Articles tagged with Earth Systems Science
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A model shows enhanced rock weathering will only leak minimal carbon if its products are stored in the ocean. The technique may help constrain global warming below 1.5ºC or 2ºC by century's end.
A recent study reveals that uneven future warming in the Indian Ocean can cause shifts in monsoon precipitation, with potential impacts on societies and ecosystems. The research identifies key mechanisms driving these changes, including winds and ocean currents.
The Tibetan Plateau's land surface darkening due to global warming affects regional and remote climates in Asia. The study predicts a 6.9% loss in glacier volume and increased monsoon precipitation over South Asia by the end of the century.
Researchers developed a SMART approach to engage with communities in developing real-time early warning systems for floods, combining meteorological data with social factors. This approach aims to improve protection for vulnerable people and properties, particularly in mountainous regions.
The PaleoJump database offers a crucial tool for scientists to study abrupt transitions in the climate system. By analyzing pre-evaluated, relevant high-quality data archives, researchers can gain a clearer understanding of past climate change and its potential tipping points.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that the ocean's ability to absorb CO2 will peak by 2100 and become less efficient after 2300 due to a surface layer of low-alkalinity water. This emergence hinders CO2 absorption, leading to faster warming.
Researchers argue that Earth System Justice is necessary to identify and live within biophysical boundaries. The framework aims to reduce harm to people and nature while ensuring access to resources and minimizing tradeoffs.
A new European Union project aims to significantly improve Earth system models by incorporating more realistic mesoscale eddy representations. This will provide valuable climate information for national and international assessments, contributing to the IPCC's next Assessment Report.
Researchers used nearly half a million fossils to solve a 200-year-old mystery about the distribution of species on Earth. They found that the modern-day diversity gradient may have arisen from the steepening of the latitudinal temperature gradient, promoting more ecological niches in tropical regions.
A recent study suggests that doubling protected lands for biodiversity could lead to substantial regional shifts in land use and potentially fail to protect world's most biodiverse hotspots. The research also found that the land used for growing crops for biofuels could be significantly impacted by the doubling of current protected areas.
Scientists have discovered a connection between Amazon rainforest temperature changes and Tibetan Plateau climate patterns, highlighting the global impact of Earth system tipping elements. The study found a pronounced propagation pathway from South America to Tibet via Southern Africa and the Middle East.
Research warns that ice roads will become unsustainable as the climate warms, threatening remote communities and industry. The thickness of ice needed to support transport trucks varies by region, with some areas experiencing a 90% decline in safe days of ice.
A new study reveals that changing ocean circulation strengthens precipitation patterns in the Indian Ocean, leading to more intense flood events and droughts. The research suggests a mutual amplification of these effects due to global warming and weakened ocean circulation.
Researchers developed a new approach to determine the rate of organic carbon burial in marine sediments, using data from deep-sea drilling sites. This method provides more accurate results than traditional isotope calculations, revealing higher rates of carbon sequestration during warm periods and lower rates during cooling intervals.
A new study finds that global warming overshoots could trigger climate tipping events, even if temperatures are limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The risk of triggering one or more tipping points would still be over 50 percent in such scenarios.
New study reveals marine algae adapt to nutrient-poor ocean conditions, sustaining productivity even in depleted waters. This 'metabolic hack' could impact global ocean productivity and carbon sequestration.
A team of researchers has harmonized calculation methods for CO2 emissions from land use, enabling more accurate evaluation of country targets and supporting the fair distribution of climate mitigation goals. The analysis reconciles land-based mitigation estimates by separating natural and land-use CO2 fluxes at the country level.
The expansion of forests in Central Europe, circa 11,000 years ago, led to the decline and eventual extinction of large Ice Age mammals such as mammoth and bison. The growth of trees deprived these herbivores of their main food source, grass.
Researchers found that oscillations between extreme wetness and aridity in California were closely linked with wildfires during the 8.2-kiloyear event. The study suggests that hydroclimate fluctuations will become more common due to global warming, leading to an increase in wildfire activity.
The study highlights the need to address root causes of biodiversity decline, including inequality, consumption patterns, and unsustainable technologies. A 'nature-and-people-positive' approach is crucial for conservation efforts to be successful and equitable.
Researchers discovered trapped seawater sealed in North American rock for 390 million years, shedding light on ancient oceans' chemistry and potential for storing carbon-free fuel. The study's findings could inform geologic studies and help identify subsurface locations to safely store hydrogen.
A new study finds that achieving access to minimum resources and services for all while safeguarding the Earth system requires redistribution and societal transformations. The research shows that the wealthiest individuals and societies must undergo transformative change to mitigate climate impacts, while the poor are not the primary c...
A new study combining GPS, satellite data, and numerical modelling indicates that existing models have underestimated ice loss from northeast Greenland, which could contribute up to 15.5mm to global sea levels by 2100. The Northeast Greenland Ice Stream's contribution will be six times greater than previously thought.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design show that restoring natural water availability to the Mekong's floodplains is possible through coordination among hydropower producers. By altering dam release decisions and production plans, key components of hydrological variability can be restored, leading to improved ec...
Researchers developed an AI-based model that combines artificial intelligence and weather forecast models to predict extreme wildfire danger with high accuracy. The new method can produce forecasts of extreme fire danger out to one week at finer scales (4km x 4km resolution), increasing its utility for fire suppression and management.
New research from the University of Rochester and others finds that ocean methane hydrate reservoirs in mid-latitude regions will not be released to the atmosphere under warming conditions. This means that ancient methane is being stored safely on the seafloor, reducing concerns about climate change.
Researchers discovered Borgs, DNA packages that supercharge methane-eating microbes' metabolic rate. These genetic elements play a role in balancing atmospheric methane levels by encoding cellular machinery for methane consumption.
A new study suggests that the US economy's supply chains cannot compensate for local production losses from hurricanes if climate change continues. The researchers found that even under moderate warming scenarios, hurricane damages will exceed the economy's coping capacities, leading to indirect economic effects and price increases for...
The Earth System Grid Federation is upgrading its climate projection data system to improve access and curation, with the goal of enabling scientists to make the best guess about the future trajectory of our climate. The new system will provide faster download speeds and enable previously infeasible data analyses.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to optimize climate models, increasing their accuracy and detail. By applying Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to climate simulations, the team was able to improve the models' ability to represent extreme precipitation events.
A new study suggests that Earth's habitability could increase if Jupiter's orbit becomes more eccentric, leading to parts of the surface warming up and becoming habitable for multiple life forms. The researchers also found that this change in Jupiter's orbit could have implications for the search for habitable planets around other stars.
Researchers found that inland water carbon emissions are on the rise, with estimates suggesting 4.4 billion metric tons of carbon are released annually, primarily as carbon dioxide or methane. A new thermal insulation composite made from silica particles also shows promise for improving energy efficiency and reducing moisture damage.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that Australian bushfires contributed to the highest recorded temperature in the lower stratosphere since the early 1990s. The smoke aerosols emitted by the fires led to a significant increase in stratospheric temperatures, with a modelled temperature spike of around 0.65 degrees Celsius.
Researchers led by Cornell University are evaluating the potential of making the stratosphere 'brighter' to cool the Earth. They use geoengineering simulations to assess the impact of injecting sulfate aerosols, a known pollutant, on climate change mitigation strategies.
A special section in BioScience synthesizes insights from 40 years of long-term ecological research, highlighting the diversity of ecosystem responses to climate change. The study demonstrates that regional drivers, human activities, and interactions between climate drivers shape these responses.
Researchers analyzed fossil corals to reveal changed ocean current circulation patterns. The data supports a scenario where the upper Pacific Ocean was more mixed during the last ice age, contributing to carbon storage and cooler climates.
The construction of dams and changes in land use have significantly impacted the amount of sediment rivers carry to oceans. Sediment transport has decreased by 49% globally due to dam construction, while increasing on 36% of rivers in the south, primarily driven by deforestation.
Researchers at UNH found that silvopasture reduced carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions compared to traditional pasture. The study provides a viable alternative for farmers looking to mitigate climate change in temperate regions.
The International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean v2 provides the most detailed seafloor map of the region, with new data covering twice the area of its predecessor. This chart will help scientists better understand ocean currents and climate change.
A SUTD study has uncovered the reservoir filling strategies and operating rules of China's big hydropower dams on the Lancang-Mekong river. The data shows that dam operations remained steady during a severe drought, indicating no need for emergency releases to mitigate its impact.
A 10-year study reveals that mechanical thinning reduces fire behavior metrics without increasing invasive grasses, while prescribed fire leads to more invasive grasses. Researchers hope their findings can inform fuel break construction efforts in the sagebrush steppe ecosystem.
Researchers study the sea-surface microlayer, a biogeochemical reactor where organisms adapt to harsh conditions like UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. The team aims to understand biological, chemical, and physical interactions in this thin layer, influencing global climate.
A new study reveals that global warming will shift the timing of ocean plankton blooms, impacting the marine food web and potentially disrupting the delicate coupling between phytoplankton growth and zooplankton abundance. This change could have severe consequences for high-latitude regions.
A new method for detecting tsunamis using existing GPS satellites has been developed by an international team of researchers. The system can issue warnings within 15 minutes of an earthquake or tsunami, and can be implemented in countries with a sparse GPS network.
Research suggests that expansion of vegetation in the Northern Hemisphere led to a significant warming of global temperatures between 6,000 and 9,000 years ago. The findings align with paleoclimate proxy records and challenge previous models' limitations in accounting for vegetation changes.
Researchers found that flash droughts are happening more quickly, with the fastest ones occurring within five days, affecting areas like South Asia, Southeast Asia, and central North America. The study highlights the importance of understanding and preparing for these events.
Researchers developed an estimation strategy to maximize accuracy while minimizing cost of soil carbon sampling, leveraging publicly available data. The new approach reduces the number of samples needed by up to 28% compared to random selection.
Scientists confirm a brief rise in CO2 emissions before the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), an abrupt global warming event. The study reveals unique insights into how Earth's current climate could respond to continued carbon emissions.
Scientists propose a new mechanism by which oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere, shifting the planet out of its low-oxygen equilibrium. Interactions between certain marine microbes and minerals in ocean sediments may have prevented oxygen consumption, setting off a self-amplifying process.
A mathematical analysis suggests that crossing a climate tipping point can lead to minor, stepwise changes in large, heterogeneous systems, rather than irreversible disasters. This finding challenges the widely-held assumption that tipping points always result in catastrophic consequences.
Researchers at UCI and NASA's JPL found that glacier grounding lines retreated at alarming rates, up to 12 km/year, due to high melt rates of floating ice in the Amundsen Sea Embayment. This process reduces basal resistance, speeding up glacier retreat.
Research from satellite data analysis suggests that three-quarters of the Amazon forest has lost its ability to recover from perturbations since the early 2000s. This loss of resilience increases the risk of dieback and contributes to global warming, highlighting the urgent need for limiting logging and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers propose new dynamic model suggesting thermal energy causes continental plates to drift, but the main driving force is supplied by a gravitational slip of the continental crust and hot mantle upwelling. This model explains why the opening of the Atlantic Ocean is wider in the south than in the middle.
Researchers propose that cognitive activity operating on a planetary scale is necessary to tackle global issues. A mature technosphere involves integrating technological systems with Earth through feedback loops, making it self-maintaining and exhibiting emergent behavior.
A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals Arctic warming causes temperature anomalies and cold damage thousands of kilometers away in East Asia, leading to reduced vegetation growth and smaller harvests. The warmer Arctic winters also trigger extreme winter weather events in the region.
A new Stanford University study reveals that communities near the West's wildland-urban interface are vulnerable to wildfires due to drought-sensitive ecosystems. The research identifies 18 'double-hazard' zones where plant-water sensitivity and atmospheric dryness create high wildfire risks.
Researchers at UNH found that reducing carbon dioxide emissions can preserve almost three weeks of snow cover and below freezing temperatures. This preservation is critical for woodland animals, preventing the spread of invasive pests, and maintaining ski resorts' ability to make snow.
Researchers discovered unexpectedly high concentrations of artificial radionuclides in cryoconite samples from the Blaisen Glacier, linked to Chernobyl and nuclear testing. The presence of organic matter from lemming populations may contribute to higher radioactivity levels.
Researchers use environmental DNA to monitor aquatic species near hydropower facilities, while also developing a novel method for printing full-strength steel components using additive manufacturing. These advancements could lead to more efficient and cost-effective monitoring and renewable energy production.
A new study estimates that there are approximately 73,300 tree species on Earth, with 9,000 yet to be discovered. The majority of these unknown species are rare and endemic to specific regions, particularly South America.