Temperate Zones
Articles tagged with Temperate Zones
US forests are locking in major carbon emissions
A new study found that US forests have stored more carbon in the past two decades than at any time in the last century. Natural forces such as temperature, precipitation, and carbon fertilization are among the largest contributors to carbon gains, while human drivers like tree-planting and forest management also play a role.
Bats consume pest insects over intensively managed agricultural areas – if there are sufficient natural habitats nearby
A new study found that common noctules hunt disproportionately often in combination with near-natural habitats to find sufficient prey in intensively farmed landscapes. The bats prefer small remnants of these habitats, such as grasslands and water bodies, which contain higher insect biomass due to lower pesticide use.
Boosting thermoelectric efficiency by 91% with oxygen vacancies
A team of scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a novel approach to enhance thermoelectric efficiency by controlling oxygen vacancies. By precisely controlling the number of oxygen vacancies in materials, they achieved a remarkable 91% improvement in thermoelectric performance.
Europe’s forest plants thrive best in light-rich, semi-open woodlands – kept open by large herbivores
Most native European temperate forest plants prefer high-light conditions, challenging the traditional closed-forest model. This suggests that dense forests only became widespread after humans eliminated large herbivores.
UK peatland fires are supercharging carbon emissions as climate change causes hotter, drier summers
A new study reveals that UK peatland fires are responsible for up to 90% of annual fire-driven carbon emissions, with emissions set to rise by at least 60% if the planet warms by 2°C. Researchers found that rewetting peatlands can help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.
Exploring and mapping the distribution of temperate savanna in the sandy lands of eastern China
Temperate savannas in eastern China have been mapped for the first time, revealing their geographical distribution and extent. The research provides precise information on the spatial characteristics of these ecosystems, supporting conservation and utilization efforts.
Climate change threatens rare temperate rainforests
A new study warns that climate change could lead to the loss of up to 68% of the world's temperate rainforests by 2100, highlighting the urgent need for action. The UK has a quarter of the world's potential for restoration and is resilient to low and medium amounts of future warming.
Drylands: unexpected plant diversity enables adaptation to extreme climates
A recent study reveals unexpected plant diversity in drylands, enabling adaptation to extreme climates. Plants exhibit a wide range of individual strategies to tolerate water scarcity and heat stress, with trait diversity doubling in arid zones compared to temperate regions.
Saturated soils could impact survival of young trees planted to address climate change
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that saturated soils in upland regions could negatively impact the survival rates of young oak saplings and acorns. The research highlights the importance of considering soil conditions when creating temperate rainforests to combat climate change.
AMS Science Preview: “Outdoor days,” lightning, air pollution
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
Out of the shell: Taxonomic classification of a novel snail native to Japan
A new snail species, Xenassiminea nana, native to Japan's temperate zones, has been officially named following a comprehensive examination of its anatomical characters. The study highlights the species' unique traits, including its small size and distinct shell shape.
New Danish study on emission factors for nitrous oxide from synthetic and organic fertilizers
A new Danish study measured nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizer materials in spring barley, finding that commercial fertilizers emit less N2O than previously assumed. Organic fertilizers, including livestock manure and digestates, emitted more N2O on average.
Why are forests turning brown in summer?
Researchers found that exceptional weather conditions over several years are turning European forests brown. Characteristic weather patterns, such as prolonged dry periods and high temperatures, precede these events, with a legacy effect contributing to future low-forest greenness.
The giant faba bean genome decoded
The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, offering insights into its traits such as drought tolerance and protein content. This breakthrough has the potential to improve crop yields and reduce reliance on artificial fertilizers, making faba bean a more attractive crop for sustainable agriculture.
Vitamin D supplementation, development among school-age children in an area with vitamin D deficiency
A randomized clinical trial of 8,800 school-age children with high vitamin D deficiency showed no impact on growth or pubertal development after 3 years of weekly oral vitamin D administration. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with stunting and obesity in children.
Global analysis identifies at-risk forests
Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.
Heeding the heat: Desert regions may better inform the future of global temperate zones driven by climate change
Research suggests that climate change is causing dryland mechanisms to affect temperate regions, leading to changes in vegetation distribution and ecosystem processes. The study predicts that by the end of the century, an estimated 17 million km2 of non-dryland areas will experience average topsoil temperatures above 40°C.
Action needed to avoid mass extinction, say global team of experts
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
Are new corals in Sydney dangerous invaders or harmless refugees?
A new study has found that invasive subtropical corals can survive and thrive in coastal Sydney, raising concerns for existing coral species. The research suggests that warming temperatures could kill off the native corals, highlighting the need to protect Australia's reefs from climate change.
Study supports stronger conservation efforts in Southeast glacial refugia regions
Researchers identified glacial refugia for Campanula americana and found that populations nearest the refugia had highest potential for speciation. This discovery highlights the importance of conserving habitats in Southeastern regions.
Study explores how temperate rainforests can aid the fight against climate change
A new study reveals that temperate rainforests can play a crucial role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon and mitigating flooding. However, the research also shows that natural expansion of these ecosystems is unlikely to meet UK targets due to fragmentation and degradation.
Ocean acidification and warming disrupts fish shoals
Researchers found that ocean acidification and global warming alter fish behavior in groups, affecting their ability to acquire food and evade predators. This disruption could lead to species extinction as tropical fish struggle in new temperate areas.
New study shows plants struggle to keep pace with climate change in human-dominated landscapes
A new global-scale analysis shows that phenological changes are lagging temperature change, especially in human-dominated landscapes. Human activities such as population density and land-use types play a key role in this mismatch.
Climate change will alter functioning of marine microbial communities, study shows
A study found that climate change will alter functioning of marine microbial communities, with plankton at the poles being particularly badly damaged by rising temperatures. In temperate zones, they'll suffer from reduced nutrient flows, while in the tropics, increased salinity will affect them.
Forests of the world in 3D
A study led by the University of Göttingen analyzed global forest structures and found that precipitation patterns drive diversity in these complex ecosystems. The research team created maps showing regional variability in structural complexity, highlighting the importance of water availability for tree species coexistence.
Regional drivers of enhanced CO2 seasonal cycle
A study using atmospheric observations and modeling tools identifies Siberian and temperate ecosystems as primary drivers of the increased amplitude of the atmospheric CO2 seasonal cycle. In contrast, arctic-boreal North American ecosystems have relatively weak localized impacts on this increase.
First fossil nursery of the great white shark discovered
Researchers analyzed 2-5 million year old fossil teeth to reconstruct body size distribution patterns of the great white shark in the past. The discovery reveals a significant nursery area with high percentages of young sharks, indicating that environmental changes can impact population dynamics and evolutionary success.
Forest fragmentation hits wildlife hardest in the tropics
A new study reveals that forest fragmentation has a greater impact on wildlife in tropical regions, where species are less adapted to disturbances. The research suggests that conserving habitat and minimizing edge creation is crucial for preserving biodiversity in these areas.
Individual metering of heating consumption could lead to savings of up to 20 percent
A study by the University of the Basque Country found energy savings of up to 20% in a block of flats with individual metering and charging of heating and hot water. The payback period on investment was about 10 years, making this system manageable.
A new model yields insights into glaciers' retreats and advances
A University of Alaska Fairbanks study reveals that shifting sediments drive the cyclic nature of tidewater glaciers in temperate climates. The model also shows that these glaciers don't need warming periods to trigger their retreats.
NASA's spots Tropical Cyclone Carlos' night-time stretch
Tropical Cyclone Carlos is being stretched out due to the Westerlies, a semi-permanent belt of winds. The storm's elongation was confirmed in an infrared image captured by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite on February 9.
Ottawa confirmed as the biodiversity hotspot for a subfamily of wasps in North America
A study reveals Ottawa as a biodiversity hotspot for Microgastrinae wasps, with 158 species recorded. This surpasses the total number of species found in Canada and Ontario, showcasing the region's unique habitats and diversity.
New research uncovers pattern in global flu outbreaks
A Scripps-led study found a positive association between flu outbreaks and absolute humidity across all latitudes, with a critical temperature window of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Researchers suggest using humidifiers in dry climates and dehumidifiers in tropical regions to control the spread of the virus.
Breeding flexibility helps migratory songbirds adjust to climate warming
A Dartmouth-led study finds that black-throated blue warblers can adjust their breeding time to avoid phenological mismatches caused by climate warming. The birds' flexibility allows them to optimize reproductive success, but this resilience may have limits as warming continues.
A new species of bamboo-feeding plant lice found in Costa Rica
A new species of plant lice, specifically Rhopalosiphum, was found in Costa Rica's high-altitude region Cerro de la Muerte. The study reveals that this newly described species feeds solely on a type of bamboo, Chusquea tomentosa.
Ecosystem, vegetation affect intensity of urban heat island effect
Researchers found urban heat islands to be less intense in arid and semi-arid regions with more vegetation. The study used NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites to assess the impact of urbanization on energy balances at Earth's surface.
Global Environment partners provide additional $20 million to protect endangered habitats
The Global Environment Facility is providing an additional $20 million to protect unique and threatened areas like island ecosystems and temperate forests. This funding will support conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots, home to half of all terrestrial plants and animals.
Outbreak of tropical disease in nontropical area emphasizes need for preparedness and response
A Chikungunya virus outbreak in Italy emphasizes the need for preparedness and response to emerging infectious threats as globalisation increases. The disease was fairly mild in nearly all cases, with only one reported death.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 increases soil carbon
Researchers found that elevated atmospheric CO2 increases soil carbon by 5.6% over a two to nine year period, with comparable increases in Tennessee deciduous forest and Kansas grassland after five to eight years of experimental exposure to elevated CO2.