Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features sediment swirling in the Gulf of Alaska on December 29, 2023.



"After an unusually snowy start to winter, southern Alaska’s coastline remained under a blanket of white in late December," said NASA.



"Meanwhile, greens and tans swirled in the dark blue water offshore. The dullness of the hues near shore suggests that the water is mostly colored by sediment. It is likely that phytoplankton - microscopic plant-like organisms - contributed to some of the hues farther from the coast."



According to NASA, much of the sediment in this region comes from “glacial flour” carried into the gulf by the Copper River.&nbsp;



"Glacial flour forms as glaciers move over bedrock and grind it into a fine silt. When suspended in water, glacial flour can make the water appear an opaque turquoise color - similar to phytoplankton blooms. The sediment carries iron and other nutrients that can spur the growth of these tiny marine organisms," explained NASA.



Aimee Neeley, a biological oceanographer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that there are always phytoplankton in the water, but usually at lower levels in the wintertime at these latitudes.



The Gulf of Alaska is a vast and biologically rich body of water that lies at the northernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, encircled by Alaska.&nbsp;



The gulf extends approximately 1,500 miles from the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands in the west to the Alexander Archipelago in the east.



Characterized by a subarctic climate, it's known for heavy rain and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/">snowfall</a>. The region is also prone to frequent storms and is a significant pathway for colder northern weather patterns moving into the United States.



The Gulf of Alaska is home to a diverse marine ecosystem. It supports many species of fish, such as salmon and halibut, and is also a habitat for marine mammals like whales, sea lions, and seals.



The image was captured by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA’s Aqua satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Sediment swirling in the Gulf of Alaska

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut view of the Aladaghlar Mountains in northwestern Iran. These mountains are known for their strikingly colorful landscapes, which make them stand out among other mountain ranges.



"Ridges cast shadows in the valleys and other low elevation areas, creating a three-dimensional appearance. Human alterations to the landscape are most evident in riverbeds, where the even topography is easier to build on and navigate," said NASA.



"Natural processes over millions of years have folded rock layers of various compositions and colors into the curved patterns seen here. These folds are produced by tectonic forces operating along the convergent plate boundary of the Arabia and Eurasia plates. The convergence of these tectonic plates causes uplift, folding, and deformation of the colorful rock layers, and subsequent erosion exposes them."



One of the most remarkable features of the Aladaghlar Mountains is the vivid coloration of their slopes. The name "Aladaghlar" translates to "Colorful Mountains," which is a testament to their unique appearance. 



The Aladaghlar Mountains are part of a larger ecosystem that includes forests, meadows, and rivers, contributing to a rich biodiversity. The region supports a variety of wildlife, including several species that are unique to the area. The diverse wildlife add to the natural beauty and ecological importance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/">mountains</a>.



In addition to their natural appeal, the Aladaghlar Mountains hold cultural significance. The region has a rich history, with evidence of ancient civilizations and historical sites. Local communities have their unique cultures and traditions, which have been influenced by the natural environment of the mountains.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Aladaghlar Mountains of northwestern Iran

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a large sediment plume from the Yangtze River that extends hundreds of kilometers off the coast of China.



"Brown, sediment-laden water is visible along this shallow, turbid stretch of coast year-round, but a vast plume like the one visible here is a characteristic feature of winter. Scientists have proposed several causes of this seasonal phenomenon," said NASA.



"The ebb and flow of tides contain enough energy to stir up sediments from the seafloor, a 2017 study found. While there are also tides in the summer, the models used in the study showed that sediment only rises to the surface in the winter. That’s when temperatures and salinities at the sea surface and bottom are similar, allowing for vertical mixing to occur and for sediment to churn higher into the water column."



Additional studies have suggested that the summer monsoon’s influence on currents impedes the eastward flow of sediment out of the estuaries, noted NASA.



"Despite what looks like a glut of suspended sediment in the water, the overall amount of it flowing from the Yangtze River has declined steadily over the past several decades. The construction of dams, including the Three Gorges Dam, has been the primary driver of this trend."



It is important for scientists to track the movement of suspended sediment. This material can cause direct harm to marine life, as well as indirect harm by blocking sunlight.



The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, following the Nile and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-river-dolphins-are-at-great-risk-of-extinction-due-to-human-activities/">Amazon</a>. It flows for over 6,300 kilometers (about 3,917 miles) from the glaciers of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in western China to the East China Sea at Shanghai.&nbsp;



The Yangtze River basin is a key region for China's agriculture, industry, and hydroelectric power production. The river's waters are used for irrigation, navigation, and as a source of freshwater. The basin is home to diverse wildlife, including the critically endangered Yangtze river dolphin or Baiji, which may now be extinct.



The image was captured on February 12, 2024 by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite sensor on the NOAA-20 satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Sediment flows offshore from the Yangtze River 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is a tributary of the Congo River, one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-rivers-keep-antimicrobial-resistant-genes-at-bay/">rivers</a> in the world by discharge and depth. 



The Ruki River, previously known as the Busira, merges with the Momboyo River near the town of Basankusu to become the Lulonga River, which eventually flows into the Congo River at the town of Lisala.



"If the appearance of the muddy Amazon River evokes a coffee cut with cream, the Ruki River, coursing gently through the Congo Basin, is like a dark tea," said NASA.



"On its slow path through mostly untouched lowland rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the water leaches organic material from vegetation, prompting some researchers to think it is one of the darkest blackwater rivers on Earth. The dissolved material in this distinctive water, scientists are finding, offers clues into the carbon cycle of tropical forests."



In a recent study, researchers measured the chemical composition and flow of the Ruki for the first time.&nbsp;



"The study reported that, as the water color suggests, the Ruki is rich in dissolved organic carbon compounds. It contains four times as much organic carbon as the Congo River and 1.5 times as much as the Rio Negro, the world’s largest blackwater river and a major tributary of the Amazon," said NASA.



Due to this heavy carbon load, the researchers concluded that “tropical forests like those around the Ruki might not accumulate quite as much carbon as we once thought.”



The region around the Ruki River is rich in biodiversity, hosting various species of flora and fauna. It is part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest area in the world, which is a critical habitat for endangered species and a significant carbon sink.



The river is vital for the livelihoods of local communities. Fishing is a crucial activity, with many people depending on it for sustenance and income. The river also supports agriculture along its banks, where communities grow crops.



In many parts of the DRC, rivers like the Ruki are crucial transportation corridors due to the challenging and often nonexistent road infrastructure. The river enables the movement of people and goods, facilitating trade and access to markets, health care, and education.



The region faces several challenges, including deforestation, overfishing, and environmental degradation, which threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of people who depend on it. Efforts to manage and conserve the river's resources are vital for sustainable development.



Understanding and protecting the Ruki River and its surroundings are crucial for the DRC's environmental sustainability, economic development, and the well-being of its communities.



The image was captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features dust streaming from Lago Colhué Huapi, a shallow endorheic lake located in the Chubut Province in southern Argentina.



"Strong northwesterly winds often race down the eastern side of the Andes Mountains and whip across the central Patagonian Desert. In the process, they sometimes lift dust from Argentina’s drying Lago Colhué Huapi, fueling intense dust storms," said NASA.



"Lago Colhué Huapi is a particularly rich source of dust because the shallow lake regularly grows and shrinks with variations in the flow of the Senguer River and the pace of evaporation. When lake water levels are low, as they were when MODIS captured this image, fine-grained, lightweight particles are easily transported by the wind."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-activity-from-lago-colhue-huapi">Dust activity from Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/">Dust storms</a> in this region are most common during the summer months from December to March. There are 15 to 30 dust storms in a typical year.&nbsp;



"Dust storms are frequent and persistent enough in this area that they have exposed an open-air archaeological site along the lake’s edge," said NASA.



"The Puesto Roberts 1 site, located in an old floodplain on the southeast side of Lago Colhué Huapi, was first identified in 2019 when archaeologists noticed that winds had exposed a five-centimeter layer of sandy loam soil littered with stone tools and the bones of a wild species of llama called guanaco."



"Archaeologists identified 427 artifacts at the site - including stone cutting blades, milling tools, scrapers, and egg-shaped bola stones used for hunting - spread across 15 square meters, according to a 2022 study led by Heidi Hammond, an archaeologist at the National University of the Patagonia San Juan Bosco."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lago-colhue-huapi">More about Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



This lake is an interesting geographical feature primarily because it acts as a seasonal sink for the Senguerr River, which in turn gathers waters from various smaller streams in the region. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



Due to its shallow nature, the size of Lago Colhué Huapi can vary significantly with the seasons and the amount of water it receives from its sources. During times of drought or reduced rainfall, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-lakes-to-their-boiling-point/">lake</a> can shrink considerably, affecting the local ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate">Climate</h3>



The lake's surroundings are characterized by a semi-arid climate, which influences the type of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in the area. Despite the harsh conditions, the region around Lago Colhué Huapi supports a variety of bird species, making it a site of interest for birdwatchers and naturalists.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges">Environmental challenges </h3>



In recent years, Lago Colhué Huapi has faced environmental challenges, including the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/">climate change</a>, which has led to lower water levels and increased salinity. These changes pose threats to the lake's ecological balance and the species that inhabit its waters and shores. The situation at Lago Colhué Huapi serves as a reminder of the broader environmental issues facing water bodies in arid and semi-arid regions around the world.



The image was captured on March 29, 2024 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features thick haze over Thailand during the fire season. The photograph was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite on March 16, 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waves-of-smoke-and-haze">Waves of smoke and haze</h2>



"Each year in January and February, satellites begin to detect waves of smoke and fire in Southeast Asia, particularly in highland forests in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Fire activity continues to increase through March and April, reaches a peak during the height of the dry season, and then fades in May with the start of the rainy season," noted NASA.



"Individual fires are usually small and short-lived. But they are often so numerous that smoke, along with air pollution from rural and urban areas, mixes to produce thick layers of haze that blanket the landscape." 



"Such hazes contain mixtures of small airborne particles called aerosols and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone that degrade air quality and have harmful health effects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-in-thailand-nbsp">Haze in Thailand&nbsp;</h2>



An international field campaign - the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) - was recently launched to investigate the haze in Thailand.



"During the last two weeks of March 2024, NASA’s DC-8 and Gulfstream III aircraft flew several flights over Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and rural areas surrounding the cities to sample air quality with several sensors. At the same time, satellites observed the haze from above," said NASA.



James Crawford, ASIA-AQ’s principal investigator, said the team is collaborating closely with national and local government entities in Thailand.



“The goal is to take as many simultaneous measurements of pollutants as possible from the ground, air, and space,” said Crawford. The team will use the data to gain a better understanding of how the haze forms, evolves chemically over time, and moves throughout the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-and-public-health-in-thailand">Haze and public health in Thailand </h2>



According to media reports, nearly 200,000 people have been hospitalized this year due to air quality in the region, with over 1.3 million people falling ill since January.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-root-causes">Root causes</h3>



The root causes of the haze include agricultural burning, particularly of corn fields, as part of slash-and-burn practices to prepare land for the next planting cycle. This is exacerbated by the dry season when there's little rain to wash the pollutants away. 



The situation is worsened by industrial emissions and vehicle fumes, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok​.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions-are-needed">Sustainable solutions are needed</h3>



Efforts to address the crisis have been complex, involving local and transboundary issues. Much of the agricultural burning occurs not only within Thailand but also in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos, contributing to the transboundary nature of the haze. 



Activists and local communities have called for sustainable solutions that do not exacerbate the poverty of smallholder farmers, emphasizing the need for affordable and realistic alternatives to burning​.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-measures-nbsp">Mitigation measures&nbsp;</h3>



The Thai government has implemented a no-burning rule until the end of April to combat wildfires and haze, but enforcement and effectiveness remain challenges​​. 



Some measures taken to mitigate the immediate effects of pollution in urban areas include spraying water and seeding clouds to encourage rain, although these have had limited success​​.



This ongoing environmental crisis has sparked widespread concern among citizens, who are increasingly using public interest litigation to hold companies and the government accountable for environmental commitments. 



With recent political changes, there is hope that the new administration will take more decisive action against the haze, possibly through more stringent regulations and international cooperation​​.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-haze">Health impacts of haze</h2>



Haze poses several health hazards for those exposed to it, particularly when it contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Here are some of the main health risks associated with exposure to haze:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiratory-problems">Respiratory problems</h3>



Haze can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/">particles</a> can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and reducing lung function.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiovascular-issues-and-haze">Cardiovascular issues and haze</h3>



Exposure to fine particulate matter can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Particles can affect blood vessel function and promote the formation of blood clots.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-irritation">Eye irritation</h3>



Haze can cause eye irritation, leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or exacerbated symptoms in people with existing eye conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-problems">Skin problems</h3>



For some people, exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">polluted air</a> can cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-immune-function">Reduced immune function</h3>



There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-mental-health">Impact on mental health</h3>



There are growing concerns about the impact of air pollution on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-multiple-chronic-health-conditions/">mental health</a>, with studies suggesting a link between exposure to polluted air and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-women-and-children">Pregnant women and children</h3>



Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of haze. There may be increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies, and children may experience delayed development and reduced lung function.



The health impacts of haze can be mitigated by staying indoors on days when air quality is particularly poor, using air purifiers, wearing masks designed to filter out fine particles, and following local health advisories.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp">&nbsp;</h3>

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

The Civil War is not long over, and it has had a massive impact on these African-Americans, seen here in an unknown location in the South. With the Union victory, they are some of the 4 million souls freed from slavery. For these individuals, despite the obvious benefit of freedom, the future is uncertain in a land devastated by conflict. Reconstruction, the process of rebuilding the nation after the bitter war, has barely begun. Photo Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images

After the Civil War

Laptops are banned from checked luggage on flights for a good reason: their lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk due to the highly reactive nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-based-battery-may-ultimately-replace-lithium/">lithium</a>. This same reactivity makes lithium an excellent choice for batteries, especially those used in electric vehicles and for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind. As a crucial element in the transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/">green energy</a>, lithium's demand has surged dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-alternative-sources-of-lithium">Finding alternative sources of lithium</h2>



While a vast amount of research has already been done to understand traditional sources of lithium, such as pegmatites and volcanic clays, the quest to identify additional, economically viable, and environmentally safe sources is ongoing.&nbsp;



In this context, researchers from <a href="https://online.wvu.edu/">West Virginia University</a> are investigating alternative sources of lithium, specifically looking at whether remnants of past industrial activities, like mine tailings or drill cuttings, could be tapped without creating new waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demand-for-lithium-as-a-natural-resource-nbsp">Demand for lithium as a natural resource&nbsp;</h2>



“In order to meet the technological needs of the energy transition, batteries of all scales, particularly those that power <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/">electric vehicles</a>, have become increasingly important. Lithium-ion batteries are in wide use at present, and continued research to improve them has been a focus of energy engineering. This, in turn, has greatly increased the demand for lithium (Li) as a natural resource,” the authors wrote.&nbsp;



“While the primary ores of Li (pegmatite, salar brine, and volcanic-associated clay) are generally well-understood, it would be desirable to identify additional Li sources that could be safely and economically exploited. Using material from previous industrial operations (e.g., mine tailings or drill cuttings) as a source of additional Li would be attractive as it would generate little or no new waste material.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-between-lithium-and-sulfur-rich-pyrite">Connection between lithium and sulfur-rich pyrite</h2>



To identify alternative lithium sources, the experts analyzed 15 sedimentary rock samples from the middle-Devonian period found in the Appalachian basin. Surprisingly, these samples showed significant lithium content within pyrite minerals in shale.



This connection between lithium and sulfur-rich pyrite - colloquially known as “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predict-gold-concentrations/">fool’s gold</a>” -&nbsp; opens new avenues for research, particularly as the scientific community explores the potential of lithium-sulfur batteries as alternatives to the current lithium-ion options.&nbsp;



“I am trying to understand how lithium and pyrite could be associated with one another,” said lead author Shailee Bhattacharya, a doctoral student in sedimentary geochemistry at the <a href="https://shikhasharma.faculty.wvu.edu/isobiogem-lab">IsoBioGeM Lab</a>. This inquiry into organic-rich shale may reveal a higher potential for lithium recovery due to the unique interaction between lithium and pyrite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shale-deposits-could-serve-as-a-source-of-lithium-nbsp">Shale deposits could serve as a source of lithium&nbsp;</h2>



However, Bhattacharya cautions that while the findings are promising, they are specific to the samples studied and further research is needed to determine if these results can be generalized to other regions. Nonetheless, this research suggests that certain shale deposits could serve as a new source of lithium, potentially eliminating the need for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mining-negatively-affects-fish-populations-across-north-america/">mining</a> operations.&nbsp;



“We can talk about sustainable energy without using a lot of energy resources,” Bhattacharya said, highlighting the dual benefits of this approach in reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability in lithium sourcing.



“This study suggests the possibility that some Li may be sequestered in pyrite in organic-rich shales. As pyrite is a common mineral in the Appalachian Basin, this has implications for exploiting shale pyrite in the Devonian sequence if the Li proves economically extractable. Drill cuttings from past and current oil and gas operations are a ready material upon which to test the feasibility of this concept,” the authors concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lithium-sources">More about lithium sources</h2>



Lithium is primarily sourced from two types of deposits: spodumene-rich hard rock formations and lithium-rich brines.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hard-rock-mining">Hard rock mining</h3>



Hard rock lithium mining involves traditional mining techniques to extract spodumene, a lithium-bearing mineral.&nbsp;



This method is prevalent in countries like Australia, which is one of the largest producers of lithium through hard rock mining. The extracted spodumene is then processed to produce lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lithium-brine-extraction">Lithium brine extraction</h3>



On the other hand, lithium brine extraction occurs in salt flats where lithium-rich brine waters are pumped to the surface and left to evaporate in ponds, a process that can take several months.&nbsp;



This method is more cost-effective compared to hard rock mining and is extensively used in South America, especially in Chile and Argentina. These salt flats, often located in arid regions like the Atacama Desert, hold vast reserves of lithium in their underground pools.



Lithium can also be found in geothermal brines, hectorite clay deposits, and oilfield brines, but these sources are less common and currently less commercially viable.&nbsp;



The WVU research will be presented at the upcoming <a href="https://www.egu24.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2024</a>.



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‘Fool’s gold’ may be a valuable source of lithium

Laptops are banned from checked luggage on flights for a...

Land subsidence, often overlooked as a significant urban <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-billion-people-are-threatened-by-land-subsidence/">hazard</a>, is gaining increased attention due to compelling new research led by an international team of scientists.&nbsp;



By examining satellite data mapping land movement across China with unprecedented accuracy and consistency, the experts found that of the 82 Chinese cities analyzed, 45 percent are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-sinking-cities-land-subsidence-on-the-east-coast/">sinking</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-land-subsidence-nbsp">Predicting future land subsidence&nbsp;</h2>



While consistently measuring subsidence is highly important, this is just the starting point for more comprehensive investigations.&nbsp;



In order to predict future subsidence, models should take into consideration all drivers, including human activities and climate change, particularly focusing on how they might change over time. 



Such an approach is based on the assumption that subsidence is a complex issue influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-subsidence-across-china">Land subsidence across China</h2>



The scientists evaluated land subsidence across 82 cities from China, with a collective population of nearly 700 million people. The analysis revealed that 45% of these urban areas are sinking, with 16% experiencing a significant subsidence rate of more than 10mm per year.&nbsp;



This phenomenon has broad implications, affecting roughly 270 million urban residents, nearly 70 million of whom are subject to rapid subsidence rates. Notable hotspots for this phenomenon include the densely populated cities of Beijing and Tianjin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-subsidence-and-sea-level-rise-nbsp">Land subsidence and sea-level rise&nbsp;</h2>



The repercussions of land subsidence are particularly severe in coastal regions where the compounding effects of sinking land and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-sinking-cities-land-subsidence-on-the-east-coast/">sea-level rise</a> pose substantial risks. For instance, the sinking of sea defenses was a major reason why Hurricane Katrina’s flooding brought such devastation and fatalities to New Orleans in 2005.&nbsp;



Similarly, Shanghai has experienced up to three meters of subsidence over the past century and faces ongoing challenges. The researchers project that, combined with sea-level rise, the urban area in China below sea level could triple by 2120, potentially affecting between 55 to 128 million residents.



“Subsidence jeopardizes the structural integrity of buildings and critical infrastructure and exacerbates the impacts of climate change in terms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-flooding-will-soon-be-common-in-the-u-s/">flooding</a>, particularly in coastal cities where it reinforces sea-level rise,” said Robert Nicholls, a climate scientist at the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a>, who was not involved in the study. Thus, there is an urgent need for robust urban planning and infrastructure resilience strategies to mitigate these risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-profound-effect-of-human-activity">The profound effect of human activity</h2>



The primary drivers of land subsidence in China include extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/">groundwater</a> withdrawal, urban development, and the natural geological conditions that predispose certain areas to sink.&nbsp;



The profound effect of human activity is evident from historical precedents set by cities like Osaka and Tokyo, where substantial mitigation of subsidence was achieved by regulating groundwater extraction.&nbsp;



In these cities, groundwater withdrawal was stopped in the 1970s and city subsidence has greatly reduced or even ceased, proving that this is a highly effective mitigation strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-actionable-strategies-are-urgently-needed">Actionable strategies are urgently needed</h2>



In a commentary to the research article, Nicholls and Manoochehr Shirzaei, a researcher at <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> and the <a href="https://unu.edu/inweh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations University for Water, Environment, and Health</a>, Ontario call for a national, and indeed global, response to address this issue comprehensively.&nbsp;



The experts advocate for a shift from mere measurement of subsidence to the development of actionable strategies that involve city planners and policymakers to tackle the underlying causes and manage the consequences effectively.&nbsp;



This collaborative approach is crucial for enhancing the resilience of cities, particularly those in coastal and susceptible regions, to address the related challenges of subsidence and climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-land-subsidence-nbsp">Causes of land subsidence&nbsp;</h2>



The most common cause of subsidence is the removal of groundwater from aquifers. When water is pumped out, the empty spaces in the aquifer collapse, causing the ground above to sink. Here are some other causes of land subsidence:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-compaction-of-sediments">Natural compaction of sediments</h3>



Over time, sediment layers can naturally compact under their own weight, especially if the sediments are loose or contain a lot of water. This process can cause the ground to settle and lower.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-activities">Mining activities</h3>



The extraction of minerals, oil, and gas can lead to subsidence. When these resources are removed from the Earth, the voids left can cause the surface to collapse.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drainage-of-organic-soils">Drainage of organic soils</h3>



In areas with a high organic content in the soil, such as peat, drainage for agriculture or development can cause the soil to shrink and compress, leading to subsidence.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thawing-permafrost">Thawing permafrost</h3>



In polar regions, permafrost thaw can lead to subsidence. When frozen ground thaws, it loses volume and stability, causing the ground above to sink.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tectonic-activity">Tectonic activity</h3>



Although less common, subsidence can also occur due to geological changes such as faulting or the gradual bending of the Earth’s crust.



Each of these factors can operate individually or in combination, depending on the geographical and geological conditions of an area.



Both the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl4366" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> and the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado9986" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commentary</a> are published in the journal Science.



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Half of China's cities are sinking due to humans and climate change

Land subsidence, often overlooked as a significant urban hazard, is...

Rivers across the United States are under severe threat from extensive pollution and weakened protections, according to a a recent report led by the <a href="https://www.americanrivers.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Rivers Association</a>.



The experts found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/">rivers</a> of New Mexico, including the Rio Grande, Gila, San Juan, and Pecos - which are vital to over 85% of the state's population - stand out as the most endangered in the nation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-american-rivers-and-dangerous-pollution-nbsp">American rivers and dangerous pollution&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists attribute the vulnerability of seasonally flowing rivers to a loophole in the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/tmdl/Vision">2022 Clean Water Act</a> amendments, which fail to protect these rivers from the runoff of wastewater treatment plants, mines, and industrial sites.&nbsp;



As a result, American rivers that millions depend on for drinking water are at risk of becoming dangerously polluted, posing serious health risks and disrupting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/freshwater-ecosystems-filter-pollution/">ecosystems</a>. Among the rivers facing the gravest dangers are the Tijuana River in California and the Santa Cruz River in Arizona.&nbsp;



“All water is connected. We cannot allow pollution anywhere without risk to the rivers we rely on for our drinking water,” said Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of the American Rivers. “Our leaders must hold polluters accountable and strengthen the Clean Water Act to safeguard our health and communities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-protection-for-seasonally-flowing-rivers-nbsp">No protection for seasonally flowing rivers&nbsp;</h2>



The Supreme Court's 2022 decision removed protections for rivers that only flow seasonally, primarily during periods of higher precipitation in the fall and winter. This decision disproportionately affects arid states like New Mexico, where rivers flow primarily during the rainy season or from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spring-heatwaves-deplete-the-water-supply-in-the-western-us/">snowmelt</a>.



“These rulings fly in the face of established science and ignore the value that small streams and wetlands have to their broader watersheds, communities, and economies, particularly in places with dry climates like New Mexico,” the report authors wrote.&nbsp;



These waterways not only supply clean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/">drinking water</a> and irrigation but also support rich cultural traditions and diverse habitats essential for fish and wildlife, thus playing a critical role in both the environment and the lives of nearly 87% of New Mexicans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catastrophic-effects-of-river-pollution-nbsp">Catastrophic effects of river pollution&nbsp;</h2>



Furthermore, pollution in these endangered rivers can have broader, catastrophic effects, extending even to major rivers like the Rio Grande, which sustains around six million people and countless wildlife species. The pollution in the Tijuana River, which has been problematic for decades, exemplifies the transboundary nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-effects-of-pollutants-on-river-ecosystems/">river pollution</a>, affecting communities in both Mexico and the United States.



The situation is compounded by large-scale projects like the Yazoo Backwater Pumps in Mississippi, which threaten over 200,000 acres of waterfowl habitat by draining wetlands essential for migratory birds. Known as the 'Zombie Project,' this initiative, originally designed to control flooding, now represents a significant ecological misstep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-rollback-of-the-clean-water-act">Ongoing rollback of the Clean Water Act</h2>



Additionally, the Santa Cruz River, once a vibrant desert oasis, faces renewed threats from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-worlds-climate-driven-water-crisis/">water scarcity</a> and pollution after only recently beginning to recover.&nbsp;



The ongoing rollback of the Clean Water Act's protections poses further challenges to its revitalization, prompting American Rivers to urge the Biden administration and legislators to reinforce protections for these critical ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-of-polluted-waterways-nbsp">Human impact of polluted waterways&nbsp;</h2>



A recent survey by the <a href="https://riversarelife.com/">Rivers are Life</a> coalition highlights the human impact, with 86% of respondents indicating that polluted waterways adversely affect their health. “I believe that addressing the pollution of waterways starts with awareness and education, and encouraging people to collectively take action,” said Chris Keefer, the co-founder of Rivers are Life.



“Our hope is that in learning about just how important rivers are to our communities globally, we can all take action to protect these vital waterways and recognize them as the lifeblood of our planet.”



This widespread call to action underscores the urgency of addressing river pollution not just as an environmental issue but as a critical component of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-environmental-and-public-health-benefits-of-solar-power/">public health</a> and community sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-endangered-american-rivers-nbsp">Most endangered American rivers&nbsp;</h2>



1. Rivers of New Mexico



2. Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers, Mississippi



3. Duck River, Tennessee



4. Santa Cruz River, Arizona



5. Little Pee Dee River, South Carolina and North Carolina&nbsp;



6. Farmington River, Connecticut and Massachusetts



7. Trinity River, California



8. Kobuk River, Alaska



9. Tijuana River, California



10. Blackwater River, West Virginia&nbsp;



The full report from the American Rivers Association can be found <a href="https://www.americanrivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Report_NewMexico_Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Iconic American rivers are threatened by pollution

Rivers across the United States are under severe threat from...

Since the 1930s, the <a href="https://www.farmersalmanac.com/">Old Farmers' Almanac</a> has been publishing names for the full moons, drawing from what were termed “Indian” names that have since become widely recognized and utilized. 



The full moon of April is often called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-pink-moon-will-shine-brightly-in-the-skies-tonight/">Pink Moon</a>, a name attributed to the herb moss pink or creeping phlox - also known as moss phlox, mountain phlox, and creeping phlox - which is native to the eastern United States and one of spring's earliest widespread flowers.&nbsp;



Other names for this April moon include the “Sprouting Grass Moon,” the “Egg Moon,” and the “Fish Moon,” the latter being used by coastal tribes to mark the time when shad fish move upstream to spawn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-navigable-waterways">The return of navigable waterways</h2>



Moreover, the names "Breaking Ice Moon" (Algonquin) and "Moon When the Streams Are Again Navigable" (Dakota) capture the thawing of ice and the return of navigable waterways typical of early spring. The "Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs" (Tlingit) and "Moon of the Red Grass Appearing" (Oglala) highlight the imminent surge in plant life as spring progresses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-reemergence-of-life-in-april">The reemergence of life in April</h2>



Additional names reflect the reemergence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-moonlight-affects-the-circadian-clocks-of-animals/">wildlife</a> during this season, such as the "Moon When the Ducks Come Back" (Lakota), "Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs" (Dakota), and "Frog Moon" (Cree), each indicating the return or increased activity of these species.



Similarly, the "Sucker Moon" (Anishinaabe) marks the period for harvesting sucker fish, which migrate to streams or shallow lake areas to spawn. According to cultural lore, during this time, the sucker fish returns from the spirit world to cleanse the waterways and the life within them. 



This name is sometimes used for the February Moon as well, to honor the sucker fish's role in sustaining the Anishinaabe people through the winter by providing a crucial food source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-observances-and-april-s-full-moon">Cultural observances and April's full moon </h2>



This moon also corresponds with significant cultural and religious observances in various parts of the world. It aligns with the Jewish festival of Pesach, or Passover, which in 2024 will begin at sundown on April 22 and conclude at nightfall on April 30. The celebration starts in the middle of the Hebrew month of Nisan, with the Seder feasts taking place on the first two nights.



In the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which varies by region, this full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tonights-worm-moon-marks-the-beginning-of-spring/">moon</a> typically coincides with Hanuman Jayanti, the celebration of the birth of Lord Hanuman.



For Buddhists in Sri Lanka, this full moon is known as Bak Poya and commemorates the Buddha's visit to Sri Lanka, where he averted a war by settling a dispute between chiefs.



This lunar event falls near the middle of Shawwāl, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, and during the third month of the Chinese Year of the Dragon.



In light of these diverse celebrations, people all over the world&nbsp; are encouraged to wear festive celestial attire in honor of the full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/">moon</a>. It’s a time to enjoy the burgeoning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spring-has-arrived-in-the-northern-hemisphere/">spring</a>, acknowledge these various cultural celebrations, set an extra seat at the table in a spirit of inclusivity, and importantly, strive for peace and not war.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-april-s-full-moon">More about April's full moon</h2>



April’s full moon will reach its brightest point at 7:49 P.M. on Tuesday, April 23. Astronomically, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-pink-moon-will-shine-brightly-in-the-skies-tonight/">Pink Moon</a> signifies the time when the moon is fully illuminated by the sun as seen from Earth, appearing fully round.&nbsp;



“Like Earth, the Moon has a day side and a night side, which change as the Moon rotates,” explained <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>. “The Sun always illuminates half of the Moon while the other half remains dark, but how much we are able to see of that illuminated half changes as the Moon travels through its orbit.”



The timing of the full moon varies slightly due to the lunar cycle averaging about 29.5 days. This leads to some variation in the date and time of the full moon each month. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astrological-significance-of-the-pink-moon">Astrological significance of the Pink Moon</h2>



In 2024, the Pink Moon falls on April 25th, during the sun’s transit through Taurus. This placement is quite significant astrologically for several reasons:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Taurus Sun Scorpio Moon opposition</h3>



The Pink Moon will be in the opposite sign of Scorpio, creating a full moon in Scorpio. This opposition highlights the balance between Taurus and Scorpio themes - material security and stability versus emotional depth and transformation. It’s a potent time for delving into psychological matters, addressing issues of trust, and managing resources in relationships.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Intensity and transformation</h3>



Scorpio is a sign associated with intensity, depth, transformation, and the unseen. A full moon in Scorpio can bring to the surface deep-seated emotions and hidden truths. This is a powerful time for healing, as it provides an opportunity to confront and release old wounds, secrets, or things that have been repressed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Financial and emotional investments</h3>



Given Taurus’s influence on possessions and Scorpio’s on investments and shared resources, this full moon could highlight issues around finances, particularly what is owned individually versus jointly. It can prompt decisions about investments, loans, inheritances, or other financial matters.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Enhanced intuition</h3>



Scorpio’s watery, intuitive energy combined with the illuminating power of the full moon can enhance psychic abilities and deepen intuitive insights. This period may be particularly potent for those who practice divination or other metaphysical activities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Transformation and rebirth</h3>



Scorpio is the sign of death and rebirth, so this full moon might signal a time of significant personal transformation. It can be an excellent period for ending unhealthy patterns or relationships and for beginning anew with a fresh perspective or renewed purpose.



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April's ‘Pink Moon’ signifies the reemergence of life 

Since the 1930s, the Old Farmers' Almanac has been publishing...

Astronomers have employed a novel approach with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to uncover a largely unseen population of smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecules-discovered-on-an-asteroid-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> in our solar system. 



By sifting through a vast archive of images captured by Hubble over a span of 19 years, the researchers have identified an impressive 1,701 asteroid trails, with 1,031 of these asteroids being previously uncatalogued.



The study was led by Pablo García Martín of the <a href="https://www.uam.es/uam/en/inicio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Autonomous University of Madrid</a>, Spain, and co-authored by Bruno Merín of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESAC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Astronomy Centre</a>, also in Madrid, Spain. Together, they have uncovered new data on the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citizen-scientists-hunting-asteroids-with-ai">Citizen scientists hunting asteroids with AI</h2>



This cosmic treasure hunt was made possible by the collaborative efforts of professional scientists and a dedicated group of volunteers from around the world, known as "citizen scientists." 



The researchers combined the volunteers' identifications with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-and-machine-learning-enhance-airplane-performance-and-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> algorithm to efficiently detect the asteroids in the Hubble images.



"We are getting deeper into seeing the smaller population of main belt asteroids. We were surprised with seeing such a large number of candidate objects," said lead author Pablo García Martín. 



"There was some hint of this population existing, but now we are confirming it with a random asteroid population sample obtained using the whole Hubble archive. This is important for providing insights into the evolutionary models of our solar system," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-asteroid-formation-and-evolution">Insights into asteroid formation and evolution</h2>



The large, random sample of asteroids discovered in this study offers new insights into the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt. 



The abundance of small asteroids supports the idea that they are fragments of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psyche-asteroid-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-and-nasa-is-sending-a-space-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger asteroids</a> that have collided and broken apart over billions of years, like smashed pottery. 



This finding challenges an alternative theory suggesting that these smaller fragments formed as such billions of years ago.



"Collisions would have a certain signature that we can use to test the current main belt population," said co-author Bruno Merín.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-s-unique-vantage-point-for-asteroid-hunting">Hubble's unique vantage point for asteroid hunting</h2>



Hubble's fast orbit around the Earth allows it to capture <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-lucy-discovers-two-asteroids-instead-of-one-during-dinkinesh-flyby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wandering asteroids</a> through their telltale trails in the telescope's exposures. 



As viewed from an Earth-based telescope, an asteroid leaves a streak across the picture. Asteroids essentially "photobomb" Hubble exposures by appearing as unmistakable, curved trails in the photographs.



By knowing the position of Hubble during the observation and measuring the curvature of the streaks, scientists can determine the distances to the asteroids and estimate the shapes of their orbits. 



The faintest asteroids in the survey are roughly one forty-millionth the brightness of the faintest star that can be seen by the human eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-cosmic-exploration">Collaborative cosmic exploration</h2>



The Hubble Asteroid Hunter, a citizen-science project launched in 2019, was a collaborative effort between researchers, engineers, and the Zooniverse platform. 



A total of 11,482 citizen-science volunteers provided nearly 2 million identifications, which were then used to train an automated algorithm based on artificial intelligence to identify asteroids. This pioneering approach may be effectively applied to other datasets in the future.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-new-quasi-moon-will-stick-around-for-hundreds-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asteroid positions</a> change with time, and therefore you cannot find them just by entering coordinates, because at different times, they might not be there," said Merín. "As astronomers we don't have time to go looking through all the asteroid images. So we got the idea to collaborate with over 10,000 citizen-science volunteers to peruse the huge Hubble archives."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-and-the-future-of-asteroid-discovery">Hubble and the future of asteroid discovery</h2>



The project will next explore the streaks of previously unknown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-sheds-new-light-on-mysterious-asteroid-phaethon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> to characterize their orbits and study their properties, such as rotation periods. 



However, because most of these asteroid streaks were captured by Hubble many years ago, it is not possible to follow them up now to determine their orbits.



In summary, the fascinating study led by Pablo García Martín and Bruno Merín demonstrates the immense potential of collaborative efforts between professional scientists, citizen scientists, and advanced technologies in uncovering new insights into our solar system. 



By harnessing the power of the <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>'s vast archive, the dedication of thousands of volunteers, and the efficiency of machine learning algorithms, the researchers have unveiled a hidden population of asteroids, providing new data on the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt. 



This innovative approach paves the way for future discoveries and highlights the importance of continued exploration and collaboration in our quest to understand the cosmic landscape that surrounds us.



The full study was published in the&nbsp;journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aanda.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.



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Beautiful photo of galaxy UGC 12158 gets photobombed by an asteroid

Astronomers have employed a novel approach with NASA's Hubble Space...

Researchers from the University of Vienna recently discovered that complex leaf vein networks, a feature prevalent in modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-true-survivors-flowering-plants-lived-through-the-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a>, actually originated much earlier than previously believed. 



The research, published in the journal New Phytologist, highlights the fossilized plant Furcula granulifer. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/pteridophytes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seed fern</a>, from the Late Triassic period around 201 million years ago, exhibited advanced venation patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rediscovery-of-a-triassic-plant-revolutionizes-understanding">Rediscovery of a triassic plant revolutionizes understanding</h2>



The team, led by palaeobotanists Mario Coiro and Leyla Seyfullah, utilized novel methods and concepts to re-examine historical collections at the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>. 



Subsequently, they collaborated with colleagues from the <a href="https://www.nrm.se/en/16.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish Museum of Natural History</a> in Stockholm and the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University</a> in Jerusalem.



Mario Coiro explains the significance of their findings, saying, "Within old collections, using new techniques, we identified a plant that displayed a unique set of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-leaf-diversity-shape-plant-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaf</a> characteristics, akin to those of flowering plants, but without their evolutionary success."



Consequently, this plant, Furcula granulifer, once thought to be an early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-investigate-the-mysterious-origin-of-flowering-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plant</a>, belongs instead to the now-extinct group of seed ferns



"The fossil leaves of Furcula granulifer show a net-like hierarchical veining typical of most plants today. This discovery indicates that such efficient photosynthetic structures have evolved multiple times throughout Earth's history," adds Leyla Seyfullah.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-leaf-vein-networks">Significance of leaf vein networks</h2>



The presence of intricate leaf veins in plants is crucial for efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-finally-decoded-the-process-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> and carbon dioxide fixation. 



Consequently, flowering plants, or angiosperms, which dominate today's ecosystems, evolved this feature between 145 and 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. 



This development significantly contributed to the diversification and success of other life forms, including mammals, insects, and birds.



The study suggests that Furcula granulifer exhibited similar venation patterns to <a href="https://www.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/angiosperms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">angiosperms</a>. However, it had less vein density, which limited its photosynthetic efficiency compared to later flowering plants.



The team employed a combination of traditional microscopy and cutting-edge Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy to analyze both old and newly collected material. They concluded that Furcula's similarities to angiosperms are a result of convergent evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-evolutionary-failures">Understanding evolutionary failures</h2>



The research further identifies that Furcula granulifer and its relatives represent an evolutionary dead end. They went extinct during the Jurassic period without achieving the diversity seen in angiosperms.



Another group, the Gigantopteridales, also represents a similar failed evolutionary attempt during the Permian period.



"These natural experiments offer us a window into understanding the real reasons behind the success of flowering plants, which likely stems from the evolution of multiple traits rather than a single key innovation," Seyfullah explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-modern-science-discovered-ancient-leaf-vein-networks">How modern science discovered ancient leaf vein networks</h2>



In summary, this research led by palaeontologists from the University of Vienna has transformed our understanding of leaf evolution. 



By combining traditional and novel methods, they have unraveled a century-old mystery, revealing that the net-like leaf veining characteristic of modern flowering plants evolved much earlier than previously thought in the now-extinct seed fern Furcula granulifer. 



This discovery highlights the complexity of plant evolution and the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-family-tree-explains-evolution-of-flower-symmetry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">convergent evolution</a> in shaping the world we see today. 



The study also identifies failed attempts at efficient leaf design during the Triassic and Permian periods, suggesting that the success of flowering plants lies in the evolution of multiple traits rather than a single key innovation. 



As we continue to explore the mysteries of nature's design, this research serves as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the endless wonders waiting to be discovered in the fossil record.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.19726" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Plants had complex leaf vein networks 200 million years ago

Researchers from the University of Vienna recently discovered that complex...

Major transformations are occurring within Arctic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal</a> ecosystems, which are warming at a faster rate than the rest of the planet. 



Recent findings from the <a href="https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/">University of California, Irvine</a>, detailed in three pivotal studies, underscore the significant environmental shifts prompted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-forests-are-being-transformed-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. 



The research, led by PhD candidate Jinhyuk Kim and Professor James Randerson, suggests that ecosystems at high latitudes are becoming increasingly unstable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-ignite-change-across-ecosystems">Wildfires ignite change across ecosystems</h2>



The study was focused on the forests of Canada and Alaska. The researchers found that wildfires are intensifying photosynthesis rates. This phenomenon arises as fast-growing deciduous plants like willow and aspen replace the slower-growing black spruce forests destroyed by fire. 



"We’re seeing higher levels of photosynthesis that persist for decades after fire,” explained Kim. “Instead of the evergreen conifer forest coming back right away, in some regions, we see a long-term replacement of these forests with faster-growing species."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-consequences-of-wildfires">Complex consequences of wildfires</h2>



While increased photosynthesis might suggest a greater removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the reality is much more complex. 



“But because you’ve combusted the carbon stored in the plants and their organic soils, even the increase in photosynthesis we observe doesn’t necessarily translate into more carbon storage in the long run," explained Kim. 



"The increasing trends in wildfire have significant implications for forest species composition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ecosystems-are-endangered-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> function but likely negatively affect the land carbon sink." 



"This is why it’s important to study how the changing landscape from wildfire and warming influences different aspects of land carbon cycling."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-changes-in-arctic-and-boreal-ecosystems">Tracking changes in Arctic and boreal ecosystems </h2>



To track changes in photosynthesis, Kim’s team utilized data from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 satellites. These satellites measure plant fluorescence - a novel method that provides a global view of photosynthesis rates.



“We also have this long land cover time series from Landsat, and we can look at how fires are changing the land plant cover and then tie it to changes in the solar-induced fluorescence signal," said Kim.



"We find that wildfires are changing the land cover, which, in turn, can enhance the seasonality of carbon fluxes at large spatial scales.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-shrubbery-signals-warmer-winters">Shifting shrubbery signals warmer winters</h2>



In another study led by Allison Welch, a PhD candidate in the lab of Professor Claudia Czimczik, researchers explored plant expansion across the Arctic ecosystem. 



"With increasing temperatures and wildfire activity, we’re seeing increased growth of bigger, deciduous shrubs,” noted Welch. 



Her team found that alder shrubs, in particular, are thriving, significantly boosting vegetation productivity at their study sites. Moreover, these changes come with critical implications for permafrost. 



"We reported a decrease in the thickness of the organic layer at our tundra sites," said Welch. "Shallower organic layers mean less insulation for the underlying Arctic permafrost, which carries vast reserves of frozen organic matter that, if thawed, may release planet-warming gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-clues-about-ecosystem-changes">Chemical clues about ecosystem changes </h2>



Under the guidance of Professor Alex Guenther, PhD candidate Hui Wang conducted a third study. The research was focused on an unexpected rise in emissions of isoprene - an important molecule that influences local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-climate-change-alter-alaskas-boreal-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> through its effects on ozone, aerosols, and methane levels.



“This change will indirectly change the climate,” said Wang. He noted that rising temperatures have prompted plants to release more isoprene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-changing-arctic-ecosystem">Rapidly changing Arctic ecosystem </h2>



These studies collectively highlight a rapidly changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-geese-have-a-large-impact-on-arctic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> ecosystem that is transforming at a faster rate than previously anticipated. Claudia Czimczik, a co-author on Welch’s paper, emphasized the urgent need for attention.



"These three studies are examples of how the Arctic is changing more rapidly than previously expected. Increasing wildfire activity, via its effect on vegetation composition, has the potential to accelerate permafrost thaw beyond the rates we expected from changing climate," said Czimczik.



Kim concluded with a reflection on the broader implications of the research. "We can see the environment is unstable, and that there are complex interactions from not only the changing plant communities but the responses of those plants to the rapidly changing climate." 



"These have consequences for the environment and the overall Earth system, so it’s something important that we need to understand better.”



The research is published in the journal Global Change Biology.



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Arctic and boreal ecosystems are becoming increasingly unstable

Major transformations are occurring within Arctic and boreal ecosystems, which...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

This image was taken in 1862, and we’re fortunate enough to have a few scant biographical details about the boy. This somber-looking youth’s name was Maximilian Cabanas. After enlisting with the Confederate States Army, he was captured by Union soldiers. Tragically, he later perished in a prisoner-of-war encampment in the North when he was just 16 years old. Photo Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images

Confederate soldier

Away from the reservations, though, people in the U.S. tried to grab their piece of the American Dream. That included the folks in the postbellum Deep South, even as they battled against years of economic underdevelopment and racial friction. And these images – many from the earliest days of photography – give an unrivaled insight into what life was truly like in that part of the world more than a century ago. Featuring everything from abundant peanut harvests to Mississippi steamers laden with cotton, the powerful snapshots show a region gradually getting back on its feet. Photo Credit: Lewis W. Hine/Buyenlarge/Getty Images