Articles tagged with Mountains
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have established the first map of snow microalgae distribution along elevation, revealing different species thrive at varying altitudes. The study aims to answer fundamental questions about these organisms' survival, blooms, and impact on snowmelt.
Researchers in the Zagros Mountains have discovered ancient DNA evidence suggesting goats were domesticated around 8200-7600 BCE, with genetic analysis revealing distinct herds from hunted wild goats. The domestication of goats in this region may represent the earliest known examples of goat herding.
Research at the Laohu and Hasi Mountains in northeastern Tibet Plateau reveals that base level and lithology significantly affect fluvial landform development. Changes in drainage patterns and canyon formation are driven by variations in local base levels and bedrock lithology, leading to positive feedback loops that shape the landscape.
A recent study found that conservation efforts have led to an increase in mountain gorilla population densities, which may raise their risk of infectious diseases. The research also discovered striking geographic differences in parasite infections across the entire range of the mountain gorilla.
Birds and bats avoid habitat swamped with loud whitewater river noise, with overlap between background noise and song frequency predicting bird declines. The study found that increased noise levels lead to decreased bird foraging efficiency and a shift in bat hunting behavior.
Researchers used seismic waves to monitor groundwater dynamics in high mountains, tracking changes in soil saturation and predicting runoff. The study provides valuable insights into the function of the vadose zone as a link between precipitation and groundwater reservoirs.
Since 2009, three local conservation NGOs have worked with international support to reintroduce Griffon Vultures to their former breeding range in Bulgaria. As of December 2020, over 80 individuals have been recorded, including successful breeding pairs and fledged chicks.
The study of Xerocrassa montserratensis reveals new insights into the conservation of this endemic and threatened species. The researchers identified genetic groups in different areas where sub-species had been described, providing a better understanding of the species' population structure.
A study analyzing high-resolution model simulations found that mountainous terrain, particularly the Nanling Mountains in Jiangxi Province, initiates back-building convective lines. This leads to torrential flooding and heavy rainfall within the mei-yu front rainband.
Adult male gorillas emit chest beats with lower peak frequencies for larger males, indicating their body size. This unique sound conveys information on competitive ability, allowing rivals to assess dominance.
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that mountain gorillas use chest beats to convey information about their body size, allowing identification of individuals. The sound frequencies of chest beats made by larger males were significantly lower than those made by smaller males.
Researchers reconstruct the Mesozoic paleogeography of the NE Asian continental margin, revealing a transition from passive to active continental margin settings. Additionally, studies investigate low-δ18O A-type granites in SW China, suggesting interaction between the subducted Paleotethyan slab and the Emeishan mantle plume.
Researchers have identified a new, small-sized chameleon living on the edge of the forest in the Bale Mountains. The species, Trioceros wolfgangboehmei, has distinctive features such as enlarged spiny scales and is part of a larger species complex in Ethiopia.
A new study published in Geology has discovered macroscopic fossils of multiple species of algae that thrived together on the seafloor about 950 million years ago. The discovery provides critical time constraints for eukaryotic evolution and pushes back the time when algae were living in marine environments.
A research team studied glaciers and landforms in the Ethiopian Highlands, finding that tropical mountains cooled less than expected. The team mapped moraine boulders and dated them to determine past glaciations, revealing that glaciers reached their maximum extent between 40,000 and 30,000 years ago.
A 30-year study in Tanzania found that warmer climates slow the population growth rates of tropical birds, particularly those with smaller bodies and lower elevation ranges. Climate effects on insect abundance, predator activity, or fruit timing may also negatively impact bird populations.
The US Intermountain West region experienced four significant earthquake sequences in 2020, with research characterizing the tectonics of the area and gaining insights into fault systems. The focus section papers discuss the Magna, Stanley, Monte Cristo, and Lone Pine earthquakes, providing new knowledge on seismic activity.
A new study by Scripps scientists reveals that mountain snowpack is vulnerable to premature melt due to rising temperatures, with coastal regions and the Arctic being the most at-risk. The research identifies regional variations in snowpack melt and provides a theory explaining why some regions are more susceptible than others.
The SETI Institute has launched the NASA Community College Network (NCCN) to bring NASA subject matter experts, research findings, and educational resources into science classrooms of community colleges. The program aims to amplify NASA's reach into America's community colleges where many students from underserved groups start their hi...
The study found that eight montane hotspots harbor 58% of fern species, with heightened diversity at elevations over 1000m. Ferns' rapid diversification is linked to tropical mountain ecosystems with stable climates.
A study examines nearly 1,000 Instagram posts and finds that most gorilla trekking tourists were close to the animals without face masks on, risking disease transmission. Strengthening tour regulations is crucial to protect these already imperiled great apes from further threats.
A new study reveals that mountain formation was paused for nearly a billion years during Earth's middle age, leading to a decline in crustal thickness and potentially halting life evolution. The prolonged orogenic quiescence may have resulted from the long-lived Nuna-Rodina supercontinent altering the thermal structure of the mantle.
Researchers Gaume and Puzrin investigate the 1959 incident where nine hikers died under unclear circumstances. They propose a mechanical explanation, but point out gaps in the investigation that contradict their theory.
New findings published in Science Advances show that northern Tibetan mountain growth increased rainfall, leading to a stable, wet climate conducive to vast plant and animal diversity. The region's biodiversity hotspot, home to rare species like monkeys, tigers, and seals, relies on this unique climate.
Researchers found that mountain lions expend more calories to navigate human-dominated landscapes, leading to smaller home ranges. This trend is particularly pronounced for males, who must establish larger territories to find mates.
A team of researchers rediscovered a species of mouse thought to be extinct after Mount Pinatubo's devastating eruption 30 years ago. The survey revealed that native rodents were abundant and thriving in the disturbed landscape, contradicting expectations.
The study provides a detailed understanding of the crustal deformation mechanism in the western Qilian Mountains, northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The researchers discovered a decoupled crustal deformation with intra-crustal decollement layers, which reveals the Asian lithospheric mantle being underthrust beneath the region.
Researchers from St Petersburg University have discovered a complex of rocks forming an ancient island arc in the Songkultau Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, dated to around 500 million years ago. The finding provides valuable insights into the geological history of Central Asia and has implications for understanding large ore deposits.
Scientists found two secondary minima in the potential energy landscape of nickel-64, corresponding to oblate and prolate ellipsoidal shapes. The prolate one is deep and well-isolated, leading to a prolonged trapping time, unlike heavy nuclei.
The discovery of 66 new Roman Army sites has provided more insights into the Roman Empire's military presence in the Iberian Peninsula. The analysis of these camps reveals a larger Roman army presence than previously thought during the 200-year battle to conquer the region.
A panel of experts developed guidelines for accurate determination of death in mountain rescue situations, taking into account the challenges of remote environments. Definitive signs of death include dependent lividity, rigor mortis, and decapitation, but absence of vital signs is not definitive.
Speleothems from Swiss Alps reveal a significant difference in temperatures between lower and high altitudes during the Last Interglacial. Temperatures were up to 4 degrees higher at high alpine regions, indicating an altitude-dependent warming effect.
Researchers found that brains work harder to process motion descriptions in unfamiliar languages, a phenomenon known as the P600 effect. This study, published in Neuropsychologia, suggests that language influences how our brains perceive and interpret physical movement.
A new study reveals that natural emissions in the Himalayas can form large amounts of aerosol particles, which are then transported to high altitudes and injected into the upper atmosphere. These particles may affect climate by acting as nuclei for cloud condensation.
Researchers A.M. Celal Sengor and colleagues used geochemistry and structural geology to identify essential mountain-building processes in the Precambrian rock record. The Saharides' formation added 3-5 million km2 of material to the continents, providing a new method for reconstructing complex mountain formations.
Researchers suggest a cluster of Alaskan islands may be part of a single, undiscovered giant volcano, with implications for understanding caldera-forming eruptions and the frequent explosive activity at Mount Cleveland. The proposed caldera would be even larger than Okmok and could have had significant global effects.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that preschool children struggle to recognize scenes when asked to remember only the scene, but can easily distinguish between objects. This bias towards object-focused attention may be linked to early infant development and language acquisition.
A team of oceanographers from the University of Hawaii and colleagues discovered a massive aggregation of fish in the abyssal deep sea, with over 115 cutthroat eels recorded at one time. The finding provides evidence for an abyssal seamount effect, where these mountains can support much higher numbers of animals than surrounding habitats.
Researchers discovered microplastics on Mount Everest, with highest concentrations near Base Camp but also found high-altitude samples below the summit. The study suggests that high-performance outdoor clothing is a major source of pollution.
Researchers found substantial quantities of polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene fibres in snow samples from Mount Everest. The high-altitude discovery suggests microplastics could have been transported from lower altitudes by extreme winds or fragmented during expeditions.
A new study found that violent encounters between social units hindered the growth of a high-density mountain gorilla population. The researchers analyzed five decades of data and discovered that infant mortality resulting from these interactions contributed to a dramatic slowing of the population growth rate.
New research by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and University of Exeter reveals that mountain gorilla groups are more likely to be friendly with each other when they meet again, even if they had split over a decade earlier. This behavior is similar to human friendships and may help the group share limited space and resources.
Research in Colorado's mountain forests found that wildfires accelerate climate-driven species changes by compounding regional warming trends. In contrast, canopy loss due to beetles resulted in slight cooling, suggesting a type of forest resilience.
Researchers discovered that Pluto's mountains are snowcapped with frozen methane, formed at high altitudes where the atmosphere is rich in methane. This finding explains why Pluto's glaciers have craggy ridges unlike Earth's flat ones.
Research by Arizona State University professor Andrew Smith finds that American pikas are adapting well to warm temperatures, with healthy populations across their range. The species is able to tolerate a broader set of habitat conditions than previously understood, coping with heat by retreating to underground habitats.
Researchers used camera traps to monitor wildlife and human trail use in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, finding that wildlife tends to avoid places recently visited by recreational users. The study highlights the need to balance outdoor recreation with potential disruption of ecosystems and loss of species.
A 4-year NSF-funded project will investigate how intermittent streams support both the environment and humans, focusing on hydrology, microbiology, and microbial activity. The project aims to inform policy debates and boost workforce development in data science methods.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that high-severity wildfires in northern California have increased significantly since 1984, with area burned quadrupled during dry and hot years. The research highlights the importance of land-use planning and fuel management to reduce risk.
Researchers from North Carolina State University projected that quaking aspen trees will decline in visibility along three scenic national byways in the Colorado Rockies by 2120 under climate warming scenarios. The study found consistent decreases across all three scenarios, with the greatest declines predicted at lower elevations.
Maggioni's project examines precipitation and its impact on hydroclimatic hazards in the region. Researchers aim to provide new knowledge on changing precipitation patterns and their effects on hydrologic processes.