Research on lakes and freshwater. Covers waterborne illness, AI algal-bloom technology, freshwater carbon, and cyanobacteria toxin detection.
Recent findings at the Alken Enge site reveal a violent sequel to a major battle fought around Christ's birth, with four pelvic bones found tied together and bundles of desecrated bones uncovered. The remains were gathered, cleaned, and then brutally treated before being cast into a lake.
Forest fires in the Northwest Territories have destroyed over 893,000 hectares of land, with lightning blamed for most fires. The ongoing wildfires are also affecting residents in Yellowknife, prompting residents to stay indoors due to unhealthy air quality.
Contemporary tribes continue to use fire to maintain desired habitat and natural resources. California native cultures burned patches of forest in deliberate sequence to diversify resources, creating a mosaic of different stages of soil and vegetation.
Researchers estimate four to five large earthquakes occurred on the Seattle fault or related faults during the past 3,500 years. The study uses geologic data and new field evidence to reconstruct earthquake patterns in the Puget Lowland, a structurally complex region.
Researchers found that arctic thermokarst lakes switch from a net radiative warming to a net cooling climate effect about 5000 years ago. The lakes' carbon uptake rates are among the highest in the world due to the fertilization of mosses and other plants by thawing permafrost.
A new University of Michigan study simulates the effects of an oil pipeline break in the Straits of Mackinac, finding that oil would quickly contaminate shorelines in both lakes Michigan and Huron. The straits' powerful currents and frequent reversals make it a highly vulnerable location for an oil spill.
The NOAA and its partners predict a significant cyanobacteria bloom in western Lake Erie, expected to be smaller than the 2013 bloom. The forecast uses satellite data, analysis of nutrient flow, and independent models to classify blooms by concentration and spread across the lake's western basin.
Two new fish-spawning reefs will be built in the St. Clair River to boost native species such as lake sturgeon, walleye, and lake whitefish. The $3.5 million project aims to restore habitat by providing river-bottom rock structures suitable for spawning.
A new study by University of Utah Health shows that early surgical follow-up with primary care physicians significantly reduces hospital readmissions for patients undergoing high-risk surgeries. Patients who received post-operative complications had a 20% lower readmission rate when they saw their primary care provider within 30 days.
Researchers used geochemical fingerprints to reconstruct the history of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, finding a history of mobile river systems that built the delta like a 3-D printer. This understanding is crucial for the 150 million people living on the delta, who face regular flooding and erosion.
Scientists observe a mysterious geologic object on Ligeia Mare, the second-largest sea on Saturn's moon Titan, which may be the first observation of dynamic geological processes. The 'Magic Island' is thought to result from changing seasons and could provide insights into Titan's liquid environments.
Research reveals that debris from forests supplements the diets of microscopic zooplankton and fish that feed on them, leading to larger and stronger fish. The study found that areas with more forest cover have fatter fish, while those with less forest cover have smaller and weaker fish.
Researchers discover new permafrost forming around Twelvemile Lake in Alaska, but predict it won't last beyond the end of this century. The formation is attributed to willow shrubs providing shade and cooling the surrounding soil.
Research funded by NH Agricultural Experiment Station indicates lakes in New England are accelerating in their recovery from the past effects of acid rain. Sulfate concentration in rain and snow declined by more than 40% in the 2000s, while nitrate concentration decreased by over 50%.
The Funny River Fire in southern Alaska has been reported as 30% contained, affecting 158,585 acres. The fire is spreading northeast towards Skilak Lake Road, prompting evacuations and closures along the Kenai River.
A Martian volcano, Arsia Mons, may have supported one of the most recent habitable environments on the Red Planet. Researchers found evidence of englacial lakes and volcanic lava flows that could have created a liquid water environment suitable for microbial life. The discovery is significant as it suggests that such environments may h...
The Funny River fire in Alaska has reached 7,000 acres and is spreading along the shore, with no evacuations reported. Crews are working to contain the fire, which is being fueled by low humidity.
A recent study reveals that human activities near Lake Malaŵi are driving a significant increase in urogenital schistosomiasis, a debilitating tropical disease. The research suggests that changes in land use, overfishing, and ecological alterations have created a favorable environment for the spread of the disease.
Researchers predict a large blue-green algae bloom in Lake Erie this summer due to increased precipitation and runoff, posing risks to tourism and fisheries. Additionally, an El Niño is forecasted for the Pacific later this year, leading to a very dry 2015 in Ohio.
Fierce wildfires have engulfed Lake Baikal, ravaging large areas of forest and surrounding croplands due to extreme temperatures and careless handling with fire. The wildfires have burned over 53,644 hectares of land across the region, with the highest rates reported in Trans-Baikal territory.
Researchers have found microbes create an environment that allows stevensite to form, raising new questions about the Martian deposits and their possible links to life on Mars. Microbialites are the earliest large-scale evidence of life on Earth, demonstrating how microscopic organisms join together to build enormous structures.
A comprehensive study of lake water composition reveals its strong connection with environmental factors, such as climate and hydrology. The research found that the chemical diversity of dissolved organic matter in lakes varies significantly depending on these factors.
Researchers develop tools to help land managers and biologists identify areas where fish removal can protect amphibians from climate-induced habitat loss and predation. New hydrologic models and remote-sensing techniques can be used to map wetlands and evaluate the effects of projected climate change.
Over 60 years of citizen science observations detected trends in Midwestern lake water clarity. Lakes further north showed an overall trend toward increasing water clarity, whereas those in the south experienced a decline. These geographical patterns suggest latitude may play a role in water clarity trends.
A 9,000-year-old caribou hunting drive lane has been found beneath Lake Huron, revealing distinct seasonal approaches used by Late Paleoindian/Early Archaic caribou hunters. The complex structure, known as Drop 45 Drive Lane, features stone lanes and blinds that suggest a larger cooperating group of individuals was involved in the hunt.
A University of Utah-led study reveals that a curvy jet stream pattern, bringing mild temperatures to the US West and harsh cold to the East, became more pronounced 4,000 years ago. This pattern may worsen as Earth's climate warms, contributing to extreme winter weather events.
A new study reveals that rapid development of new towns in Asia, Africa, and Latin America exposes low-income workers to natural disasters, diseases, and health risks. The research highlights the need for urban planners to consider the needs of poor communities when designing these cities.
A new analysis by ASU scientist Steve Ruff suggests that Lake Gusev on Mars once held a lake, with evidence of low-temperature surface waters introducing carbonates into rocks. The discovery sheds light on the crater's geological history and potential astrobiological significance.
A study found that catch-and-release angling creates a window of opportunity for brood predators to consume young largemouth bass. After being caught and released, the male takes an average of 30 minutes to return to its nest, allowing predators to quickly exploit the vulnerability.
Researchers from Brown University have assembled a 60,000-year record of rainfall in central Indonesia, showing that the region's normally wet climate was interrupted by a severe dry period during peak ice age. This finding provides crucial data for predicting how the region might respond to global warming.
Scientists at Wayne State University are working to identify a chemical found in algae that may inhibit spawning in invasive zebra and quagga mussels. The research aims to develop an ecological-scale control strategy to disrupt reproduction and reduce mussel populations.
New laboratory experiments reveal that turbidity currents can enter cohesive muddy seabeds without losing their shape. A major earthquake at Lake Vättern, Switzerland, occurred around 11,500 years ago, and high-grade gold mineralization is linked to fault-valve processes in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, discoveries include the Ediaca...
The NASA satellite captured a record-breaking freeze on the Great Lakes, with 80.3% of the lake's surface covered in ice. This is the most extensive ice cover since 1994, and scientists attribute it to persistently low temperatures across the region.
Scientists found a link between climate change and the decline of Indus Civilization's megacities in northwest India 4,100 years ago. A weakening of the summer monsoon led to droughts that coincided with the beginning of the civilization's decline.
A comprehensive study recommends cutting nutrient pollution nearly in half to reduce the size of toxic algae blooms and oxygen-starved regions, or dead zones, in Lake Erie. The report calls for a 46% reduction in phosphorus pollution to shrink Lake Erie's Central Basin hypoxic zone.
The 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics were shaped by the need for a world-class bobsled facility after eight crashes marred practice runs. The site's design, including unique drops and upward slopes, has influenced Sochi's slide, highlighting the Olympic Games' ongoing struggle with safety and environmental concerns.
Researchers have identified carmine lake, a light-sensitive red pigment, used by Renoir in his painting 'Madame Léon Clapisson.' The study also sheds light on Winslow Homer's watercolor and Mary Cassatt's pastel, providing new insights into the techniques of these artistic masters.
Researchers at Grand Valley State University found a link between zebra mussels and increased risk of algae blooms in Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake. The invasive mussels stimulate nutrient releases, while native chironomids increase oxygen levels, making the lakes more prone to toxic blooms.
Research suggests that subarctic lakes are sensitive to changes in snowmelt, with many at risk of drying out due to climate change. Additionally, scientists have found that seafloor sites could potentially store centuries' worth of carbon emissions through industrial-scale carbon capture and storage programs.
A University of Waterloo study finds Arctic lakes froze up later and thawed earlier, resulting in a 24-day shorter winter ice season. Climate change has also caused a significant decrease in lake ice thickness, with some lakes losing up to 38 centimeters of ice.
Experts estimate that hydrologic separation and electric barriers can prevent up to 95-100% and 85-95% of Asian carp introductions, respectively. Physical separation is found to be the most effective method, with a high probability of preventing introduction into Lake Michigan.
Researchers at the Prairie Research Institute found low concentrations of mercury, arsenic, and selenium in bighead and silver carp fillets from the Illinois River. These levels do not pose a health risk to the majority of human consumers, but some individuals may need to limit consumption.
Articles in GSA Bulletin explore the impact of geological processes on rivers and coastlines. Researchers examined river morphology in Oregon, coastal responses to sea-level changes in Brazil, and aditification differentiation in NE Iran, providing insights into the effects of tectonics and environmental changes.
A new study by the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments Center reveals that Great Lakes evaporation is not as simple as previously thought. Evaporation rates in the fall can nearly offset water-level gains from winter ice cover, complicating efforts to forecast Great Lakes water levels.
Researchers discovered bacteria that breathe toxic metals, which could be used to produce industrial products and remove pollutants from wastewater. The bacteria can produce high-quality antimony trioxide crystals without creating byproducts or requiring specialized equipment.
Scientists reveal that Tibetan glaciers are losing mass, with a clear loss of around 16 gigatons per year. However, some glaciers in the central and north-western part of the plateau have grown in mass, contradicting previous data.
A University of British Columbia study challenges the Lake Louise Score Questionnaire's reliability in diagnosing acute mountain sickness. Removing sleep quality from the questionnaire increased its accuracy, suggesting that unnecessary treatments may be administered to some individuals and others may not receive necessary treatment.
Recent studies published in Geophysical Research Letters reveal the potential link between magma chamber inflation and powerful earthquakes at Kilauea Volcano. Additionally, researchers found that seal-borne sensors provide valuable data for studying ocean conditions in the Southern Ocean.
Researchers analyzed detrital zircons from passive margin strata in western North America, revealing variations in ages and Hf isotope compositions that provide insights into the provenance of Cordilleran passive margin strata. Strike-slip faulting along the Wassuk Range of the northern Walker Lane, Nevada, was also studied, providing ...
A study published in Nature found that rivers and streams emit significantly more carbon dioxide than previously thought, with a global rate of 1.8 billion tons per year. This contradicts the long-held assumption that lakes and reservoirs are the primary source of this emission.
Researchers from NASA's Curiosity rover mission found evidence of a calm and fresh-watered lake on Mars that may have supported simple microbial life. The team believes the lake may have lasted for tens or hundreds of thousands of years, providing perfect conditions for chemolithoautotrophs to thrive.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences has selected three individuals as winners of its 2013 Faces of Biology: Broader Impacts Photo Contest. The winning photos showcase the broader impacts of biological sciences, including informing natural resources management and addressing climate change.
Scientists discovered rapid warming in the Eifel region 12,240 years ago and 100 years later in southern Norway. The study uses volcanic ash as a time marker to explain the 120-year difference in timing.
Researchers have identified two subglacial lakes beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet, which could influence global sea level rise and the future of the ice sheet. The lakes are part of an open system connected to the surface, unlike isolated Antarctic lakes, and their existence has significant implications for understanding ice flow speeds.
Researchers found that over half of subarctic lakes show signs of desiccation, with some drying up completely in summer 2013. The decline in meltwater is linked to dry summers and less snowy winters, which could lead to significant ecological consequences.
Researchers are using experimental hydrodynamics to track the source of lethal outbreaks in Great Lakes waterfowl. They have developed a novel way of tracking waterfowl carcasses and performed towing tank experiments to determine drag coefficients, which will help identify locations where waterbirds are likely exposed to botulinum toxin.
The number of diving ducks migrating to Lough Neagh for winter has dropped from 100,000 to less than 21,000 over a decade. The lake's ecosystem has changed dramatically since 2000/01, leading to a decline in insects and snails, which are essential food sources for water birds.
Researchers are using past natural disasters to develop models of potential future events, highlighting the importance of local community resilience. By analyzing geological and social parameters, scientists aim to create a more robust framework for disaster preparedness.
New research shows that rising temperatures could lead to a 1.8-6.5% drop in the annual flow of streams providing water to Salt Lake City, with some creeks and streams drying up weeks earlier in summer and fall. The study's findings can help regional planners make informed decisions on long-term investments and adapt to climate change.
A growing concern is rising algal bloom toxicity due to eutrophication and climate change, impacting aquatic organisms and ecosystem health. Toxic cyanobacteria like Microcystis sp. are becoming more prevalent in nutrient-rich waters, posing a risk to human drinking water safety.