Researchers developed a model to describe the interaction between a rocket plume and planetary surfaces, providing insights into erosion and contamination. The simulation estimates plume shape, temperature, and pressure, as well as material eroded or displaced, for safer landing sites and spacecraft design.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new tool to estimate long-term coastal cliff loss, finding that rates are similar to those over the past 2,000 years. The study's approach provides a relative assessment of driving factors behind cliff retreat over longer periods, with implications for managing coastal erosion.
A study published in PLOS ONE warns of the dangers of coastal erosion on Libya's Cyrenaican coast, where numerous important archaeological sites are at risk. The research highlights increasing rates of erosion linked to human activities and climate change, emphasizing the need for detailed management and mitigation plans.
Increased droughts are disrupting soil microbes' ability to capture carbon, threatening plant productivity and greenhouse gas levels. Research suggests that if drought-adapted microbes outcompete carbon-sequestering microbes, it could lead to carbon-depleted soils with severe implications.
A study by civil engineers at Wits University found that the Jagersfontein dam deviated from best engineering practice, with mine waste deposition on one side and significant erosion gullies. The study uses public satellite images to investigate the history of the dam and provides insights for preventing future failures
A new study by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon investigates the impact of climate change on ocean's ability to sequester CO2. Researchers found that changes in weathering rates and rock properties affect alkalinity, with potential implications for global carbon cycling.
Scientists used rare isotopes to study erosion rates in the Andes Mountains, finding that sediments eroded from high mountain watersheds were shielded from cosmic rays for at least 7-15 thousand years. This helps predict where future landslides might occur and understand landslide risks.
The Nile River Delta faces significant environmental threats from heavy metal pollution and coastal erosion, impacting 60 million people in Egypt. The study highlights the need for conservation measures to slow degradation and recover the ecosystem.
A study from the University of Georgia found that whistleblowers who once trusted journalism are now losing faith due to a decline in media's ability to motivate change. The erosion of media's reach has led to a decrease in trust, with many whistleblowers seeking alternative mediums to spread their message.
A new study published in Biogeosciences suggests that agricultural soil erosion may actually create an organic carbon sink, rather than a source. The researchers argue that the 'geomorphic OC pump' transfers organic carbon from the atmosphere to upland soils, which can be stored in sedimentary environments.
A team of researchers from Vietnam and Korea investigated the collapse of a spherical bubble near an oscillating wall using a two-phase flow model. The study revealed significant jet formation, higher pressure peaks, and faster collapse times compared to fixed wall scenarios.
Researchers found a signal of extreme climate change from 50 million years ago in turbidite deposits, which are evidence of ancient rapid submarine water currents. This suggests that extreme weather events and exacerbated global climatic conditions can amplify delivery of sand into the deep ocean.
A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.
New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems by developing a model that bridges scales between molecular dynamics simulations and experiments. The model resolves limitations and uncertainties in experimental data, gaining insight into critical phenomenon and surface morphology over time.
A long-term study of forest landslides in the Pacific Northwest reveals that management history has a greater impact on landslide frequency and severity than rainfall. The research, led by Oregon State University, found that decades of road building and logging practices affected flooding, landslides, and erosion patterns.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a novel molecular pathway that causes gout and its progression to joint tissue erosion. The findings position lubricin as a novel therapeutic target for both the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Researchers at UMass Amherst calculated pre-agricultural soil erosion rates in the Midwest, finding them to be 0.04 mm per year, significantly lower than the USDA's current limit of 1 mm per year. Modern agriculture has accelerated erosion rates, threatening topsoil and global food security.
A new study found that 70% of Florida’s reefs are experiencing net loss of reef habitat due to erosion. The research highlights the need for enhanced management practices and coral restoration efforts in Florida.
The Eurasian Ice Sheet sculpted Europe's landscape through extreme erosion over the last 100,000 years, with climate and geology playing key roles. The study reveals vast networks of subglacial rivers, promoting faster ice flow and sediment transport, with significant implications for marine carbon sinks and coastal communities.
A new study has shown that seagrass can reduce cliff erosion by up to 70% in sandy sediments due to its root mats binding the sand. The researchers also found that replanting seagrass in areas where it has disappeared is essential for mitigating coastal erosion.
Researchers developed a modeling framework using remote sensing data to predict gully erosion susceptibility. They found that spatiotemporal changes in land cover and precipitation were crucial in predicting gully formation in agricultural areas, with 7.4% of the study area having an elevated risk of developing gullies.
A new study models likely future cliff retreat rates of two rock coasts in the UK, finding that rock coasts are likely to retreat at a rate not seen for 3,000-5,000 years. The researchers predict that rock coast cliffs will retreat by at least 10-22 meters inland due to accelerating sea level rise.
A Stanford-led study found that cover cropping in the US Corn Belt leads to yield losses of 5.5% for corn and 3.5% for soybeans, despite its potential climate benefits. The practice's environmental impacts are complex, with reduced runoff and soil erosion but also increased water usage.
Researchers used drones to monitor Waikīkī Beach, finding that wave energy from south swells and trade-wind generated waves drive erosion and accretion. The studies provide insights into beach behavior and help inform management of the coastline for ecological, societal, and economic sustainability.
A study found that counties with more land enrolled in the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program have lower average concentrations of particulate air pollution. This is due to reduced nitrogen compounds and dust emissions from decreased agricultural activity and increased vegetative cover.
Researchers suggest that collisional erosion played a key role in shaping Earth's composition, contradicting initial building block theories. The findings have implications for the creation of other terrestrial planets outside the Solar System.
Researchers have created a biomimetic mineralized layer that replicates the structure of natural tooth enamel, exhibiting increased nanohardness and surpassing the natural tissue in terms of strength. The new material can be used to restore or repair damaged enamel due to abrasion, erosion, or improper diet.
Restoring relatively narrow strips of riverfront forests could substantially improve regional water quality and carbon storage in Costa Rica. The analysis shows that such buffers tend to be most beneficial in steep, erosion-prone, and intensively fertilized landscapes.
A new model predicts that high transmissibility and immune erosion will lead to further outbreaks. The study highlights the need for a universal vaccine to block SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevent severe disease.
The study explores the relationship between cohesion and erosion, revealing a scaling law that can predict erosion thresholds for different grain sizes. This understanding could improve modeling of erosion in various applications, such as soil stability and dust removal from solar panels.
A recent letter to Science warns that a drastic reduction of Swedish wolf population could exacerbate inbreeding and genetic erosion. The authors advocate for increasing population size and securing connectivity with neighboring populations to improve conservation.
A new study published in Nature Food finds that ploughing and tilling soil on slopes is causing farm soils to thin, threatening future crop yields. The researchers predict significant declines in wheat and maize yields over the next 50 years if farmers continue to till hill slopes.
Global river sediment flux is changing due to human activities like land use change, dam building, and climate change. Sediment flux decreases in the northern hemisphere but increases in the southern hemisphere, with SSC on average rising by 41% since 1980.
A new study reveals that acids in sugar-free beverages can erode tooth enamel, posing a risk to dental health. Flavored sparkling waters also showed signs of erosion, although less than sugar-containing and sugar-free sodas.
Researchers developed an AI method to automatically detect plaque erosion in heart arteries using OCT images. The new technique uses neural networks and post-processing algorithms to predict regions of possible plaque erosion and refine the initial prediction based on clinically interpretable features.
Research at Al-Hijr Archaeological Site reveals local stakeholder perspectives on embryonic tourism development, highlighting concerns over cultural erosion and unsustainable growth. The study recommends introducing two-way communication platforms to address these concerns and mitigate potential impacts on communities.
Scientists propose a new classification scheme using the Beaumont number to describe whether mountain elevation is controlled by weathering and erosion or properties of the Earth's crust. The study resolves a long-standing question about the controlling factors of mountain growth, finding that it depends on geographic location, climate...
Researchers developed a new theory explaining mountain belt formation, suggesting that internal plate strength limits height and size. Surface processes, including erosion, play a key role in shaping these features.
A new 'self-healing' anti-corrosion coating has been developed, which can repair microcracks and protect metal from erosion under solar irradiation. The coating's performance is verified to be maintained above 99% regardless of the repair, making it suitable for outdoor facilities.
The NTU team has developed a process using industrial carbide sludge and urea to create biocement, which can strengthen soil, reduce water seepage, and even repair rock carvings. The biocement-making process generates fewer carbon emissions and requires less energy compared to traditional cement production methods.
A new study reveals that soft liquid droplets erode hard surfaces due to a shock wave created by the impact, which spreads out with the dropping speed exceeding sound velocity. This discovery could lead to more erosion-resistant materials for outdoor applications.
Coral reefs in remote areas of the Indian Ocean have shown rapid recovery after a 2015/16 bleaching event. The study found that reefs with intact physical structure and key coral species returned quickly, indicating a high level of resilience to ocean warming.
A study has shown that wind variations over the southern Red Sea are the main drivers of sea-level extremes, driving levels up and down depending on wind direction. This understanding is crucial for coastal planning and management to mitigate the impact of storm surges and coastal erosion.
A recent study has identified soil erosion and wildfire activity as significant contributors to the mass extinction event that occurred at the end of the Triassic period. The research found that soil erosion was a more prominent terrestrial ecological stress than intensive wildfire activity, with fire events likely being localized rath...
A new study found that restoring diverse native forests delivers greater climate and environmental benefits than simple tree plantations, but plantations outperform native forests in wood production. The research synthesized data from over 26,000 records to assess the relative performance of different forest restoration approaches.
A new study led by UMass Amherst finds that human-caused erosion in the US Midwest has lost nearly double the average sustainable rate, with plowing identified as the major culprit. The team's research estimates that the region has lost approximately 57.6 billion metric tons of topsoil since farming began 160 years ago.
Researchers studied China-Tibet dynamics and the Hiawatha impact crater in a new GSA Bulletin article. Meanwhile, another study focused on the distribution of groundwater arsenic in the transboundary Ganges River aquifer system between India and Bangladesh.
Researchers found that tectonic processes, not climate changes, drove erosion in the Cauca River canyon. The team used thermochronology and other techniques to analyze rock samples and satellite imagery, revealing a plateau formed ~2.5 km above river level.
The Mediterranean region has the highest soil erosion rates in Europe, with severe salinisation problems and low levels of soil organic matter. The study recommends a coordinated network to investigate soil biodiversity and assess its trends to prevent future degradation.
Scientists at the University of Hamburg have calculated for the first time the future balance of Arctic coastal erosion, which increases by up to three meters per year with each degree of temperature increase. A shift towards greater sustainability could slow this process, but it's unlikely to stop land loss entirely.
Climate change is threatening African cultural and natural heritage sites, with 56 of 284 sites identified as highly exposed to extreme sea levels and erosion. The number of affected sites is projected to triple by 2050 under high emissions scenarios, highlighting the need for urgent climate change adaptation measures.
A new study verifies that ancient glaciers caused the erosion of rocks up to 3 miles thick during the Snowball Earth period, resolving a long-standing debate. The research uses thermochronology to estimate temperature and thermal structure, finding a widespread signal of rapid cooling consistent with massive glacier erosion.
Rapid coastal erosion in the Arctic is driven by permafrost thawing, ground ice melting, and sea surface temperature rises. This leads to increased erosion, water pollution, and loss of habitats for local communities.
Researchers at PPPL and Princeton University have created a novel, wall-less Hall thruster that increases the lifetime of rockets and produces high power. The device uses segmented electrodes to focus the plasma thrust plume, improving performance and efficiency.
A research team has reconstructed the preglacial topography of North America's mid-continent, revealing how ice sheets reshaped the landscape and allowing researchers to understand rock erosion and deposition under ice. The findings also provide insights into water resources and availability in the region.
A research team at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre has found that cellular aging is caused by irreversible damage to the genome, not just telomere erosion. This discovery challenges the long-held scientific model and opens up new research opportunities for preventing cellular aging and genomic instability.
A global review found that 80% of crop diversity loss is due to economic, agricultural, technological, climatic, and political changes. Conservation efforts can mitigate losses by strengthening ex-situ repositories and duplicating unique collections.
Research finds climate stabilized due to increased rock weathering and erosion, which converts CO2 into insoluble carbonate; this process took 20,000-50,000 years. Lithium isotope analysis supports theory, showing increased weathering and erosion during Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum.
Researchers found a twofold decrease in soil and gully erosion in the southern taiga region of the Vyatka river basin, mainly due to reduced tillage and animal husbandry. Climate change is not believed to be a significant contributor to erosion changes in this area.
A new study found that drought may hinder child vaccination coverage in Africa, with polio vaccination rates being the lowest closest to the time of drought. The study suggests that climate change can hinder vaccinations through financial instability, food insecurity and erosion of public health infrastructure.