If trees could talk
A study by CTFS-ForestGEO reveals global change effects on forests in 24 countries with 59 monitored sites. Forests have warmed by over 1 degree F and experienced up to 30 percent changes in precipitation.
Earth Observations
Articles tagged with Earth Observations
Study reveals strong links between Antarctic climate, food web
A long-term study of the West Antarctic Peninsula finds that changes in climate and sea-ice cover impact the entire polar food web, from single-celled algae to penguins. The study shows how a stable water column favors phytoplankton growth, which is essential for krill recruitment.
Improved access to integrated biodiversity data for science, practice, and policy
The European Biodiversity Observation Network (EU BON) aims to provide integrated biodiversity information to support decision-making in various sectors. EU BON integrates disparate databases and online sources to improve monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity.
Leeds to lead the way in Earth observation research
The University of Leeds is set to host two national centres for Earth observation research, driving economic growth through space technologies. Scientists will analyse satellite data to track climate change and ice sheet movements, providing unprecedented views of the planet.
Ground validation: Contributing to Earth observations from space
The Ground Validation program gathers similar precipitation data on the ground to compare with satellite data, improving models and understanding precipitation physics. Remote campaigns and a Precipitation Science Research Facility supplement GPM data, allowing scientists to monitor precipitation under various conditions.
Previous rapid thinning of Pine Island Glacier sheds light on future Antarctic ice loss
Scientists found that Pine Island Glacier thinned rapidly 8000 years ago, similar to its current rate of thinning. This suggests the glacier may continue to lose mass for decades to come due to ocean-driven melting.
Global warming as viewed from the deep ocean
A new study reveals that the Pacific Ocean is absorbing heat at a rate 15 times faster than in the past 10,000 years. This surge in heat absorption may provide scientists with more time to address climate change but is not a solution, according to researchers.
EarthCube: NSF funds $14.5 million in grants to improve geosciences cyberinfrastructure
The National Science Foundation has awarded $14.5 million to develop a data and knowledge management system for geosciences, fostering greater data accessibility and research collaboration. The EarthCube framework aims to connect geo-, bio- and cyberscientists to advance the understanding and prediction of the Earth system.
New research shows that temperature influences tropical flowering
Researchers discovered a 3% increase in flower production on Barro Colorado Island since 1987 due to rising temperatures and precipitation. In contrast, the Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot in Puerto Rico showed no overall increase in flower production over the same period.
Megavolcanoes tied to pre-dinosaur mass extinction
A new study ties gigantic volcanic eruptions to the abrupt disappearance of half of Earth's species 200 million years ago, potentially on a pace similar to human-influenced climate warming today. The eruptions caused sudden climate changes that may have prevented many creatures from adapting.
The European Space Sciences Committee reacts
The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) has released its position statement on the ESA council meeting at ministerial level, commenting on the impact of decisions taken. The ESSC recommends prioritizing scientific return in the Science Programme and reiterates its support for European involvement in the Global Exploration Strategy.
Smaller Colorado River projected for coming decades, study says
A new study projects a 10 percent decline in the Colorado River's flow by 2040, posing significant challenges for water management in the US Southwest. Climate modelers predict increased evaporation and drying conditions across three key regions, including California, Nevada, and Texas.
2010 Korea bomb 'tests' probably false alarms, says study
A new study by seismologists at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory suggests that North Korea's alleged 2010 nuclear tests were probably false alarms. The researchers found no evidence of seismic waves consistent with the detonations, citing the region's dense network of seismic stations.
Spotlight on Sentinel-2
The upcoming Sentinel-2 mission will fill the gap in research and operations, providing frequent coverage and high-resolution imagery. This will enable the monitoring of land cover, forests, agriculture, and glaciers, leading to better management of the environment and understanding of climate change.
GSA Bulletin: Alaska, Russia, Tibet, the Mississippi River, and the Great Green River Basin
The Chugach Metamorphic Complex in southern Alaska reveals short-lived metamorphism, while a study of Shiveluch Volcano provides insights into lava dome growth. Meanwhile, a team from Tulane University proposes a new calibration model for the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale, and researchers in Tibet explore pulsed Miocene range growth.
Waiting for Death Valley's Big Bang
Geologists have determined that Death Valley's Ubehebe Crater was created just 800 years ago and still has enough groundwater and magma to potentially produce another eruption. The crater, which formed from a phreatomagmatic explosion, may be due for another blast in the near future.
Gamburtsev Mountains enigma unraveled in East Antarctica
Researchers reveal the geological history behind the formation of the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, which took place over the last billion years. The discovery sheds light on mountain building and ice sheet evolution within continental interiors.
New European project launched to address shortcomings in climate data
The European Metrology for Earth Observation and Climate (MetEOC) project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate data by developing a coordinated international capacity. The project will focus on optical domain calibration, ocean color measurements, and ground-based prototype development.
Uncertain climate models impair long-term climate strategies
Scientists warn that current climate model predictions are unreliable due to measurement uncertainties. A new satellite concept, TRUTHS, aims to improve accuracy by calibrating other satellites and facilitating the establishment of a global network with robust quality guarantees.
Ocean currents speed melting of Antarctic ice
Stronger ocean currents beneath West Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf are eroding the ice from below, speeding its melting. The glacier is sliding into the sea at four kilometers a year, while its ice shelf is melting at 80 cubic kilometers a year.
Kojiro Irikura to be honored by seismology consortium at SSA annual meeting
Kojiro Irikura will be honored with the Bruce A. Bolt Medal at the Seismological Society of America's annual meeting for his leadership in strong-motion earthquake data analysis in Japan.
Some Antarctic ice is forming from bottom
Researchers found that refrozen ice makes up 24% of the ice sheet base around Dome A, with rates of refreezing greater than surface accumulation rates. This discovery reshapes understanding of how the ice sheet expands and moves, and its potential reaction to a warming climate.
Research provides better understanding of long-term changes in the climate system
A team of researchers has made significant strides in understanding the long-term history of El Niño, a global climate phenomenon that impacts much of the world. By reconstructing sea surface temperatures over the past 14,000 years, the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of this complex system.
Foucault, revisited
Researchers from Argentina have successfully created a new type of Foucault pendulum that is smaller and more efficient than traditional devices. The new pendulums, which are designed to be compact enough to fit in a lobby or classroom, use advanced techniques to reduce the elliptical drift of the pendulum and improve precision.
Speed installation of system to monitor vital signs of global ocean, scientists urge
A comprehensive ocean observation system is needed to track changes in acidification, water temperature, sea level, and polar ice cover. The system would provide critical information for human needs, including climate regulation and oxygen production.
Keeping a watch on the world
The University of Nottingham leads a new knowledge exchange network focusing on Earth observation technology for various scientific applications. The cluster aims to develop and promote cutting-edge technologies to monitor environmental changes and their implications.
Study affirms Gulf oil spill's vastness
A new study uses a novel imaging method to analyze underwater video of the well riser, affirming heightened estimates of the leak's volume and total oil escaped into the open ocean. The scientists estimate 4.4 million barrels were released, close to the government's recent consensus.
New research sheds light on Antarctica's melting Pine Island Glacier
Scientists have discovered a 300m high ridge on the sea floor beneath Pine Island Glacier, causing it to accelerate its flow into the sea. The glacier's thinning ice allows warm ocean water to melt the underside, contributing nearly 10% of global sea level rise.
Like fireflies, earthquakes may fire in synchrony
Researchers have discovered synchronized faults in California's Mojave Desert and Nevada's mountains, which can lead to simultaneous big quakes. This phenomenon occurs when faults are near their breaking points and aligned in their seismic cycles, changing the way we assess earthquake hazards.
BSSA tip sheet for June 2010 issue
A revised seismotectonic model for the California Central Coast identifies new faults and reinterprets known ones, highlighting the need for further study to understand seismic hazards. The study also examines how large earthquakes can trigger other large earthquakes on nearby faults, a phenomenon observed in paleoseismic records.
Met Office and NOC enhance ocean observatory
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has partnered with the Met Office to upgrade the Porcupine Abyssal Plain sustained observatory (PAP-SO), a key European ocean observatory. This collaboration aims to advance scientific knowledge of the ocean and improve climate prediction by integrating meteorological and ocean data.
Richards honored for groundbreaking career in public service, research
Richards' work on deep-Earth research led to a better understanding of the Earth's inner-core rotation and the detection of seismic waves. He also applied seismological methods to study nuclear weapon test explosions and their implications in politics and science.
Rapid response science missions assess potential for another major Haiti earthquake
Scientists are conducting three expeditions to Haiti to assess the potential threat of more large earthquakes and understand which segments of the fault ruptured during the Jan. 12 quake. The expeditions aim to collect valuable geologic evidence and provide insights to prepare communities for future hazards.
The PARASOL Satellite moving off the A-Train's track
The PARASOL satellite has been maneuvered to leave its position within the A-Train constellation, a group of five NASA satellites orbiting the Earth in close proximity. The move will enable data sharing with other satellites while leaving a temporary data gap that will be filled by Glory's launch in 2010.
Scientists target East Coast rocks for CO2 storage
Researchers propose using buried volcanic rocks to store carbon dioxide emitted by power plants, with potential sites identified off northern New Jersey, Long Island and Massachusetts. The study suggests that deep burial in these basalt formations could help reduce risks of leaks.
Water cycle conference makes a big splash
Recent advances in Earth observation satellite technologies enable monitoring of the global water cycle. The European Space Agency's EO for Water Cycle Science Conference assessed current research capabilities and identified key gaps. Novel missions, precipitation, and soil moisture will improve our understanding of the water cycle.
Space agencies join forces to systematically observe climate variables
Space agencies are collaborating to provide long-term global climate observations using Earth observation satellites. These data will support the UNFCCC and the International Panel on Climate Change by quantifying the state of our climate.
NASA global precipitation measurement mission passes major review
The GPM mission will provide uniformly calibrated precipitation measurements globally every 2-4 hours for scientific research and societal applications. The mission builds on the success of TRMM and includes a Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a multi-channel GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) to improve precipitation estimates.
West Antarctic ice sheet may not be losing ice as fast as once thought
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and other institutions have made new ground measurements that suggest the West Antarctic ice sheet is losing ice slightly more slowly than estimated. The findings could improve estimates of ice mass loss and provide a clearer picture of Antarctica's contribution to rising sea levels.
Southern glaciers grow out of step with North
A new study using cosmogenic dating reveals that New Zealand's largest glaciers moved out of step with their northern hemisphere counterparts for the past 7,000 years. The research provides a glacial timeline and shows regional climate variations in both hemispheres.
Imaging and discovery from USArray and EarthScope
Recent observations from the USArray transportable array and EarthScope instruments have shed new light on seismic wave propagation and the evolution of the Yellowstone hotspot. The analysis suggests a common mantle source for the region's unique topographic features, providing valuable insights into geological processes.
Geologists map rocks to soak CO2 from air
Scientists have mapped large rock formations in the United States that can absorb CO2, potentially increasing carbon sequestration at a faster pace. The ultramafic rocks contain minerals that react naturally with carbon dioxide to form solid minerals, offering a new technology to store heat-trapping carbon dioxide.
The Earth Observatory of Singapore devoted to the study of earth sciences officially opens
The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) aims to provide invaluable research and data on environmental threats such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and climate change in Southeast Asia. The centre will also embark on outreach and education programmes to spark interest in earth sciences among students.
Climate scientist wins new $500K award
Wallace Broecker, a renowned geochemist, receives the Frontiers of Knowledge Award for his pioneering work on ocean-atmosphere interactions and early warnings about climate change. He will donate the $527,000 prize to support research on climate change.
Volcanoes cool the tropics, say researchers
Climate researchers show that large volcanic eruptions temporarily cooled the tropics over the past 450 years. However, recent eruptions may have been overridden by rising temperatures. The study found that higher latitudes are more sensitive to volcanism and are vulnerable to temperature shifts.
Rocks could be harnessed to sponge vast amounts of CO2 from air, says study
A type of rock called peridotite reacts naturally with CO2 to form solid minerals at surprisingly high rates. The process could be sped up by drilling and injecting heated water containing pressurized CO2, potentially capturing large amounts of atmospheric carbon.
Deep magma matters in volcanic eruption cycle
A team of researchers found that magma is continuously supplied from deep in the crust but a valve acts below a shallower magma chamber, releasing lava to the surface periodically. The upper reservoir is open and the lower reservoir refills at half the rate it was lost during lulls in eruption.
Earthquakes may endanger New York more than thought, says study
A recent study suggests that New York City faces a substantial earthquake risk due to the presence of subtle but active faults. The research indicates that magnitude 5 quakes, strong enough to cause damage, should be routinely expected every 100 years, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the densely populated area.
Climate change: When it rains it (really) pours
A new study confirms a link between warmer climates and more powerful rainstorms, increasing the risk of flooding and societal impacts. Researchers found that tropical rainfall extremes increase during warm periods, with heavy downpours boosted by atmospheric moisture.
Undersea volcanic rocks offer vast repository for greenhouse gas, says study
A new study suggests that undersea volcanic rocks could be used to store huge amounts of carbon dioxide, potentially capturing up to 150 years of U.S. emissions. Scientists have identified a vast basalt formation off the West Coast that could be suitable for carbon sequestration through natural chemical reactions.
NOAA and partners to survey German subs sunk off North Carolina during World War II
A NOAA-led research expedition will study three German submarine wrecks sunk off North Carolina's coast in 1942. The team will use non-invasive methods to survey and photograph the visible sections of U-352, U-85, and U-701, while studying marine life at the sites.
Southern flavor in the Arctic
Researchers found a special geochemical signature in Arctic volcanic rocks that resembles the one found only in the southern hemisphere. The discovery suggests that processes at work in the Indian Ocean might have an analog in the northern hemisphere, and sheds light on the origin of the Dupal anomaly.
Historic Soviet nuclear test site offers insights for today's nuclear monitoring
Researchers have compared historical monitoring data with actual records from the test site to refine nuclear explosion detection methods. The study reveals that today's techniques can detect nuclear tests with high accuracy, thanks to improved monitoring experience gained from past efforts.
Seafloor cores show tight bond between dust and past climates
A new study using seafloor cores has found a strong correlation between dust and past climates, suggesting that atmospheric moisture and dust move in tandem with temperature changes. This discovery may inform current ideas to seed oceans with iron-rich dust to mitigate global warming.
Quakes under Pacific floor reveal unexpected circulatory system
Researchers have discovered a unique hydrothermal vent system, defying long-held assumptions about volcanism-driven vents. The system involves cold water descending through buried chimneys and emerging at the surface through numerous vents.
50 years after Sputnik
Satellite technology has enabled us to monitor the effects of deforestation and climate change. However, there are concerns about the weaponization of space and the creation of space junk.
US Climate Change Science Program provides key contributions to IPCC fourth assessment
Research conducted by the US Climate Change Science Program has helped resolve uncertainties about global climate change causes and projected future changes in temperature and sea-level rise. The program's contributions significantly increased confidence attributing human activities to temperature increases since the mid-20th century.
Smithsonian receives $8M HSBC grant
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute will expand its research capability with a new Global Earth Observatory system, increasing the quality of scientific data across 20 large-scale research plots in 17 countries. The grant will enable the Center for Tropical Forest Science to compare climate change and forest carbon data.
Scientists lose instruments, gain first look at seafloor formation
Maya Tolstoy and colleagues were thrilled to discover that two-thirds of their ocean bottom seismometers were trapped in fresh lava flows, giving them a unique opportunity to study the process of seafloor spreading. Preliminary analysis reveals signs of recent volcanic eruptions and suggests that future eruptions may be forecastable.
NASA's Earth observing system receives 2006 Space Systems Award
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has awarded NASA's Earth Observing System Program the 2006 Space Systems Award. The program, which comprises a series of Earth-observing satellites and an advanced data system, is being recognized for its outstanding achievements in global environmental monitoring.