Sharks are tracked using instruments ingested by researchers gaining new awareness into their feeding habits and role in the ocean ecosystem. The 'shark's eye' view provides unprecedented understanding of shark behavior and movements.
Twenty-five years after the Exxon Valdez spill, beaches on Alaska's Alaska Peninsula harbor unchanged oil pockets, suggesting stable boulder protection. Researchers found remarkably preserved oil similar to 11-day-old oil, offering insights into oil durability and persistence.
Researchers have discovered that the Plastisphere, a community of microorganisms living on ocean plastic, can pose significant risks to invertebrates and humans. The study found that certain bacteria thrive on these plastic islands and may cause diseases in animals and humans.
Research suggests that subarctic lakes are sensitive to changes in snowmelt, with many at risk of drying out due to climate change. Additionally, scientists have found that seafloor sites could potentially store centuries' worth of carbon emissions through industrial-scale carbon capture and storage programs.
Research reveals a significant increase in summer sea level rise and decrease in winter sea level drop along the eastern Gulf Coast, leading to a greater seasonal difference. This change threatens coastal ecosystems, increases flood risk from hurricanes, and may disrupt salt balance in sensitive wetlands.
Recent studies published in Geophysical Research Letters reveal the potential link between magma chamber inflation and powerful earthquakes at Kilauea Volcano. Additionally, researchers found that seal-borne sensors provide valuable data for studying ocean conditions in the Southern Ocean.
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has honored four journalists for their outstanding coverage of Earth and space sciences. Geoffrey Haines-Stiles and Erna Akuginow have won the Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism, while freelance writer Tim Folger received the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in...
Scientists used rediscovered Apollo data to determine lunar dust accumulation rate, finding it builds up 10 times faster than previous estimates. The high rate poses a significant problem for solar cells, which could diminish power supply output.
The Curiosity rover's direct measurement of argon gas on Mars pinpoints the origins of Martian meteorites, shedding light on atmospheric loss. The discovery provides a clear signature of the planet's history and supports previous findings of atmospheric decline on Mars.
Researchers have developed a method to measure global sulfur dioxide emissions using satellite sensors, identifying large sources such as smelters and factories. A seismic network also detects landslides on a broad area scale in Taiwan's Chenyoulan watershed, providing insights into natural hazard occurrence and watershed dynamics.
A new camera system, TextureCam, allows future Mars rovers to prioritize their scientific objectives and explore more distant worlds. The system uses machine learning algorithms to recognize rocks, sand, and sky in photos, enabling autonomous decision-making and increased autonomy.
Researchers found that the Amazon rainforest's stability and resilience to widespread deforestation may be lower than previously thought. Deforestation-induced precipitation changes can trigger a forest-to-grassland shift in different zones of the Amazon, with some areas experiencing sharp declines in rainfall. Meanwhile, scientists al...
Researchers discovered that large waves in Norwegian fjords were triggered by a powerful Japan earthquake, while disposal of Marcellus Shale fracking waste caused earthquakes in Ohio. The Arctic region is also sensitive to black carbon emissions, which can have devastating effects on the environment.
Researchers used smartphone batteries to crowdsource weather information, estimating daily average temperatures for eight major cities with an accuracy of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This technique could lead to continuously updated weather predictions at a city block resolution, improving the accuracy and specificity of current weather forec...
A new study suggests that the ozone hole could be causing a slight warming effect on the planet, rather than a cooling one. The ozone hole's impact on wind patterns causes clouds to move towards the South Pole, reducing their ability to reflect radiation and leading to increased temperatures.
Research highlights the connection between atmospheric rivers and severe precipitation in Western Europe. A study found that these rivers are also responsible for high precipitation events in mountainous areas, with significant impacts felt as far inland as Germany and Poland.
Research suggests that freshwater ecosystems were more resilient than oceans during the asteroid impact due to annual freeze-thaw cycles, groundwater seeps, and dormant stages of many organisms. This study also explores the bubbling of methane from thermokarst lakes, an important factor in the carbon cycle and global climate change.
Scientists have developed a new technique to calculate wind speeds of hurricanes using distorted GPS satellite signals, providing valuable information at little additional cost. The method offers a broader view of wind speeds than traditional dropsonde measurements, which are expensive and only available over large bodies of water.
Research finds that 30% of excess energy from human-caused greenhouse effect warms the deep ocean, while a new study predicts an increase in hurricanes hitting western Europe as sea surface temperatures rise. Scientists also identify changes in wind patterns and volcanic eruptions as factors driving this warming trend.
Scientists discovered that elevated carbon dioxide concentrations have caused a significant increase in foliage cover across warm, arid environments globally. The study found that the CO2 fertilization effect led to an average 11% increase in foliage, with some regions experiencing up to 10% growth.
A study of small dams in China found that they can pose a greater threat to ecosystems and natural landscapes than large dams. The research team surveyed habitat loss and damage at several dam sites, revealing that the environmental harm from small dams was often greater, sometimes by several orders of magnitude.
A team of scientists from the University of Houston and a filmmaker will share their discoveries about remnants of an ancient city in the Honduran rainforest, using light detection and ranging (lidar) technology. They will also showcase previously undisclosed images of apparent archeological sites.
Glaciers in the Mount Everest region have shrunk by 13% in the last 50 years, with snowlines shifted upward by 180 meters. The researchers suspect human-generated greenhouse gases are causing climate change, but need to establish a firm connection.
Researchers develop new techniques to detect mass graves using geophysical methods. Their project aims to refine detection methods and provide critical evidence for convicting murderers. By studying simulated clandestine graves, they hope to improve the search for missing people and bring perpetrators to justice.
Graphite has been found to effectively reduce the frictional strength of faults, while sediment processes can generate significant amounts of background noise in oceans. Researchers have also studied how braided river dynamics affect sediment storage and charted the growth of the Turkish-Iranian plateau.
Researchers study beach nourishment decisions and find that decentralized management can lead to resource inefficiencies. The stratigraphic record is controlled by physical processes such as sediment deposition rates and river channel migration, with gaps often left due to pauses in deposition or heightened erosion.
A new study found that large, hot fires do not necessarily lead to scorched soil. Instead, the soil temperature is affected by factors such as fire speed, heat travel direction, and landscape moisture content. This counterintuitive result could help forest managers plan controlled burns more effectively.
Researchers study terrestrial water storage data to predict fire activity in the Amazon region months in advance. They find that during high fire years, water storage is below average before the fire season, while in low fire years, it is above average before the dry season.
NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft has traveled beyond the influence of the Sun and exited the heliosphere, a region dominated by the Sun's wind. Anomalous cosmic rays dropped to less than 1% of previous amounts while galactic cosmic rays spiked to levels not seen since launch.
Recent research highlights a catastrophic acceleration in Canadian Arctic glacier melt, with projections suggesting up to 18% mass loss by the end of the century. Climate change is deemed effectively irreversible, according to model simulations.
Recent AGU journal publications explore the global climatology of explosive cyclones and their impact on U.S. biomes under climate change. A study found that extreme precipitation patterns decrease vegetative productivity by 20% in some regions, while others show neutral or negative effects.
Recent AGU journal publications highlight the impact of Io's volcanism on Jupiter's magnetosphere and project substantial increases in U.S. water demand due to climate warming, with irrigation and air conditioning driving demands, posing sustainability concerns.
Researchers found significant influence of seabird activity on methane and nitrous oxide emissions in the Arctic tundra, contributing to global warming. Meanwhile, a new assessment reveals U.S. cities are less susceptible to water scarcity issues than previously thought.
Researchers detect volcanic carbon monoxide emissions via satellite sensors, estimating a global emission of approximately 5.5 teragrams per year. Antarctic sea ice thickness affects algae populations, with varying seasonal patterns and relationships between surface, interior, and underside layers.
A new study finds that deforestation in snowy regions consistently causes more floods, both big and small. In mountainous areas, trees help control snowmelt, but without them, water flows faster, leading to a significant increase in flood frequency.
Scientific studies reveal pros and cons of free market approach to water trading in Australia's Murray Darling Basin. Researchers also uncover connections between typhoon tracks, rainfall patterns, and flood timing, with potential applications for improved real-time flood warning systems.
Researchers found that asteroid Vesta's extensive system of troughs is likely the result of faults formed by a large collision. The troughs' unique characteristics, such as flat floors and distinct walls, suggest a fault moving apart, rather than simple cracking on the surface.
New research reveals Mercury's surface composition is dominated by minerals high in magnesium and sulfur, differing from other planets. In contrast, African dust forms red soils in Bermuda through a complex interplay of local and global climate processes. The origin of these unique features remains a topic of ongoing scientific study.
A new study finds that the rate of glacier thinning has increased by about half over the last decade in the Southern Patagonian Icefield, contributing to rising sea levels. The icefields have lost enough water to cover the entire US with 2.7 cm of water, with glaciers thinning at an average rate of 1.8 meters per year.
Scientists study Mercury's surface chemistry and geological history, finding distinctive mineral patterns dominated by magnesium and sulfur. Meanwhile, researchers in Bermuda investigate the origin of red soils, discovering that African dust may be a key factor in their formation.
A new study reveals a correlation between low solar activity and unusually cold winters in Central Europe, particularly along the Rhine River. The researchers used historical records of riverboat shipments and found that ten out of fourteen freezing episodes occurred during years with minimal sunspots.
A new study reveals that even drought-resistant tree species in the Bornean rainforest will face increased mortality due to El Nino events. Replacing coal with natural gas could reduce global warming by 40% under certain scenarios, according to a separate analysis.
A new study suggests that Mars Curiosity rover may be able to find evidence of ancient life on Mars by probing optimal depths and locations for organic molecules. The research indicates that the rover's drilling range could detect simple carbon-containing molecules within 10 cm beneath the surface.
A study finds that the Agulhas rings drive the eastward branch of AMOC deep water transport. A prediction system to protect astronauts from solar storms has been designed and assessed.
A team of scientists used elephant seal data to gather direct measurements on Fimbul Ice Shelf melting, revealing parts are melting at lower rates than predicted. The study confirms a 20-year-old theory about ice shelf melting and provides insights into water circulation and temperature changes in eastern Antarctica.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in measuring ocean currents between North Atlantic and Nordic Seas, providing new insights into global ocean circulation. Additionally, a team has successfully observed the entire thermal infrared spectrum of atmospheric gases for the first time, shedding light on greenhouse gas absorption.
Research suggests that giant volcanic eruptions in Nicaragua over the past 70,000 years temporarily thinned the ozone layer by releasing bromine and chlorine gases. The team used a novel method to estimate gas content in lava rocks and combined it with existing data to calculate potential ozone layer depletion.
A modern recurrence of a 'flood lava' eruption in Iceland could inject large quantities of hazardous gases into North Atlantic and European flight corridors. The emissions could exceed WHO chronic exposure guidelines and pose significant health risks to air travelers, particularly if the event were to occur during late spring or summer.
A new study calculates that groundwater pumping will cause a global sea level rise of about 0.8 millimeters per year by 2050, outweighing the effect of dams. Groundwater depletion rates are projected to increase further, contributing significantly to sea level rise.
Scientists have identified active faults in the Pacific Northwest region, which could produce earthquakes with magnitudes between 6 and 6.5. A volcano in Greece has also reawakened, causing significant swelling of the land near the caldera, suggesting an influx of magma into a chamber below the surface.