A research team from Rutgers University-New Brunswick is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of hurricane patterns with an innovative technique that analyzes coastal sediment layers. Through diligent examination of sediments layered beneath New Jersey’s Cheesequake State Park, the researchers uncovered compelling evidence of hurricanes dating back more than 400 years. This groundbreaking study, published
Earth
A groundbreaking study led by a team from Southern Methodist University (SMU) reveals shocking insights into how natural gas behaves when it escapes from subsurface pipelines. Traditionally, it was assumed that the surrounding soil’s dryness was the primary factor influencing how far and how quickly hazardous gas could spread. This new research, however, unveils that
Foreign direct investments (FDI) have long been heralded as a vehicle for economic growth, especially in developing regions rich in natural resources. Yet, the true costs of such investments often come to light only after extensive ecological damage has been inflicted. This is particularly evident in tropical countries, where resource extraction activities, like mining and
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE remains one of history’s most tragic natural disasters. Nearly 2,000 years later, researchers at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) and Pompeii Archaeological Park have made ground-breaking advancements in understanding the catastrophic events that unfolded in Pompeii. Through the lens of modern science, they have
Phosphorus is often heralded as a cornerstone nutrient in the realm of agriculture. As a non-negotiable ingredient in fertilizers, its importance cannot be overstated. Farmers depend on phosphorus to ensure the vitality of their crops, and, by extension, the global food supply. Yet, the intricate cycle that governs phosphorus in nature has remained a captivating
Subduction zones, the sites where tectonic plates converge and one plate sinks beneath another, have long been a source of fascination for geologists. Among the dynamic processes occurring within these regions, the role of water is pivotal. Recent research by G. S. Epstein and his team sheds light on how the interactions between the Earth’s
In an era where technology constantly reshapes our understanding of natural phenomena, a new machine learning-based automated system is poised to transform the way we monitor volcanic activity. Developed by graduate student researcher Darren Tan at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute, this innovative tool promises to replace the tedious and time-consuming manual efforts
Recent research from Curtin University has fundamentally shifted our understanding of iron ore deposits, particularly in the Hamersley Province of Western Australia. The findings reveal that these vast iron ore reserves are approximately one billion years younger than previously estimated, opening new avenues for exploration and resource extraction. Utilizing a cutting-edge geochronology technique, researchers determined
Mountains have long been heralded as the “water towers” of our planet, providing crucial freshwater resources to ecosystems and human populations alike. However, recent insights from an international coalition of mountain hydrology experts suggest that our understanding of the water cycle in these regions is fundamentally incomplete. The traditional models have overlooked a vital component:
The wildfire season of 2023 carved a grim chapter in Canada’s environmental history. Spanning scorching flames and devastating land destruction, this season was not just another yearly occurrence; it shattered records, positioning itself as the most destructive wildfire season yet. However, beyond the immediate aftermath of charred landscapes, a new study raises profound concerns about
Recent insights from researchers at the University of California, Irvine, expose a stark and growing dilemma in flood risk management. While government agencies, disaster planners, and insurance firms lean heavily on national flood risk models, these tools fall short when it comes to granularity, particularly for neighborhoods and specific properties. This systemic issue raises pressing
In an exciting breakthrough for climate science, researchers have identified a new climate pattern termed the “Southern Hemisphere Circumpolar Wavenumber-4 Pattern.” Emerging from a small region in the southwestern Pacific—near New Zealand and Australia—this phenomenon has the capacity to drastically influence atmospheric conditions throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Unlike the well-known El Niño, which originates in
As the climate crisis intensifies, Africa finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. While the continent grapples with the harsh realities of climate change, the crucial need for effective adaptation strategies is more urgent than ever. Recent research has unveiled a stark contrast in the capacity of African nations to formulate coherent and comprehensive adaptation policies.
For decades, the role of trees in combating climate change has revolved primarily around their ability to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. However, recent findings challenge and broaden this understanding by revealing that trees’ bark plays an unexpectedly pivotal role in combating another potent greenhouse gas: methane. This new research underscores the importance of not
Recent findings reveal that reforestation in low- and middle-income nations can potentially absorb carbon dioxide at a scale that outpaces traditional methods, fostering hope in the relentless battle against climate change. A study published in *Nature Climate Change* unveils the remarkable potential of natural forest regeneration. It points out that this approach could sequester carbon
Recent studies spearheaded by Ted Schuur, a Regents’ professor of biological sciences at Northern Arizona University, delve into the alarming biological dynamics of the rapidly warming Arctic tundra. These findings highlight a vital concern: the northern circumpolar permafrost region, while covering only 15% of Earth’s soil area, is an astonishing reservoir that stores approximately one-third