Articles tagged with Earth Systems Science
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences quantify the role of climate change in wildfires and air quality, finding that 60-82% of total burned area in western US forests is directly attributable to warming temperatures and drier conditions caused by climate change.
A new study estimates that the Amazon rainforest could lose up to 38% of its area by the end of the 21st century due to land use changes and climate change. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that abrupt transitions from dense forest coverage to savannah-like landscapes pose a significant risk to the ecosystem.
Researchers at the University of Maryland analyzed air samples from College Park, Md., and found that chemical compounds from Canada's historic 2023 fires persisted in the atmosphere, forming an 'atmospheric soup.' The study provides insights into the long-term effects of wildfire smoke on human health and the environment.
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
Researchers found three major vent areas aligned with active fault zones, controlled by the island's tectonic fabric. The discovery establishes Milos as a natural laboratory for studying hydrothermal activity, volcanism, and tectonics.
Over half of global coastal settlements have retreated from the coast over the past 30 years in response to intensifying climate hazards. Coastal regions in Africa and Oceania lead the retreat, while poorer regions often expand shoreline settlements due to economic needs.
Sixty-million-year-old rock samples have revealed how massive amounts of carbon dioxide are stored in piles of lava rubble on the seafloor. This discovery sheds light on the importance of breccia, a geological sponge for carbon in the long-term carbon cycle.
Researchers investigate how adjacent cities exacerbate each other's heat island effects. A study also highlights the need for improved hindcasting infrastructure in climate science. Additionally, a campaign monitors pinned clouds over industrial sources of heat and finds that trees are more reliable against heat stress than buildings.
Researchers found that tropical forests may be less sensitive to climate change than thought. They discovered that dead leaves cool nearby leaves by reflecting more sun energy, reducing heat buildup.
A modelling study suggests that heat stored in the Southern Ocean could be released, causing a rapid warming of the atmosphere. The ocean acts as a large heat reservoir, mitigating atmospheric warming since the Industrial Revolution.
Researchers are studying the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) using deep drilling in Gabon, Africa, to understand the timing and pace of oxygen accumulation. The project aims to provide clues about the changing amount of oxygen in the environment at the time.
Researchers have discovered that sudden shifts in the Southern Westerly Winds 15,000 years ago triggered a massive growth of ancient bogs across the Southern Hemisphere. The study found that the shifting winds created an ideal climate for the swamps to form, and now believe they play a crucial role in regulating carbon stores in peatland.
A team of scientists has uncovered evidence of ancient wildfires during the Early Triassic epoch, about 250 million years ago. The findings suggest that wildfires played a significant role in shaping ecosystems during this time period, contrary to previous assumptions based on a lack of charcoal in the geologic record.
Oceanic islands far from active plate tectonic boundaries contain materials that originate from continents. Researchers propose a new mechanism: 'mantle waves' scraping material from beneath continents, transporting it into the Earth's mantle and feeding volcanic eruptions. This process can occur without mantle plumes.
Tulane researchers discovered that an area of the African tectonic plate, previously thought to be weak, is now resisting deformation due to dehydration 80 million years ago. This process strengthened the plate and made it more resistant to future breakup.
Researchers created a practical tool to assess urban fossil fuel carbon dioxide patterns by analyzing radiocarbon in turfgrasses. The method allows cities to gauge the effectiveness of their emission-curbing initiatives and track progress toward decarbonization goals.
Researchers used airborne radar to map an unexplored region in East Antarctica, discovering a subglacial sedimentary basin. The basal unit, a layer of ice, carried small amounts of material from a mountain range and left behind sediment, forming a novel kind of basin.
The world has reached its first climate tipping point, with warm-water coral reefs passing their thermal limit and widespread dieback taking place. Global warming is set to breach 1.5°C, posing devastating risks for people and nature.
Recent research from the American Meteorological Society reveals a false global heat record, suggests that severe weather events are increasing in frequency, and predicts an expansion of fire-prone areas. The study also examines the impact of cold wakes on tropical cyclone rainfall and finds that they intensify with global warming.
Plant functional diversity varies greatly depending on seasonal cycles and wet-dry periods, according to a new study that analyzed 4,000 satellite images. The researchers used AI algorithms to derive plant traits from the images and calculated quantitative measures of functional diversity.
Researchers found similarities in timing and structure of turbidite layers in cores from both fault systems, suggesting seismic synchronization between Cascadia and San Andreas faults. The study, led by Chris Goldfinger, suggests that earthquakes on one fault could draw down resources across the country.
A new method, pioneered by University of Sydney student Carra Williams, uses neutron computed tomography to identify well-preserved pockets of coral skeleton that can reveal precise timelines of sea-level and climate shifts. The technique has the potential to transform how scientists reconstruct ancient climates.
An international study finds that four central climate components - Greenland Ice Sheet, AMOC, Amazon rainforest, and South American monsoon system - are destabilizing due to rising temperatures. The researchers warn of potential abrupt changes with severe consequences if these systems reach critical thresholds.
Researchers develop novel framework to simulate pyrocumulonimbus clouds, capturing complex interplay between wildfires and atmosphere. The breakthrough enhances scientific understanding of these dangerous storms and their long-term impacts on climate.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that selecting the right data for flood insurance can significantly improve accuracy, speed, and predictability. The type of data used affects not only payout timing but also confidence in anticipating future payouts, influencing program costs.
George Mason University's Ruixin Yang receives $15,000 funding from the International Food Policy Research Institute to develop a welfare and poverty mapping project utilizing satellite-derived data. The project will provide technical support to the spatial analytics team and strengthen geospatial research outputs.
A new study reveals that global warming is accelerating the risk of multi-year droughts leading to extreme water scarcity. The frequency of Day Zero Droughts will increase sharply over the coming decades, affecting 750 million people globally by the end of this century.
A new study estimates that US wildfires could cause up to 70,000 deaths annually by 2050 due to increased smoke pollution. The researchers also found that no community is safe from smoke exposure and estimated economic damages could reach $608 billion annually.
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.
A University of Michigan study reveals that the sudden loss of dinosaurs allowed forests to flourish, stabilizing sediments and creating broad meanders in rivers. This change had a profound impact on landscapes, demonstrating how life can alter its environment through catastrophic events.
Research by Curtin University reveals a striking link between the structure of our galaxy and the evolution of Earth's crust, showing it was shaped by meteorite impacts. Tiny ancient crystals in Earth's crust capture the rhythm of meteorite impacts during solar system passage through Milky Way's spiral arms.
Dr. Tanja Stratmann's project investigates how deep-sea sponges have processed nitrogen since ancient times, influencing their ecosystems and shaping past environmental conditions. The study uses incubation chambers and fossilized sponges to determine the role of sponges in past ocean environments.
A study investigated decadal variability of δ18O in the East Asian monsoon region, revealing a quasi-11-year cycle driven by external solar forcing. Enhanced solar irradiance modulates moisture sources, leading to lower δ18O values across the region.
Global challenges like climate change, nature emergencies, and food security require a nexus approach to tackle multiple problems simultaneously. Practical barriers to implementation include institutional inertia, resource constraints, and governance fragmentation.
Researchers found that strong wave breaking along shorelines produces significant amounts of sea spray aerosols, increasing cloud condensation nuclei and aerosol mass concentration. This can lead to gross overestimations of sea spray aerosols in open oceans using coastal measurements.
The American Meteorological Society honors individuals and organizations with the 2026 Awards and Honors, recognizing their exceptional work in weather, water, and climate research. This year's recipients include scientists awarded prestigious medals for groundbreaking research in atmospheric dynamics, hydrology, and remote sensing.
A new study published in Science Advances predicts a significant increase in supercell thunderstorms across Europe, with the Alpine region and northern side of the Alps expected to see up to 50% more storms. The simulations show that temperature increases of 3 degrees Celsius will concentrate these storms in the region.
A new study by Yale School of Environment scientists highlights the need to reduce deforestation and logging, as these activities cause significant harm to the ecosystem. The Amazon remains surprisingly resilient, but it can recover if humans stop these destructive practices.
A new high-resolution global forest age dataset has revealed that forests are ageing naturally at a slower rate than before, while disturbances such as wildfires and deforestation are causing younger stands to rapidly grow. This study highlights the pivotal role forests play in regulating the Earth's climate.
The State of the Climate report reveals record-high greenhouse gas concentrations, with CO2 levels reaching 422.8 parts per million, a 52% increase from pre-industrial levels. Global temperatures also reached a new high, with annual growth increasing to 2.4 ppm yr−1.
Researchers used a fiber-optic cable to capture calving dynamics across the fjord of a South Greenland glacier, documenting a 'crazy calving multiplier effect' that accelerates glacial mass loss. The data provides a deeper look at the relationship between ice and water, shedding light on the consequences of continued mass loss.
Researchers have developed a novel way to reach the unexplored mesosphere using lightweight flying structures that can float using sunlight. The devices, which were built at Harvard and other institutions, levitated in low-pressure conditions and demonstrated potential for climate sensing and exploration.
A new Stanford-led study maps beaver dams and ponds using high-resolution aerial imagery, aiding managers in prioritizing areas for restoring wetlands and reintroducing beavers. The research reveals key factors influencing beaver dam length and pond area, providing a practical tool for managing habitats and waterways.
Researchers challenge prevailing theory by suggesting subduction and continental crust formation were active in the Hadean period. A new study presents evidence of extensive subduction and continent formation hundreds of millions years earlier than previously believed.
A global analysis using machine learning predicts glacial erosion rates for 180,000 glaciers worldwide, with most experiencing erosion between 0.02-2.68 millimeters per year. The study identifies complex factors influencing erosion, including temperature, water under the glacier and rock type.
Researchers from Yale University have found that adding crushed calcium carbonate to agricultural fields can remove tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while improving crop yields. This natural carbon removal process has the potential to support farm productivity and help mitigate climate change.
Researchers analyzed 20,000 tree-ring records to find that tropical trees grow 2.5% less during droughts, but recover almost completely the following year. Drier regions show greater reductions in growth and increased tree mortality.
Recent research from American Meteorological Society journals predicts a new record for lightning and a decrease in hurricane frequency. Additionally, fire forecasts have been updated to better manage water resources in Colorado's Gunnison River Basin.
A large region of unusually hot rock deep beneath the Appalachian Mountains in the United States could be linked to Greenland and North America splitting apart 80 million years ago. The 'mantle wave' theory suggests that hot, dense rock slowly peels away from the base of tectonic plates after continents break apart.
Tiny droplets of sea spray can affect hurricane intensity, but measuring their concentration and size is challenging. Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas are using lab experiments and simulations to develop a machine learning model that incorporates these factors.
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 new global study reveals unprecedented freshwater loss since 2002, with four continental-scale mega-drying regions in the northern hemisphere. The findings warn of severe consequences for water security, agriculture, and sea level rise.
A team of scientists has developed a high-resolution climate model that simulates global climate change at 9 km atmospheric and 4-25 km oceanic scales. The model demonstrates superior performance compared to lower-resolution models, providing detailed regional insights into future climate conditions.
A study found that declining aerosols are up to 2.5 times more influential than greenhouse gases in driving changes in heatwave occurrence in populated areas. Higher levels of aerosols suppressed heatwave exposure by reflecting the sun's rays, but this trend is now reversing due to clean air policies.
New research claims adding lime to agricultural soils can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than cause emissions. The study, based on over 100 years of data, shows that the addition of acidity is the main driver for CO2 emissions from soils.
A new framework identifies key causes of changes affecting river deltas, including climate change, sea level rise, and human activities. The framework provides a basis for prioritizing timely, locally grounded action to address the complex challenges facing these critical ecosystems.
A new study reveals that forests take 1-2 centuries to shift tree populations in response to climate changes, highlighting the need for human intervention to keep them healthy. Assisted migration, such as planting warmer-climate trees in colder locations, may be an effective tool to aid forest adaptation.
A team of researchers at Harvard University has demonstrated the growth of green algae inside shelters made from bioplastics in Mars-like conditions. The experiments show a closed-loop system that can sustain itself and grow over time, offering a potential solution for sustainable habitats in space.
New research reveals that the collapse of tropical forests during Earth's most catastrophic extinction event led to a prolonged period of high CO2 levels and extreme warming. The study supports the theory that thresholds exist in Earth's climate-carbon system, which can amplify warming when reached.
A new online platform, SMRT-Flames, estimates the health impacts of wildfire smoke and provides fire managers with tools to assess potential smoke exposure. The app uses a Harvard-developed computer model to predict how fires would behave across regions and how smoke would pool and disperse.