For years, scientists believed they had a decent handle on what was melting the ice in West Antarctica. Warmer oceans and stronger winds blowing in from the west - that was the popular theory.



But now, after running climate simulations using local data, researchers have discovered that we might have been looking the wrong way entirely. It’s not the westerly winds causing the biggest trouble - it’s the northerly winds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-loss-means-rising-seas">Ice loss means rising seas</h2>



Antarctica holds most of the planet’s freshwater, frozen in a massive sheet of ice that covers an area bigger than the U.S. and Mexico combined. 



That ice isn’t just sitting still. Some of it flows slowly into the ocean, held back by giant floating extensions called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-melting-ice-shelves-threaten-global-sea-levels/">ice shelves</a>. If the ice sheet in West Antarctica collapses, sea levels around the world could rise by as much as 20 feet.



Even small changes in how fast that ice melts can have huge consequences for coastal cities, global currents, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-prediction-model-is-a-major-breakthrough-in-weather-forecasting/">weather systems</a>. 



That’s why scientists have spent decades trying to understand what’s causing the West Antarctic ice sheet to shrink. It’s been getting smaller since at least the 1940s. But not all the pieces of the puzzle were adding up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-antarctica-s-hidden-winds">Tracking Antarctica’s hidden winds</h2>



The new study was led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW). They weren’t satisfied with the usual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a>, which often rely on global data and struggle with the lack of weather stations in Antarctica. So they decided to build something better.



They pulled in proxy data - long-term records preserved in things like ice cores, tree rings, and coral. These natural sources can give clues about past wind and weather patterns, helping fill in the gaps left by satellite data and on-the-ground observations.



“We thought that we were going to support what the climate models showed, which was that the westerly winds were getting stronger near the coast of Antarctica,” said Gemma O’Connor, lead author and a UW postdoctoral researcher. 



“But there was no evidence of westerly winds strengthening in this part of Antarctica.” That finding was odd. If westerly winds weren’t to blame, what was?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northerly-winds-drive-the-ice-melt">Northerly winds drive the ice melt</h2>



The team used high-resolution simulations to test 30 different wind scenarios. Each run of the model applied a different wind pattern to see what happened to the ice over a five-year stretch. They repeated the process again and again.



One pattern kept showing up: when winds came from the north, ice loss accelerated. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-westerly-winds-are-changing-and-the-consequences-are-unknown/">Westerly winds</a> didn’t do much.



Northerly winds shifted sea ice, closing small open areas in the ice cover known as polynyas. These are basically patches where heat can escape from the ocean into the atmosphere. When the winds closed them off, the ocean held onto more of its heat.



“Sea ice is a really good insulator, it keeps the ocean relatively warm compared to the air,” said Kyle Armour, a UW professor. “When northerly winds close the polynyas, it reduces ocean heat loss, which means warmer waters and more melting of ice shelves below the surface.”



This hidden heating creates a chain reaction. As the warmer water melts the ice shelves from below, freshwater enters the salty sea. That mix causes a difference in density, which pulls even more warm ocean water into the region - speeding up the melt further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-climate-connection-we-didn-t-expect">A climate connection we didn’t expect</h2>



The big question is: what’s making those northerly winds stronger? Early signs point to climate change. 



Emissions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gases</a> are likely decreasing air pressure over the Amundsen Sea, a region that shapes many of Antarctica’s weather patterns. Lower pressure strengthens the northerly winds - the same ones that are making the melt worse.



“This mechanism provides a connection between West Antarctic ice loss and human-induced climate change, albeit a different mechanism than we previously suspected,” O’Connor said.



This isn’t just a scientific curiosity. It’s a real link between our actions and the future of the world’s ice. If our emissions are playing a role in these winds, then reducing those emissions could slow the melting.



“We know the Earth is warming up on average, but that alone doesn’t explain ice loss in Antarctica,” said Eric Steig, professor of Earth and space sciences at UW. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northerly-winds-change-the-story">Northerly winds change the story</h2>



For decades, the focus has been on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-westerly-winds-are-changing-and-the-consequences-are-unknown/">westerly winds</a> - the ones that blow from west to east across the Southern Hemisphere. 



Scientists thought they were pushing warm ocean water toward Antarctica and driving the ice to melt faster. But they missed something important.



“I think what Gemma has done is going to lead to a complete revolution in the understanding of what drives Antarctic ice loss,” Armour said. “We had all sorts of theories about the winds that blow from west to east, but the northerly winds weren’t even on our radar. We were off by 90 degrees.”



The lesson here is clear. Climate science is constantly evolving, and even long-standing ideas can be turned on their head. In this case, or rather, on their side.



Understanding which way the wind is blowing - literally - might be one of the keys to protecting the future of Earth’s ice.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01757-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Antarctic ice melt traced to an overlooked source

For years, scientists believed they had a decent handle on what was melting the ice in West Antarctica. Warmer oceans and stronger winds blowing in from the west - that was the popular theory. But now, after running climate simulations using local data, researchers have discovered that we might have been looking the wrong way entirely. It’s not the westerly winds causing the biggest trouble - it’s the northerly winds. Ice loss means rising seas Antarctica holds most of the planet’s freshwater, frozen in a massive sheet...

The record heat of 2023 severely disrupted the global water cycle, contributing to extreme weather events such as severe storms, floods, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/american-southwest-megadrought-is-the-worst-in-12-centuries/">megadroughts</a>, and bushfires, according to a study from <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/">The Australian National University</a> (ANU). 



The research is outlined in a <a href="https://wenfo.org/globalwater/">new report</a> released today by the Global Water Monitor Consortium and led by ANU researchers.&nbsp;



"Record temperatures across most of the world in 2023 also affected water resources and water-related hazards. Heatwaves contributed to deepening and new droughts in South America and Canada. There were many extreme rainfall events, including several cyclones," wrote the experts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-persistent-fossil-fuel-burning">Consequences of persistent fossil fuel burning</h2>



Study lead author Professor Albert Van Dijk said the report underscores the consequences of persistent fossil fuel burning on natural disasters, water resources, biodiversity and food security.&nbsp;



“Record-breaking heat waves swept across the globe in 2023, shattering previous records, from Canada to Brazil and from Spain to Thailand,” said Professor Van Dijk.&nbsp;



“The lack of rainfall and high temperatures exacerbated multi-year droughts in South America, the Horn of Africa, and around the Mediterranean."  



“Extremely hot and dry conditions inflicted extensive ecological damage on the world's largest forests. Massive wildfires ravaged Canada during the northern summer, while the Amazon rainforest and rivers rapidly descended into severe drought in late 2023.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusually-strong-cyclones-nbsp">Unusually strong cyclones&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, some of the year's worst disasters were linked to unusually strong cyclones bringing extreme rainfall to New Zealand, Mozambique and Malawi, Myanmar, Greece, Libya, and Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Professor van Dijk noted that rising sea surface and air temperatures caused by fossil fuel burning have been intensifying the strength and rainfall intensity of monsoons, cyclones, and other storm systems. This was evident when Cyclone Jasper battered northern Queensland and severe storms hit southeast Queensland.&nbsp;



“Some areas around Cairns recorded more than 800 millimeters of rain. The torrential rains caused widespread flooding. That was because the cyclone moved much slower than expected." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-clear-global-pattern">A clear global pattern </h2>



“The recent cyclones and intensive storms in Queensland and elsewhere in Australia should not be seen as isolated freak events but part of a global pattern that was quite clear in 2023," said Professor van Dijk.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“In 2023, we saw cyclones behave in unexpected and deadly ways. The longest-lived cyclone ever recorded battered southeastern Africa for weeks. Warmer sea temperatures fueled those freak behaviors, and we can expect to see more of these extreme events going forward.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-declining-humidity-nbsp">Rising temperatures and declining humidity&nbsp;</h2>



Professor van Dijk noted that the last two decades have seen increased air temperatures and declining air humidity, causing increased heat stress and water requirements for people, crops and ecosystems, while intensifying droughts.&nbsp;



The report comes just as 2023 has officially been named the hottest year on record, and possibly even the hottest in more than 100,000 years. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, every day of the year reached temperatures 1.8°F (1°C) above the pre-industrial average.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-threat-of-climate-change-nbsp">The growing threat of climate change&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Van Dijk said 2023 was a year of extremes, with increasing extreme dry and wet conditions and more unprecedented weather events. This is correlated with ongoing changes in the water cycle over the last two decades.&nbsp;



“The events of 2023 show how ongoing climate change is threatening our planet and lives more with every passing year,” said Professor van Dijk.&nbsp;



“Globally, we’re seeing an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainfall events and river flooding. But at the same time, there are also more frequent and faster developing droughts, or ‘flash droughts.’"



“That can cause crop failure and destructive wildfires in a matter of weeks or months. With the global food challenge, biodiversity crisis and an extremely urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, these droughts and wildfires are among our greatest global threats.”&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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

Record heat fueled unexpected and deadly storms in 2023

The record heat of 2023 severely disrupted the global water...

Animal,Protein,Sources-,Meat,,Fish,,Cheese,And,Milk.

A recent study led by the <a href="https://oceanconservancy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Conservancy</a> and the University of Toronto has uncovered startling evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/">microplastic</a> contamination in a vast majority of protein sources, including those beyond seafood.&nbsp;



The research reveals a disturbing penetration of plastic particles into our everyday diet. The experts estimate that American adults could be consuming up to 3.8 million microplastics per year from protein alone.&nbsp;



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



The researchers tested 16 different protein types, ranging from meats like beef and chicken to plant-based alternatives. What is particularly concerning is that microplastic contamination was uniformly present across all protein sources. The results showed that 88% of the samples contained microplastic particles.



Study co-author Dr. Britta Baechler, a marine biologist and associate director of plastics science at Ocean Conservancy, highlighted the ubiquity of plastic pollution.



“This is a startling reminder of just how prolific plastic pollution has become – humans live on land and yet seafood samples are just as likely to be contaminated with plastics as are terrestrial derived proteins,” said Dr. Baechler. “And there’s no escaping them no matter what you eat, it seems. The plastic pollution crisis is impacting all of us, and we need to take action to address its many forms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-food-processing-nbsp">The role of food processing&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found a significant variance in microplastic concentration based on the level of food processing. Highly processed items like fish sticks and chicken nuggets had higher microplastic content than minimally processed products.&nbsp;



However, microplastic levels were found to be similar between highly processed products and fresh-caught items. This suggests that there are additional microplastic contamination sources beyond food processing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drawing-conclusions-nbsp">Drawing conclusions&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Madeleine Milne urges caution in drawing dietary conclusions from this data.&nbsp;



“It’s tempting to want to draw conclusions like ‘eat less of this and more of that’ to avoid microplastics in your diet; but right now we still know very little about the microplastic burdens in commonly consumed foods," said Milne.



"Our study adds to this knowledge but also demonstrates the need for further research to better understand the bigger picture, including where these microplastics are coming from and the potential human health risks."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-fibers">Microplastic fibers</h2>



The study also sheds light on the nature of the contaminants. Nearly half of the microplastics discovered were fibers, which aligns with previous research that identified fibers as the most prevalent form of microplastics in the environment. Fragments constituted about 30% of the microplastics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumption-rates-nbsp">Consumption rates&nbsp;</h2>



Based on survey data from a separate study by Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto, the experts estimate that an average American adult could ingest around 11,500 microplastics per year.&nbsp;



Annual exposure could be as high as 3.8 million microplastics per year if calculated using the highest levels of microplastics found in each individual protein type and the average reported protein consumption rates, noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-plastics-crisis-nbsp">Growing plastics crisis&nbsp;</h2>



“As ocean scientists, my co-authors and I are deeply concerned about the growing plastics crisis in the world’s ocean,” said study co-author Dr. George Leonard, chief scientist at Ocean Conservancy.&nbsp;



“But our study shows that plastics in our food goes well beyond fish and shellfish to a wide variety of other protein sources, as well. Our work is a call to action to reduce plastic pollution in its many forms to ensure a safe and healthy food supply for all consumers.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749123022352" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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

Contamination crisis: Microplastics found in 88% of protein food sources

A recent study led by the Ocean Conservancy and the...

The year 2023 has been officially declared the hottest on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2016. According to data from the <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU's Copernicus climate change program</a> (CS3), the global average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/">temperature</a> last year reached 58.96°F (14.98°C), approximately 0.3°F (0.17°C) higher than in 2016. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions">Greenhouse gas emissions</h2>



This record-breaking temperature has raised concerns among experts about the proximity of global temperatures to the critical 2.7°F (1.5°C) limit set by international climate agreements, with greenhouse gas emissions identified as the primary driver.



The year 2023 saw devastating climate disasters like droughts, floods, wildfires, and lethal heatwaves, predominantly attributed to these emissions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-variations-nbsp">Regional variations&nbsp;</h2>



Despite experiencing a milder summer with frequent cold air and rain, the UK also witnessed its sixth wettest July and hottest June on record.&nbsp;



This contrast illustrates the global nature of climate change, where regional variations do not negate the overall trend of rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tumbling-climate-records">Tumbling climate records</h2>



"2023 was an exceptional year with climate records tumbling like dominoes. Temperatures during 2023 likely exceed those of any period in at least the last 100,000 years," said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of C3S.&nbsp;



The Copernicus Climate Change Service, managed by the European Commission, compiles temperature readings from multiple sources, including weather stations, balloons, and satellites, to provide a comprehensive view of global air temperature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-extremes-nbsp">Temperature extremes&nbsp;</h2>



A concerning milestone reached in 2023 was that every day of the year recorded temperatures 1.8°F (1°C) above the pre-industrial average. Nearly half the days exceeded 2.7°F (1.5°C) above this level, with two days in November surpassing 3.6°F (2°C).&nbsp;



While these figures do not yet breach the Paris Agreement limits, which consider longer-term averages, they set a worrying precedent for future climate patterns.



"The extremes we have observed over the last few months provide a dramatic testimony of how far we are now from the climate in which our civilization developed," said Carlo Buontempo, director of C3S, emphasizing the profound implications for the Paris Agreement and all human endeavors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-record-highs">Additional record highs</h2>



Not only did 2023 record unprecedented global temperatures, but it also saw new highs in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane, the two most crucial greenhouse gases.&nbsp;



Sea surface temperatures also reached record levels, with August marking the highest global monthly average ever recorded at 69.76°F (20.98°C). While the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) contributed to these high ocean temperatures, it alone does not account for the entirety of the increase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-action-is-needed">Action is needed</h2>



As the world continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy generation into 2024, there is a growing possibility that this year could surpass the record set by 2023.



"If we want to successfully manage our climate risk portfolio, we need to urgently decarbonize our economy whilst using climate data and knowledge to prepare for the future,"&nbsp; Buontempo urged.&nbsp;



This call to action highlights the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources and the critical role of climate data in shaping future policies and mitigation strategies.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Record heat of 2023 likely exceeds that of the last 100,000 years

The year 2023 has been officially declared the hottest on...

Portrait,Of,Asian,Teen,Girl,Lying,In,Bed,And,Grimacing,

Recent research reveals a startling link between air pollution and an increase in sedentary behavior, which ultimately leads to health issues. 



This disturbing study, led by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (<a href="https://www.nihr.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIHR</a>) and Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (<a href="https://leicesterbrc.nihr.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BRC</a>), is the first to scrutinize how regular exposure to environmental pollution correlates with physical inactivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-health-risk-of-air-pollution-exposure">Overlooked health risk of air pollution exposure</h2>



Sedentary behavior, defined as time spent in stationary activities like sitting or lying down, is notoriously associated with severe health issues, including heart disease, various cancers, and premature mortality. 



Dr. Jonathan Goldney from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> highlights a crucial aspect of this phenomenon. 



“We know that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> is associated with cardiometabolic and respiratory diseases, and in 2019 the World Health Organization estimated that 99% of the global population breathe air containing high levels of pollutants," Goldney said.



“Levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> may affect people’s ability to exercise, or their enjoyment of exercise. It may also be considered a risk factor for increasing levels of sedentary behavior  by encouraging sitting time indoors and discouraging active time outdoors, further increasing the risk of chronic disease in a feedback loop.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The study focused on 644 individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes, participants in the ‘<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27589017/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walking Away from Type 2 Diabetes</a>’ intervention, which encourages walking to boost physical activity. 



These individuals wore accelerometers for a week at a time. This allowed the researchers, including Professor Melanie Davies CBE, Director of the NIHR Leicester BRC, to track their physical activity and sedentary time over three years.



Dr. Goldney elaborates, saying, “The participants in the study wore accelerometers around their waists for seven consecutive days during waking hours. This gave us their daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time on three occasions over a three year period – and an incredible opportunity to look for any long term trends.”



The research team then juxtaposed this data with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> levels from the previous three years, focusing on particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, common pollutants in health research. 



Notably, the study accounted for other influential factors like social deprivation and the built environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-laziness-and-health">Air pollution, laziness, and health</h2>



The findings were significant. Although pollutant levels didn't affect moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or step count, they correlated with an increase in sedentary time. 



Specifically, a rise of 1 μgm−3 in atmospheric nitrogen dioxide was linked to an additional 1.52 minutes of sedentary time per day each year, with the highest exposure levels relating to up to 22 extra minutes of inactivity daily.



Dr. Goldney stresses the implications of these findings. “We observed this association regardless of how concentrations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-cancer-incidence-linked-to-high-particulate-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> were measured, including as a three-year average (year of start of observation with the two preceding years), or as the average pollutant concentration during the 12-month observation period," he explained.



“If levels of air pollution are causing this increase in sedentary time, interventions to reduce ambient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-air-pollution-and-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> concentration such as low emissions zones could have a really positive impact on individual’s levels of sedentary behavior, and a significant effect on public health,” Dr Goldney concluded.



In summary, this study sheds light on a lesser-known consequence of air pollution, urging action to mitigate environmental pollutants for the sake of public health and well-being.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/advance-article/doi/10.1093/pubmed/fdad263/7475686?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Public Health</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Exposure to air pollution makes people lazy, resulting in poor health

Recent research reveals a startling link between air pollution and...

Plastic,Particles,In,The,Air

Microplastic particles, even at the most remote corners of our planet, have become a matter of concern. The mystery lies in how these relatively large and predominantly fiber-like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> travel, reaching places like Arctic glaciers and ice sheets. 



Atmospheric transport models suggest that such large particles would typically fall out of the atmosphere near their sources. 



To shed light on this paradox, an interdisciplinary group of scientists from the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>, Austria, and the Max Planck Institute for <a href="https://www.ds.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dynamics and Self-Organization</a> in Göttingen, Germany, conducted an intriguing study that combined laboratory experiments and model simulations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-traveling-microplastics">Dynamics of traveling microplastics</h2>



In the laboratory experiments overseen by Mohsen Bagheri of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, the team focused on understanding the settling dynamics of microplastic fibers <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traveling in the atmosphere</a>.



Surprisingly, the literature had very little data on this topic, primarily due to the challenges involved in conducting controlled experiments on such tiny particles. 



The team capitalized on advancements in submicron-resolution 3D printing and developed a novel experimental setup to track individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics in the air</a>. 



Through their experiments, they discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic fibers</a> settle significantly slower than spheres of the same mass.



Bagheri notes, "With advances in submicron-resolution 3D printing and the development of a novel experimental setup that allows tracking of individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in air, we were able to fill this knowledge gap and improve existing models in this study."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-of-non-spherical-particles">The path of non-spherical particles</h2>



To further investigate the microplastic travel phenomenon, the researchers integrated a model describing the settling process of non-spherical particles into a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-rain-the-growing-threat-of-airborne-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric transport</a> model. 



The differences between spherical and fiber-like microplastics travel were stark. The model revealed that fibers with lengths of up to 1.5 mm could reach the most remote regions of Earth, while spheres of the same mass settled much closer to their plastic source regions.



Daria Tatsii is the first author of the study and a member of the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics at the University of Vienna. 



"With the novel laboratory experiments and modelling analysis, we certainly reduce uncertainties about the atmospheric transport of fibers and can finally explain via modelling why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-shows-how-microplastics-are-harming-global-soil-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> reach very remote regions of the planet," Tatsii explained.



"An important result of the study is that our analysis is applicable not only to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-exposure-linked-to-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, but also to any other particles such as volcanic ash, mineral dust, and pollen."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-microplastics-long-distance-travel">Implications of microplastics long-distance travel</h2>



The study's findings have broad implications for our understanding of atmospheric processes and potential environmental risks. 



The model indicated that plastic fibers could reach greater heights in the atmosphere than spheres of the same mass. 



Andreas Stohl is the study's initiator and a researcher from the University of Vienna. He highlights the potential consequences. 



"This could have implications for cloud processes and even for stratospheric ozone since it seems possible that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-driving-the-surge-of-microplastics-found-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> fibers are abundant in the upper troposphere and might even reach the stratosphere. For instance, we cannot rule out that chlorine contained in these particles is harmful to the ozone layer," Stohl said. 



"However, right now, we do not even know how much plastic, and in which sizes and shapes, is emitted into the atmosphere, and we also do not know what happens to it under the extreme conditions of the upper troposphere and stratosphere. We are lacking very basic data. But given the dramatic increase in global plastic production, we have to be watchful," Stohl concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-shapes-of-microplastic-particles">Unique shapes of microplastic particles</h2>



Amidst the uncertainties surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-contaminate-all-lakes-and-freshwater-environments-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, one thing is clear: the distinct shapes of these particles must be considered when evaluating their environmental impact. 



Their research highlights the importance of addressing the complex dynamics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> fiber settling and their potential implications in atmospheric processes and ozone depletion.



By combining innovative laboratory experiments with advanced modeling techniques, the researchers have made significant strides in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the global travel of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-deadly-and-widespread-environmental-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> particles. 



However, further research and data collection are necessary to fully understand the extent of plastic pollution and its impacts on our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-holds">What the future holds</h2>



In summary, the study sheds light on the surprising journey of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consumption-of-microplastics-cant-be-avoided-and-they-damage-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> to some of the earth's most remote regions. 



Through laboratory experiments and modeling, the scientists unveiled the slower settling rates of fiber-like microplastics compared to spherical particles of the same mass. 



These findings, combined with the potential for microplastic fibers to reach great heights in the atmosphere, introduce implications for cloud processes and the depletion of the ozone layer. 



With the ever-increasing production of plastic, it is crucial to gather more data and conduct further research to mitigate the environmental risks associated with microplastic pollution. 



As we strive to protect our planet's delicate ecosystems, it is evident that the peculiar shapes of microplastic particles cannot be neglected in our investigations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c08209" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Microplastics are able to travel thousands of miles because of their shape

Microplastic particles, even at the most remote corners of our...

A new study has uncovered a dire situation for Africa's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australias-largest-eagle-was-a-massive-predator/">birds of prey</a>. Nearly 90% of the 42 African raptors analyzed were found to be in a state of decline, raising fears that more than two-thirds may now be globally threatened.



The research was conducted by an international team of researchers led by Dr. Phil Shaw from the <a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/">University of St. Andrews</a> and Dr. Darcy Ogada of <a href="https://peregrinefund.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peregrine Fund</a>.



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



For their analysis, the experts combined road survey data across four African regions over 20 to 40 years. The study offers a detailed picture of the changing fortunes of savanna raptor species.&nbsp;



The researchers found that larger African raptors have suffered more than smaller ones, particularly in unprotected areas where they face increased human threats.&nbsp;



The rate of decline outside of protected areas is more than double compared to within them. The experts noted that many species experiencing the steepest declines had suffered a double jeopardy, having also become much more dependent on protected areas over the course of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-pressures">Multiple pressures</h2>



The researchers identified a range of pressures contributing to this crisis. Habitat conversion, intensifying human activities, and a predicted doubling of the human population in the next 35 years are adding to the strain on African raptors.&nbsp;



Dr. Shaw emphasized the urgent need to expand protected areas and mitigate pressures in unprotected regions.



“Since the 1970s, extensive areas of forest and savanna have been converted into farmland, while other pressures affecting African raptors have likewise intensified," said Dr. Shaw.&nbsp;



"With the human population projected to double in the next 35 years, the need to extend Africa’s protected area network - and mitigate pressures in unprotected areas - is now greater than ever."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raptor-conservation-nbsp">Raptor conservation&nbsp;</h2>



“Africa is at a crossroads in terms of saving its magnificent birds of prey. In many areas we have watched these species nearly disappear," said Dr. Ogada.



"One of Africa’s most iconic raptors, the Secretarybird, is on the brink of extinction. There’s no single threat imperiling these birds, it’s a combination of many human-caused ones, in other words we are seeing deaths from a thousand cuts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-declines">Massive declines </h2>



Professor Ian Newton is a world-leading ornithologist who was not involved in the study.



“This is an important paper which draws attention to the massive declines in predatory birds which have occurred across much of Africa during recent decades. This was the continent over which, only 50 years ago, pristine populations of spectacular raptors were evident almost everywhere, bringing excitement and wonder to visitors from many parts of the world," said Professor Newton.



"The causes of the declines are many - from rampant habitat destruction to growing use of poisons by farmers and poachers and expanding powerline networks – all ultimately due to expansions in human numbers, livestock grazing and other activities."&nbsp;



"Let us hope that more research can be done and, more importantly, that these birds can be protected over ever more areas, measures largely dependent on the education and goodwill of local people.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perilous-existence-nbsp">Perilous existence&nbsp;</h2>



The experts noted that raptors of all sizes lead an increasingly perilous existence on Africa’s unprotected land, where suitable habitat, food supplies and breeding sites have been drastically reduced, and persecution from pastoralists, ivory poachers and farmers is now widespread.&nbsp;



Other significant threats include unintentional poisoning, electrocution on power poles and collision with powerlines and wind turbines, as well as killing for food and belief-based uses, said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-african-raptor-leadership-grant">The African Raptor Leadership Grant</h2>



The study authors have developed the African Raptor Leadership Grant to address the immediate need for more research and conservation programs.&nbsp;



The grant supports educational and mentoring opportunities for emerging African scientists, boosting local conservation initiatives and knowledge of raptors across the continent.&nbsp;



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02236-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution </a>.&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Alarming decline of African raptors linked to multiple pressures

A new study has uncovered a dire situation for Africa's...

Malaria,Infectious,Mosquito,Bite,On,Green,Background.,Leishmaniasis,,Encephalitis,,Yellow

Recent research from <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> sheds new light on the varying heat tolerances among mosquito populations, a discovery with significant implications for global health. 



In a world increasingly threatened by vector-borne diseases, understanding mosquito behavior in response to rising temperatures is more crucial than ever.



Traditionally, models predicting vector-borne disease risks have operated under the assumption that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-great-for-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito populations</a> share similar heat tolerances. 



This new study, however, challenges that notion, suggesting that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-aims-to-control-mosquitoes-by-deactivating-their-sperm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> are better equipped to withstand heat waves than others. 



Such findings indicate that current models might be underestimating the potential for disease spread in warmer climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-mosquito-heat-tolerance">Studying mosquito heat tolerance</h2>



This research was led by senior scientist <a href="https://www.katiewestbymosquito.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Katie M. Westby</a> at <a href="https://tyson.wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyson Research Center</a>.



Westby and her team focused on the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) -- the highest temperature an organism can tolerate -- of the Aedes albopictus, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiger-mosquitoes-colder-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiger mosquito</a>. This species is a known carrier of diseases like West Nile, chikungunya, and dengue. 



“We found significant differences across populations for both adults and larvae, and these differences were more pronounced for adults,” Westby said.



This study is pivotal, as it highlights significant variations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-biting-season-extended-by-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> heat tolerance across different populations of this globally invasive species.



Westby's team analyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soap-can-make-you-more-or-less-attractive-to-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> from eight distinct populations across four U.S. climate zones, ranging from New Orleans, Louisiana to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. 



By raising larvae from these various regions to adulthood under controlled laboratory conditions, the researchers were able to conduct thorough tests on their thermal limits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



Surprisingly, the study found that adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mosquitoes-find-tasty-humans-from-hundreds-of-meters-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> generally had lower heat limits compared to their larvae. This disparity is likely due to the differing environments experienced by aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults. 



“Larvae had significantly higher thermal limits than adults, and this likely results from different selection pressures for terrestrial adults and aquatic larvae,” said Benjamin Orlinick, first author of the paper and a former undergraduate research fellow at Tyson Research Center.



“It appears that adult Ae. albopictus are experiencing temperatures closer to their CTmax than larvae, possibly explaining why there are more differences among adult populations.”



Notably, adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-hearing-could-be-targeted-to-combat-deadly-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> tend to endure temperatures closer to their thermal heat maximum, accounting for the greater variance observed among adult populations.



One key finding of the research is the correlation between higher precipitation levels and increased heat tolerance in mosquitoes. 



This suggests that in wetter climates, mosquitoes may better endure higher temperatures, possibly because increased humidity reduces their risk of dehydration.



“The overall trend is for increased heat tolerance with increasing precipitation,” Westby said. “It could be that wetter climates allow mosquitoes to endure hotter temperatures due to decreases in desiccation, as humidity and temperature are known to interact and influence mosquito survival.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosquitoes-heat-and-climate-change">Mosquitoes, heat, and climate change</h2>



The study also highlights the importance of understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skin-compounds-make-some-people-mosquito-magnets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> adapt to local climates and the potential for these insects to adjust to rapidly changing global temperatures. 



According to Westby, genetic variation in heat tolerance is crucial for adaptation to rising temperatures.



“Standing genetic variation in heat tolerance is necessary for organisms to adapt to higher temperatures,” Westby said. “That’s why it was important for us to experimentally determine if this mosquito exhibits variation before we can begin to test how, or if, it will adapt to a warmer world.”



Looking forward, the team at Washington University plans to explore further into the limits of mosquito behavior, particularly how high temperatures impact their blood-feeding habits and potential adaptations to warmer conditions. 



This research is vital for grasping the full impact of climate change on disease transmission, as real-world conditions often vary significantly from laboratory settings.



In summary, this disturbing study challenges existing models of disease risk while opening new avenues for understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change on public health.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2023.1248673/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Bad news – mosquitoes prefer heat and actually thrive in the warming climate

Recent research from Washington University in St. Louis sheds new...

Coral,Nurseries,-,Environmental,Protection,Concept.,The,Diverse,Coral,Colony

When we envision coral reefs and coral nurseries, we often picture static rock-like structures dotting the ocean floor. These underwater gardens, vital to marine life, have long been the focus of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



Typically, these efforts are directed at preserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existing corals</a> and shielding them from known dangers like pollution, overfishing, and runoff from coastal populations.



However, a transformative study near Miloliʻi, on the southwestern side of Hawai’i Island, is reshaping our approach to coral conservation. The intriguing research was spearheaded by <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> scientists and their collaborators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-knowledge-and-modern-science">Indigenous knowledge and modern science</h2>



At the forefront of this research is an impressive group of scientists. Together, they emphasize the significance of safeguarding marine ecosystems, both down-current and up-current of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>. 



These are the areas where coral larvae, the coral keiki, are more likely to flourish. The survival of these coral nurseries is key in the face of the escalating threats posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-coral-reefs-have-naturally-increased-their-heat-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



Rachel Carlson, an ASU affiliate scientist, is the study’s first author. She highlights the importance of integrating local, indigenous knowledge with Western science in mapping a sustainable future for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-study-proves-humans-are-major-ecosystem-disruptors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral populations</a>. 



“There’s a lot of indigenous knowledge about coral spawning and fish populations in West Hawaiʻi. In this study, we addressed an open question: how connected are coral populations between embayments along this coastline?” said Carlson. 



“What we essentially found is that the major factors in helping the coral keiki, known as larvae, settle down and survive are the nearshore current and the structure of the reef.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-coral-nurseries-from-above">Monitoring coral nurseries from above </h2>



This study addressed a critical question: the connectivity of coral populations along certain coastlines. It found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-survive-warming-waters-by-remembering-heat-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival of coral</a> larvae nurseries hinges on the nearshore currents and the reef's structure. 



These larvae tend to settle in areas with larger boulders and uneven surfaces, which they find more conducive.



An exciting aspect of this research is the utilization of ASU’s <a href="https://asnerlab.org/projects/global-airborne-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Airborne Observatory</a>. This specialized aircraft, equipped with advanced remote sensing technologies, has mapped seafloor features significant for coral settlement. 



Greg Asner, director of ASU's <a href="https://globalfutures.asu.edu/gdcs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science</a> and the study’s senior author, underscores this as "foundational research" that enhances our understanding of reef connectivity and identifies potential sites for effective coral restoration.



“First, it gives us an understanding of the connectivity of different parts of reefs along our coastline and tells us the level of connectivity in the context of the birth, settlement, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poo-from-fish-that-eat-coral-is-beneficial-for-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth of corals</a> miles apart," Asner explained. 



"Second, our unique remote sensing capabilities can identify reef sites where coral restoration could be most viable in the future. Finally, these findings provide a critical building block for future restoration efforts by our ʻĀkoʻakoʻa team and collaborators," concluded Asner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-community-engagement">Cultural and community engagement</h2>



The <a href="https://news.asu.edu/20230613-solutions-turning-tide-our-coral-reefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program</a>, a regional initiative combining cultural leadership, education, science, and government engagement, has been instrumental in supporting this research. 



Kaʻimi Kaupiko, president of Kalanihale, a non-profit managing the Miloliʻi Community-based Subsistence Fishing Area, reflects on the cultural and ecological significance of reefs. 



Kaupiko states, "We as lineal descendants of the Miloliʻi area have always relied on the reef for our ʻOhana (families). Our reef is our sustenance and is of enormous cultural value to us."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-scope-of-coral-protection">Expanding the scope of coral protection</h2>



This study brings a new perspective to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef protection strategies</a>. Asner compares it to understanding the importance of a forest, not just individual trees. 



Robin Martin is an associate professor with the ASU <a href="https://oceans.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Ocean Futures</a>. Martin echoes this sentiment, stressing that reef connectivity is an underutilized tool in global reef restoration efforts. 



“In Hawai‘i and worldwide, we're trying to figure out where we should place protections and restore areas to help reefs,” Martin said. 



“This study is highly technical, but it needs to be part of that conversation and part of that work because if you aren’t protecting the up-current reefs, you are cutting off important reproductive areas.”



The research suggests that protection should encompass not only areas with dense coral coverage but also the paths through which coral larvae travel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-nursery-conservation-efforts">Coral nursery conservation efforts</h2>



This research opens new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crust-forming-algae-have-the-potential-to-dominate-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>, potentially extending much further than current practices. 



As Asner notes, the extensive coastline of west Hawaiʻi island poses unique challenges and opportunities for coral restoration. 



“These kinds of studies of connectivity, flow, and movement are needed because the west Hawaiʻi island coastline is longer than the whole circumference of any other island,” Asner said. 



“We have a lot of degraded reefs along our coastline, so knowing where and how to help baby corals thrive is fundamental to the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa restoration effort.”



Understanding the movement and settlement patterns of coral larvae is fundamental to the success of the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa restoration effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-student-contributions-are-vital">Student contributions are vital</h2>



The involvement of students in the study represents a fusion of cultural knowledge and scientific inquiry. Kaupiko highlights this integration, emphasizing the ecological connectedness of the region and the need for comprehensive management and protection strategies.



"Our students participated in the coral study, and that also helped us to connect the dots between cultural knowledge and Western science,” said Kaupiko. 



“The study supports our CBSFA by showing that our area is ecologically connected, and thus it needs to be managed and protected as one connected reef and coastline."



In summary, this important study in Hawai‘i represents a pivotal shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-oceans-intensify-viruses-that-kill-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral conservation</a> strategies. By combining cultural insights, advanced scientific research, and community collaboration, it offers a holistic approach to preserving and restoring the delicate balance of coral ecosystems. 



Their innovative work benefits the reefs of Hawai‘i while also setting a precedent for coral conservation efforts worldwide.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311661121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Coral ‘nurseries’ need protection equal to that of established coral reefs

When we envision coral reefs and coral nurseries, we often...

Global,Warming,Sea,Levels,Rising

In a world grappling with the realities of climate change, <a href="https://www.fsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida State University</a> researchers are shedding light on a critical aspect of this global challenge: the climate migration patterns influenced by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-sea-level-rise-found-along-u-s-coasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising sea levels</a>. 



Their study reveals a complex web of demographic shifts, with far-reaching implications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-patterns-and-coastal-populations">Migration patterns and coastal populations</h2>



The study, spearheaded by Associate Professor of Sociology Matt Hauer, doctoral student Sunshine Jacobs, and computational scientist Scott Kulp, focuses on the demographic changes driven by climate-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cause-widespread-impacts-sooner-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>. 



It foresees younger populations moving inland, leaving older residents in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-coastal-marshes-withstand-future-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal areas</a>. This demographic shift poses unique challenges for both the departing and receiving communities.



Hauer explains that cities receiving these young migrants will need to adapt sustainably to their growing populations. This includes bolstering infrastructure and services like healthcare, construction, and various service industries. 



"You get a demographic amplification," Hauer remarks, highlighting the ripple effect of migration on community structures.



Conversely, the aging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/burdens-of-climate-change-sea-level-rise-and-the-risk-of-isolation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal communities</a> face the loss of crucial human resources, including healthcare workers. 



Hauer stresses the potential spike in the median age in these areas, possibly by as much as ten years by 2100. This accelerated aging could profoundly impact the socio-economic fabric of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-last-ice-age-shows-how-rising-sea-levels-will-transform-coastal-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these regions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-perspective-on-climate-migration">Broader perspective on climate migration</h2>



The research team employed a novel migration model using data from <a href="https://www.climatecentral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Central</a> and U.S. Internal Revenue Service migration patterns. 



This model predicts county-by-county migration across the U.S. and can be adapted to study various environmental and economic hazards.



Jacobs emphasizes the model's potential in understanding different migration triggers, such as heat events, wildfires, and economic factors. "The future uses and implications of the model are amazing," she notes.



Significantly, the study reveals that indirect migration processes could lead to 5.3 to 18 times more climate migrants than those directly displaced by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-melting-of-petermann-glacier-signals-even-worse-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising seas</a>. 



This finding underscores the complex interplay between environmental factors and human mobility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-challenges">Preparing for future challenges</h2>



This research by FSU is crucial in understanding how climate change shapes human migration patterns. 



Funded by various organizations, including the State of Louisiana and the <a href="https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Energy Research Development Authority</a>, the study is a pivotal step towards preparing for and adapting to the demographic shifts in the era of climate change.



In summary, as we face the challenges brought forth by environmental changes, studies like these provide valuable insights, guiding policies and strategies to cope with the emerging new world dynamics.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2206192119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Climate migration patterns will result in rapidly aging coastal populations

In a world grappling with the realities of climate change,...

The <a href="https://iisc.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Institute of Science</a> (IISc) has released a compelling report on the impact of logging and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-could-cause-one-billion-deaths-over-the-next-century/">climate change</a> on bird communities in tropical montane forests. 



The researchers analyzed more than a decade of data, focusing on bird communities in the Eastern Himalayas' mid-elevation understory.&nbsp;



The team used methods like mist netting to explore changes in montane bird communities in both primary (undisturbed) and logged forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-montane-forests">Tropical montane forests</h2>



Tropical montane forests, ranging from 150-200 meters to 3,500 meters in altitude, are biodiversity hotspots.&nbsp;



"In tropical mountains, each species has a particular niche where it is found. This restriction creates much more diversity in a small space," explained Ritobroto Chanda, a former project associate at the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-threats-nbsp">Significant threats&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical mountain ecosystems face significant threats from forest loss and climate change, yet very few studies have explored these impacts.&nbsp;



“Birds – and indeed much of the flora and fauna – of tropical mountain ranges are extremely temperature-sensitive and are responding to global heating rapidly. Also, most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity is concentrated in tropical mountains,” noted Professor Umesh Srinivasan. He emphasized the need to investigate the combined impact of these threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



The IISc team observed many bird species shifting to higher elevations due to rising temperatures. In logged forests, higher temperatures and lower humidity accelerated this transition.&nbsp;



Interestingly, smaller montane birds adapted better to logged forests, while larger species density increased in primary forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eaglenest-wildlife-sanctuary">Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary</h2>



The study was conducted in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, a region known for its rich avian diversity, hosting over 500 bird species.&nbsp;



The area's history of intensive logging (until 2002) offered a distinct contrast between logged and intact forests, making it an ideal site for this study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-support">Local support</h2>



Chanda noted that the support of the local community is critical to carry out such research. “You have to stay in a wildlife sanctuary with no paved roads, no electricity, and no place to stay as such."



"We take our food with us, cook on a daily basis, make a makeshift camp and move around, and without the people’s support, it’s really not possible to continue this for a long time,” said Chanda.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers' daily routine involved setting up mist nets, checking them every 20-30 minutes, processing the birds, and releasing them. Out of 6,189 captured individuals from 130 species, the study focused on 4,801 understory insectivores from about 61 species.



The researchers focused on these particular montane birds because their niches are well defined and abundant data is available for them. The study did not include rare species that may skew the results.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-logging-nbsp">Impact of logging&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis revealed that logging leads to the loss of large-bodied, old-growth-dependent species, and a decrease in overall biodiversity.&nbsp;



Logging negatively impacts understory insectivores, leading to a significant decline in their numbers. Furthermore, logged forests have lower insect densities, affecting the birds' food resources.



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



According to the researchers, the study highlights the need to safeguard primary forests in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.



“Logging managers should ensure that undisturbed forests across large elevational gradients are protected,” said Srinivasan. He explained that this will allow species to shift their ranges upwards in response to climate change and maintain survival. “If species encounter degraded forest while they shift upwards, certain species will most likely go locally extinct.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02664" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>. 



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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

Montane bird communities are transformed by logging and climate

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has released a compelling...

In an era where environmental concerns are escalating, an international study has redefined the importance of groundwater, classifying it as a keystone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-play-an-overlooked-role-in-ecosystem-restoration/">ecosystem</a> that is vital for sustaining biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This new perspective demands greater protection of groundwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underappreciated-role-of-groundwater">Underappreciated role of groundwater</h2>



Despite being fundamental to life on Earth, groundwater's significance in sustaining biodiversity is often overlooked.&nbsp;



The research team, including Professor Robert Reinecke of <a href="https://www.uni-mainz.de/">Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz</a>, emphasizes the need to view groundwater as a critical ecosystem.



"Groundwater is not only in itself a major ecosystem but is also of critical relevance to ecosystems on the Earth's surface," explained Professor Reinecke.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-largest-unfrozen-freshwater-reserve">Largest unfrozen freshwater reserve</h2>



Groundwater is the planet's largest reservoir of unfrozen freshwater, and is essential for almost half of the global urban population's drinking water needs. Countries like Denmark rely entirely on groundwater for their drinking water.&nbsp;



"Throughout the world, some 1,000 cubic kilometers of water are pumped to the Earth's surface every year. Sadly, we consume far more than what is naturally replenished," said Professor Reinecke.&nbsp;



This overconsumption has put about a third of the largest groundwater basins at risk of depletion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-ecosystem-dependence-nbsp">Overlooked ecosystem dependence&nbsp;</h2>



Ecosystems' reliance on groundwater has been consistently ignored in global biodiversity conservation efforts.&nbsp;



Approximately 52 percent of all surface areas interact significantly with groundwater. This interaction is critical as groundwater feeds wetlands, rivers, and other surface water areas.&nbsp;



"Interaction in this context means that water from rivers and lakes enters the groundwater while groundwater, in its turn, rises to the surface and feeds wetlands, rivers, and other kinds of surface water areas."&nbsp;



Professor Reinecke added that groundwater is also a valuable habitat for thousands of different subterranean creatures, including cavefish, blind eels, and transparent shrimp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keystone-species-nbsp">Keystone species&nbsp;</h2>



"Disregarding the importance of groundwater as an ecosystem ignores its critical role in preserving surface biomes," wrote the researchers.&nbsp;



"To foster timely global conservation of groundwater, we propose elevating the concept of keystone species into the realm of ecosystems, claiming groundwater as a keystone ecosystem that influences the integrity of many dependent ecosystems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-protection">Groundwater protection</h2>



In Germany, as pointed out by Professor Reinecke, groundwater is not legally recognized as a habitat but merely as a resource, which limits its protection.&nbsp;



He stresses the urgent need for policy changes, citing data from the German Environment Agency that reveals poor chemical quality in about 32 percent of German groundwater bodies, primarily due to nitrate and pesticide pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-agenda">Conservation agenda</h2>



The researchers advocate for eight key themes to establish a science-policy integrated groundwater conservation agenda. They emphasize the intersection of above and below ground ecosystems and the role of groundwater in maintaining the planet's health.



"Water is indispensable to life on Earth. If we don't pay sufficient attention to the ecological integrity of the freshwater resources of our planet, we not only put the sustainability of whole ecosystems at risk but we also jeopardize our own way of life," concludes Reinecke.&nbsp;



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17066" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>. 



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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



.

Groundwater is a keystone ecosystem vital for our planet's health

In an era where environmental concerns are escalating, an international...

In the realm of agriculture, the battle against crop damage caused by birds is a never-ending challenge, with financial repercussions running into millions of dollars annually. Researchers have now introduced a high-tech solution to this problem: laser scarecrows. 



The experts demonstrated that this innovative approach can drastically reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/">crop</a> damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-laser-scarecrows">Studying laser scarecrows</h2>



The study centers around the use of laser scarecrows to deter birds, specifically targeting the protection of sweet corn crops.&nbsp;



European <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/among-songbirds-complex-vocal-learners-are-superior-problem-solvers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starlings</a>, a common pest for farmers, were presented with fresh ears of sweet corn, and the researchers observed the impact of moving laser beams on these birds. 



Remarkably, the lasers were found to significantly mitigate damage up to a distance of 20 meters from the device.



Study co-author Kathryn Sieving, professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>, explained that more and more growers are seeking inexpensive and portable laser units, like the ones tested in the research.



"Growers need big effects for affordable prices, and if they can spend $300-$500 each for lasers to protect large fields for 1-3 weeks instead of more expensive options such as hiring people to patrol with dogs, falcons, or rifles, then lasers would be beneficial," said Professor Sieving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-window-nbsp">Vulnerability window&nbsp;</h2>



One of the key advantages of lasers lies in their effectiveness during the "vulnerability window," a critical period before harvest when crops are most susceptible to bird damage. 



This short window reduces the likelihood of birds becoming accustomed to the lasers, maintaining their efficacy. 



"Lasers are being explored widely for crops with short vulnerability windows, like sweet corn. They seem to be performing very well and especially when different non-lethal deterrents are combined (e.g., lasers with loud noises)," said Professor Sieving.



"Birds only attack sweet corn during the brief ripening phase (called the milking stage) and it lasts only 5-10 days. So, as soon as it ripens, harvest begins."&nbsp;



"Therefore, in sweet corn, the protection does not need to last very long, and lasers seem to be working well - surprising birds such that they leave fields with lasers, and this reduces damage during milking stages by far more than 20%."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-from-laser-scarecrows">Key insights from laser scarecrows</h2>



The research involved two types of experiments: stick trials and natural trials. In stick trials, corn ears were mounted on sticks at various distances from the lasers, while natural trials involved birds foraging on ripe corn grown in a flight pen. 



These trials provided insights into the effectiveness of lasers under controlled conditions and in more natural settings. 



"We designed the stick trials to increase the sample size for more robust results. Natural corn matures over several weeks but then is only attractive to birds for two weeks – so our planted crop was not going to give us enough sample size," explained Sieving.



"With the stick corn experiments we could study small scale effects and amp up the sample sizes."



The findings revealed that while lasers reduced damage marginally in stick trials, their impact was significantly more pronounced in natural trials.&nbsp;



Professor Sieving attributed this outcome to the sturdiness of the sticks used, which allowed birds to perch and feed while avoiding the laser. 



By contrast, the natural corn stalks were more susceptible to the deterring effect of the lasers.



Distance from the laser source also played a crucial role in its effectiveness. While deterrence was effective up to 20 meters, it diminished beyond this range, with little impact observed at 30 meters.&nbsp;



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



However, Sieving pointed out that in true field settings, this effect seems to be unimportant.&nbsp;



"In open fields, birds will simply leave a field that has detectable laser protection, and they fly far out of its influence. It seems that just one laser per field can often do the trick to keep birds mostly out of a field."



"So, the fine scale spatial effects might only apply if birds were overly committed to feeding a small area – then a grower may need to add a couple of laser units with overlapping ranges."



Professor Sieving hopes that laser scarecrows can offer a sustainable solution for the protection of crops with short vulnerability windows.



"Lasers are silent, unlike acoustic deterrents (loud bangs, other noises occurring several times per hour) which can be very disturbing to neighbors and workers. Lethal deterrents require permits and time and labor to apply and the potentially toxic secondary effects on wildlife, soil and water are often unacceptable."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.7888" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pest Management Science</a>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

"Laser" scarecrows could revolutionize crop protection without harming wildlife

In the realm of agriculture, the battle against crop damage...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge">Disturbing connections emerge</h2>



Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters">Timing matters</h2>



The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns">Genetic vulnerability patterns</h2>



Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications">Public health implications</h2>



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.



As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-discovery">The discovery</h2>



Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.



Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.



Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-monitoring-networks">Scientific monitoring networks</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.



The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.



The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.



The full study was recently published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



—–



Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.



Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.



Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents". In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively. MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.



MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization. The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.



Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.



A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.



This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.



PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.



In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.



As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.



The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.



For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.



The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----



MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a>



Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.



The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-global-food-security">Implications for global food security</h2>



The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

News coming your way