A team of researchers proposes that Dante Alighieri's Inferno was a gedankenexperiment in impact physics, modelling a planetary impact 500 years before modern meteoritics. The study suggests that Satan's fall from grace was inspired by the physical effects of a high-velocity impactor hitting the Earth's surface.
A new study warns that climate change is creating serious risks for millions of pilgrims performing Hajj, with extreme heat and humidity pushing human physiological limits. The researchers suggest that urgent adaptation and global climate mitigation are essential to reduce the danger, but not eliminate it.
Researchers use Swarm satellites and ground-based observations to distinguish between space weather effects and natural hazard signatures. This project aims to improve infrastructure protection, early warning systems, and space weather predictions.
A new study sheds light on the extinction of ancient ocean creatures, revealing that nautiloids survived due to their larger eggs and slower metabolic rates. The findings contradict previous hypotheses, suggesting that egg size was a key factor in their survival.
Researchers found that treated wastewater can safely recharge coastal aquifers, stabilizing water supplies. However, higher-quality treated wastewater is needed to minimize impacts on groundwater quality.
A new study finds that rock dust can improve soil fertility and yields in cacao systems, supporting local communities. The research suggests that enhanced rock weathering could help reconnect fragmented rainforests, leading to increased carbon sequestration.
A systematic review examines how social media users can be utilized as a 'human sensor network' for disaster management. The study finds that refined social media data contributes strongly to identifying needs during disasters, strengthening community resilience and allocating resources faster.
A recent study reveals that mercury pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining directly contaminates food crops through the air, not soil. This poses a significant risk to human health and food security in Africa, where millions of people depend on local agriculture for survival.
The Amazon rainforest experienced its most devastating forest fire season in over two decades, releasing 791 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The study highlights the growing ecological fragility of the region, driven by climate change, deforestation, and land-use mismanagement.
A new study reveals that Antarctic sea ice plays a critical role in predicting global warming, with a greater extent of sea ice leading to more significant warming. The research found that ocean heat uptake and thermal sea level rise will be higher than previously estimated by 2100, with implications for policy and science.
A study by Elizabeth Silber finds that infrasound sensors can accurately track the path of space debris entering Earth's atmosphere when it enters at a steep angle. However, when the object enters horizontally, the accuracy decreases, highlighting the need to consider its trajectory when interpreting data.
A new study reveals Saharan dust reduces photovoltaic electricity generation across Europe and challenges existing forecasting models. The researchers recommend integrating near-real-time dust load data into forecasting models to improve reliability.
A new study analyzed phylogenetic relationships and predatory capabilities of Cretaceous marine reptiles, finding elevated rates of extinction targeting large and fast predators. The Cenomanian-Turonian transition, with high carbon dioxide concentrations and ocean anoxia, was associated with distinct bite force and species diversification
A new global model, DYNAMO-M, projects how 13 million farmers may respond to coastal flooding and salt intrusion due to sea level rise. The model simulates real human choices, such as adapting with salt-tolerant crops or migrating inland, to help communities stay and thrive despite the rising tides.
A new study reveals that increased meltwater in the North Atlantic can trigger hotter and drier European summers. The study suggests a predictable chain of events leading to European summer weather, due to higher levels of freshwater in the North Atlantic.
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.
Researchers synthesized multisource data to explore spatiotemporal variations of melt/freeze onsets, revealing a 3-month delay in basal freeze onset compared to surface. The study highlights the importance of synchronous monitoring of air-ice-ocean system and suggests a possible delay in Arctic sea ice loss due to climate change.
Research published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that particles with two phases can form when different types of SOA mix. The number of phases depends on the difference in oxygen-to-carbon ratio between the given SOA types.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Computational Science used computer simulations to show that extreme weather phenomena can be controlled by making small adjustments to variables in the weather system. The study's findings promise multiple applications, including preventing and mitigating extreme windstorms.
Researchers measured oxygen transport in deep ocean currents, finding that half of atmospheric oxygen is injected into boundary current over 5 months. The findings have implications for climate models and the impact of Arctic changes on the Labrador Sea's 'breathing' process.
A new assessment indicates that higher emissions will significantly impact Venice's flood risk, emphasizing the need for improved projections and protection infrastructure. The study highlights the importance of accurate sea level projections and the potential for extreme events like meteotsunamis to exacerbate flooding.
Scientists found a strong correlation between insect body size and temperature in fossil midges, revealing a promising new proxy for palaeotemperatures. The study suggests that insects can be used to reconstruct ancient climates dating back to the Cretaceous period.
Researchers at HI-SEAS analog lunar habitat in Hawaii use spacesuits to explore lava tubes, mimicking conditions on the moon and Mars. The study aims to improve methods and suits for future astrobiology research.
The Interstellar Probe mission aims to study how our Sun interacts with the local interstellar medium and learn more about the formation and evolution of the heliosphere. The probe will take 'images' of the heliosphere using energetic neutral atoms and observe extragalactic background light, shedding new light on the region.
Scientists have discovered that weathering of continental rock began about 3.7 billion years ago, significantly earlier than previously estimated. This finding has crucial implications for plate tectonics and biological evolution, shedding new light on the early Earth's environment.
A new study from the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch State Forestry Service highlights the importance of landscape in rewilding efforts. Researchers developed an index to measure and predict rewilding success, finding that varied landscapes show greater conservation potential.
A global analysis reveals that breaking Rossby waves and intense moisture transport are two interconnected processes driving large-scale extreme precipitation events globally. These processes, especially in dry subtropical regions, can cause devastating catastrophic flooding and loss of life.
A review in European Geosciences Union's journal offers a roadmap for weaving Indigenous knowledge with modern research, focusing on the geosciences. This approach can provide insights into events erased from the geological record and support native communities in making informed decisions about potential hazards on their ancestral lands.
The international geoscience community has endorsed a declaration affirming its commitment to apply its expertise to meet societal challenges and support essential research. Geoscientists possess unique skills to address global crises, and the community pledges to leverage this expertise for a sustainable future.
Researchers tracked pollutants from Canadian and US wildfires to reach NYC, causing significant increases in air quality advisories. The study highlights the need for policy-makers to consider long-term air quality management plans due to increasing wildfire smoke.
The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant's soil decontamination efforts have reduced cesium concentrations by 80% in treated areas, but generated significant amounts of hazardous waste. Monitoring the transfer of radioactive contamination is crucial to prevent recontamination of remediated areas.
A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics reveals that one-third of the recent global methane increase comes from tropical Africa's tropics. The research used satellite data to examine trends in atmospheric methane between 26° N and 26° S, highlighting the importance of individual wetlands like the Sudd in South Sudan.
A new study published in Climate of the Past reveals that Burgundy wine grapes have been picked 13 days earlier on average since 1988 than in the previous six centuries. This accelerated warming trend is consistent with a hotter and drier climate in recent years, which has become more common in the past 30 years.
A new Cornell University study suggests that shale oil and gas production, particularly fracking, is contributing to the increase in atmospheric methane levels. The research found that methane from fracking has a distinct carbon-13 signature, indicating its origin, which was previously misattributed to biological sources.
A new study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics suggests that the climate impact of contrail cirrus, formed from airplane contrails, will triple by 2050. The radiative forcing caused by contrail cirrus will be larger than expected CO2 emissions due to increased air traffic activity.
A study projects significant glacier loss in the Alps due to climate change. By 2050, about 50% of glacier volume is expected to disappear, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the region's ecosystem and economy. The fate of glaciers will depend on future warming scenarios.
Virginia Gewin, Katherine Kornei, and Martha Henriques have been awarded the EGU Science Journalism Fellowship to report on peatland restoration efforts in Scotland and the dynamic landscape of Taroko National Park in Taiwan. They will also explore abandoned uranium mines in several European countries.
A new study uses tagged seabirds to measure ocean currents and track tidal patterns. This non-invasive method could provide crucial data for the marine renewable energy industry, helping identify sites for tidal energy generation.
Researchers found WWII bombing raids produced shockwaves strong enough to weaken the ionosphere above the UK, 1000km away. The blasts released energy equivalent to 300 lightning strikes, affecting modern technologies like radio communications and GPS systems.
A new study suggests that glacial geoengineering, making changes to glaciers' geometry near the ocean, could limit sea-level rise. The most promising design consists of constructing artificial mounds or columns on the seafloor, which could slow down the rate of sea-level rise giving more time for coastal societies to adapt.
A new study sets a deadline of 2035 for governments to take decisive climate action to limit global warming below 2°C. The research found that even with strong renewable energy growth, humanity will likely cross the point of no return unless drastic emissions reductions are made immediately.
A new study found that human-induced landslides have increased globally, causing over 5000 deaths in India's Kedarnath landslide. The research highlights the need for regulation and education to prevent such accidents.
A new study published in The Cryosphere estimates that the collapse of Larsen C and George VI Ice Shelves could contribute 4mm and 22mm to global sea levels, respectively. This research highlights the vulnerability of these ice shelves to rapid warming in the Antarctic Peninsula.
A new study by Finnish and German researchers found that oxygen loss in the Baltic Sea's coastal areas is 'unprecedentedly severe' over the past century. Human-induced pollution from fertilizers, sewage, and agricultural runoff is the main driver of this issue.
A study published in Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences found that drowning caused 80% of Harvey deaths, with most fatalities occurring outside the 100-year floodplain. The researchers suggest improving flood maps and communication to reduce risk during future floods.
A study published in Climate of the Past found that climate changes played a significant role in triggering immigration from Southwest Germany to North America during the 19th century. The researchers identified major migration waves linked to extreme weather events, such as the 'year without summer', and found that climate was a major...
A new study published in Biogeosciences found that deforestation linked to palm oil production in Indonesia has made the region warmer. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, used satellite data and ground observations to determine the impact of land use changes on surface temperatures.
Researchers discovered increasing emissions of short-lived ozone-depleting chemicals in East Asia, threatening the recovery of the ozone layer. The study found dichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in large amounts, which can be carried up into the stratosphere and cause damage.
A new study by James Hansen's team estimates that to limit global warming, we need negative emissions through technologies like carbon capture. If emissions continue high, young people may have to spend up to 500 trillion euros on CO2 extraction, but rapid phase-down of fossil fuels can achieve this at relatively low cost.
A new study published in Earth System Dynamics finds that Antarctica's slower warming pace may be due to its high land height. The research suggests that if Antarctica were flat, it would warm more quickly due to changes in heat transport by the atmosphere and oceans.