Articles tagged with Earth Systems Science
A new study on environmental modeling reveals that climate change is only one of many inter-related threats to natural systems supporting human societies. The research argues that incorporating inequality, consumption, and population into climate models would provide a more realistic guide for policymaking and sustainable development.
A new UCI study shows that Canadian glaciers are losing ice at an alarming rate, with surface melt accounting for 90% of the loss since 2005. The researchers found that the Queen Elizabeth Islands' ice cap has been melting by 900 percent annually, contributing to sea level change.
Researchers used oceanographic data to calculate the movement of MH370 debris, finding that the most probable locations for additional washed-up debris are Tanzania and Mozambique. The main wreckage is likely to be in a wide search area between 28°S and 35°S.
Researchers found that lateral groundwater flow uniquely affects plant transpiration, making it up to 30 times greater than evaporation from shallow soil. Including this process in earth system models is crucial as changes in the water table become more common.
A recent climate study found a significant correlation between human activity and enhanced vegetation growth in the Northern Hemisphere. The research, led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, used advanced statistical methods to detect the human 'fingerprint' behind this phenomenon.
A team of scholars argues that the Paris climate target is achievable through controlled implosion of the fossil industry and technological advancements in renewable energy systems. Implementing the target could create worldwide political momentum and limit global sea-level rise to 1.5 meters by 2300.
University of Exeter researchers present world-leading studies on climate tipping points and glacial lake outburst floods, shedding light on early warning signals and their implications for global action. The research aims to provide insights into the social and policy implications of these critical thresholds.
A new study by an international team of scientists confirms that recent record warm years are almost certainly due to human-made climate change. The odds of these extreme temperature records occurring naturally are extremely low, between 1 in 5000 and 1 in 170,000.
A Stanford-led study predicts global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels will drop slightly in 2015 due to a decrease in coal use in China. This slowdown contrasts with rapid growth in emissions before 2014 and highlights the need for action to stabilize CO2 emissions.
A new project aims to incorporate ecological processes into Earth system models to predict the effectiveness of land management practices in mitigating climate change. The project, led by Quinn Thomas, will use field data and a state-of-the-art model to better understand key ecological processes and their impact on climate.
A glacier in northeast Greenland is losing mass at a rate of 5 billion tons per year and breaking up into the North Atlantic Ocean. The glacier's rapid retreat is attributed to ocean warming and decades of increasing air temperatures, which are substantially raising global sea levels.
Scientists have discovered that chemicals widely used as refrigerants can degrade in the atmosphere to form a potent greenhouse gas called carbon tetrafluoride (CF4), lasting up to 50,000 years. This finding highlights the need for understanding the chemistry of compounds used in industry to mitigate long-lived atmospheric effects.
Scientists have discovered a 'bucket brigade' that brings liquid to Titan's north pole, creating lakes and seas. Meanwhile, NASA's Kepler telescope has opened up possibilities for exoplanet studies. Research also explores abrupt shifts in phenology and vegetation productivity under climate extremes.
The article discusses the challenges of watershed science in understanding complex systems and simulating human-nature interactions. Integrated research methods are proposed as a solution, combining approaches from different disciplines, including holism and reductionism.
A new study reveals that humans deliberately caused about a third of floods in southwestern Netherlands between 1500 and 2000. The deliberate flooding was used as a tactic during the Eighty Years' War, with significant changes to the landscape resulting from these inundations.
A stricter federal standard for ozone pollution would require more scientific measurements and models to accurately determine sources of pollution. This is crucial as ozone pollution has multiple sources, some beyond local control, and its effects on human health and the environment are significant.
The study shows that major changes occurred since 1950, with the global economic system now driving change on Earth. Key indicators suggest the Earth System has moved beyond natural variability, entering a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene.
A new planetary dashboard reveals that human activity has become a prime driver of change on Earth since 1950, with indicators showing significant changes in greenhouse gas levels, ocean acidification, and biodiversity deterioration. This research supports the proposal that Earth has entered a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene.
A new study suggests that smart agricultural practices and trade networks enabled the Romans to thrive despite a water-limited environment. However, this stable food supply promoted population growth and urbanization, pushing the Empire closer to its food resources limits.
The CYGNSS mission will determine how a tropical cyclone forms and strengthen, improving hurricane forecasting and tracking. NASA has given a preliminary go-ahead to proceed with instrument development and launch of the hurricane-studying mission's eight microsatellites.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $14.5 million to develop a data and knowledge management system for geosciences, fostering greater data accessibility and research collaboration. The EarthCube framework aims to connect geo-, bio- and cyberscientists to advance the understanding and prediction of the Earth system.
A new study reveals that over 80% of the world's ice-free land is at risk of profound ecosystem transformation by 2100. Up to 86% of natural land ecosystems worldwide could be affected, with changes including boreal forests becoming temperate savannas and rainforests facing dieback.
The CYGNSS hurricane satellite mission has passed NASA's Systems Requirements Review and Key Decision Point-B, moving into the next phase of development. The constellation of eight microsatellites will use GPS signals to measure ocean surface properties and determine how hurricanes form and strengthen.
Climate scientists warn that the likely rate of change over the next century will be 10 times quicker than any climate shift in the past 65 million years. The rapid pace of modern climate change poses a challenge to species, ecosystems, and human societies.
Researchers at University of Southampton propose control system that stabilises environmental conditions when life is affected by and alters its environment. This mechanism has been neglected until now, but could be applicable to various real-world systems.
Researchers used GPS data to measure ground deformation caused by a large underwater earthquake, providing accurate warning of the resulting tsunami in just a few minutes. This method can provide fast, detailed, and accurate tsunami alerts, overcoming limitations of traditional seismological methods.
The University of Maryland will continue its five-year cooperative study with NASA's Earth Sciences Division to study the impacts of the Earth's connected systems on global and regional environments. Research focuses on predicting future impacts, improving drought monitoring, and analyzing satellite observations for ground-level air po...
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory will build the TEMPO instrument, which will monitor major air pollutants across the North American continent hourly. This will enable scientists to improve emission inventories and evaluate effective emission-control strategies.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured a night-time view of New York City, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania, revealing the extent of the power outages caused by Hurricane Sandy's landfall on October 29. The images show areas where power has not been restored, with comparisons to earlier images highlighting the affected regions.
The GSA Annual Meeting technical session 'Geomorphology of the Anthropocene' brings together experts to address human impacts on Earth's systems. Research studies investigate influences such as indigenous culture and dams, with a focus on defining the Anthropocene's temporal and spatial scales.
Researchers suggest governments should prioritize adaption policies to address the negative impact of global warming, rather than focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and modeling the impacts of climate change on Earth surface systems.
CYGNSS will study tropical cyclones' formation and intensification by analyzing ocean surface properties, atmospheric thermodynamics, and radiation. The mission aims to advance hurricane forecasting and tracking methods.
The Inclusive Wealth Indicator combines natural, human, and manufactured capital to assess a country's economic and environmental progress. The first report will feature 20 nations and aims to provide a bi-annual assessment of transition to the green economy.
A group of 32 leading experts argues for immediate and ambitious reforms in global environmental governance to address critical tipping points in the Earth system. The authors propose a new framework for sustainability governance, including the creation of a Sustainable Development Council and upgrades to the UN Environment Program.
A more effective environmental governance system is needed to address increasing natural disasters, food and water security problems, and biodiversity loss. The article suggests creating a UN Sustainable Development Council and upgrading the UN Environment Programme to improve global governance.
The Planet under Pressure conference brings together 2,500 specialists to present scientific knowledge on the planet's state and potential solutions. Public events at science centers and museums worldwide will take place concurrently, giving the public a snapshot of the planet's state and scientific concern.
A new study by scientists from CIRES and NOAA found that gasoline vehicles produce more secondary organic aerosols (SOA) than diesel vehicles in urban environments, contributing 80% or more to SOA concentrations. This finding suggests a decrease in gasoline emissions could significantly reduce SOA concentrations on a global scale.
Michael Mann, renowned climatologist, will receive the Hans Oeschger Medal from the European Geosciences Union. The award recognizes his groundbreaking work on Earth's climate system, including the 'hockey stick' chart and advocacy for climate action.
Researchers at Oregon State University propose a new model that suggests a combination of temperature influence and magma chamber geometry as a potential cause for super-eruptions. The study reveals that cracks in the roof above the magma chamber can trigger collapse and eruption, dwarfing recent volcanic eruptions.
Seven faculty teams will receive grants to tackle various environmental challenges, including coral reefs and groundwater supply. The projects aim to promote global sustainability through interdisciplinary research.
The International Council for Science has identified five Grand Challenges in Earth system science to address global sustainability. These challenges focus on improving forecasting, observing, confining, responding, and innovating to achieve global sustainability.
The Community Earth System Model (CESM) is a powerful new computer software that will be used in the next IPCC assessment to study climate change. With its advanced capabilities, scientists can shed light on critical mysteries of global warming, including ice sheet melting and regional climate patterns.
The Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University has awarded four new Environmental Venture Projects (EVP) grants worth $787,013 over two years. The projects focus on addressing environmental challenges in East Africa and India, including the impact of wildlife loss and climate change on human health and agriculture.
A new book by NASA climatologist Claire Parkinson examines the coming climate crisis, drawing on 4.6 billion years of Earth's climate history. The book highlights the limitations of computer models and warns of unintended consequences of geoengineering, instead advocating for alternative approaches to reduce climate change.
The new Multiple Collector Inductively-Coupled Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) will help researchers interpret the Earth system's history and understand connections in weathering-climate systems. It will enable faster data analysis, expand isotopic techniques to new fields, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Karen Kohfeld's research focuses on paleo-climate and the dust cycle, highlighting its importance in understanding land-atmosphere-climate connections. The symposium will explore how changes in the dust cycle affect the oceans, carbon cycle, and human health.
Scientists analyze data from NASA's Terra satellite to assess the health of Earth's ocean, land, and atmosphere, finding that droughts may have negative effects on ecosystems earlier than thought. The satellite also tracks natural hazards such as flooding, mudslides, and wildfires to help governments respond and mitigate consequences.
Researchers propose nine planetary boundaries, including climate change and biodiversity loss, which have already been crossed or are at risk of being transgressed. The study aims to provide an important element for sustainable development by identifying critical thresholds that humanity must respect.
Nitrous oxide emissions from human activities have surpassed those of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), threatening the ozone layer. The NOAA study found that nitrous oxide will continue to erode the ozone layer for many decades.
The study found that hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) will become an increasingly larger factor in future climate warming if business-as-usual trends continue. By 2050, HFC emissions could contribute 7-12% to climate change, exceeding CO2's current contribution.
The Woods Institute has awarded grants to five faculty research teams to tackle global sustainability challenges. The projects include salmon farming in Chile and farmland irrigation in California, with a focus on developing solutions that can be applied beyond their immediate area of interest.
The article proposes merging NOAA and USGS to create an independent Earth Systems Science Agency (ESSA) to address climate change, freshwater availability, and biodiversity loss. The new agency would have a comprehensive perspective on both environmental and resource systems.
A leading expert challenges the theory that an Indonesian mud volcano was triggered by an earthquake. Professor Richard Davies of Durham University's Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems says drilling operations are more likely to be responsible.
Global environmental change scientists emphasize the need for immediate, collaborative action by governments to ensure sustainable development. The conference statement resolves to mobilize knowledge for action to support society with scientific information needed for sustainable development.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has awarded NASA's Earth Observing System Program the 2006 Space Systems Award. The program, which comprises a series of Earth-observing satellites and an advanced data system, is being recognized for its outstanding achievements in global environmental monitoring.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have won five Department of Energy SciDAC awards to advance fundamental research in climate modeling, fusion energy sciences, and high-performance computing. The $60 million award will support leading-edge simulation computer programs over the next three to five years.
UNH researchers created the most comprehensive global land-use history description to assess impacts on carbon and climate models. The study reveals that 42-68% of the global land surface has undergone substantial changes due to historical land-use practices, affecting carbon sinks and ecosystems.
Scientists highlight Amazon deforestation, West Antarctic Ice Sheet melting, slowdown of North Atlantic Current, ocean acidification, and the impact of land use changes on the planet's functioning. The symposium showcases new research models and a collaborative databank to assess Earth System consequences.
The American Geophysical Union issues a position statement warning that NASA's commitment to innovative Earth and space science programs is under threat due to new financial demands. This could lead to decimated effective programs and degraded capabilities in weather forecasting, search and rescue, and life and property protection.
Michael Prather, a renowned atmospheric scientist from UCI, has been awarded the Jefferson Science Fellowship to provide expertise on environmental issues. He will spend a year in Washington, D.C., advising the US Department of State and discussing science with non-specialists.