A new study by the USDA Forest Service-led Pacific Northwest Research Station found that Alaska's Tongass and Chugach National Forests produce an average of 48 million salmon annually, worth approximately $88 million. The forest rivers and lakes support the salmon population through various life stages.
Recent studies have reported dramatic declines in mayfly emergence over major North American waterways, with up to 87.9 billion mayflies observed emerging annually. Deteriorating water quality, including warming water and nutrient-rich runoff, is believed to be the primary cause of these declines.
Researchers used ancient Daphnia samples and modern-day organisms to understand how they cope with eutrophication events. They identified clusters of genes adapted to high phosphorus levels, shedding light on evolutionary responses to environmental change.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that microbes from humic lakes can transform polyethylene into beneficial fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. This discovery suggests that microplastic degradation may be more pronounced in certain environments than previously thought.
A new study finds that certain lakes with high concentrations of phosphate could have supplied the key ingredient for life to emerge on early Earth. The discovery solves a long-standing problem in origin-of-life research and suggests that lakes with carbonate-rich waters may have played a crucial role in creating life.
Researchers estimate that glacier lake outburst floods (GLOF) could reach peak discharges of up to 15,600 cubic meters per second, posing a major threat to rivers and communities in the region. The study highlights the importance of monitoring lake levels and historic outbursts in determining GLOF hazard.
Researchers propose that phosphate-rich lakes can support life due to concentrated phosphates. Carbonate-rich lake environments provide the necessary conditions for biomolecule formation, overcoming a major obstacle to life's origin.
A new study from Brigham Young University found that 90% of urban dust in Utah comes from dry lakebeds, posing a significant threat to air quality and human health. The research suggests that preserving lakes could help lower the amount of dust blown into urban areas.
A new study by the Ausable River Association and Adirondack Watershed Institute reveals that road salt runoff into Mirror Lake prevents natural water turnover, posing a risk to its ecology. The researchers found that high levels of surface-water chloride have created anoxic conditions, limiting habitat availability for native lake trout.
A new study found that megadroughts in the Andes led to widespread deforestation and maize farming in the Laguna de los Cóndores region. However, as climate conditions normalized, forests reclaimed the area, and sediment samples showed an improvement in water quality.
The study of two Siberian blue lakes reveals a similarity in zooplankton species composition to other Western Siberian lakes, with species such as cladocerans and copepods dominating. The concentration of heavy metals exceeds sanitary standards, but is characteristic of the region's aquatic ecosystems.
A new study from Swansea University has found that well-oxygenated lake waters are a significant source of methane emissions to the atmosphere, challenging previous assessments. The research suggests that these emissions could account for over half of surface methane emissions in lakes larger than one square kilometer.
Researchers discovered over 40 new species of cichlid fish in Lake Mweru, formed around one million years ago. The team found that females were more likely to mate with males from different species if their coloration was attractive or light conditions made it difficult for them to see.
Researchers report rapid draining of a lake on the Greenland Ice Sheet, altering ice dynamics. Partial drainage events deliver large volumes of water to the bed in under 5 hours.
Researchers reestimated China's inland waterbodies using satellite images from 1984-2015, finding a 0.2-1.5 times increase in surface area and 0.3-1.5 times higher numbers of larger waterbodies than previous estimates.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed integrated pest management strategies to combat aquatic invasive species, such as quagga and zebra mussels, in California's waterways. The studies focus on using biological control methods, like sunfish, to target early life stages of these pests, reducing harm to people and the environment.
Researchers use drones to observe fracture formation on Greenland Ice Sheet, finding that meltwater causes formation of new fractures and expansion of dormant ones. The study shows how these chain reactions can trigger catastrophic lake drainages, with significant effects on the ice sheet's instability.
New findings published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America extend the history of Teton Fault earthquakes, suggesting multi-section ruptures may have occurred. The study, which analyzed trenches around Leigh Lake, estimates a 10,000-year-old earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 to 7.2.
Researchers found reservoirs on streams and rivers release dissolved phosphorus into water when warm lake water is ideal for algae growth. This leads to toxic algal blooms causing illness and contaminating water supplies. Strategies like adding oxygen or chemicals to reservoirs could help prevent this problem.
Researchers used modern technology to understand how ochre paint was created by hunter-gatherers in North America, revealing a temperature range of 750-850°C. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that individuals deliberately heated an aquatic bacteria to initiate color transformation.
A study found that recreational fishing in Wisconsin's walleye lakes contributes to declining fish stocks, with overharvesting reaching 40% in some areas. The research suggests that fisheries managers should consider production rates instead of abundance alone to set more effective regulations.
Research reveals an invisible world of organic molecules in freshwater ecosystems that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change could increase the diversity of these molecules by 1.5-2.7 times, leading to higher emissions.
A study found that boreal lakes exhibit enhanced chemical and microbial diversity in response to rising organic matter levels, leading to increased decomposition of carbon dioxide and methane. This correlation has significant implications for the global carbon cycle and potential greenhouse gas emissions.
Freshwater plants in lakes with high bicarbonate concentrations have higher photosynthesis yields, altering species richness and composition. This shift is expected to change underwater meadow structure and predator protection for small animals and juvenile fish.
Researchers warn that Africa's Lake Victoria could dry up in the next 500 years due to climate change, posing a significant threat to 40 million people. The lake's water levels are projected to decline rapidly if temperature changes and precipitation patterns shift
The 2019 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored reporters from around the world for their coverage of topics such as killer whales, air quality, and nuclear research facilities. Reporters from The Seattle Times won multiple awards for their in-depth series on Puget Sound's dying orcas.
A new method for locating potential drilling sites covered by water has been presented by an international research team, combining bathymetry measurements with geochemical profiles. This approach allows the distinction between permeable and non-permeable structures, enabling more precise location of promising locations for drilling.
The current US reduction strategy for the Detroit River doesn't address Lake Huron, a major source of phosphorus. The new study suggests that reducing phosphorus loads from the remainder of the watershed by 72% is unrealistic without adjustments to the strategy.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that reduced mercury use in the Great Lakes region has not led to a decline in mercury accumulation in large game fish. Instead, aquatic invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels are forcing fish to seek atypical food sources enriched in mercury.
A study found declining mercury concentrations in lake trout from Lake Michigan, likely due to domestic emissions reductions. However, changes in fish diets and growth rates due to zebra mussel invasions slowed these declines.
A 40-year study of Lake George's deep waters reveals significant increases in salt and nutrients, but at concentrations still too low to cause harm. The findings serve as an early warning for potential impacts on streams, wetlands, and shallow waters, suggesting a shift in research focus.
A study by Masumi Yamamuro and colleagues found that neonicotinoid pesticide use led to a 83% decrease in average springtime zooplankton biomass, causing the collapse of two commercial fisheries on Lake Shinji. The impact was felt throughout the aquatic food chain, with smelt harvests plummeting from 240 tons to 22 tons in just one year.
A new Harvard study identifies the Upper Midwest as ideal for wind turbines and the Great Lakes/Mid-Atlantic region for solar power to achieve maximum benefits. The research, funded by Harvard University's Climate Change Solutions Fund, provides a guide for policymakers, businesses, and utilities on where to deploy renewable energy.
Researchers found increased soil erosion 4,000 years ago coinciding with deforestation and land-use changes. Human practices accelerated global sediment accumulation, affecting ecosystems and climate.
A study analyzing pollen samples and radiocarbon dates found that human land use changes drove global soil erosion rates, starting around 4,000 years ago. In 70% of studied watersheds, land cover change was the main driver of soil erosion.
Researchers discovered significant lead pollution at Kincaid Mounds site due to galena processing and use by Native Americans. Sediment core samples revealed higher lead levels during the pre-Columbian period, tracing back to galena deposits in Missouri and the Upper Mississippi Valley.
A team of scientists, including Texas A&M University researcher Marion Nachon, found that Mars' Gale Crater lake underwent drying episodes, potentially linked to the planet's global drying. The study reveals signs of liquid water and salt ponds similar to those on Earth, particularly in South America's Altiplano region.
A team of scientists will develop high-tech tools to explore cyanobacteria in lakes across the East Coast. The project combines big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics with new techniques for lake sampling to understand where and how cyanobacterial blooms develop.
A global survey of large freshwater lakes found that summer algal blooms are increasing in intensity, harming aquatic life and human activities like agriculture and tourism. Climate change is likely exacerbating the problem, with warmer temperatures hindering recovery efforts in some areas.
A unique study on Gammaracanthus lacustris reveals the amphipod's life cycle and trophic position in deep lakes. The species is a carnivore, feeding on zooplankton and other crustaceans, but its high trophic position makes it a valuable prey for many fish and seals.
A recent study reveals that early hunter-gatherers on opposite sides of North America interacted much sooner than previously believed. Analysis of human remains, stone tools, and a copper band found in an ancient burial pit in Georgia suggests direct trade networks between the Great Lakes region and the coastal southeast United States....
A team of researchers found that Peruvian glaciers have retreated by 30% since 2000, with the rate of retreat accelerating since 2013. The increased melting is linked to El Niño events and has significant implications for water supply, agriculture, and natural hazards.
A new collaborative project aims to address the Great Lakes' seafood trade deficit by promoting sustainable aquaculture. The project, funded by $1 million, will focus on environmentally responsible and science-based initiatives.
A study has mapped over 65,000 supraglacial lakes on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, revealing a more extensive presence than previously thought. The findings suggest that East Antarctica may be more susceptible to the effects of a warming climate.
Researchers at Caltech have discovered a new species of worm, Auanema sp., in Mono Lake, which can survive 500 times the lethal human dose of arsenic. The eight discovered species are diverse and resilient to arsenic-laden conditions, suggesting nematodes may have genetic predispositions for adaptability.
Researchers found a significant decline in top predatory fish populations in Lake Simcoe from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s due to commercial fishing. However, once recreational fishing increased, the number of top predators began to recover, suggesting resilience in the system.
A study of 148 years of fishing records in Lake Simcoe found that commercial fishing led to depletion of high-trophic-level fish, while recreational fishing helped recover trophic levels. Fish stocking and invasive species also impacted the lake's ecosystem.
Researchers have discovered a feedback loop that reinforces atmospheric inversions, locking smoke in valleys and worsening air quality. Understanding this loop enables scientists to predict when fire inversions are likely to occur, aiding firefighters and residents.
On Saturn's moon Titan, nitrogen explosions create craters that fill with liquid methane, forming distinctive lakes. The research suggests a pressurized explosion model as the best explanation for these geological features.
A study by the University of Basel found that global warming can cause lakes to cool at the bottom despite warming at the surface, leading to increased carbon burial and reduced greenhouse gas production. The research suggests that this effect is most pronounced in small and shallow lakes worldwide.
A study led by the University of Arizona found that city design factors such as housing density, lot size, and vegetated land cover significantly impact residential water use. Researchers estimated models for annual and summer water use in four cities, including Austin, Phoenix, Portland, and Salt Lake City.
Researchers at Staffordshire University are using artificial aquatic ecosystems called limnotrons to test plastic degradation and develop a standardized method for identifying the age of plastics. The study will help identify effective mitigation and management strategies for reducing plastic pollution in freshwater systems.
The Lake Ohrid drilling project has provided a unique window into the region's climate history, revealing significant increases in winter precipitation and shedding light on the causes of rain phases. The findings offer valuable data for assessing the effects of climate change and comparing with models.
A new study suggests that returning to more deciduous trees near lakes and protecting waterlogged areas can help reduce the browning of lakes. This approach is aligned with industry visions for sustainable forestry management near water.
Researchers uncover remarkably complete cranium of Australopithecus anamensis, a 3.8-million-year-old early human ancestor. The discovery contradicts long-held notions of human evolution, revealing that Lucy's species and its ancestor coexisted for at least 100,000 years.
Researchers discovered a remarkably complete 3.8-million-year-old cranium of Australopithecus anamensis in Ethiopia, revealing new insights into human evolution. The fossil finds contradict the long-held notion of a linear transition between A. anamensis and its descendant species A. afarensis.
Researchers use integrated exploration tools to detect multiple hydrothermal feed zones in Lake Ngozi, Tanzania, by combining bathymetry, thermal mapping and gas emission measurements. The approach provides spatial information on the location of hydrothermal vents, their abundance and current state of activity.
Researchers used eDNA to survey Japanese and signal crayfish habitats around Lake Akan, finding signal crayfish are widely distributed, potentially threatening native species. eDNA analysis identified presence or absence of aquatic organisms more reliably than conventional methods.
Researchers from NIOO-KNAW suggest a different approach to lake restoration by identifying four types of lakes based on spatial differences. Flushing with clean water may not be effective in all lake types, while reducing nutrient supply is key to permanent recovery.
Ancient DNA data from Roopkund Lake reveals diverse groups of people died at the lake in multiple events around 1000 years apart. The study, published in Nature Communications, found three distinct genetic groups among the skeletons, with ancestries related to present-day India, the eastern Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia.