Articles tagged with Carbon Sinks
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A new study reveals a surprising link between West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat and algae growth over the past 500,000 years. Iron-rich sediments from icebergs stimulate algae growth, but in a less bioavailable form than previously assumed.
A 40-year greening project in China's Taklamakan Desert has successfully reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and increased solar-induced fluorescence, indicating a measurable carbon sink. The project demonstrates the potential of afforestation to mitigate climate change, despite being only a small dent in global emissions.
Research found that deciduous tree dominance reduces wildfire carbon losses in boreal forests, storing more carbon above ground and releasing less in deep organic soils. This shift could help slow climate warming by reducing carbon emissions per unit area burned.
A new study reveals that tropical forests can regrow up to 95% faster when given sufficient nitrogen, allowing them to absorb more carbon dioxide. This finding suggests that targeting nitrogen pollution from farms and factories may be crucial in helping young forests recover and act as natural climate solutions.
A team of scientists, led by UC Santa Barbara's David Siegel, embarked on a research expedition to the North Atlantic to study the ocean's carbon cycle. They found that tiny organic particles, known as marine snow, transport carbon from the surface to depths, and this process is critical for understanding Earth's climate.
Researchers have discovered that iron oxide minerals like ferrihydrite employ different chemical strategies to grab and hold onto various types of organic molecules, making them powerful carbon traps. This study provides new insight into how these minerals in soils trap carbon for decades or centuries.
Researchers at Colorado State University found that some tropical forest plants are adapting to drought by growing longer root systems, potentially helping reduce vulnerability. The study's findings suggest flexibility under drying conditions may rescue the forest, but long-term implications remain uncertain.
Researchers found upper ocean ecosystem conditions play a major role in shaping the composition of carbon-rich particles sinking into the deep ocean, storing carbon for decades. Microorganisms influence these transformations, which determine how long this carbon is locked away.
A new study reveals that 16% of the Arctic Ocean's dissolved organic carbon comes from land, primarily from thawing permafrost and coastal erosion. This finding has significant implications for understanding how terrestrial organic matter affects Arctic marine ecosystems and the ocean's ability to store CO2.
A new study reveals that many Western river networks in arid areas may be soaking up more carbon dioxide than they emit, challenging the long-held assumption of net emissions. This finding has significant implications for understanding the global carbon cycle and managing CO2 levels.
A new international study reveals that nitrogen fixation occurs beneath Arctic sea ice, increasing available nitrogen for algae and potentially boosting marine life. This discovery could also impact carbon absorption in the Arctic Ocean.
A study examined Vietnamese mangrove carbon since 1900 and found restored forests to act as important carbon stores. However, the study suggests that these ecosystems might not possess 'normal' ecological functions.
A new study found that land and ocean weathering processes are linked, influencing the amount of carbon stored or released into the atmosphere. The research proposes a continuum approach to studying weathering reactions on both land and in the ocean.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a method to measure plant roots using DNA technology, revealing their essential role in food production and climate. The new method enables accurate measurement of biomass and species distribution, opening up applications in climate research, plant breeding, and biodiversity analysis.
A study by Alfred Wegener Institute revealed that microalgae in the Southern Ocean played a significant role in reducing global atmospheric CO2 levels 14,000 years ago. The findings suggest that changes in sea ice extent had a direct impact on algal productivity and carbon transport to the deep sea.
A research team has found that unicellular cyanobacterium UCYN-B plays a crucial role in marine nitrogen (N2) fixation, contributing 5.2-7.2 Tg N yr-1 of N2 fixation in the western North Pacific and 10.8-15.0 Tg N yr-1 globally, about 20% of global oceanic N2 fixation flux.
A new study reveals that human influence has reduced global natural land carbon stocks by 24%, equivalent to 344 billion metric tons of carbon, mainly due to expanded pasture and croplands, as well as forest management.
New research reveals that lake littoral zones store more carbon than previously thought, highlighting the need for inclusion in global carbon budgets. By including these zones, lakes may switch from being net carbon sources to net carbon sinks.
New research highlights four components where nature-based climate actions have fallen short, including inadequate accounting for albedo and carbon leakage. The study proposes reforms to improve the performance and scalability of these strategies.
Researchers propose reforms to nature-based climate actions by accounting for feedbacks and ensuring outcomes that wouldn't have happened otherwise
Researchers have used a dynamic global wetland water level dataset to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of wetland carbon sequestration. They found that tropical wetlands contribute 70% to global C sequestration, with South America, Asia, and Africa being the top three continents.
A global inventory reveals that natural areas have access to about a quarter less nitrogen than previously estimated, which could limit the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. This finding has implications for natural climate solutions, as nitrogen is essential to plant growth.
A groundbreaking study reveals that small zooplankton like copepods and krill enhance carbon sequestration through seasonal migrations. These tiny creatures store around 65 million tonnes of carbon annually in the deep ocean.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Research finds Arctic peatlands expanding due to warming climate, with 16 sites showing strong evidence of expansion. Peatlands store about 600 billion tons of carbon, and their expansion could slow climate change but also poses risks if temperatures continue to rise.
Longer winter sea ice duration is associated with a 20% increase in atmospheric CO2 absorption by the Southern Ocean. Sea ice protects the ocean from strong winds, allowing it to absorb more CO2 during winter.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel method for capturing carbon dioxide using clay minerals, expanding the portfolio of absorbent materials for addressing climate change. The study, published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, found that certain types of clay can selectively absorb CO2 from the air at low humidity levels.
Record-breaking wildfires are rapidly transforming forests from carbon sinks to super-emitters due to warming and drought conditions. Planting trees can even increase wildfire risk in some cases.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a method to restore tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada using native moss. The technique involves transplanting moss onto decommissioned well pads, effectively recreating peatlands and supporting ecosystem development.
A new study found that climate change may undermine the capacity of Arctic fjords to serve as effective carbon sinks, leading to a decline in sequestration carbon. Rapid changes are transforming fjord ecosystems, with phytoplankton communities shifting due to melting ice and warmer waters.
A study found that sediment resuspension triggered by trawling and natural processes releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere through pyrite oxidation. The research reveals that protecting sensitive seafloor areas with fine-grained sediments is crucial to maintain the region's carbon sink capacity.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
A new study reveals how proactive salmon conservation in the North Pacific can protect biodiversity and advance global conservation goals. The stronghold strategy aims to proactively protect iconic salmon systems that sustain healthy watersheds, safeguarding food security and mitigating climate change.
Computer simulations show that captured CO2 can be permanently stored underground by mixing with groundwater, creating a denser liquid that sinks and remains there. Suitable geological conditions, such as impermeable rock layers and porous aquifers, are necessary for effective CO2 storage.
The new season of The Last of Us explores the real-life characteristics of cordyceps, including its airborne spore method of infection. Researchers like Dr. Jim Kronstad highlight the warming climate as a potential contributor to the spread of harmful fungi.
A new study reveals China's NTEs were significant sources of CH₄ and N₂O emissions between 1980 and 2020, with an accumulated GWP of 5.55 Pg CO₂-equivalent. The net warming effect is primarily driven by N₂O emissions.
Research articles explore relative effectiveness of wildfire fuel treatments, geese impact on Arctic breeding grounds, bumble bee foraging behavior in agricultural areas, and the discovery of epiphytes in cities.
Recent studies have shown that most of the terrestrial carbon accumulation occurs in non-living pools, such as soil organic matter and bodies of water. The research team found that around 35 gigatonnes of carbon were sequestered on land between 1992 and 2019, with a 30% increase over the last decade.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new carbon-negative building material that can be used to manufacture concrete, cement, plaster, and paint. By converting CO2 into solid, durable materials using electricity and seawater, the material not only stores CO2 but also produces clean hydrogen gas.
Researchers have optimized an electrochemical method called seawater splitting to trap and sequester carbon dioxide into stable solid mineral deposits. The method allows for maximal mineral yield with minimal energy use, making it a promising pathway for transforming carbon dioxide into useful substances.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that Japan's concrete structures, including buildings and infrastructure, absorb around 14% of the CO2 emissions generated during cement production. This process, known as carbonation, enables concrete to function as a carbon sink, even though it absorbs less CO2 than forests.
Soil microbial diversity decreases in alpine pioneer community degradation, while ecosystem functions initially increase before declining. Fungal communities are more vulnerable to environmental changes than bacterial ones.
Researchers from the University of Oxford challenge the long-held assumption that water temperature determines the efficiency of ocean carbon capture. The study highlights the need for standardized data collection methods and improved monitoring in polar regions to better understand this critical process.
Stanford researchers have developed a practical and low-cost method to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide from the air using common minerals. The new process, known as enhanced weathering, uses heat to transform silicates into materials that capture and store CO2, offering a potentially scalable solution to mitigate global warming.
Recent studies suggest that rising temperatures could disrupt the balance of Earth's climate by increasing plant water loss. In extreme heat, plants may lose too much water to conserve it, limiting photosynthesis and reducing their role as a carbon sink.
Scientists at UMass Amherst accurately quantify coastal carbon storage using satellites, revealing 10 million cars' worth of carbon stored in top meter of soil and an additional 15,000-worth each year. The results are crucial for a resilient, low-carbon future, highlighting the potential for salt marshes to mitigate climate change.
Seagrass meadows promote biodiversity, coastal protection, and water quality improvement while effectively storing carbon dioxide. A new project aims to develop strategies for their conservation and restoration in the Baltic Sea.
A new study found that 34% of the Arctic-boreal zone is now a source of carbon, with fires and microbial activity contributing to emissions. The research provides a comprehensive assessment of carbon fluxes in the region, highlighting the importance of monitoring these processes.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
Researchers analyzed global gross primary productivity trends over 1982-2016, finding a 68% decrease across 68% of the terrestrial surface. The decline is attributed to a reduction in the CO2 fertilization effect, which has negative effects on plant growth due to nutrient deficiencies.
Researchers estimate that human-made products store around 400 million tons of fossil carbon annually, equivalent to 9% of extracted fossil carbon. Recycling and increasing product lifetime can help reduce waste streams, while enacting policies to minimize landfill discharge is crucial.
A Dartmouth-led study suggests using clay to convert CO2 into food for zooplankton, which expel it as carbon-filled feces in the deep sea. This method accelerates the ocean's natural cycle for removing carbon from the atmosphere.
Researchers found that roof greening in all major Chinese cities could potentially create a large carbon sink, with grass planting scenarios showing approximately 52.2 Tg C a−1 emissions offset, equivalent to fully offsetting household emissions. Prioritizing greenery on low-rise roofs can harvest the most carbon sinks, over 90%.
The Antarctic Canyon Experiment (ACE) aims to assess the causes and effects of turbidity currents, also known as underwater avalanches, in the Southern Ocean. Researchers hope to develop a better understanding of Antarctica's role in regulating Earth's climate and mitigating carbon emissions.
A global study using teabags to measure carbon release from soil in wetlands found that warmer temperatures led to increased decay of organic matter, reducing carbon preservation. Freshwater and tidal marshes showed the highest potential for carbon storage.
A new study by the University of Oxford's Department of Physics shows that relying on natural carbon sinks to offset CO2 emissions from fossil fuels will not stop global warming. Governments and corporations are increasingly turning to these natural sinks to meet climate goals, but this approach is flawed.
Researchers found that agricultural practices like planting cover crops and agroforestry could reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as planting new forests by 2050. These methods also enhance agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change, with potential income of up to $235 billion for farmers.
A new study reveals that Antarctic krill can lock away similar levels of carbon as key coastal habitats like seagrasses and mangroves. The research shows that krill store around 20 million tonnes of carbon annually, equivalent to a significant value in terms of carbon storage.
Researchers found that 72% of the AMOC's lower limb is composed of Atlantic waters, highlighting the critical role of Atlantic-Arctic mixing. This process contributes to the AMOC's strength and helps regulate Earth's climate.
A WVU team investigates how different management practices affect Appalachian forest life and carbon sequestration capabilities. Preliminary data reveals changes in species distribution and ecosystem resilience to climate change.