Articles tagged with Mountains
A new study by Eurac Research confirms negative global trends in mountain areas, with an average decline of 15 days of snow on the ground over 38 years. Snow cover has decreased by 4% globally, with peaks of 20 or more fewer days in Canada's western provinces.
Researchers conducted the Earth Summit Mission 2022 to investigate the interaction mechanisms between westerlies and monsoonal flow near Mt. Qomolangma. They discovered strong glacial wind and vertical momentum exchange between large-scale westerlies and boundary layer in the region.
A recent study in Peru revealed a 50% decline in arthropod biomass following short periods of drought and increased precipitation. Tropical insects are sensitive to both extreme weather events, with rainfall patterns being a key factor in their decline.
Native Australian rodents have been mapped using DNA analysis, providing a clearer picture of their evolutionary history and spread across the Pacific. The study reveals that mountain formation in New Guinea five million years ago triggered the spread of native rodents across the region.
New study reveals that subarctic cave bacterial communities are more diverse and complex than surface soil ones, but climate change poses a significant threat to these unique ecosystems. The scarcity of nutrients in caves drives bacteria to cooperate with each other, which may be affected by global warming.
A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.
A team of scientists used environmental DNA (eDNA) to document the breadth of high-alpine biodiversity on Mt. Everest, identifying organisms from 187 taxonomic orders. The study found surprising presence of domestic dogs and chickens, highlighting human impact on the landscape.
A new study revisits a deadly 2021 ultramarathon event in China, highlighting the need for ultra-high-resolution forecasts in mountainous terrain. The model accurately recreated the storm conditions and offered greater insight into what may have happened that day.
Research shows higher concentrations of pathogenic dust landing at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, carrying fungi and bacteria that can cause crop failures and human respiratory disease. The study highlights the increasing threat of microbe-laden dust as the Earth dries out.
Climate change is intensifying Western US wildfire activity, resulting in taller smoke plumes and more aerosols injected into the atmosphere. The study models 4.6 million smoke plumes and finds that maximum plume height increased by an average of 320 ft per year in four regions, with some areas experiencing a 750 ft per year increase.
A recent study found that the desert climate has extended 60 miles northward in Central Asia since the 1980s due to rising temperatures and dwindling precipitation. The region's high-altitude areas have seen an increase in precipitation, but this is largely in the form of rain rather than snow.
A recent statewide census of California bumble bees found significant declines due to climate change, urbanization, and pesticide use. Despite finding most common species, researchers failed to locate several iconic species, including the Western bumble bee, highlighting urgent need for conservation efforts.
A citizen science project called Snow Spotter analyzed tree-snow interactions to improve predictions of summer water supplies. The study found that snow in Washington's trees becomes 'cemented' and never leaves, while Colorado's trees experience frequent snowfall but dry conditions.
A study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis found that the quality of mistletoe, a traditional Chinese medicine, is affected by its host plant. The researchers used metabolomics to investigate the influence of host plants and environmental factors on mistletoe's medicinal qualities. The results show that both host plants an...
Researchers developed a new theory explaining mountain belt formation, suggesting that internal plate strength limits height and size. Surface processes, including erosion, play a key role in shaping these features.
Research by University of Texas Institute for Geophysics reveals how ancient global warming affected the Gulf of Mexico's marine life and chemistry. The study found that radiolarians thrived in the Gulf due to nutrient-rich river sediments, providing valuable lessons about current climate change.
The discovery of a 164,000- to 131,000-year-old Denisovan tooth in Laos provides significant insights into the species' geographic range. The ancient tooth's shape and similarity to teeth found on the Tibetan Plateau suggest that Denisovans inhabited Southeast Asia, particularly northern Laos.
A new study by University of Nevada, Reno and Desert Research Institute found that three factors – available winter snowfall, snow melt speed, and melting timing – impact critical water supplies. The research team developed a simple framework to help water managers predict timing and amount of streamflow as climate change accelerates.
A team of scientists has developed a solution to accurately simulate how the atmosphere works by linking large- and small-scale simulations. This helps model winds, transport of pollutants, climate projections, and weather forecasts with greater accuracy.
A severe rainstorm over Kauai in April 2018 resulted in $180 million in damage and 532 homes destroyed. The study found that supercell thunderstorms triggered the deluge, which set a new US 24-hour rainfall record of nearly 50 inches.
New PSU research predicts the disappearance of Olympic Peninsula glaciers by 2070, with some remaining as tiny shells. The study highlights the impact of global warming on glacier mass and ecology in the region.
Researchers used vertical sounding data to improve forecasting of Zonda windstorms, a severe weather phenomenon affecting Argentina's agricultural communities. By analyzing atmospheric profiles and applying principal component analysis, they achieved reliable forecasts with up to 24 hours of lead time.
A new study found that mountain streams are signaling climate change through changes in invertebrate populations, which can indicate ecosystem health. The researchers discovered that diversity tends to increase downstream but is lowest near lakes, highlighting the need for protecting these ecosystems from diversions and habitat damage.
Scientists detected a seismic signal indicating a massive landslide triggered by the rapid recession of the West Grenville Glacier in British Columbia. The resulting tsunami devastated forest, salmon spawning habitats, and logging camps, killing hundreds of thousands of fish and potentially affecting bears and eagles.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
Researchers found no evidence that gelada monkeys' hemoglobin provides increased oxygen-carrying capacity, but discovered other physiological adaptations that enable them to thrive at high altitudes. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind human adaptation and potential treatments for diseases associated with high altitude.
Scientists used supercomputers to model plate tectonics and reconstruct dynamics of Pacific plate motion. The study explains the mysterious 60-degree bend in the seamount chain by introducing a new factor: subduction zones in the Russian Far East.
Higher elevation mountain forests are using more water on average during droughts, reducing water availability downstream for cities and wildlife. Researchers found that these forests tend to be located above 3,280 feet and have increased water use due to rising temperatures and changes in tree species composition.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a model to predict the occurrence of red snow events, which are associated with the duration of snow melt and the timing of new snowfall. The study found that snow algae blooms can speed up snow melt as they darken the surface.
Researchers detected 43 trillion miniature plastic particles in Switzerland every year, with estimates suggesting up to 3,000 tonnes of nanoplastics covering the country annually. The study reveals that nanoplastics originate primarily from urban areas and global emissions, posing potential health risks when inhaled.
The Matterhorn oscillates at two frequencies, with movements up to 14 times stronger at the summit than at the foot. Researchers detected these subtle vibrations using seismometers, which are also found in bridges and high-rise buildings, revealing a broader phenomenon.
Researchers have discovered that the Matterhorn sways at a frequency of 0.42 Hertz, oscillating roughly in a north-south direction, with similar frequencies in an east-west direction. The mountain's summit experiences amplified vibrations up to 14 times stronger than the reference station at its base.
Researchers created detailed distribution map of glasswing butterflies, showing highest diversity at high elevations. The study highlights pressing need for conservation efforts in mountainous regions threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
A new study suggests that melting glaciers in the Pacific mountains could produce over 6,000 kilometers of new salmon habitat by 2100. Researchers modeled glacial retreat under different climate change scenarios and found that 315 glaciers could create habitats with conditions suitable for salmon.
A study predicts that 6,150 km of new Pacific salmon habitat will emerge in the Pacific mountains by 2100, with most occurring in Alaska and the transboundary region. This newly formed habitat can support rapid colonization by salmon populations, offering local opportunities for some species but posing challenges under climate change.
A team of Chinese scholars used deep seismic reflection profiling to uncover the fine details of continental collision, solving a decades-long mystery. The study found four key points: northward subduction, a crustal-scale vertical collision, and southward subduction under the Qilian Mountains.
A previously unknown glacial relic, the Alpine rose leaf-miner moth, has been discovered in the Alps. The caterpillars specialize on the rust-red alpine rose, avoiding it like most other moths and butterflies due to its toxicity.
A recent study found that earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in landslide rates in Nepal during the monsoon season. The research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that landscape damage caused by the April 2015 Gorkha earthquake increased landslide risk by six times.
The Mountain Rain or Snow project collects observations of rain, snow, and mixed precipitation from across mountainous regions. Volunteers can submit their own reports via smartphone or computer to improve satellite monitoring and model predictions, leading to better weather forecasts, skiing conditions, and avalanche risk assessments.
The WVCTSI will deploy a mobile clinical trials unit in West Virginia, addressing health disparities and increasing participation in clinical research. The 39-foot Winnebago will provide on-site clinical trials and follow-up visits to rural residents.
Staffordshire University researchers investigate the impact of melting snow and ice on ski tourism. Despite environmental changes, tourists prioritize mountains, scenery, and hiking opportunities, highlighting the need for adaptation and diversification in the industry.
Researchers led by NUS found that climate change is increasing fluvial sediment loads in the high mountains of Asia, with implications for hydropower, food, and environmental security. The study reveals that sediment fluxes could more than double by 2050 under an extreme climate change scenario.
Researchers use handheld devices resembling ray guns to record how plant leaves reflect different wavelengths of light, revealing genetic variation within species. This new method is faster and cheaper than genetic testing, increasing efficiency in mapping and monitoring biodiversity.
Researchers from GFZ and NGRI used seismic data to identify three phases of a catastrophic flood, including rockslide and debris flow. The study found that seismic networks can be used to warn of impending flash floods, with available warning times varying by distance and speed.
Researchers chronicle how Utah ski resort managers are adopting adaptive tactics to cope with decreasing snowpack, shorter seasons and worsening weather. Managers are exploring alternative revenue streams through activities like mountain biking and festivals.
A 15-year study found that the availability of beech nuts can predict bear intrusions into human habitats. The research used numerical modeling and observed beech flowering patterns to forecast bear activity, reducing direct conflicts between humans and bears.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals that hot spot volcanoes do not produce 'pristine' magma from the melting mantle but instead filter a different melt to the surface. This new information supports the notion that detection of magma at the crust-mantle boundary could indicate an upcoming eruption.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine, MAHEC, and community partners will address racial disparities in maternal care by improving data accountability and providing community-based doula support. The study aims to decrease pregnancy complications for Black women and improve outcomes in maternal care.
New models of neutron stars show mountains only a fraction of millimetres high, contradicting previous estimates. The research used computational modelling to study the role of ultra-dense nuclear matter in supporting these tiny mountains.
Forest clearance in Southeast Asia has accelerated, with over 400 million metric tons of carbon released into the atmosphere each year. The region's mountain forests are being cleared at increasingly higher altitudes and on steeper slopes for agricultural intensification, posing a significant threat to biodiversity and climate change.
A new study of Chinese cats reveals the evolutionary uniqueness and premier conservation importance of the elusive Chinese mountain cat, found only in the Tibetan plateau of China. The research resolves taxonomic classification uncertainty and pinpoints the prospects for survival of this endangered species.
Researchers from ITP of Chinese Academy of Sciences use water meters to estimate annual total river runoff for 13 major rivers in the region. The study reveals significant regional variations in river runoff, with higher values found in Indian monsoon domain, and shows climate change impacts on snow and glacial melting.
Research from the University of California, Santa Cruz, shows that regional shelter-in-place orders during the pandemic led to pumas moving into or closer to urban habitats. The study found a strong relationship between declining human mobility and the cats' increased willingness to venture into urban areas.
A genomic study of 51 high-quality samples reveals the Chinese mountain cat is a wildcat subspecies (Felis silvestris bieti) and was not directly involved in feline domestication in China. This finding supports the theory that housecats originated solely from African wildcat domestication, but raises conservation concerns for the species.
Climate warming has diminished the high-elevation flammability barrier, allowing fires to advance uphill in Western mountains. The area burning above 8,200 feet tripled in just over a decade, with rising temperatures extending fire territory to an additional 81,500 square kilometers.
Scientists extracted two deep ice cores over 80m long from Colle Gnifetti, containing information on the climate and environment of ten thousand years ago. The ice cores will be stored in Antarctica for decades and centuries to come, providing valuable data for scientific advances and political decisions.
The 2020 fire season marked a turning point in the history of high-elevation forests in the Rocky Mountains. Researchers found that fires are now burning nearly twice as much area on average compared to the last 2,000 years. This increased frequency and severity pose significant risks for forest resilience and regeneration.
Researchers analyzed 20 years of fire reconstructions and US government records to show a significant increase in burnt area since 1984. High-elevation subalpine forests are experiencing record-high wildfire activity, accounting for 72% of total burnt area since 1984.
The SnowEx team studied snowpack in diverse environments, collecting data on snow depth, density, temperature, and reflectivity. They also tested how well various techniques can measure snow using drones, airplanes, and ground-based remote sensing tools.
A new study predicts massive range declines of African great apes (85-94%) due to climate change, land-use changes, and human population growth. The authors warn that effective conservation strategies require careful planning for protected areas and connectivity between habitats.