Articles tagged with Earth Observations
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new system classifies atmospheres of distant planets to identify those suitable for future human habitation, without physically visiting them. The research study found that planet TRAPPIST-1e has a significantly more sensitive atmosphere than Earth, which could lead to extreme climate changes.
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.
A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.
Researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to pinpoint high-priority areas for deforestation action, reducing the target area by 160,000 km². The study reveals that only 37% of the last three years' deforestation rate was covered by official monitoring in the 11 municipalities.
Researchers from the University of Zurich and University of Montréal developed a method to assess plant biodiversity across ecosystems using satellite imaging spectrometry. The study found that spectral diversity calculations can capture differences in plant community composition across all ecosystems studied, allowing for targeted fie...
Researchers used an ant-tracking method to estimate snow depth and found that it was approximately half the average distance a photon traveled inside the snow. This technique can help predict changes in sea ice thickness and glaciers, crucial for water resource management and climate modeling.
A Rutgers engineer has developed a faster and cheaper way to recover cloud-covered earth surface using a recommendation algorithm inspired by Netflix and Amazon. The algorithm, called Funk-SVD, is more accurate than conventional data-filling tools in predicting coastal landscapes.
Deforestation in Indigenous lands, particularly in Apyterewa Territory, poses a significant threat to Brazil's ability to meet its international climate change mitigation targets. The Brazilian government must take effective action to enforce environmental laws and protect the Amazon region.
A new study of rocks from nearly 2 miles under the surface suggests that the San Andreas fault's central section has hosted many major earthquakes, including some that could have been fairly recent. The researchers found altered compositions in sedimentary rock, indicating more than 100 quakes with potential magnitudes over 6.9.
A recent study by a UT graduate student has unraveled the enigma of how tectonic plates break Earth's rock-hard shell. By monitoring seismic images and matching them with rock samples, the researcher found that a small break in the Australian plate grew over millions of years until it unzipped and set in motion a runaway geologic process.
Geosapiens receives major funding from the Canadian Space Agency to develop innovative approaches to flood mapping. The project aims to integrate satellite imagery data for real-time flood zone identification and risk assessment.
A team of scientists successfully visualized the propagation path of electromagnetic waves from space to ground, revealing a 'straw-shaped' pathway. The study used data from multiple spacecraft and ground-based observatories to clarify the origin and spatial extent of these waves.
A team of researchers has developed a deep-learning model that can count the number of seals in aerial photos considerably faster than manual identification, allowing for more efficient ecological surveys. The new approach eliminates the need for labeling individual animals and can be applied to various types of objects or animals.
Researchers from NTU Singapore found significant increases in pollutant emissions at major international seaports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emissions rose by over 100% in some ports, with container ships and dry bulk carriers experiencing the largest spikes.
A new study warns that the Arctic Ocean's 'Last Ice Area,' a region where summer ice traditionally persists, may not survive the century. The study predicts that under high-emissions scenarios, summer ice will disappear by 2100, displacing creatures such as seals and polar bears.
Researchers found a significant drop in Earth's albedo over the past two decades, primarily caused by reduced bright clouds in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This decrease in reflectivity allows more solar energy to be captured by the climate system, contributing to potential global warming.
Researchers have discovered a uniquely shaped hot spot on a baby star 450 million light-years away, providing new clues about the formation of our solar system. The discovery confirms accretion models and sheds light on how young stars grow.
Researchers uncover how seamounts lubricate tectonic plates, preventing large earthquakes. The study suggests a key difference in the northern and southern parts of the Hikurangi Margin, which contributes to the region's high earthquake activity.
The EU is funding a 15 million euro project to develop an integrated 'pan-Arctic Observing System of Systems' (pan-AOSS) via international collaboration. The project aims to improve the situation by expanding and coordinating Arctic Earth observation capacity, including measurements from Indigenous communities.
Fengyun satellite data is available for real-time users, scientific researchers, and public users, with over 10TB of daily data volume produced daily. The data has been validated with in-situ observations and cross-referenced with other well-known satellite products.
A new study has revealed high levels of air pollution in Kinshasa and Brazzaville, two major cities in sub-Saharan Africa. PM2.5 concentrations were found to be more than four times higher than World Health Organization guidelines, posing significant health risks.
Researchers explore incorporating Earth observation data into flood forecast-based early action to reduce disaster risk and losses. The study identifies opportunities for using EO data in FbA, focusing on predefined triggers and impact-based forecasting.
A study found dinosaurs' dispersal coincides with a significant drop in atmospheric CO2 levels around 214 million years ago. This suggests prior climatic barriers prevented their expansion into the Northern Hemisphere for 15 million years.
A new study suggests that a 15-million-year journey was aided by a drop in atmospheric CO2 levels around 214 million years ago. The lower CO2 may have reduced climatic barriers, making it easier for sauropodomorph dinosaurs to migrate from Argentina and Brazil to Greenland.
Researchers use dust in deep sea sediments to track ancient wind patterns, finding evidence that atmospheric circulation will change with climate warming. The study suggests the westerlies may continue to migrate poleward as temperatures rise.
The GOSAT-2 satellite has revealed unprecedented global concentrations of CO2, CH4, and CO. The full physics method used for the retrieval results shows column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of these three gas species. The data show high CO concentrations in regions with fossil fuel use and forest fires.
The University of Helsinki is leading a €1.2 million project to develop next-generation miniaturised hyperspectral imagers for autonomous Earth and planetary observation. The project aims to reduce the costs of space operations by combining compact sensors, advanced algorithms, and CubeSat platforms.
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.
Researchers observed two distinct seismic discontinuities in the mantle transition zone, representing the upper and lower boundaries of a subducted Pacific high-velocity slab. The study suggests a compositionally layered slab with high-water contents beneath the slab, challenging existing knowledge on slab interfaces.
An international team of researchers estimated China's carbon mitigation efforts, revealing the country reabsorbs 45% of its annual human-made CO2 emissions through forest growth. The study used newly available data and independent satellite measurements to corroborate findings.
A new study finds that massive volcanism sent great waves of carbon into the oceans thousands of years ago, but human emissions are now three to eight times faster. The consequences for life on land and in the water could be catastrophic.
The study evaluates the performance of FY-3D's instruments, showing improved data quality and reduced forecast errors by 0.1% on average. The assimilation of FY-3D microwave observations enhances global weather forecasting, climate prediction, and resilience to extreme weather events.
Tropical Storm Laura has become better organized than yesterday, with improved structure, but still lacks well-defined banding features. The storm is expected to move west-northwestward over the next couple of days, potentially affecting the northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.
Scientists studied 23-million-year-old leaves from a New Zealand deposit and found that high CO2 levels spurred plant growth, mirroring modern climate change. The study sheds light on how plants may respond to rising CO2 levels, with implications for global ecosystems.
The University of Nottingham is launching two new projects using satellite Earth Observation technology to tackle global development problems. The first project aims to develop an anti-trafficking system to support efforts in Uganda, while the second project focuses on monitoring sargassum seaweed affecting Mexico's Caribbean Coast.
A $3 million project aims to uncover the extent and timing of Greenland's ice sheet meltdowns, informing predictions of sea level rise. Scientists will recover samples from basal ice and sub-ice bedrock, shedding light on the past and future stability of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
A consortium led by University of Sydney develops world's first real-time monitoring platform for rice fields globally using Google Earth. The project will provide accurate maps outlining rice yields and land use, crucial for achieving global food and water security.
A new study estimates that nearly a ton of lead dust settled within a kilometer of the Notre Dame cathedral after the 2019 fire. The study found significantly higher lead levels in areas downwind of the fire, exceeding France's limit of 300 milligrams per kilogram of soil.
Researchers identify thousands of previously rare bouts of extreme heat and humidity worldwide, particularly in the US Gulf Coast region. The study found that these conditions are already appearing, with outbreaks increasing in frequency and intensity, surpassing human survivability limits.
A new study suggests that climate change is driving a megadrought in the western United States, with warming temperatures playing a key role. The study, which analyzed modern weather observations and tree-ring data, finds that the current drought is already outdoing the worst past 19-year increments within previous episodes.
A new study finds that climate change could shrink wine-growing regions by up to 56% unless growers swap varieties. By reshuffling where certain grape varieties are grown, losses can be reduced by half or a third, according to the research.
Researchers at Columbia University found that ozone-depleting substances caused about a third of all global warming from 1955 to 2005 and half of Arctic warming and sea ice loss during this period. The Montreal Protocol, which phased out these substances, has been instrumental in reducing their impact on climate change.
A new study in Nature Communications documents a previously undocumented relationship between erosion and wind speed in the Gobi Desert, revealing that changes in landscape can exacerbate extreme conditions. The research found that wind erosion heated up the air within the depression, increasing wind speeds by up to 25 percent.
A new study challenges the long-held assumption that climate change will make the world wetter due to plant responses. Plants are expected to consume more water in the future, leading to less water availability for people in mid-latitudes.
A recent NTU study found that widespread liquefaction in irrigated areas contributed to devastating landslides in Palu, Indonesia, during the 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The research highlights the urgent need for Southeast Asian nations to review locations with intensive rice farming activities near active faults.
A new study suggests that reducing China's ozone pollution can prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths by 2050. The research found that climate change alone could cause a 11% increase in ozone pollution, leading to an additional 62,000 premature deaths.
A new study reveals Himalayan glaciers have doubled their annual melt rate since 2000, with temperatures averaging 1 degree Centigrade higher than in previous decades. The accelerated melting threatens water supplies for 800 million people and may lead to deadly outburst floods.
Researchers discovered that tidal fluctuations cause the magma chamber to expand, forcing the lower block of earth to slide up the fault, resulting in earthquakes. Even small stresses can trigger tremors, making it difficult to predict when an earthquake will occur.
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience reveals an ancient geologic structure beneath the Ross Ice Shelf that restricts ocean water flow, suggesting local currents will impact ice shelf retreat. The discovery highlights the need for models to consider changing conditions near the ice front.
Researchers at HKU Earth Sciences have discovered multi-century-scale abrupt deep-water warming events that likely caused by reduction in deep-water circulation. These deglacial-Holocene dynamics are important for understanding present and future trends in the climatic system, which can impact global ecosystems and society.
A new framework for global species monitoring has been developed to improve tracking of biodiversity trends worldwide. The framework, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, aims to address the 'woefully inadequate' current information on species populations and ecosystems.
Scientists have recovered accurate values for precession frequencies of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter using lake sediment data from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic epochs. The findings provide insights into climate variations driven by Solar System chaos and could constrain models of Solar System evolution.
Researchers have identified key aspects of planetary motions from a period around 200 million years ago, pushing the record back further than ever before. They used geological records to create a 'Geological Orrery', a precise history of solar system changes that can be extrapolated into the future.
Scientists discovered that a North Korean nuclear bomb test in 2017 set off aftershocks over eight months, providing insight into the physics of nuclear explosions and how natural earthquakes can be triggered. The analysis used new methods to pinpoint the locations of the quakes with greater precision, revealing a hidden fracture.
A recent study found that urbanization is weakening the shoreline of New York City's Jamaica Bay wetlands, causing erosion and loss of vital mineral sediment. The marshes are being drained of essential sediments, leading to their gradual but dramatic disintegration.
Researchers from Columbia University and USGS develop a physics-based model that replicates California's statistical seismic hazard model. This breakthrough marks a turning point in earthquake forecasting, providing accurate hazard estimates for engineers and regulators to make informed decisions on building codes and construction costs.
Researchers studying ocean temperatures in West Antarctica found a complex cycle of warming and cooling that affects ice shelf melting rates. The findings suggest that changes in deep ocean temperatures can lead to significant variations in ice sheet melting, with potential implications for global sea-level rise.
A new imaging technology is being developed to enable more targeted Earth observation, allowing for the monitoring of climate change and ocean activity. The technology, which could be mounted on many nanosatellites, would enable continuous global coverage and more efficient data collection.
Researchers are combining citizen science data with NASA Earth satellite observations to create new forecast models that can predict the spread of mosquito-carrying diseases. The study found that vegetation, humidity, and soil moisture make it easier for mosquitoes to thrive during the summer months.
Scientists use AI-powered tool to track songbirds' arrival patterns in Alaska's North Slope, providing insights into their adaptation to hotter temperatures and more erratic weather. The study's findings suggest that birds may time their migrations to local conditions, including day length, rather than just temperature.