Manganese plays a surprising role in soil carbon sequestration
A study by Duke University researchers found that manganese stimulates decomposition of soil organic matter and releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Earth Systems Science
Articles tagged with Earth Systems Science
Life Sciences
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New maps help decision-makers factor albedo into tree-planting decisions
A new study by Clark University and partners provides global analysis of tree cover restoration's climate benefits, considering albedo changes. The research identifies locations with greatest climate-cooling potential and tools for practitioners to assess albedo impacts.
UT Arlington grad student earns fellowship from atomic energy agency
Suprina Shrestha, a UT Arlington graduate student, has been awarded the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The fellowship aims to support women in studying nuclear-related subjects and will provide financial assistance for her research in isotope hydrology.
A better handle on the emissions budget for the Paris climate targets
Scientists develop a new method to calculate the total carbon emissions consistent with the Paris climate targets of 1.5°C and 2°C of global warming. The study estimates emissions budgets that are at least 10% larger than previous models, indicating a need for urgent action to reduce emissions.
Shedding light on the intricacies of numerical simulations of soil behavior
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology develop new methodology to accurately simulate soil behavior in rigid state, leveraging MSP method and Bingham fluid biviscosity model. The study highlights the impact of parameters on simulation accuracy and computational costs.
Discovery of faults on Pacific Ocean floor adds new insights to theory of plate tectonics
Researchers have discovered large undersea faults on the Pacific Ocean floor that are pulling the Pacific Plate apart. The newly found faults, some thousands of meters deep and hundreds of kilometers long, are weakening the plate due to immense forces within it.
Did climate change trigger pandemics in antiquity?
Researchers reconstructed temperature and precipitation patterns for 200 BC to 600 AD, finding a link between climate change and three major pandemics. The study used high-resolution regional climate records and glass particle analyses to confirm the causal relationship.
Permafrost alone holds back Arctic rivers — and a lot of carbon
New research reveals permafrost's dominant role in shaping Arctic rivers and storing massive amounts of carbon. Thawing permafrost could unleash billions of tons of CO2, exacerbating climate change.
Geoengineering may slow Greenland ice sheet loss
Researchers found that injecting aerosols into the stratosphere can reduce ice sheet loss by up to 37.6 mm sea-level rise, slowing global warming's effects. However, geoengineering addresses only symptoms, not root causes, and may delay necessary changes.
Oder River crisis: Statistics give a chance to prevent river tragedies
Researchers propose new statistical index to detect river ecosystem changes, potentially preventing tragedies like the Oder River crisis. The developed index is more versatile and responsive to variations in individual parameter values.
New satellite capable of measuring Earth precipitation from space
The FengYun 3G (FY-3G) satellite is a groundbreaking tool for measuring global precipitation, offering high-resolution 3D renditions of falling precipitation. The satellite's data will aid in predicting extreme weather events and inform the development of future precipitation satellites.
Researchers propose paradigm shift with "planetary commons" to safeguard earth's critical systems
A groundbreaking research paper advocates for a more expansive framework called the "Planetary Commons" to effectively safeguard the Earth's critical systems. The proposed framework addresses unprecedented pressure on Earth's regulatory systems and proposes transnational cooperation to secure critical functions for the collective good.
Planetary Commons: Fostering global cooperation to safeguard critical Earth system functions
The Planetary Commons concept aims to establish collective stewardship obligations for nation-states to protect and govern critical biophysical systems. Researchers argue that human activities are pushing the planet beyond its boundaries, requiring a new approach to governance.
AMS 2024 Annual Meeting highlights climate challenges and solutions
The AMS 104th Annual Meeting will focus on climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation, with key discussions on overcoming barriers to implementation. The meeting features numerous scientific conferences and symposia covering topics like climate variability, air pollution meteorology, AI for environmental science, and more.
AMS presidential forum to address “Climate Science as Service to Society”
The American Meteorological Society's Presidential Forum will discuss how to overcome barriers limiting the use of climate science. The event aims to advance society's acceptance and use of climate science, amidst misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
Ancient cities provide key datasets for urban planning, policy and predictions in the Anthropocene
A new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology highlights the importance of ancient cities in understanding contemporary urban challenges. The research provides numerical datasets on road lengths, building types, population sizes, economic output, and environmental impacts to inform urban planning and policy.
More aerosol particles than thought are forming over Siberia
Researchers discovered frequent aerosol particle formation events in Siberia's West Siberian taiga during heatwave conditions. This may have a mitigating cooling effect on the climate. The study aims to inform decision-making and improve understanding of forest-atmosphere interactions.
Groundwater is vital to the health of our planet: A call for greater protection
An international study classifies groundwater as a keystone ecosystem, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining both humanity and biodiversity. The researchers propose eight key themes for improved groundwater conservation to reduce biodiversity loss and counterbalance climate change.
Third Pole environment researchers study the risk of glacial lake Outbursts in the Third Pole
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the Third Pole is vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) due to climate change, with 1,499 lakes at high risk. The research estimates that 190,000 lives are directly exposed to GLOF paths and $55 billion worth of infrastructure is threatened.
Positive tipping points must be triggered to solve climate crisis
A recent study published in One Earth suggests that triggering positive tipping points is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change. The research highlights examples like Norway's rapid transition to electric vehicles as evidence of human systems exhibiting positive tipping points, which can help achieve decarbonisation goals.
American Meteorological Society Announces David J. Stensrud as New President-Elect
David J. Stensrud has been elected as the new President-Elect of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for 2024, serving a one-year term before becoming President in 2025. The AMS Council, comprising five new members, will take office beginning in 2024.
Study reshapes understanding of mass extinction in Late Devonian era
Researchers have long debated the cause of the Late Devonian mass extinction event, with some attributing it to large-scale volcanic eruptions and others to a mass deoxygenation event caused by land plants. A new study now posits that both factors played a role, highlighting the environmental tipping points the planet faces today.
Pivotal moment for humanity as tipping point threats and opportunities accelerate
The report highlights six key recommendations to change course, including coordinated action to trigger positive tipping points. Averting the crisis and doing so equitably must be the core goal of COP28 and ongoing global cooperation.
Why regional differences in global warming are critical
New data analysis reveals that regional temperature patterns are crucial for evaluating climate models, with warmer temperatures in the North Atlantic and a cooler North Atlantic found to be more accurate. This approach provides better insights into the spatial impact of climate change and its effects on ecosystems and human societies.
Landscape dynamics determine the evolution of biodiversity on Earth
A scientific model published in Nature shows a striking correlation between landscape dynamics and the evolution of life on Earth. The study proposes that sediment pulses controlled by past landscapes have played a key role in shaping biodiversity.
Greenland’s glacier retreat rate has doubled over past two decades
A Northwestern University and University of Copenhagen study reveals that Greenland's thousands of peripheral glaciers have rapidly retreated over the past two decades. The research team combined satellite images with historical aerial photographs to document changes in over 1,000 glaciers over a century.
The first assimilation of CryoSat-2 summer observations provides accurate estimates of Arctic sea ice thickness
Scientists have improved estimating Arctic sea ice thickness by assimilating satellite-based summer data. The new approach achieves stronger correlations with independent SIT observations, particularly in areas with strong deformation.
How a climate model can illustrate and explain ice-age climate variability
Researchers used a well-tested climate model to depict changes in natural climate variability during the last peak glacial period. The study found that internal mechanisms, such as variations in salinity and temperature, drove the multi-centennial climate variability, resulting in fluctuations in sea ice extent and Greenland temperatures.
Giant planets cast a deadly pall
New studies show that giant gas planets in nearby star systems can prevent life on smaller, rocky planet neighbors by kicking them out of orbit and wreaking havoc on their climates. Researchers found that four giant planets in the HD 141399 system are likely to destroy the chances for life on Earth-like planets.
The Arctic's past provides a glimpse into the future
Researchers will study past 'greenhouse' periods in the Arctic to understand the impact of an ice-free region on the environment and society. The six-year project aims to quantify changes in sea ice and land ice dynamics, as well as ecosystems, to inform climate projections.
Around the globe, climate adaptation lacks coordination
A recent study reveals that climate adaptation efforts globally are largely isolated and uncoordinated, with a lack of cohesion in task distribution among various actors. Comprehensive, just, and forward-thinking adaptation requires involvement from multiple groups, including governments, organizations, and individuals.
Large swings in past ocean oxygen revealed
Scientists have found evidence of past oxygen loss in the world's oceans during glacial periods, indicating that current climate change may not be permanent. The discovery was made by analyzing seafloor sediments from the past 145,000 years, which showed a build-up of cobalt during the last ice age.
Iron atoms discovered on the move in Earth’s solid inner core
A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that certain groupings of iron atoms in the Earth's inner core are able to move about rapidly, changing their places in a split second. This collective motion could help explain numerous intriguing properties of the inner core and shed light on its role in powering Earth's geodynamo.
Dartmouth study removes human bias from debate over dinosaurs' demise
A new modeling method powered by interconnected processors removed human bias from the debate over dinosaurs' demise. The study suggests that the outpouring of climate-altering gases from the Deccan Traps alone could have been sufficient to trigger global extinction, consistent with volcanic eruptions contributing to the mass extinction.
Weather researchers explore deep convective clouds in coastal cities
A research team led by Yongjie Huang is exploring the complex interactions between convective clouds and their surrounding environments. They aim to understand how convection initiates and how convective cells interact with their environment, ultimately improving computer models for forecasting.
Glaciers becoming smaller and disappearing, PSU inventory finds
A new inventory from Portland State University researchers reveals that some glaciers have disappeared entirely, while others have shrunk to tiny sizes. The loss of these natural regulators has significant impacts on streamflow, drought susceptibility, and sea level rise.
International report confirms record-high greenhouse gases, global sea levels in 2022
The State of the Climate report confirms record highs in greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea levels, and ocean heat content. Scientists from over 60 countries contributed to the annual review, providing a comprehensive update on Earth's climate indicators and notable weather events.
Seismologists use deep learning for improved earthquake forecasting
Researchers have created a new model using deep learning to forecast aftershocks, outperforming the current ETAS model on larger datasets. The Recurrent Earthquake foreCAST (RECAST) model demonstrates better performance and computational efficiency.
American Meteorological Society announces 2024 weather, water, and climate honorees
The American Meteorological Society recognizes Benjamin Santer for his work on climate change detection and attribution. William Kustas receives the Hydrologic Sciences Medal for foundational advances in evapotranspiration measurement and theory. Lixin Wu is awarded the Henry Stommel Research Medal for studies of multi-scale ocean circ...
New research suggests a key role of ice age cycles in early human interbreeding
Scientists discovered that climate shifts during the last 400,000 years influenced the frequency of Neanderthal-Denisovan interbreeding. The researchers found that temperature changes triggered habitat overlaps, leading to increased contact between the two species.
Researchers find global plant water use efficiency stalled due to climate change
New research found that plant water use efficiency has stalled since 2001 due to climate change, contradicting earlier hopes it would help improve water consumption. The study's findings suggest that rising temperatures and atmospheric CO2 may be undermining nature-based methods to achieve carbon neutrality.
Deep cycling of carbon and chlorine were likely flipped in Earth’s early history
Researchers from Macquarie University have found that the Earth's gradual cooling led to a flip in the deep cycling of carbon and chlorine between the surface and interior. Most carbon accumulates into solid carbonate sediments, while chlorine typically returns to the surface as volcanic gases.
Huge tipping events dominated the evolution of the climate system
For the past 66 million years, Earth's climate has been dominated by two significant climate events that marked distinct eras. The analysis reveals a hierarchy of abrupt transitions in climate evolution during the Cenozoic era.
Five ORNL scientists to receive DOE Early Career Research awards
The Department of Energy's Office of Science has selected five Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists for the Early Career Research Program. The awardees include Matthew Brahlek, Jack Cahill, Eugene Dumitrescu, and two additional researchers. Their research focuses on creating new chiral systems, elucidating genes associated with bio...
New method has promise for accurate, efficient soil carbon estimates
Researchers developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon stocks in agricultural fields, reducing the number of samples needed by 30%. The approach uses doubly balanced sampling and accounts for auxiliary information available in elevation maps, satellite images, and previous surveys. By improving soil sampling efficiency, thi...
21st century economic growth will be slower than we thought
A new CU Boulder-led study suggests the global economy will grow slower in the 21st century, leading to a larger income gap between wealthier and poorer nations. Wealthier countries may need to help finance climate change adaptations for lower-income nations, as debt-ceiling crises become more common.
Massive underwater plateau near Solomon Islands is younger and its eruption was more protracted than previously thought, research suggests
New research by Oregon State University suggests the Ontong Java Plateau is younger and its eruption was more protracted than previously believed. The findings contradict long-held assumptions about the formation of the plateau being linked to a global oxygen-depletion event that formed black shale deposits worldwide.
Below the surface: Researchers uncover reasons to rethink how mountains are built
Researchers at Colorado State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how mountains form, revealing that deep Earth processes are the primary drivers of mountain building in subduction zones. By combining novel data sets and techniques with traditional geomorphology measurements, the team generated a long-term ...
Underestimated heat storage
Research estimates that continental landmasses have absorbed 23.8 x 10^21 Joules of heat between 1960 and 2020, with most stored up to 300m deep in the earth. This increase poses risks to ecosystems and food security due to associated warming and changes in water quality.
A just world on a safe planet: First study quantifying Earth System Boundaries
The study assesses and quantifies safety and justice for humanity on Earth, finding that numerous boundaries are already transgressed. The results conclude that a just approach is essential to planetary stability, and setting targets can prevent significant harm.
Extreme precipitation in northeast to increase 52% by the end of the century
A new Dartmouth study projects a 52% increase in extreme precipitation events in the Northeast by the end of the century. The region is expected to experience more frequent heavy rainfall events, with winter and spring contributing most to this projected increase.
Iron-rich rocks unlock new insights into Earth’s planetary history
New research from Rice University suggests that ancient microorganisms helped cause massive volcanic events by facilitating the precipitation of minerals in banded iron formations. The study provides insight into processes that could produce habitable exoplanets and reframes scientists' understanding of Earth's early history.
Oldest architectural plans detail mysterious desert mega structures
Researchers have identified the oldest known true-to-scale construction plans in human history, dating back 8,000 to 9,000 years. The ancient engravings depict so-called desert dragons, kilometre-long megastructures used for trapping animals.
In years after El Niño, global economy loses trillions
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers finds that global economic losses from El Niño can persist for several years after the event, with a significant impact on the world's poorest nations. The study projects total losses of $84 trillion for the 21st century, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Australian bushfires likely contributed to multiyear La Niña
A new study suggests that catastrophic Australian bushfires in 2019-2020 contributed to a rare, three-year La Niña event. The research found that wildfire emissions brightened cloud decks across the Southern Hemisphere, cooling the Tropical Pacific ocean and ultimately shifting climate conditions.
Study presents new clues about the rise of earth’s continents
A study from Smithsonian researchers deepens understanding of Earth's crust by testing and eliminating the garnet hypothesis about why continental crust is lower in iron and more oxidized. The findings suggest that intense heat and pressure cannot produce the necessary conditions for garnet formation, contradicting a popular explanation.
Chinese scientists develop Earth system models with clouds and ocean submesoscale eddies
A team of Chinese scientists developed high-resolution Earth system models incorporating clouds and ocean submesoscale eddies, capturing major weather-climate extremes. The models simulate cross-scale interactions and provide new insights into weather-climate mechanisms.
More frequent hurricanes raise risk to US East and Gulf coasts
Researchers find that changes in wind patterns caused by warmer tropical waters are steering storms closer to the US East and Gulf coasts, increasing risk for residents. The study reveals that this phenomenon is linked to stronger hurricane frequency due to climate change.
Spike in major league home runs tied to climate change
A Dartmouth College study found that more than 500 home runs since 2010 can be attributed to higher-than-average temperatures due to climate change. Rising temperatures could account for 10% or more of home runs by 2100, with some stadiums experiencing significant spikes in home run totals.
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers correlate Arctic warming to extreme winter weather in midlatitude and its future
A study by GIST researchers found that Arctic warming is correlated with severe winters in East Asia and North America. The 'Warm Arctic-Cold Continent' phenomenon will persist but become more difficult to predict under warmer climates.