A new joint research project is studying changes in landscapes and soil conditions of South Africa to assess land degradation. The 'South African Land Degradation Monitor' will use Earth observation data to monitor developments over time.
Researchers repurposed data from NASA's Curiosity rover to measure the gravitational tug of Martian rocks, finding that lower slopes of Mount Sharp have lower density rock layers than predicted. This challenges a competing theory suggesting Gale Crater was once completely filled with sediment and excavated by erosion.
The study focuses on two coastal regions in Thailand, assessing the impact of climate change on erosion and flooding. The Thai-coast project will enhance coastal community resilience through multidisciplinary research.
Scientists found evidence of a climate feedback that prolonged the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), considered an analogue for modern climate change. The study suggests that long-lasting impacts on global temperature may occur even with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of scientists analyzed lunar craters and found a drastic change in asteroid impact rates around 290 million years ago. This period saw an increase in asteroid impacts, with the rate being 2.6 times higher than before.
Researchers calculated lunar crater ages using thermal data and found a rate of large impacts two to three times higher on both bodies over the last 290 million years. This discovery challenges the theory that Earth's craters were worn away through erosion, instead suggesting a lower impact rate prior to 290 million years ago.
A recent study by University of Wyoming researchers analyzed the feasibility of eco-friendly land management practices to improve Panama Canal water flow and reduce erosion. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that offering contracts to private farmers could increase dry-season water flow, but market supply and scalability are li...
Researchers found that seagrass beds are effective in holding sediment on beach foreshores, reducing erosion. The study's results suggest that healthy seagrass beds can be a sustainable option for coastal defense, opening opportunities for new protection schemes.
The study suggests that late Proterozoic 'snowball Earth' events triggered rapid glacial erosion, transferring sediment from continents to ocean basins. This process may be linked to the formation of the Great Unconformity.
Researchers discovered hypoxic dead zones in urban streams, caused by erosion and nutrient runoff. The study highlights the vulnerability of freshwater ecosystems to pollution and climate change.
A study has found that rising atmospheric CO2 levels could disrupt the sedimentary balance of beach-dune systems, leading to erosion and increased flooding risks. The research suggests that by 2100, sediment accumulation at the base of Mediterranean dunes could fall by 31%, putting beaches like San Giovanni in Sardinia at risk.
Researchers have found that planting shrub willow and switchgrass in marginal lands reduces fertilizer nitrate levels, controlling erosion and improving water quality. This integrated land management approach also generates biomass for biofuel and supports pollinators and other wildlife.
A Kiel-based study reveals that 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Mediterranean are at risk due to sea-level rise and storm surges. The sites face increased flood risk of up to 50% and erosion risk of up to 13% by 2100, according to a spatial database and model simulations.
A recent study found that glacial lake outbursts can trigger massive erosion and landslides, causing widespread damage to infrastructure. The research, published in Science, suggests that non-climatological drivers such as earthquakes and climate change may play a significant role in shaping fluvial erosion rates.
A team of researchers found that land area in Hawai'i vulnerable to future sea level rise may be double previous estimates. The 'bathtub' model underestimates the full extent of potential damage due to sea level rise, particularly on Hawaii's high-energy coasts.
Researchers found that residents and property owners are more likely to adopt green stormwater infrastructure practices if they have experienced flooding or erosion. The study suggests a flexible approach to encourage effective stewardship of these practices across diverse populations and landscapes.
A recent study found that urbanization is weakening the shoreline of New York City's Jamaica Bay wetlands, causing erosion and loss of vital mineral sediment. The marshes are being drained of essential sediments, leading to their gradual but dramatic disintegration.
A study by UC Riverside researchers predicts climate-induced reduction in large soil pores, leading to increased surface runoff and erosion. Climate change may also exacerbate flash flooding, threatening human health, food security, and biodiversity.
A recent study by Alfred Wegener Institute researchers found that the loss of Arctic permafrost through coastal erosion led to significant increases in carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere during the last glacial period. This phenomenon is now being studied to understand its potential impact on future climate warming.
A new technology to detect corrosion and erosion in pipelines can prevent catastrophic explosions at power plants. Dr. Piero Rizzo's project aims to develop a device that monitors pipeline conditions continuously and remotely.
Researchers developed a new model for bioinspired coastline structures based on the complex hydrodynamics of mangrove roots. The study found that flexible roots can increase drag force, but also reduce wake deficit behind the patch, allowing for more efficient erosion control and coastal protection.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have observed rapid and dramatic clearings of low cloud cover over the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the southeast Atlantic. This phenomenon could provide insights into how clouds affect Earth's heating and cooling. The researchers found that atmospheric gravity waves are likely respon...
A team of researchers re-examined 30 locations with reported accelerated erosion after glacial-interglacial cycles and found that nearly all proposed links to global climate could not be confirmed. Climate-induced accelerations were recorded only in three cases, driven by localized glacial-valley incision.
Researchers found that barnacle density decreases with depth and extent of coral cover, suggesting a preference for spreading out. This study provides insight into the importance of barnacles in reef erosion and their potential as indicators of reef health.
A new study suggests that many coral reefs will be unable to keep growing fast enough to keep up with rising sea levels, leading to increased erosion and flooding risk. The researchers found that growth rates for over 200 tropical western Atlantic and Indian Ocean reefs are slowing due to coral reef degradation.
New research suggests many coral reefs will be unable to keep growing fast enough to keep up with rising sea levels, leading to increased erosion and flooding risk. Coral reefs are struggling due to combinations of coral disease, water quality deterioration, fishing pressure, and severe impacts from climate change-induced coral bleaching.
A new model reveals that mountain landscapes remain active due to variations in the strength of underlying rocks. This leads to the formation of waterfalls and changes in watershed divides, shaping the landscape over time. The study also found a link between mountainous landscape dynamics and the evolution of aquatic species.
Researchers discovered microbes that share a meal by transferring electricity through conductive particles, outcompeting other microorganisms. This unusual partnership results in the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, but also holds promise for sustainable biotechnology applications.
A UMass Amherst geologist is using satellite photos and high-resolution images to estimate topsoil loss in the Midwest, a challenge that has uncertainties about its extent. The research aims to identify areas where farm practices can be changed to reverse soil loss, with potential economic benefits for farmers.
Human activities significantly impacted the Yangtze River's channel evolution between Datong and Xuliujing. Erosion with a volume of 4.7 hundred million cubic meters occurred due to decreased sediment discharge following the Three Gorges Dam closure.
Researchers found that logging in Solomon Islands' tropical forests can lead to unsustainable soil erosion and significant impacts on downstream water quality. The study highlights the need for tighter regulations and local buy-in for forest management to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services.
A new study found that mountain erosion can also release CO2 into the atmosphere, far faster than it's absorbed by newly-exposed rock. Tiny microbes in mountain soils 'eat' ancient organic carbon, spewing out CO2.
Researchers estimate that 67% of organic carbon within bedrock is released during erosion, with certain microbe populations using the carbon for nourishment. The findings suggest that this process could negate geological carbon dioxide consumption and impact Earth's climate.
A new study reveals the Mississippi River Delta is experiencing seafloor erosion at an alarming rate, threatening marine ecosystems and infrastructure. The research, published in Marine Geology, found that sediment deposition has stopped, leading to land loss and degradation of wetlands and seafloors.
Researchers found that fringing coral reefs can effectively protect shorelines from extensive erosion caused by tropical cyclones. The study used Ningaloo Reef as a case study and showed that the reef's shape and structure can dissipate large waves, reducing coastal damage.
A team of researchers is working to better understand how riverbank erosion affects citizens in Bangladesh and develop early-warning measures. They will use satellite images and precipitation data to plot spatiotemporal patterns of erosion and generate location-specific annual rates.
A study published in Nature Communications found that tree diversity and neighbourhood interactions significantly impact forest productivity, promoting more wood production and reducing soil erosion. By planting multiple native tree species at small spatial scales, afforestation programs can benefit from biodiversity conservation.
A new study reveals that economic growth in developed countries may not improve human happiness, but rather erodes free goods and creates social problems. The Negative Endogenous Growth Model suggests that economic systems can produce wealth from the erosion of free goods, leading to unhappiness and excessive consumption.
A study found that none of nine analyzed toothpastes mitigated enamel surface loss, a key factor in tooth erosion and dentin hypersensitivity. Researchers stress the importance of proper dental treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes to prevent these problems.
A new study suggests that increased precipitation in the East Asian region led to erosion and the transport of dust into the North Pacific Ocean, which in turn fertilized the ocean surface waters, pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. This process may have contributed to a cooling of the Earth's climate 2.7 million years ago.
A 29-year study on cover crops and no-till cotton fields found that cover crops offer benefits in the long term, even if they reduce short-term profits. The research team analyzed data from a unique 29-year period to determine the economic impact of cover crops.
Scientists have identified eight locations on Mars with significant water ice deposits, providing insights into the planet's climate history and habitability. The ice is found to be cohesive and strong, with distinct layers that could help understand changes in Mars' climate over time.
A study published in Geomorphology identifies areas with high cliff erosion rates and introduces a new hazard scale to predict impending collapses. The research provides accurate erosion rates for 680 miles of the California coast, highlighting the need for improved models and planning strategies to protect critical facilities.
According to a new study, global soil loss has increased by 35.9 billion tonnes between 2001 and 2012, with moderate to high erosion impacting about 9.3% of Earth's land surface. Conservation agriculture can save over a billion tonnes of soil per year if implemented correctly.
Geologists can improve estimates of landscape erosion and sediment dispersal by accounting for factors like bedrock material erosion rates, zircon fertility, and sediment recycling. Researchers collected zircon grain samples from modern river watersheds in the Andes Mountains to test these assumptions.
A recent study by Penn researchers reveals that the Brazil nut effect plays a crucial role in explaining how rivers resist erosion. The phenomenon, where larger particles tend to rise to the top of mixtures, helps create an armor-like layer on riverbeds, protecting them from excessive erosion. This finding has significant implications ...
A Washington State University study reveals that salmon's mating habits alter stream bed profiles, leading to erosion and changes in the landscape over time. Different salmon species have varying effects on the ecosystem, with some creating new habitats for emerging species.
Scientists have developed a computer model that uses past wave observations and beach assessments to forecast coastal erosion and/or accretion over the coming year. The new tool provides a traffic light system based on storm severity, highlighting the level of action required to protect particular beaches.
University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers are collecting storm data from three erosion-plagued villages in Northwest Alaska. The goal is to improve predictions of severe winter storms and their potential impact on these communities.
Rivers need more space, diversity, and freedom to protect species and prevent devastating floods. Floodplain landscapes are crucial for sediment retention and natural flood protection.
A new study has identified the triggers behind a devastating 2010 landslide in Quebec, Canada, which killed four people and destroyed a house. Sediment erosion by the Salvail River and high groundwater pressure under the river bed contributed to the failure of sensitive clay sediments.
Research finds that intercropping corn with chili peppers reduces soil erosion, improves economic return, and increases biodiversity. This method is particularly beneficial for farmers in southern China's hilly areas, where it can bring in an extra $1,000-$2,000 per year.
A grant-funded project has mapped soil erosion intensity across 2.5 million square kilometers of agricultural land in European Russia. Researchers found that ravine erosion is receding, likely due to reduced thawed flow and increased absorption by soil.
Researchers propose switchgrass as a solution to China's poor air quality by reducing particulate emissions from soil erosion. The crop's ability to hold soil and produce biomass makes it an attractive alternative to coal, with potential for widespread adoption in the Loess Plateau region.
Penn State faculty members Ming Xiao, Heng Xu, and Jun Zhu receive NSF Convergence grants to support interdisciplinary research on permafrost coastal erosion, crowdsourcing research, and quantum science. The grants aim to bring together experts from various fields to address complex challenges and advance scientific discovery.
Researchers at the University of York discovered that ancient Engaruka's irrigation systems and terraces were built to capture eroded sediments, benefiting farming practices for centuries. The study highlights the importance of this method of farming in sub-Saharan Africa and its potential applicability to modern day farming techniques.
Research examines alternative reasons for climate change denial in Louisiana, highlighting economic and cultural influences. Despite high rates of denial, parish residents show environmental awareness, suggesting a focus on local issues like coastal erosion.
Researchers create high-resolution maps of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, showing rapid erosion and glacier thinning due to climate change. The study provides insights into the region's vulnerability to future warming and its potential impact on global sea levels.
Researchers have released high-resolution maps of Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valleys, allowing scientists to compare present-day conditions with lower-resolution surveys conducted 13 years ago. The data provide detailed topography and insights into landscape changes, including rapid erosion along streams.
A recent study from Guam found that non-native Acacia trees alter the soil chemistry and root-zone nutrient budgets, causing collateral ecosystem deviations. The results contribute to ongoing global discussions about afforestation for revegetating tropical degraded habitats.