traits likely gave anglerfish an edge in exploiting scarce resources and navigating the extreme conditions of their environment, although we don’t have strong evidence directly linking this diversity to this kind of resource specialization.”</p>



<p>Evans pointed out that the research allows for the possibility that nonadaptive processes, such as relaxed selection or random mutations, might have also contributed to the observed variability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anglerfish-evolutionary-trends">Anglerfish evolutionary trends</h2>



<p>The researchers also compared anglerfish groups across different habitats and uncovered more surprising results. </p>



<p>Coastal species like frogfish, which live in diverse and productive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-not-adapt-quickly-enough-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reef</a> environments, displayed much lower rates of evolutionary change than their deep-sea counterparts.</p>



<p>“The idea that a resource-poor, homogenous environment - like being surrounded on all sides by nothing but water - would produce diverse body and skull plans is really counterintuitive in this field,” said Faucher, who was co-first author of the paper along with Elizabeth Christina Miller, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When fish have different features to interact with, like corals and plants in shallow water or sand and rocks on the seafloor, that’s when we would expect fish to have a lot of variation in shape. Instead, we’re seeing it in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-legacy-decades-old-ddt-found-in-deep-sea-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea fish</a> who have nothing but water to interact with.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methodology-and-breakthrough-findings">Methodology and breakthrough findings</h2>



<p>To carry out this study, the researchers utilized a combination of advanced methods. They constructed a phylogeny of anglerfish using data from 1,092 genetic loci across 132 species.</p>



<p>This represented about 38% of described species and was supplemented by fossil calibrations and genomic data to estimate divergence times and ancestral habitats. </p>



<p>Morphological data were gathered from museum specimens, including linear body measurements and 3D skull shape analyses via micro-CT scans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To assess evolutionary trends, they applied phylogenetic comparative methods to evaluate phenotypic and lineage diversification, while disparity analyses measured the extent of morphological variation across anglerfish groups and habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They then used Bayesian models to reconstruct ancestral habitats, revealing that ceratioids originated from benthic ancestors before moving to the pelagic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-twilight-zone-stabilizes-the-marine-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zone</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finally, principal component analyses visualized how anglerfish occupied different regions of phenotypic space, shedding light on evolutionary trends in body, skull, and jaw shapes.</p>



<p>“Anglerfish are a perfect example of how life can innovate under extreme constraints,” said Evans. “This work not only enhances our understanding of deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> but also illustrates the resilience and creativity of evolution.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-life-in-extreme-environments">Understanding life in extreme environments</h2>



<p>The significance of this study extends beyond the evolutionary history of anglerfish. It offers valuable insights into how life adapts to extreme environments. </p>



<p>The deep sea is one of Earth's least understood ecosystems, yet it plays a crucial role in global biodiversity and the planet's carbon cycle. </p>



<p>Understanding how organisms like anglerfish succeed in such conditions helps scientists predict how life might respond to environmental changes, including those caused by climate change. </p>



<p>Moreover, the study addresses broader questions in macroevolution: how new species arise, adapt, and diversify. </p>



<p>By demonstrating that even resource-poor environments can foster significant evolutionary radiation, the research challenges conventional wisdom and opens new pathways for studying evolution in extreme habitats.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Deep-sea anglerfish defy evolutionary expectations

A new study reveals the remarkable evolutionary history of anglerfish,...

<p>The battle against Alzheimer’s has recently taken a controversial turn. Long-held theories about its cause are being challenged, which is sparking heated debates.</p>



<p>Now, emerging research points to the possibility that Alzheimer’s is actually an immune system disorder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-data-possibly-fabricated">Critical data possibly fabricated</h2>



<p>Recently, the Alzheimer's research field witnessed a shockwave. A 2006 research article, published in the acclaimed journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature04533" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>, has received renewed scrutiny.</p>



<p>The paper had presented the beta-amyloid protein subtype as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-attacks-the-brain-in-two-separate-phases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a> instigator. </p>



<p>However, recent revelations in the journal <em>Science</em> suggest that this potentially game-changing data might have been fabricated.</p>



<p>In June 2021, the FDA approved aducanumab, a drug designed to target beta-amyloid. This decision added to the controversy because the supporting evidence for its effectiveness was incomplete and inconsistent.</p>



<p>While some physicians insist it's premature to deem it fit for use, others argue in favor of giving it a fair shot. </p>



<p>This begs the question: why are millions still hanging in the balance, waiting for a successful Alzheimer's cure?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-beta-amyloid-accumulation">Preventing beta-amyloid accumulation</h2>



<p>Over the years, the scientific gaze has been fixed on beta-amyloid, the elusive protein implicated in the onset of Alzheimer's disease.</p>



<p>The primary focus has been on preventing the harmful accumulation of this protein in the brain.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, this intense fascination hasn't exactly been fruitful. In fact, with their laser focus on the beta-amyloid protein, scientists may have ignored other viable and potentially enlightening avenues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-beta-amyloid">Understanding beta-amyloid</h2>



<p>Beta-amyloid is a protein that naturally occurs in the brain, and plays a role in helping nerve cells communicate. Think of it as a messenger that helps keep your brain functioning smoothly.</p>



<p>However, problems arise when beta-amyloid starts to accumulate and clump together, forming sticky plaques between nerve cells. </p>



<p>These plaques can interfere with how brain cells communicate, leading to issues with memory and thinking.</p>



<p>Most scientists believe that when too much beta-amyloid forms these plaques, it triggers a chain reaction that damages and eventually kills brain cells. </p>



<p>This is why, in recent decades, researchers have been so focused on finding ways to reduce beta-amyloid levels in the brain; they were hoping to slow down or even prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-intruder">Immune system intruder</h2>



<p>Researchers at the Krembil Brain Institute, part of the <a href="https://www.uhn.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Health Network</a> in Toronto, have been studying Alzheimer's disease for over three decades. Their findings offer a fresh and surprising perspective on the condition.</p>



<p>"We no longer think of Alzheimer's as primarily a disease of the brain. Rather, we believe that Alzheimer's is principally&nbsp;a disorder of the immune system within the brain," explained Donald Weaver, professor of chemistry at <a href="https://www.uhn.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Health Network</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-and-the-brain-s-immune-system">Alzheimer's and the brain's immune system</h2>



<p>The immune system, present in every organ, consists of cells and molecules that repair injuries and fight infections. </p>



<p>This holds true for the brain's immune system too. It's always ready to repair injury or tackle invading bacteria - but here's where trouble brews.</p>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.uhn.ca/Krembil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Krembil Brain Institute</a> suggest that beta-amyloid, often blamed for causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/type-2-diabetes-heightens-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s</a>, may not be harmful on its own. </p>



<p>Instead, they believe it plays a crucial role in the brain's immune system, helping to protect against threats.</p>



<p>However, while it may be necessary for defense, its actions can sometimes backfire, leading to unintended harm.</p>



<p>The new theory suggests that beta-amyloid finds itself in a bind. Due to striking similarities between bacterial membranes and brain cell membranes, it can't distinguish between friend and foe. </p>



<p>In its bid to protect, beta-amyloid ends up attacking the very brain cells it should be safeguarding.</p>



<p>This misdirected assault leads to progressive brain cell function loss and culminates in dementia. It's a tale of the immune system playing the villain by failing to differentiate between the enemy and the ally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-an-autoimmune-disorder">Alzheimer's: An autoimmune disorder?</h2>



<p>Given this perspective, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's disease</a> can be seen under the umbrella of autoimmune diseases where the body ends up attacking itself. </p>



<p>Although traditional autoimmune therapies might not work for Alzheimer's, the researchers are hopeful. </p>



<p>They believe that focusing on other immune-regulating pathways within the brain could lead to effective treatment approaches.</p>



<p>This isn't the end of the story though. Several equally intriguing theories are beginning to surface. </p>



<p>Some researchers classify Alzheimer's as a mitochondrial disease, while others attribute the condition to a particular brain infection or abnormal handling of metals within the brain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shift-in-perspective">A shift in perspective </h2>



<p>With over 50 million people worldwide affected by dementia, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finger-prick-method-could-simplify-alzheimers-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fresh perspectives</a> and innovative ideas have never been more crucial. </p>



<p>Alzheimer's isn't just a health crisis. It's a ticking socioeconomic time bomb that demands a better understanding of its causes - including its possible links to the immune system - and effective treatments.</p>



<p>Scientific data and breakthroughs, although valuable, should not overshadow the human aspect of the disease. </p>



<p>The focus should also remain on improving the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients, easing their challenges, and offering emotional and practical help.</p>



<p>It is imperative that research serves the people it is intending to help, and keeps their needs and experiences at the forefront.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/potential-fabrication-research-images-threatens-key-theory-alzheimers-disease" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Study declaring Alzheimer's to be a "brain disease" proven to be fabricated

The battle against Alzheimer’s has recently taken a controversial turn....

Water,Fills,The,Tulare,Lakebed,Following,Recent,Floodwaters,,Illustrating,The

<p>For the first time in about 130 years, Tulare Lake reappeared in California's San Joaquin Valley, stirring both wonder and concern among locals and experts alike as it submerged almost 100,000 acres of privately owned farmland.</p>



<p>Vivian Underhill, a researcher formerly at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a>, has been studying this unexpected phenomenon. </p>



<p>"Tulare Lake was the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi River. It's really difficult to imagine that now," she says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tulare-lake-returns">Tulare Lake returns</h2>



<p>Often dubbed the "ghost lake," Tulare Lake vanished about 130 years ago due to extensive human intervention. </p>



<p>But in the spring of 2023, after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consecutive-atmospheric-rivers-cause-far-more-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive winter storms</a> and significant snowmelt from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/record-snowpack-in-the-sierra-nevada-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sierra Nevada</a>, the lake roared back to life. </p>



<p>The water overwhelmed human-made systems designed to drain the basin, submerging thousands of acres of fertile farmland that once produced pistachios, almonds, cotton, and safflower.</p>



<p>The reborn lake stretches out with a seemingly endless blue horizon. </p>



<p>Yet, unlike Lake Tahoe's cool breezes and recreational appeal, Tulare Lake offers little respite from the heat. The air is still, and a thin layer of high clouds does little to shield the sun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-reclaims-the-land">Nature reclaims the land</h2>



<p>Despite the challenges, the lake's return has revitalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-pollutes-local-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local ecosystems</a>. Ducks, egrets, and other waterfowl have flocked to its shores. </p>



<p>Frogs now wade at the water's edge, ready to dive in at the slightest disturbance. Tule grass has begun to sprout along the shoreline, signaling a revival of plant life that hasn't been seen here in generations.</p>



<p>Underhill notes the historical significance, saying, "Once, there was so much water that a steamship could carry agricultural supplies from the Bakersfield area up to Fresno and then up to San Francisco." </p>



<p>That's nearly 300 miles of navigable waterways that connected communities and supported commerce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tulare-lake-hidden-in-plain-site">Tulare Lake hidden in plain site</h2>



<p>To travelers passing through the arid San Joaquin Valley today, the existence of such a vast lake seems almost mythical. </p>



<p>"It's hard to imagine such a large body of water co-existing alongside such an arid landscape," Underhill remarks. Yet, in the 1800s, "Fresno was a lakeside town."</p>



<p>Back then, Tulare Lake was fed primarily by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada. </p>



<p>"There's no natural outlet within the valley," Underhill explains, "so the water collects to form a lake." The indigenous Tachi Yokut tribe called it "Pa'ashi," and it was central to their way of life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-of-tulare-lake">Human impact of Tulare Lake</h2>



<p>The disappearance of Tulare Lake began in the late 1850s and early 1860s. </p>



<p>"The state of California's desire to take public land and put it into private ownership propelled the lake's decline," Underhill explained.</p>



<p>"When we say 'public land,' that is historically indigenous land that the state of California blanket-proclaimed as 'public.'"</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tulare-lake_june4-2023_june4-2024_comparison_modis_nasa_1m.webp" alt="The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired a false-color image of Tulare Lake on June 4, 2024, and a second one of the same region on June 3, 2023. Each image can be viewed by clicking on the respective date. This makes it easy to compare the change in the lake level over time. This type of false-color image helps separate water, which appears blue, from vegetation (bright green) and open land (tan). Deeper water appears darker blue and very shallow water looks pale blue. In contrast, snow (frozen water) looks bright electric blue. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1952049"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired a false-color image of Tulare Lake on June 4, 2024, and a second one of the same region on June 3, 2023. Each image can be viewed by clicking on the respective date. This makes it easy to compare the change in the lake level over time. This type of false-color image helps separate water, which appears blue, from vegetation (bright green) and open land (tan). Deeper water appears darker blue and very shallow water looks pale blue. In contrast, snow (frozen water) looks bright electric blue. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>This process, known as "reclamation," aimed to convert inundated or desert land into arable farmland. </p>



<p>"If people could drain that land," Underhill says, "they would be granted ownership of parts of that land. So there was a big incentive for white settlers to start doing that work." </p>



<p>This led to the construction of hundreds of irrigation canals crisscrossing the valley, diverting water away from the lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-day-concerns">Modern-day concerns</h2>



<p>Today, the reemergence of Tulare Lake poses new challenges. The floodwaters have engulfed private lands, turning fields into vast stretches of water. </p>



<p>Signs warning against trespassing dot the shoreline, reminding everyone that wading or boating is technically prohibited.</p>



<p>More troubling is what's hidden beneath the surface. The waters have submerged storage sheds containing fertilizers and chemicals, manure piles, electrical wires, and sharp farm machinery. </p>



<p>These hazards not only pose risks to anyone venturing into the lake but also raise environmental concerns about contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-future-of-tulare-lake">Uncertain future of Tulare Lake</h2>



<p>Local officials now speculate that this latest incarnation could also take years to fully recede.</p>



<p>"California just got inundated with snow in the winter and then rain in the spring," Underhill points out. </p>



<p>Such weather patterns accelerate snowmelt, causing rapid runoff into the basin where Tulare Lake sits.</p>



<p>"All that snow and rain in the Sierra still runs into the depression where Tulare Lake once sat," she adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reflecting-on-the-past">Reflecting on the past</h2>



<p>The story of Tulare Lake is not just about water returning to a dry basin; it's a narrative intertwined with history, culture, and environmental change. </p>



<p>The lake's disappearance was a result of deliberate actions to reshape the land for agriculture, often at the expense of indigenous communities and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-ecosystems-constantly-share-energy-to-achieve-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural ecosystems</a>.</p>



<p>Underhill emphasizes the colonial undertones of this transformation. "It was a deeply settler colonial project that proceeded in fits and starts," she says. </p>



<p>The push to privatize land and the incentives offered for reclamation led to dramatic alterations of the landscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



<p>As Tulare Lake reclaims its historic footprint, it serves as a reminder of nature's resilience and the lasting impacts of human intervention. </p>



<p>The revival has brought back species that haven't been seen in the area for decades, offering a glimpse into what the region might have looked like before extensive farming took over.</p>



<p>At the same time, the challenges posed by the lake's return highlight the complexities of balancing human needs with environmental stewardship. </p>



<p>The submerged farmlands represent significant economic losses, and the potential environmental hazards lurking beneath the water pose risks that will need to be addressed.</p>



<p>As Underhill aptly puts it, witnessing the lake's return is both surprising and profound. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the land and the long-term consequences of our actions.</p>



<p>The full report by Underhill is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://openrivers.lib.umn.edu/article/the-return-of-paashi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Open Rivers</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Ghost lake returns after 130 years and buries 94,000 acres of farmland

For the first time in about 130 years, Tulare Lake...

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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Today&#8217;s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from the </span><a href="https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Chemical Society</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> explores whether the Boston Harbor would have actually been turned into tea during the Boston Tea Party of 1773. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To protest British taxes, American colonists dumped 342 chests of tea &#8211; the equivalent of 18.5 million tea bags. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After accounting for the 600 trillion liters of water in the harbor, the experts determined that the tea would have been too weak to taste without at least two or three trillion tea bags.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8212;</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chrissy Sexton</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earth.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staff Writer</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video Credit: American Chemical Society</span></i></p>

Was the Boston Harbor actually turned into tea?