Articles tagged with Deserts
In snowy plover species, females often abandon their broods to mate with new partners, a behavior that may be beneficial for parental reproductive success. The study found that females desert their broods primarily due to poor environmental conditions or when chicks have a good chance of survival without them.
Researchers have detected unusual earthquake sequences in central Utah's Black Rock Desert, highlighting the region's active volcanic system. The quakes were shallower and produced lower-frequency seismic energy than usual, suggesting a different origin than other Utah earthquakes.
A new study found that desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave National Preserve and surrounding areas are more resilient than thought to a respiratory disease. The overall number of infected animals has declined since 2013, but additional ranges with pathogen presence were identified.
A team of paleoclimatologists found that a prolonged megadrought in Arid Central Asia hindered human movement and reduced overland travel between eastern and western Central Asia. This climate shift, lasting 640 years from 5820-5180 BP, isolated agricultural regions and delayed cultural exchange along the proto-Silk Road.
A new study finds that small mammals in the Mojave Desert are more resilient to climate change than birds, due to their ability to escape the sun in underground burrows. This difference is likely due to their lower cooling costs and tendency to be active at night.
A study using drone and Landsat imagery reveals a 33% increase in vegetation cover along the Kuiseb River in the Namib Desert between 1984 and 2019. The research provides new insights into the long-term change in hydrology and ecology of this system, shedding light on how ephemeral rivers in desert landscapes respond to global change.
Researchers discovered that sidewinders' bellies have tiny pits and few spikes, which enhances sidewinding but is not as efficient for forward undulation. The study provides insights into convergent evolution and could lead to improvements in human technology, such as snake robots for search-and-rescue missions.
A team of researchers analyzed sediment cores from the Mediterranean Sea and combined them with Earth system models to reconstruct major environmental changes in North Africa. The study reveals that rivers were active in the region thousands of years ago, driven by slight changes in Earth's orbit and polar ice sheet variations.
A UCI study links pharmacy deserts in Los Angeles County to social determinants of health, such as poverty and crime rates. The study found that communities with limited pharmacy access often have higher rates of Latino and Black residents, lower vehicle ownership, and greater poverty.
Researchers developed new bacterial culture approaches, isolating 254 strains from the Tabernas Desert, including 60% previously unreported and possibly new bacteria species. The study highlights the potential for simple strategies to obtain higher microbial diversity from extreme environments.
Astronomers have estimated the universe's age to be nearly 14 billion years old using data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and the European Space Agency's Planck satellite. The findings match the predictions of the standard model of the universe, resolving a discrepancy that had sparked debate in the astrophysics community.
A new model refines an existing computer model to understand water movement and storage in dry desert soils. The study improves knowledge of solar farm impacts on desert hydrology, useful for soil restoration and flood risk mitigation.
Researchers conducted the first-ever census of creosotes in a 135-square-mile conservation site in Nevada's Mojave Desert, counting over 23 million plants. The study discovered trends about how landscape features influence plant growth, including the impact of slope direction and soil age on creosote volume.
Researchers A.M. Celal Sengor and colleagues used geochemistry and structural geology to identify essential mountain-building processes in the Precambrian rock record. The Saharides' formation added 3-5 million km2 of material to the continents, providing a new method for reconstructing complex mountain formations.
Researchers discovered diverse microbes in Chile's Atacama Desert clay layers, which could indicate the presence of microorganisms on Mars. The study provides a guide for searching for life on the red planet, informing where to look and which instruments to use.
A new study reveals the oldest securely dated evidence for a river flowing through the Thar Desert, dating back to approximately 172 and 140 thousand years ago. This discovery provides valuable insights into human migration patterns and adaptation strategies in the region.
The desert locust's two internal compasses rely on the sun's position and sky polarization patterns. The protocerebral bridge in the central complex encodes 360 degrees of space, enabling navigation based on combined cues from the sky.
Research reveals continuous loess deposition over the past 3.6 million years, indicating a dry climate and desert conditions in midlatitude Asia. Global cooling is linked to this aridity, intensifying westerly winds and enhancing dust production.
Researchers have discovered securely dated human footprints in Saudi Arabia, dating back 120,000 years, which provide valuable insights into the Arabian Peninsula's role in human prehistory. The findings suggest that humans and large mammals used the region's landscape in response to dry conditions and diminishing water supplies.
A new species of freshwater Crustacea, Phallocryptus fahimii, has been identified in the Lut desert in Iran. The discovery highlights the resilience of crustaceans to extreme environments. Found in a small seasonal lake, these animals are adapted to survive for decades in arid conditions.
A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution has found that native desert bighorn sheep populations in landscapes with minimal human disturbance are less likely to be vulnerable to climate change. The researchers analyzed genetic data from over 1,600 individuals across 62 populations in the American Southwest.
Researchers at KAUST propose vast greenhouse complexes using energy-efficient solar panels, air-cooling technologies, and salt-tolerant agriculture to grow food and crops. This concept aims to provide sustainable, local crop growth on a large scale in coastal desert regions.
Researchers uncovered evidence of Negev viticulture's rise from the 4th to 6th centuries CE, driven by Mediterranean trade. The industry declined due to climate change, plague, or sociopolitical changes, with no link to the Islamic conquest.
Research in the Mojave Desert shows that the brittlebush shrub has adapted to increased temperature and aridity by increasing its water use efficiency. Over a 39-year study period, the shrubs' ability to open their stomata was linked to changes in carbon isotopes, revealing a remarkable adjustment to the changing climate.
Researchers found that some desert mosses in the Mojave Desert grow under translucent quartz pebbles, using them as natural sunshades to retain moisture and reduce heat. This unique adaptation allows these mosses to thrive in extremely dry conditions.
A study by UC Davis finds that ground-mounted solar energy development in the Mojave Desert harms native plants, including cacti and Mojave yucca, culturally significant to indigenous tribes. Management options like 'halos' can conserve these species, but developing solar energy on undeveloped lands is more sustainable.
Research reveals subtropical species are winners in future climates due to their ability to adapt to rising temperatures, while temperate species are most vulnerable. The study provides a catalogue of genes that informs about the adaptive capacity to climate change.
Researchers found that music from this period connects individuals to significant people and places in their identity. Half of all musical choices made by Desert Island Discs guests were from this age range, which was previously known as the 'reminiscence bump'.
A study by researchers from the University of Bristol has identified the ancestral origin of tequila bats in Mexico, revealing distinct migratory patterns and breeding habits. The findings support the need for targeted conservation management strategies to protect this Near Threatened species.
Researchers found that crowdsourced information gathered from mobile apps like Yelp can provide a more accurate real-time representation of food deserts in impoverished communities. The study suggests that the methods used by the USDA to identify areas with low access to healthy food are often outdated and narrow in scope.
The B61-12's compatibility with the F-15E was successfully demonstrated through a series of flight tests. The tests showed that the refurbished bomb worked as expected, with precision accuracy and proper functionality, increasing confidence in its reliability. The results meet all requirements for performance and safety.
Researchers at KAUST found that Jeddah's urban heat island effect enhances storm energy and blocks passage, leading to 26% more rainfall. The study suggests improved forecasting capabilities to mitigate damage from severe weather events.
Researchers studied desert soil pores and found they determine water distribution and control a key resource in arid environments. The study's findings suggest that soil texture affects pore formation and reforming after disturbance, highlighting the importance of understanding these soils.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms change the nature of rock they occupy by extracting water, causing a phase transformation. This finding has implications for life support systems and biomanufacturing in extreme environments.
Researchers discovered that desert microbes extract water from rocks by producing biofilms that prompt mineral dissolution. These endolithic microbes have adapted to extremely dry environments, transforming gypsum into anhydrite through a process involving structurally ordered water extraction and phase transformation.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms change the rock's nature by extracting water, causing a phase transformation from gypsum to anhydrite. The organisms use organic acids to penetrate the rock and access water, revealing an innovative survival strategy.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that microorganisms can extract water from minerals, changing the rock's structure and providing a survival strategy. The findings may help develop practical applications for defense and advance our search for life beyond Earth.
Ex-tropical cyclone Esther's remnant clouds and storms are being tracked by NASA's Aqua satellite over the Barkly Region of Australia's Northern Territory. The region has experienced widespread rainfall totals of 50 to 150 mm, leading to localized flooding and areas of inundation.
Ex-tropical cyclone Esther has moved over Northern Territory, generating a flood watch and widespread rainfall totals. Satellite imagery provided by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite shows the remnants of the storm have blanketed the region.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Esther has turned back into Western Australia, bringing heavy rainfall and flood warnings to the region. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Flood Watch for several areas, with widespread daily totals of 50-80 mm expected, and isolated falls of up to 150 mm possible.
A team of engineers at Johns Hopkins University has developed a snake robot that can nimbly climb large steps using movement inspiration from snakes. The robot's suspension system allows it to maintain stability and climb up to 38% of its body length with a high success rate.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that sand dunes interact with and repel each other as they move, with turbulent swirls controlling the distance between them. The study used a unique experimental facility to observe long-term behavior, challenging existing theories on dune interaction.
Researchers have discovered that the nanotexture of rattlesnake scales allows water to be absorbed through beads that coalesce and stick to the surface. This adaptation enables the snakes to harvest rainwater, which is essential for their survival in desert environments with infrequent rainfall.
Research suggests that high-latitude vegetation growth can impede the spread of midlatitude deserts by altering regional energy balances. The study found significant retreat of southern midlatitude desert boundaries and expansion of polar ice belts and low-latitude vegetation zones.
A rare earth element deposit has been identified in the Mountain Pass region of the eastern Mojave Desert, USA. The deposit is believed to be magmatic carbonatite and spans a significant subsurface extent, according to a recent study published in Geosphere.
A Yale University analysis found that online grocery delivery systems cover 90% of food deserts, increasing access to nutritious food for low-income communities. The study suggests that online shopping can reduce obesity and improve health outcomes by providing essential nutrients and promoting better eating habits.
Researchers develop biomimetic fog-gathering technologies inspired by Namib desert beetles, which can increase collector efficiency and provide additional freshwater harvesting opportunities. The technology aims to collect fog in coastal areas with little precipitation, making it a reliable water source.
A study reveals a correlation between precession and Atacama rainfall, suggesting that precession reconfigures southern hemisphere westerlies differently. Model simulations replicate this relationship, which may impact global ocean circulation patterns.
A $1.2 million NSF-funded study led by Texas A&M University is exploring the use of virtual reality training simulators to train workers for extreme environments. The researchers aim to create a framework for scenario-based simulations and games that utilize virtual reality, eye tracking, and brain wave data.
Researchers have discovered that Saharan silver ants can reach speeds of up to 0.855m/s, making them the fastest ants ever recorded. The team found that the ants' unique footwork, including a gallop-like movement and coordinated leg swings, allows them to navigate their desert habitat efficiently.
A team of plant scientists has launched a major project to enhance global date palm production and protection. By sequencing the genome of the ajwa date palm, researchers hope to develop methods for rapid sex determination and improve the trees' ability to resist pathogens and pests.
A team of researchers from the University of Delaware examined the age, origin, and sustainability of fossil aquifers in the Mega Aquifer System (MAS) in the Arabian Peninsula. They used a combination of geochemical analysis, satellite data, and field investigations to determine the quality and age of the water.
A study by Arizona State University found that urban agriculture can meet 90% of Phoenix's current annual fresh produce consumption. The city could also increase green space by 17% and reduce CO2 emissions by displacing energy use equivalent to 6,000 homes.
A study found that climate-driven extinctions in Mojave Desert birds may be linked to increased water requirements, particularly for insectivorous and carnivorous species. Climate forecasts predict a 50-78% increase in water needs for Mojave birds, making species declines more likely.
A new study from UC Berkeley finds that hotter temperatures in the desert are causing birds to need more water to cool off, exacerbating a decline in species populations. Larger birds and those with insect or animal diets are most threatened by this heat stress.
Researchers found layers of ancient African dust in volcanic rocks and dune sands on Canary Islands, dating back to 4.8-2.8 million years ago. The findings agree with deep-sea sediments and suggest the Sahara Desert has taken breaks, with wetter periods interspersed with arid times.
A Tel Aviv University study finds the kingdom of Edom flourished in the Arava Desert during the 12th-11th centuries BCE, with expert analysis revealing a copper 'high-tech network' led by an affluent society. The researchers attribute the sudden improvement in copper production to Pharaoh Shoshenq I's military campaign.
Scientists analyzed nearly five decades of data on over 5,800 saguaros to predict how the desert species will fare in hotter climates. They found that small variations in topography can buffer saguaro populations from harsh conditions.
A new study published in Geology has determined the ages of Navajo Sandstone deposits, providing a timeline of desertification that occurred during the Early Jurassic. The findings show that parts of eastern Utah's Navajo desert are much older than previously thought, and that the giant sand sea had a wetter climate at times.
Researchers modelled desert plantations in Israel and Oman, finding they can initiate convection and enhance rainfall. The Global Feedback Index suggests suitable desert environments for this precipitation enhancement method.