Earth

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for scientists, especially when it comes to finding answers to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. The study of Earth’s geological history provides a unique and long-term perspective on global warming. Throughout history, the planet has experienced periods of catastrophic volcanic eruptions that released vast amounts of

The McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are as desolate as their name suggests. With towering mountains acting as a barrier to melting glacier water and extremely low humidity levels, this region is known to be one of the driest places on Earth. In fact, there was no record of rain in the valleys from the

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and landslides, can have devastating effects on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. In a recent study conducted after the 2022 Luding earthquake in China’s Sichuan Province, researchers explored the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data for rapid prediction of earthquake-triggered landslides. This research has significant implications for improving

Groundwater is an essential resource that sustains plants and ecosystems, supports agricultural production, and serves as a critical component of drinking water supplies. However, the challenges posed by climate change and human activities can threaten the availability of groundwater, especially in regions like southwestern Europe. A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment by

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Cities, a team of Earth scientists, environmental engineers, and geomaticists have uncovered a surprising trend in urban development. Contrary to historical patterns of outward expansion, cities around the world are now growing more vertically than horizontally. This shift in urban growth has significant implications for city

The recent study led by researchers at McGill University sheds light on the potential impact of Antarctic ice melt on rising sea levels. It emphasizes the crucial role that carbon emissions play in influencing the rate of ice loss from the continent. The findings suggest that if carbon emissions are not reduced swiftly in the

Predicting tipping points for critical Earth system components such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), polar ice sheets, and tropical rainforests is a daunting task due to significant uncertainties. A recent study published in Science Advances highlights the challenges in accurately forecasting when these tipping events might occur in response to human-caused global warming.

Studying ancient ocean temperatures is crucial for understanding past climate conditions and predicting future climate trends. One common method used to reconstruct these temperatures is by analyzing the ratio of different oxygen isotopes in calcium carbonate remains of fossils. However, this approach is not without its challenges, as biological processes known as “vital effects” can

Interbasin water transfers play a crucial role in transporting water across vast geographical areas in the U.S. West. The recent research published in the journal Nature Water sheds light on the energy-related greenhouse gas emissions associated with these projects, with two key projects in Arizona and California contributing to a majority of the emissions. The