Researchers project that glaciers will lose 26-41% of their mass by 2100, even under optimistic scenarios. This means that up to half of the planet's glaciers could be lost, contributing significantly to sea-level rise and hydrological changes.
The eLTER initiative offers Transnational Access (TA) and Remote Access (RA) funding for scientists conducting research in biodiversity, biogeochemistry, or socio-ecological fields. Long-term data and state-of-the-art instrumentation are available at 34 sites across 19 countries.
Researchers found that rusty center pivots indicate a lack of nitrate in the groundwater they feed. In fact, most wells supplying full-rust and part-rust pivots had nitrate concentrations below the EPA's safety threshold. However, some part-rust pivots showed higher nitrate levels, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Researchers found that less intensively managed grasslands had greater diversity of plant species and correlated with better soil health, including increased nitrogen and carbon levels. In contrast, intensively farmed plots showed fewer plant species, but some saw improvements in soil health over time.
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 recent study found that on average, about half of trees planted in tropical and sub-tropical forest restoration efforts do not survive more than five years. However, survival rates varied greatly amongst sites and species, with some sites seeing over 80% of trees still alive after five years.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed ceria nanoparticles to silence bacteria by modifying signaling molecules, preventing biofilm formation. This approach mimics nature's defense system and has potential for creating antibacterial surfaces without resistance.
A new study found that increasingly complex mathematical models can produce more uncertain estimates, limiting their usefulness for informing real-world policy decisions. Researchers recommend reassessing the drive to create detailed models and suggest calculating the model's effective dimensions before adding complexity.
Researchers found increasing water storage in recent decades, despite declining long rains season, which points to a potential silver lining for climate adaptation. Groundwater may support increasingly food and water insecure rural populations in the Horn of Africa drylands.
Researchers warn that UK wheat yields are vulnerable to increasingly frequent extreme weather events due to climate change. The study found that while warmer temperatures can benefit yields, multiple extreme weather events can lead to significant negative impacts on production.
Research identifies Colorado River flow decline as main cause of Salton Sea's shrinking, leading to increased salt and chemical concentrations. The study highlights the need for a watershed-centric approach to mitigate the environmental risks and health impacts of the Salton Sea's decline.
Invasive alien species threaten EU biodiversity, causing harm to wildlife, crops, and human health. The new awareness campaign urges people to 'Beware of Aliens' and report sightings to prevent their spread.
A global report reveals ladybird species are poorly understood due to human activities, and urgent conservation actions are needed. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting habitats, particularly those that provide overwintering sites for ladybirds.
The UW Photonic Sensing Facility uses fiber-optic sensing technology to detect ground motions as small as 1 nanometer for seismology, glaciology, oceanography, and infrastructure monitoring. The new center will expand seismic data collection by thousands of times.
A new study models the spatial distribution of snow in the Arctic region, revealing its dependence on terrain, elevation, and vegetation. The findings will improve Earth-system models and provide a better understanding of changing hydrology and topography in the Arctic.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that Christopher McCandless's ill-fated river crossing in 1992 was thwarted by an intense, short-lived runoff event. This would have allowed him to cross the river if he had tried a day earlier or later.
A FAU Harbor Branch study demonstrates hydrology impacts through high-resolution simulation model. Increased freshwater discharge contributes to intensified shelf water mixing that favors surface intrusion of Loop Current waters.
A comprehensive new study examines the hydrological impact of lithium mining in Chile's Salar de Atacama, revealing that most water used is decades old. The research highlights the complexity of the region's hydrology and the need for longer-term monitoring to ensure responsible water usage.
A new study synthesizes the impact of metal and coal mines on salmon and trout in northwestern North America, revealing severe and long-lasting harm to watersheds and ecosystems. The research emphasizes the need for more complete and transparent science-based policies to inform mining governance.
Researchers studying Mexico City's 700-year history highlight the need for democratic adaptation decisions and prioritizing climate justice over technological innovation. The city's complex water management system, built on an island in a saline lake, demonstrates trade-offs between flood control and urban development.
A citizen science project called Snow Spotter analyzed tree-snow interactions to improve predictions of summer water supplies. The study found that snow in Washington's trees becomes 'cemented' and never leaves, while Colorado's trees experience frequent snowfall but dry conditions.
Global mismanagement of phosphorus is causing twin crises, with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and pollution damaging biodiversity. The '50, 50, 50' goal aims to reduce global phosphorus pollution by 50% and increase recycling by 50%, while adopting more efficient use in agriculture.
A new study warns that the Red-billed Leiothrix, a loud and brightly coloured bird from subtropical Asia, could become established in Britain, altering the country's dawn chorus. The species has already been spotted in several parts of Europe and is kept as a cage bird, potentially leading to its escape into the wild.
A new study finds the Red-billed Leiothrix, a small songbird native to subtropical Asia, has become an invasive non-native species in Britain. The species' potential impact on local wildlife and ecosystems is being highlighted by researchers, who note that it could cause significant changes if widely established.
A SUTD study has uncovered the reservoir filling strategies and operating rules of China's big hydropower dams on the Lancang-Mekong river. The data shows that dam operations remained steady during a severe drought, indicating no need for emergency releases to mitigate its impact.
Researchers use AI software to identify invasive species and native trees threatened by disease from photos taken by on-train cameras. This technology enables railway workers to take action to better manage lineside vegetation and achieve biodiversity net gain by 2035.
A new study in Northern Sweden found that methane emissions from thawing permafrost can be reduced by a factor of 10 due to changes in hydrology, plant community, and microorganisms. As permafrost thaws, new plant species adapt to drier soil conditions, reducing methane transport and allowing bacteria to break it down.
A team of archaeologists has uncovered evidence of ancient rice cultivation at the Hanjing site in China, dating back over 8000 years. The discovery suggests that rice was cultivated and domesticated in the region more than 4,000 years earlier than previously thought.
Researchers investigated the impact of seasonal variations in methanogenic and methanotrophic communities on CH4 emissions in wetlands. They identified a keystone species that plays a pivotal role in mediating CH4 fluxes, providing substantial evidence for understanding microbial driving mechanisms.
A new study reveals that large-scale tree restoration can increase evaporation globally by nearly 10 litres per square meter, leading to a net decrease in water availability. However, the impact varies by region, with some river basins experiencing increased water flow due to enhanced rainfall.
Researchers have made the first detection of groundwater beneath an Antarctic ice stream, providing new insights into the region's hydrology. The study confirms what scientists had previously suspected but couldn't verify until now, improving our understanding of how the Antarctic ice sheet might affect sea levels.
A new online portal developed by UKCEH enables forecasters to provide communities with more reliable warnings about large storms in the Sahel region. The portal uses state-of-the-art weather forecast models to predict storm behavior, taking into account factors such as land surface temperatures, soil moisture, and atmospheric humidity.
Researchers predict widespread increases in flash flooding events across the US, with a predicted 10% increase in the Southwest and 8.6% in the central US. Climate change may lead to more frequent and intense flash floods, requiring improved infrastructure and early warning systems.
The study found that stream gauges are disproportionately located in large rivers and human-occupied watersheds, but sparsely distributed in protected areas and non-perennial rivers. This is critical information for freshwater conservation and water security concerns.
Researchers find evidence of water pockets beneath the icy surface of Europa, which could facilitate exchange between the subsurface ocean and nutrients from neighboring celestial bodies. The discovery suggests a dynamic ice shell that supports habitability on the Jupiter moon.
A new Concordia study reveals that climate change affects the province-wide analysis of landscape freeze-thaw cycles, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions in northern regions and transitional days in southern areas. This can have significant impacts on infrastructure and greenhouse gas emissions.
The University of Alabama has been awarded $360 million to lead a national water effort, transforming its research into operations that improve the nation's ability to predict water-related hazards. The award will be administered by the Alabama Water Institute and establishes the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydr...
Researchers found that changes in hydrology and pressure beneath the glacier are responsible for the relationship between meltwater discharge and calving. This discovery could help project future sea-level rise and its impact on coastal communities.
A research team from Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed a machine learning-based tool to predict areas with best access to potable groundwater in Africa. The tool achieved a success rate of close to 90% in initial trials, particularly in Mali and Chad.
A new study on Mars' ice deposits provides insight into the planet's past climate, matching layers to Martian orbital dynamics with unprecedented resolution. The findings help scientists understand Mars' climate history and identify potential periods of habitability.
Researchers found a persistent 20% reduction in carbon dioxide seeping up from the ground during the spring of 2017, coinciding with intense drought and record-high Sierra Nevada snowpack. The study suggests that changes in Earth's hydrology due to climate change can impact volcanic emissions.
A new Yale University-led study calculates the amount of terrestrial carbon emitted into streams and rivers, highlighting the importance of hydrology. The research reveals that monthly emissions fluxes vary more in Arctic and northern temperate rivers than in tropical and southern temperate rivers.
Researchers warn that deforestation and climate change are exacerbating drought conditions in Brazil's agricultural frontier, threatening soybean yields. The study analyzed changes in hydrology and weather patterns over four decades, highlighting a rise in temperatures, dry days, and decreased precipitation.
Soil microbiota plays a crucial role in restoring soil function and ecosystem services. Research suggests that leveraging these microorganisms can improve land restoration technologies and return resilience to the soil-plant ecosystem.
According to a new EPFL study, Swiss rivers are at risk of overheating by the end of the century. If greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, river temperatures may only rise by 1°C and discharge decreases by 5% in mountain catchments. Inaction could lead to extreme consequences, including glacier loss and decreased biodiversity.
Researchers from eight international groups reviewed progress and discussed issues in estimating terrestrial evapotranspiration. They identified main bottlenecks in contemporary theory and proposed potential solutions. The study highlights the need for new thinking due to large uncertainty in current estimation methods.
A study found that beetles in German forests shifted their diversity to Red-Ash trees when European Ash trees died due to drought stress. This suggests that non-native trees can provide opportunities for insects during times of climate change.
Cambridge University researchers are tackling major environmental challenges in the UK's 'vegetable garden', the Fens, through a £10 million project. The team is working with farmers, landowners, and conservation groups to develop whole system solutions for climate change, extinction, and pollution threats.
A study found that tree susceptibility to decline is driven by edaphology, with high water saturation areas prone to tree death. Slow-growing tree species offer greater protection from falling, while rapid growth rates increase the risk of pathogens and disturbances.
A new report warns that current pathways to net zero climate targets in the UK are flawed and may lead to losses in biodiversity, human wellbeing, and cultural knowledge. The study recommends a more inclusive approach to landscape management, involving experts from diverse fields, to achieve sustainable futures.
The increasing salinity in freshwater habitats poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study proposes a research agenda to address the knowledge gaps and tackle the urgent needs from a global, regional, local, and temporal perspective.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals that large-scale land acquisitions for agriculture lead to increased water scarcity, impacting local users. The research analyzed 160 acquisitions and found that 105 resulted in competition for water, often at the expense of local communities.
The eLTER call offers Transnational Access (TA) and Remote Access (RA) for scientists working on biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and socio-ecological research. The 39 sites in 19 countries provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and long-term data.
Common air pollutants from urban and rural environments reduce pollinating abilities of insects, leading to fewer flower visits and overall pollination reductions. The study observed up to 70% fewer pollinators, 90% fewer flower visits, and a 31% reduction in pollination when common ground-level air pollutants were present.
The frequency of thunderstorms in some fast-growing African coastal cities has doubled over the past 30 years, mostly linked to land use change. Deforestation exacerbates storm activity, causing increased rainfall and flooding in urban areas.
A new study estimates that burrowing animals like badgers and porcupines can weaken levees to the point of collapse, causing localized flooding. Dens at higher elevations in a levee are more dangerous than those near the bottom, with potential for catastrophic failure.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment found that forests can reduce storm flows, but only when small-scale floods occur. In contrast, forests offer little to no protection against larger and more devastating flood events.
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources (SuMMeR CDT) will train 50 interdisciplinary PhD students to sustainably manage the UK's coasts and seas. The program focuses on subjects ranging from marine sciences to law, health, education, and economics.
A new study warns that California's Central Valley groundwater may be unable to recover from past and future droughts, with less than a third recovered after the 2012-2016 drought. The researchers found that groundwater recovery times can be halved with modest caps on pumping in drought and post-drought years.