Research on lakes and freshwater. Covers waterborne illness, AI algal-bloom technology, freshwater carbon, and cyanobacteria toxin detection.
The Caspian Sea is projected to lose over a third of its surface area due to accelerating sea level drops, posing significant threats to unique ecosystems and millions of people living near the sea. Researchers urge immediate action to mitigate this problem, which could have devastating consequences like global sea level rise.
A new study uses mobile air quality sensors on light rail trains to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in the Salt Lake Valley. The system provides a highly cost-effective way to cover larger areas and fill gaps in emissions estimates, with results comparable to stationary sensors.
The study explores how independent transitions of marine fish species into different water column habitats result in the recurrent evolution of similar body shapes. This suggests that limited sets of high-fitness solutions exist due to environmental constraints.
Researchers found that low oxygen levels increase methane concentrations by 15 to 800 times, leading to more global warming. The study suggests that preventing low oxygen concentrations could prevent large methane producers.
A new study published in Ecological Applications reveals that Nebraska anglers tend to visit the same seven popular fishing spots consistently, drawn from the same ZIP codes throughout the year. This finding provides valuable insights for natural resource managers seeking to optimize lake management and sustainable fishing experiences.
Researchers from Hokkaido University discovered that marimo develop their characteristic spherical shape due to the rare formation of reproductive cells. The study found low levels of zoospore production, particularly in aggregative forms, which maintains the marimo's shape.
Baikal seals' unique comb-like teeth allow them to expel water while retaining prey during high-speed hunting. Their small size enables a net energy gain from consuming tiny amphipods, which are challenging for other aquatic mammals to eat.
A new study found that frequent peak air pollution exposure was associated with reduced math and English language arts test scores for third graders in Salt Lake County. Chronic exposure also had an impact on test scores, but the effect disappeared when controlling for social disadvantage factors.
A new study finds that mine ponds created by artisanal gold miners have increased the risk of mercury poisoning in Peru's Amazon. The proliferation of these ponds has amplified the environmental and human health risks associated with mercury exposure.
Researchers found that subglacial lakes and rivers release significant amounts of trace elements, exceeding oceanic and riverine concentrations. These findings suggest that ice sheets play a key role in regional nutrient mobilization, with implications for climate change and the global carbon cycle.
Researchers found subglacial waters in Antarctica and Greenland have higher concentrations of essential trace elements, challenging scientists' understanding of the Earth's geochemical processes. These discoveries may significantly impact the development of healthy ecosystems and the ocean waters receiving ice sheet meltwater.
The Rappbode Reservoir in Germany is facing new challenges due to climate change, with projected temperature increases that could lead to significant changes in the reservoir's physical structure. This could result in increased oxygen demand, intensified nutrient dissolution, and algae growth, posing a risk to the drinking water supply.
Researchers studied how icebergs melt and found that their shape affects the rate of melting, with sides facing currents melting faster than parallel sides. This discovery could provide new indicators of climate change by analyzing iceberg shapes.
Researchers developed interventions to increase psychological ownership, making users feel more responsible for public resources. Kayakers who gave a nickname to a lake felt more ownership and were more likely to pick up trash. Participants who saw 'YOUR park' signs also showed increased donations and willingness to volunteer.
Researchers studied a speck of purple pigment from an Egyptian portrait, revealing that it was likely made synthetically and mixed with clay and beeswax. The discovery sheds new light on the cultural significance of ancient portraits and their artistic techniques.
A team of researchers, led by Northern Arizona University and Lowell Observatory, will investigate the behavior of chemical elements in Titan's lakes and seas. They aim to understand how molecules interact and change under extreme conditions, which could inform NASA's Dragonfly mission and our understanding of early Earth.
African elephants in Tanzania show limited gene flow between protected areas, highlighting the importance of preserving wildlife corridors for conservation. The study found that some areas, like Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, were once connected but now have limited genetic exchange.
A 10,000-year record of alpine glacier fluctuations reveals that some Rocky Mountain glaciers persisted as smaller glaciers covered in debris or rocks during periods of early Holocene warming. This challenges the long-held idea that all glaciers completely disappeared during these warm conditions.
A research team from the University of Basel investigated the explosive speciation of cichlid fishes in Lake Tanganyika, discovering three discrete pulse-like stages of rapid morphological evolution. The study also revealed that the most species-rich lineages contain genetically diverse species.
Baikal seals have evolved to consume an abundance of amphipods due to their specialized teeth and foraging strategy. This study reveals the seals' high foraging rates make tiny endemic amphipods a profitable component of their diet.
Researchers have detected a sub-glacial lake bed in northwest Greenland, containing unique fossil and chemical traces of past climates and life. The discovery may hold valuable insights into the glacial, climatological and environmental history of the region.
A team led by Eric Gaidos discovered the mechanism behind glacial lake floods, which are some of the largest on Earth. The researchers found that hydraulic connections between glaciers and lakes can lead to sudden and unpredictable floods.
A large-scale study found Congolese fishermen face declining fish stocks, poor safety conditions, and lack of enforcement, prompting calls for improved regulations and security measures. The researchers conducted 1018 interviews with stakeholders, revealing the need for adapted fisheries management to ensure sustainability.
Researchers discovered that goby fins possess fingertip-like touch sensitivity, allowing fish to detect surface details. The study reveals that the fish's fins are capable of encoding texture patterns, mirroring human primate finger pads.
Researchers studied a 2014 GLOF event in Ladakh, India, to understand the cause of rapid lake level rise. They found that increased glacial melting caused thawing ice cores to drain through subsurface tunnels without spilling over.
Research found that warmer lakes support higher biomass of algal and cyprinid fish communities, while clear-water lakes have decreased quality of primary producers. Despite changes in prey item quality, fish biomass increased in murky lakes due to a shift towards roach-dominated communities.
The new multi-drone imaging system coordinates multiple autonomous drones to produce detailed visual surveys of penguin colonies, reducing survey time from two days to two-and-a-half hours. The system uses a route planning algorithm that prioritizes efficient coverage and maintains a safe distance from the ground.
A study of young cichlid species in Nicaraguan crater lakes found that new species can arise within a few hundred years through the involvement of many genes. This contradicts previous theories suggesting that speciation is a slow process driven by simple genetic changes.
A recent study published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science reveals that the 'Fireball' meteorite, recovered quickly from a frozen lake in Michigan, contains pristine extraterrestrial organic compounds. This discovery provides valuable insights into the origins of life on Earth.
Researchers suggest that a large lake overlying the southern San Andreas fault in California could have affected rupture timing. A 1,000-year record of earthquakes and geological analysis indicate that high water levels on Lake Cahuilla increased stress on the rocks underneath, weakening faults and potentially leading to earlier ruptures.
Researchers found that small tributaries to Lake Michigan play a big role in feeding algae blooms and impacting coastal waters. Small streams often had high nutrient loads and contained higher percentages of soluble reactive phosphorus, making them significant contributors to water quality concerns.
Monitoring of 235 Lake Michigan tributaries reveals that small and abundant tributaries have high nutrient loads, often in dissolved inorganic forms. These plumes can overlap and amplify the impact on water quality, suggesting that small tributaries could be a critical target for eutrophication mitigation.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers reveals that common terns in the Great Lakes region are contaminated with legacy pollutants like PCBs, PBDEs and DDT metabolites. The chemicals were found in birds of all ages, including chicks and adults, as well as emerald shiners, a primary food source for the terns.
A study analyzing silicon isotope composition of diatoms reveals a significant increase in silicon availability in the 20th and 21st centuries. Climate records show an increase in wind strength, which contributes to nutrient upwelling from Lake Baikal's depths.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that both traditional and biodegradable glitters can harm freshwater habitats. The presence of glitter reduced root length and chlorophyll levels in water, indicating a negative impact on phytoplankton and aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers found that human activities since 1940 have increased the risk of acidification in the Murray estuary during droughts. The study uses historical data and geological records to understand the estuary's formation and evolution. Improved management of the Murray-Darling system is crucial for water resource sustainability.
Research finds that increasing feelings of ownership towards a public good enhances stewardship behavior, causing individuals to take direct action to care for the setting. Participants who felt a sense of ownership were more likely to pick up trash or donate money to park maintenance efforts.
A new study from the University of Utah reveals that mixed landscapes, comprising both trees and grass, are the most effective way to cool temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley. Lawns actually outperform trees in reducing daytime and nighttime temperatures by acting as a swamp cooler, while more open areas allow for better heat escape.
Researchers reconstruct Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV) with annual resolution using titanium levels in lake sediment cores. The record indicates the warmest interval occurred within the past decade.
A new study reveals how climate change impacts the fishery of Lake Tanganyika, a major African fishery, and its potential effects on food security for millions of people in eastern Africa. High frequency variability in climate can lead to disruptions in the lake's food web.
A new study reveals that meltwater lakes at glacier margins cause ice to recede much further and faster than glaciers terminating on land. This finding has significant implications for estimates of recession rates and ice mass loss, potentially leading to under-estimates in the coming decades.
Research in Salt Lake City schools found a correlation between poor air quality and increased school absences. Even mild elevations in air pollution were associated with higher absenteeism rates, particularly among elementary students. The study suggests that low-level air pollution can have cumulative effects on health and education.
Hurricane Delta showed enhanced convection near its center, but was obscured by a central dense overcast. The storm strengthened with maximum sustained winds reaching near 105 mph, and NASA provides data to tropical cyclone meteorologists for forecast purposes.
Researchers at UToledo are developing new technologies using native freshwater bacteria to remove microcystin toxins from drinking water. The bacteria can destroy toxins produced during harmful algal blooms at levels exponentially above current exposure guidelines.
A study analyzing nearly 80 years of lake ice data found ice-free years have become more than three times more frequent since 1978, with 11% of lakes experiencing at least one completely ice-free year. Warmer winter temperatures are driving this trend, and the researchers project it will continue due to climate change.
Conservation projects that prioritize land-dwelling species can have a significant impact on freshwater ecosystems, increasing benefits by up to 600%. The research found that targeting both terrestrial and aquatic species simultaneously can lead to substantial gains in freshwater conservation. This approach requires considering the con...
A publicly available water quality database has been created for nearly 12,000 freshwater lakes worldwide, providing insights into lake health and the effects of human activity, climate warming, and land use on water quality. The database can help scientists monitor and manage lake health, informing environmental management decisions.
Researchers have discovered securely dated human footprints in Saudi Arabia, dating back 120,000 years, which provide valuable insights into the Arabian Peninsula's role in human prehistory. The findings suggest that humans and large mammals used the region's landscape in response to dry conditions and diminishing water supplies.
A new study suggests that real-time seismic monitoring could detect glacial lake outburst floods five hours before they reach downstream communities. Researchers reconstructed the 1994 Punakha flood using seismic data, showing promise for a seismology-based early warning system.
A new Great Lakes model has been developed to improve the operational forecast system, providing more accurate predictions of water levels, temperatures, and currents. The model incorporates data assimilation techniques, which combine observational data and numerical model results to produce a more accurate estimate.
A massive pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed over the Creek Fire in California's Sierra National Forest, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its rapid spread. The fire has grown to over 135,000 acres, with hot and dry conditions fueling its expansion.
Researchers detect indigo denim microfibers in wastewater effluent and lakes, with levels estimated at 1 billion per day. Washing jeans less frequently could reduce pollution, but effects on aquatic life are unknown.
Research monitored 30 Chinese lakes between 2008 and 2018, showing increases in total phosphorus and chlorophyll a across 47% and 70% of lakes, respectively. Climate change and internal loading from sediments also pose significant challenges to lake restoration efforts.
Research at the Panama Canal has recorded 11 new marine fish species, replacing freshwater fishes in Lake Gatun. The Suez Canal expansion also led to increased salt levels, allowing more non-native species to enter the Mediterranean.
NASA satellites have been providing forecasters with data on major Hurricane Laura's temperature, rainfall capability, storm structure and extent. Cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit are generating heavy rainfall.
Hurricane Laura is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, with NASA capturing powerful images of the storm from space. The eye of the hurricane was located near latitude 26.4 degrees north and longitude 91.4 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 115 mph.
Brigham-Grette will lecture on her Arctic drilling research, including the longest sediment core ever collected, which provides new knowledge of Arctic climate from 2.2 to 3.6 million years ago. Her work highlights the importance of scientific drilling in understanding natural variability of climate change.
Scientists have discovered an ancient gene family in Chlamydomonas algae that produces glycerol to protect against salt and cold stress in Antarctica. The gene family is necessary and sufficient for glycerol synthesis, suggesting its ancient origin and importance for survival in extreme environments.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that precipitation must have been between 13-520 feet to fill ancient lake beds and river valleys on Mars. This study helps scientists understand the planet's climate and provides a crucial reference for future Mars missions.
Researchers found that lake methane emissions peak between 10am and 4pm, suggesting wind plays a significant role. This discovery reduces estimated global methane emissions from northern lakes by 15%.