Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Cyclone Michaung, which slammed into the southern Indian coast on December 5, 2023 with intense winds and torrential rainfall. Michaung made landfall between Nellore and Kavali in the state of Andhra Pradesh. 



"When it made landfall, the storm had sustained winds of 90 to 100 kilometers (56 to 62 miles) per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department," said NASA.



"The VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite captured this image after landfall, as the weakening storm moved northward and winds had slowed to 65 to 75 kilometers per hour."



As the cyclone approached, tall waves crashed into southern coastal towns and entire villages were submerged, according to a report from Reuters. Trees were uprooted, roads were damaged, and cars were swept away.&nbsp;



By Wednesday, rescue operations were launched in Chennai, a city of over six million people. Rescuers used inflatable rafts and ropes to pull people from their flooded homes and air force helicopters dropped food to some of those who remained stranded.



Among the widespread destruction, there have been 13 confirmed deaths due to causes including falling structures and electrocution.



Cyclones are relatively common along the southern coast of India, particularly in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. This region is prone to cyclonic activity primarily due to its geographical location and certain meteorological factors.&nbsp;



Cyclones in this area tend to occur mainly in two seasons: the pre-monsoon season (April-June) and the post-monsoon season (October-December).



During these periods, warm ocean temperatures, high humidity, and favorable wind patterns contribute to the development and intensification of cyclones.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Cyclone Michaung caused widespread destruction in southern India

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 a volcanic plume drifting from Anak Krakatau, a small island in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. 



Anak Krakatau, which means "Child of Krakatoa," emerged from the sea in 1927, forming over the caldera of the infamous Krakatoa volcano, which erupted catastrophically in 1883.&nbsp;



This earlier eruption was one of the most violent volcanic events in recorded history, known for its immense power and the global climate impact it had due to the large amount of ash it sent into the upper atmosphere.



Anak Krakatau has been growing continuously since its emergence, with frequent eruptions that have reshaped its structure and size over time.&nbsp;



"Geologists have tallied 57 eruptive periods from this location since the beginning of the Holocene, roughly 11,700 years ago," said NASA. "The most recent eruptive period, which started in May 2021 and continued into December 2023, has featured frequent but generally mild Strombolian blasts of volcanic gases and ash particles."&nbsp;



"Materials ejected from the volcano’s vent are typically lofted a few hundred meters above the summit, and small lava flows occasionally drain down the island's flanks and into the sea."



"Beginning on November 26, 2023, geologists with the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation began to report more intense explosions, with plumes of volcanic material rising up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above the vent."&nbsp;



The public has been warned to stay at least 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the crater. Due to elevated risks of ash in the area, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Darwin, Australia, has issued multiple warnings to the aviation community.



The image was captured on December 2, 2023 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Volcanic activity has intensified on Anak Krakatau

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a false-color image of Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.&nbsp;



"Visible as the large round dark area, Lake Abbe, also known as Lake Abhe, straddles the border of Ethiopia to the west and Djibouti to the east. The lake is 19 km wide and 17 km long and is extremely salty. It is dotted with clusters of steaming limestone chimneys and surrounded by large salt flats, visible in white, and rift volcanoes," says ESA.



"The biggest volcano in the image is Mount Dama Ali, a dormant 25-km-wide shield volcano that rises on the northwest shore of the lake."



"Lake Abbe and Lake Afambo, which is visible at the top of the image, are part of a chain of six connected salt lakes, fed by the Awash River - one of Ethiopia’s biggest rivers.'



Copernicus Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel highlights vegetation in bright red. This strategy makes it easy to spot algal blooms, such as the one that is visible in Lake Abbe. According to ESA, the light blue color on the west shore indicates sediment discharged into the lake.



"Because of its dry, desert, almost lunar landscape and the steaming, sulphuric vents, Lake Abbe is considered one of the most inaccessible areas on Earth," says ESA. "Earth observation satellites are key in these cases as they are particularly relevant for monitoring remote regions such as this."



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features an astronaut photograph of Abu Dhabi, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf.



Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second-most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE's seven emirates.&nbsp;



Abu Dhabi possesses around 9% of the world's proven oil reserves and about 5% of the world's natural gas. Consequently, oil exports have fueled its rapid development and provided substantial wealth.



"Prior to the formation of the UAE in the 1970s, Abu Dhabi was a municipality of less than 62,000 people. The region experienced a rapid population increase over the past five decades due to its role in the petroleum and financial industries, which enabled the city’s population to grow to about 1.5 million people by the early 2020s," said NASA.



The city places a strong emphasis on promoting Emirati culture and heritage. It hosts numerous events, festivals, and has several museums and cultural centers.



"The landscape of the Abu Dhabi emirate is mainly composed of wind-blown sand, mangroves, rocky outcrops, and intertidal flats. The Abu Dhabi Sabkha, visible along the coastline as brown, non-vegetated land, was produced by wind erosion of ancient dunes and the deposition of tidal sediments," said NASA.



"Sabkhas are flat coastal areas that are characteristically high in salt. The abundance of salt in the soil limits the ability of vegetation to develop on the sabkha."



"In contrast to the barren sabkha, green mangrove forests are present along the coastline as well. Mangrove forests are regions of shrubs and trees with dense root systems that protect the intertidal zones from coastal erosion."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates

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

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission view of Tutuila, a tropical island in the American Samoa archipelago.



American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of five main islands and two atolls. The largest and most populous island is Tutuila, where Pago Pago, the capital city, is situated.



The eastern part of the chain of islands forms the American Samoa, while the western part forms the independent state of Samoa.



Tutuila Island is known for its rugged terrain, lush landscapes, and deep harbors. It's the economic and political center of American Samoa, with the majority of the population residing here. The island's geography features volcanic peaks, with Mount Alava and Matafao Peak being the highest points, offering stunning views and rich biodiversity.



American Samoa as a whole has a unique blend of American and Samoan culture. The territory maintains traditional Samoan customs, making it a fascinating place for cultural studies. The economy primarily revolves around fishing and the services sector, with canned tuna being a significant export.



The National Park of American Samoa, partly located on Tutuila, helps preserve the tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and Samoan culture. This park is unique because it's one of the only national parks in the United States that's leased rather than owned by the government, reflecting the strong communal land traditions of Samoa.



Image Credit: ESA 



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Tutuila in the American Samoa archipelago 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the summit crater of Mount Erebus peeking through the clouds. Erebus is the southernmost active volcano on Earth and the second-highest volcano in Antarctica.



Mount Erebus is situated on Ross Island in the Ross Sea. It was discovered in 1841 by the British explorer Sir James Clark Ross, who named it after his ship, the Erebus.



It stands at an elevation of about 3,794 meters (12,448 feet). It's a stratovolcano, characterized by a conical shape and layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.



Mount Erebus is known for its persistent lava lake, which is visible in the image. "The lake has been active since at least 1972 and is one of only a few long-lived lava lakes on Earth. It constantly churns and occasionally spews bombs of molten rock in Strombolian eruptions," said NASA.



"Geologists want to learn why an active lava lake has persisted here for so long. Recent research suggests one reason could be the magma’s low water content, which makes it less volatile as it approaches the surface."



Due to its unique features, Mount Erebus is an important site for scientific research. Researchers study its geology, unique gas emissions, and microbial life in its extreme environment.



However, the harsh Antarctic climate and its remote location make it a challenging environment for research. Additionally, its volcanic activity poses risks.



The image was captured on November 25,2023 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mount Erebus breaks through the clouds

Crater Lake&nbsp;(Klamath:&nbsp;Giiwas) is a&nbsp;crater lake&nbsp;in south-central&nbsp;Oregon&nbsp;in the western United States. It is the main feature of&nbsp;Crater Lake National Park&nbsp;and is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. The lake partly fills a nearly 2,148-foot-deep (655&nbsp;m) caldera that was formed around 7,700 (± 150) years ago&nbsp;by the collapse of the volcano&nbsp;Mount Mazama. There are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake; the evaporation is compensated for by rain and snowfall at a rate such that the total amount of water is replaced every 250 years. With a depth of 1,949 feet (594&nbsp;m),&nbsp;the lake is the&nbsp;deepest&nbsp;in the United States. In the world, it ranks ninth for maximum depth, and third for mean (average) depth. Crater Lake features two small islands.&nbsp;Wizard Island, located near the western shore of the lake, is a&nbsp;cinder cone&nbsp;approximately 316 acres (128 ha) in size.&nbsp;Phantom Ship, a natural rock pillar, is located near the southern shore.



The park has two developed campgrounds,&nbsp;Mazama Campground&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lost Creek Campground. They are open only in the summer. Mazama Campground has 214 sites for tents and RVs. Lost Creek Campground has 16 sites for tents only.&nbsp; Sleeping overnight in the park is allowed only for hotel guests, campground campers, and backpackers who obtain a&nbsp;backcountry permit. Camping in the park’s pullouts, picnic areas, and parking lots is prohibited.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Research from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> has revealed a startling link between plant nurseries and the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive species</a>, particularly in a warming climate.



The research, which consists of two papers, offers the most comprehensive mapping to date of how 144 common invasive plant species are expected to respond to climate change in the eastern United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research</h2>



Led by Bethany Bradley, a professor of Environmental Conservation, the UMass Amherst team meticulously analyzed data from 14 invasive species databases.&nbsp;



Professor Bradley noted that managers have very few resources to control invasions, so there isn't time to waste focusing on species unlikely to become invasive in a given area. "But the question of what will become invasive and where has been surprisingly tricky to answer.”



“If we can proactively identify these species and the regions they are most likely to become abundant in as the climate warms, then we can head-off a major ecological threat before it’s too late,” said study co-author Annette Evans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotspots-of-invasive-species-nbsp">Hotspots of invasive species&nbsp;</h2>



Concentrating on the eastern United States, the team identified current "hotspots" of invasive species abundance. These hotspots, notably around the Great Lakes, mid-Atlantic, and the northeastern coasts of Florida and Georgia, are fertile grounds for over 30 different invasive plants.



Using advanced modeling, the researchers projected the future spread of these species with 2°C of warming.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights">Key insights</h2>



The team discovered that most species would likely shift their ranges northeastward by an average of 213 kilometers.&nbsp;



In some areas, this shift could lead to the proliferation of up to 21 new plant species, exacerbating the effects of 40 currently abundant invasives. However, 62% of these species might see a decrease in suitable habitats in the eastern United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-pathway-nbsp">Primary pathway&nbsp;</h2>



The second part of the study, led by Evelyn M. Beaury, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton, highlights the significant role of commercial nurseries in the spread of invasive species.&nbsp;



The study found that nurseries are the primary pathway for introducing invasive plants, with over 80% of the species studied being sold in nurseries.



“When people think of how invasive plant species spread, they might assume species are moving because of birds or the wind dispersing seeds,” said Beaury. “But commercial nurseries that sell hundreds of different invasives are actually the primary pathway of invasive plant introduction.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-data">Valuable data</h2>



The research also revealed a concerning proximity of nursery sales to invasion sites. Approximately 55% of invasive species were sold within 21 kilometers of an observed invasion, implying that local gardening practices might inadvertently contribute to the spread of these species.



“But there’s good news here,” said Beaury. “This is the first time that we have real numbers to show the connection between plant nursery sales and the spread of invasive species - including invasions that occur down the street from nurseries, as well as across state borders."&nbsp;



"Now that we have the data, we have an incredible opportunity to be proactive, to work with the industry, consumers and plant managers to think more critically about how our gardens impact U.S. ecosystems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The study provides a list of 24 commonly sold invasive plants that are likely to become more problematic with climate change in the northeast, suggesting native alternatives to these species.



“These two papers together make it pretty clear that not only are we facilitating current invasions through the ornamental plant trade, but we are also facilitating future climate-driven invasion,” said Bradley, “But with these papers, maps and watchlists, we can pinpoint which species are most worrisome where, both now and in the coming decades. These are important new tools in invasive plant managers’ toolboxes.” 



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13787" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diversity and Distributions</a>.



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Plant nurseries are the primary pathway for introducing invasive species

Research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has revealed a...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/root-bacteria-protects-plants/">Bacteria</a> that benefit plants are thought to be a critical contributor to crops and ecosystems, but climate change may reduce their numbers, according to a new study by an international team of researchers published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-023-00869-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>.



The collaboration, including Francisco Dini-Andreote, professor of plant science at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a>, characterized the abundances and distributions of plant beneficial bacteria (PBB) from soils collected across the globe. The researchers then modeled how these microbial communities may be impacted by fossil-fuel dependent climate change in the next century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-second-genome">The second genome</h2>



Leveraging existing data from the <a href="https://earthmicrobiome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth Microbiome Project</a>, the researchers identified microbes that may provide services to plants such as biocontrol or limiting impacts of pathogens, plant growth promotion, and stress resistance. Such services implicate these bacteria as key components of productive agroecosystems, which primarily yield food.



“Plants are colonized by a diverse set of microbes on and in their roots, leaves and stems,” Dini-Andreote said. “These plant-associated microbiomes represent an extension of the plant metabolic capacity - often termed ‘the second genome of plants.’”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-community-patterns">Microbial community patterns</h2>



This notion echoes the hologenome concept, which considers the total set of genes contained by an organism and its associated microbiome to make inferences about organismal health and evolution.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, characterizing the biogeography of PBB sets the stage for understanding the variables that govern global microbial community patterns and predicting their future in a rapidly shifting world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-nbsp">Key insights&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis revealed several trends in PBB diversity, including higher levels of diversity and richness in lower latitudes, with the highest concentration in North America and Africa. A total of 396 genera, the taxonomic rank above species level, were identified.&nbsp;



The researchers found that local environmental variables - climate, in particular - were strong predictors of PBB community composition, likely exerting strong influences on PBB distribution. This suggests that climate influences what bacteria are found where and in what proportion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-scenarios-nbsp">Future scenarios&nbsp;</h2>



To investigate how PBB abundances and distributions may change over the next century, the researchers modeled several climate scenarios based on projections from the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>. 



Under the fossil-fueled development scenario, which assumes tripled greenhouse gas emissions by 2075, the model predicted that PBB associated with biocontrol and stress resistance would decline by 0.60 percent in 80 percent of global regions, as opposed to 0.07 percent under a Sustainability scenario.&nbsp;



Under all scenarios, middle-latitude regions are projected to experience steady declines, whereas increases in PBB are anticipated in polar and equatorial regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-validation-is-needed">Further validation is needed</h2>



Dini-Andreote noted that predictive studies such as this are broadly impactful but cautioned that models are limited and must be experimentally validated. For instance, in controlled settings, plant-soil systems can be exposed to warming or drought conditions, after which researchers can evaluate shifts based on the impact and adaptation of PBB communities relative to controls.&nbsp;



In other words, experimentation is required to know how PBB will be affected under climate-related stress, and what levels of PBB decline will have a critical impact on plant health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-food-insecurity-nbsp">Addressing food insecurity&nbsp;</h2>



In addition to informing community ecology research, the researchers said they hope to spark agricultural innovation and applications for increased food security. But those innovations are unlikely to include soil probiotics to restore diminished PBB.&nbsp;



Dini-Andreote said that such bioinoculants can often have several shortcomings such as requiring continual application. Additionally, only a small fraction, about 5 to 10 percent, of soil microbes can be cultured, which limits the development of full-spectrum probiotics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



However, Dini-Andreote offered an alternative. “By advancing our understanding of how these distinct PBB survive in association with plants, for instance in the plant rhizosphere, we can develop strategies to engineer crops to produce compounds that feed these beneficial microbes.”&nbsp;



Through this approach, the researchers suggested, plants could recruit beneficial bacteria with no need for the external input of probiotics. The potential impacts of applications like this are untold, Dini-Andreote said, but underscore the importance of exploring the rapidly advancing frontier of microbiomes.



“This high-profile research is a testament to Dr. Dini-Andreote’s impactful and original research on plant-microbe interactions in a One Health context, spanning soil, plant and human health," Seth Bordenstein, director of the <a href="https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/microbiome-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Health Microbiome Center</a> at Penn State. “His vision for plant hologenome studies and integration with global environmental and geographic data is not only driving textbook-level knowledge, but it also raises the alarm on evidence-backed sustainability challenges,” he concluded.



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Beneficial plant bacteria likely to decline due to climate change

Bacteria that benefit plants are thought to be a critical...

Red sprites, also known as "red fairies" are a type of transient luminous event (TLE), primarily appearing as red flashes of light occurring above thunderstorms. They are part of a larger family of upper-atmospheric phenomena linked to thunderstorm activity, alongside blue jets and elves. 



Discovered only in the late 20th century, red sprites have since captivated scientists and sky-watchers alike with their elusive and spectacular nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-andreas-mogensen-video">Andreas Mogensen video</h2>



ESA astronaut <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Andreas_Mogensen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andreas Mogensen</a> captured this image of a red fairy hovering above a thundercloud as a part of the Thor-Davis experiment at <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danish Technical University</a>. “Red sprites,” as they are called in scientific circles, are rare Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) that form above thunderclouds. They typically emerge between 40 to 80 kilometers above Earth.



As demonstrated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/red-sprite_Davis-camera-video_ISS_ESA_1big.gif">Davis camera video</a>, thunder precedes the appearance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/red-sprites-above-the-u-s-and-central-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red fairies</a> higher in the sky. The Davis camera's uniqueness lies in its operation. It functions more like our eyes' retinas, sensitive to light changes, allowing it to capture up to the equivalent of 100,000 frames per second, unlike a standard camera.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-sprite-discovery-and-background">Red sprite discovery and background</h2>



The existence of red sprites eluded scientific documentation until 1989, largely due to their brief duration and high altitude. 



Pilots had reported sightings of unusual aerial phenomena for years. However, these accounts remained anecdotal until researchers, using high-speed cameras, captured the first images of red sprites. This breakthrough paved the way for a new field of atmospheric research.



Red sprites manifest as reddish-orange flashes, often accompanied by tendrils extending both upward and downward. They typically occur in clusters and can stretch 50 to 90 kilometers above the Earth's surface, into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-rocket-launch-ripped-a-hole-in-earths-ionosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ionosphere</a>. The coloration is a result of nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere getting excited by the electrical discharge.



Red sprites develop in conjunction with large-scale thunderstorm activity, specifically above the intense electrical discharges of positive cloud-to-ground lightning. They are believed to arise from the imbalance in electrical charge between the upper atmosphere and the thunderclouds below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance-and-research">Scientific significance and research</h2>



The study of red sprites offers valuable insights into atmospheric electricity and upper-atmosphere conditions. They play a role in the Earth’s electrical balance and can impact various atmospheric chemical processes.



Advancements in high-speed photography and observational techniques have significantly enhanced our understanding of red sprites. Satellites, airborne observations, and ground-based photometric arrays are now instrumental in studying these transient events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-studying-red-sprites">Challenges of studying red sprites</h2>



Despite advancements, observing and studying red sprites remain challenging due to their unpredictability and brief lifespan. Future research aims to better understand the impact of sprites on the atmosphere and their relation to other meteorological phenomena.



In summary, red sprites, while still shrouded in mystery, offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay of Earth's weather systems and atmospheric electricity. Continued research and observation promise to uncover more secrets of these ephemeral lights, deepening our understanding of our planet's atmospheric dynamics.



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Rare and mysterious "red sprite" captured by astronaut in low Earth orbit

Red sprites, also known as "red fairies" are a type...

A high-speed stream from a coronal hole is expected to lead to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storming on December 4 (UTC Day) and G1 (Minor) storming on December 5, 2023, according to an alert this morning from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWPC</a>).



Coronal holes are striking features of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-will-intensify-then-slow-as-the-solar-cycle-peaks-in-early-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a>, often appearing as dark regions in the solar corona when observed in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft X-ray solar images. These areas are notable for being cooler and less dense compared to the surrounding plasma. The darkness of coronal holes is attributed to their nature as regions of open, unipolar magnetic fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-magnetic-fields-in-coronal-holes">Role of magnetic fields in coronal holes</h2>



The open magnetic field line structure of coronal holes is a critical aspect of their behavior. This structure allows the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a>, a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, to escape more easily into space. The result is a stream of relatively fast solar wind, often referred to as a high-speed stream in interplanetary space analysis.



Interestingly, coronal holes can develop at any time and place on the Sun. However, they are more common and persistent around the years of solar minimum. The more persistent coronal holes can last through several solar rotations, each spanning about 27 days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-and-stability-of-coronal-holes">Prevalence and stability of coronal holes</h2>



Coronal holes are most prevalent and stable at the solar north and south poles. These polar holes can grow and expand to lower solar latitudes. Additionally, coronal holes can develop in isolation from polar holes, or an extension of a polar hole can split off to become an isolated structure. Persistent coronal holes serve as long-lasting sources for high-speed solar wind streams.



As the high-speed stream interacts with the slower ambient solar wind, a compression region forms, known as a co-rotating interaction region (CIR). From the perspective of a fixed observer in interplanetary space, the CIR will lead the coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-cir-on-planetary-conditions">Effects of CIR on planetary conditions</h2>



The CIR can cause particle density enhancement and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength increases before the onset of the CH HSS. As the CH HSS approaches Earth, solar wind speed and temperature rise, while particle density begins to decrease. After the passage of the CIR and the transition into the CH HSS flow, the overall IMF strength typically starts to weaken.



Coronal holes located near the solar equator are most likely to affect Earth with CIR passage and/or higher solar wind speeds. Strong CIRs and the faster CH HSS can significantly impact Earth’s magnetosphere, causing geomagnetic storms to the G1-G2 levels (Minor to Moderate) on the NOAA Space Weather Scale. 



In rarer cases, stronger storming may occur. The larger and more expansive coronal holes can be a source of high solar wind speeds that affect Earth for extended periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-a-coronal-hole">Forecasting a coronal hole</h2>



Forecasters closely analyze coronal holes for their potential to cause escalated geomagnetic activity and possible storming. They are noted on the daily synoptic drawing. 



The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecasters consider the effects of CIR and CH HSS activity when forecasting the anticipated levels of overall planetary geomagnetic response for each 3-hour synoptic period over the next three days, as detailed in the 3-day forecast. Predicted CIR or CH HSS influences are further elaborated in the forecast discussion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coronal-holes-and-auroras">Coronal holes and auroras</h2>



Coronal holes play a significant role in the creation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aurora-borealis-seen-as-far-south-as-the-equator-after-largest-known-solar-storm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auroras</a> on Earth. These dark areas on the Sun's surface, characterized by open magnetic fields, allow solar winds to escape more easily into space. When these high-speed solar winds, often emanating from coronal holes, reach Earth, they can interact with the planet's magnetosphere. This interaction involves the solar wind's charged particles colliding with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.



As the solar wind penetrates the magnetosphere, it can cause <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-alert-strong-geomagnetic-storm-warning-issued-due-to-strong-solar-flare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geomagnetic storms</a>, especially if the incoming solar wind is strong and fast. These storms disturb the magnetosphere and lead to the acceleration of electrons and protons. When these accelerated particles collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen, they excite these gases, causing them to release photons - the basic units of light. This release of photons results in the shimmering lights known as auroras.



The intensity and frequency of auroras often depend on the strength of the solar wind and the geomagnetic storms it induces. Coronal holes, being significant sources of fast solar winds, can enhance the likelihood and intensity of auroras. During times when Earth encounters streams of solar wind from these coronal holes, the chances of observing auroras at higher and sometimes lower latitudes increase. This phenomenon makes coronal holes an essential factor in predicting and understanding auroral activities on Earth.



In summary, understanding coronal holes and their associated phenomena is crucial for anticipating and mitigating the impacts of solar activity on Earth’s magnetosphere and space weather conditions.



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"Coronal hole" in the Sun prompts aurora alert for southern states

A high-speed stream from a coronal hole is expected to...

In our local neighborhoods, encountering distressed wildlife is not uncommon. People often turn to social media seeking advice on what to do when they find injured or disoriented wildlife. The answer typically lies with local wildlife rehabilitation centers. 



These centers, run by licensed individuals and organizations, play a crucial role in caring for sick and injured wildlife. They handle hundreds of thousands of wild animals annually across the United States, offering a unique perspective on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thermal-imaging-can-help-monitor-animal-health-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal health</a> and environmental changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-humans-impact-wildlife">Studying how humans impact wildlife</h2>



A few years ago, Tara Miller, a biologist then with <a href="https://defenders.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defenders of Wildlife</a>, came across Wendy Hall, cofounder of the <a href="https://adirondackwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adirondack Wildlife Refuge</a>. Hall shared observations about unusual animal occurrences, like the appearance of black vultures, typically a southern species, in the Adirondacks. 



These insights, linked to climate change, sparked Miller's interest in using wildlife rehabilitation data to study the environmental impact on North American wildlife.



Miller, who uses they/them pronouns, spearheaded a pioneering study while at <a href="https://sites.bu.edu/urban/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University</a>'s Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health program. Collaborating with 94 wildlife centers across the U.S. and Canada, Miller's team analyzed records of over a thousand species. This study aimed to identify regional threats to wildlife and assess the effectiveness of rehab centers in treating these animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



The research revealed alarming trends. Human activities, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lead-ammunition-is-a-silent-threat-to-bald-eagle-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead poisoning</a> in bald eagles and sea turtles entangled in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dynamic-ocean-closures-offer-protection-from-accidental-catch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing gear</a>, have a significant impact on wildlife. 



The study also noted an increase in animals admitted to rehab centers following extreme weather events, a phenomenon linked to climate change. Miller emphasizes the importance of their findings in understanding the broader, direct impact that people have on wildlife. 



“A lot of what we found in the research isn’t going to shock anyone, but you want to be able to tell people, ‘It’s not just this one animal. This is happening across the country,’” Miller says. “I think that was what was so cool about the work we were able to do with this huge dataset: tie together what rehabbers across the country are seeing and validate it. We were able to find a lot of these trends for the big picture of how humans are impacting wildlife.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection-and-challenges">Data collection and challenges</h2>



Initially, accessing wildlife rehab records was a challenge, as most were stored in physical formats. However, with digitalization efforts, like the Wildlife Center of Virginia’s <a href="https://www.wildlifecenter.org/training-opportunities/WILD-ONe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WILD-ONe</a> patient database system, researchers could analyze vast amounts of data. This system also plays a role in identifying wildlife diseases that might affect human and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock health</a>.



“This was a gigantic dataset, with more than 600,000 observations,” says <a href="https://www.bu.edu/biology/people/profiles/richard-b-primack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Primack</a>, a BU College of Arts &amp; Sciences professor of biology, who was Miller’s PhD advisor and a coauthor on the paper. Primack says he encourages all of his students to consider what questions they want their data to address. In Miller’s case, the big question was, “What are the major threats to wildlife?”



Miller's interactions with wildlife rehabilitators were integral to the study. These conversations often happened amidst the rehabbers' busy schedules, highlighting their dedication and willingness to contribute to the project.



“I had phone calls with rehabbers where they would have to jump off because they had a baby squirrel they had to go feed, or one time someone had a porcupine autopsy they had to get back to,” Miller says. “People were so generous with their time and of their data, and so enthusiastic about this whole project.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-threaten-wildlife-in-many-ways">People threaten wildlife in many ways</h2>



The data showed that human disturbances caused injuries to 40% of the animals admitted to rehab centers. These disturbances included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-killed-roads-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle accidents</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/window-collisions-are-a-leading-cause-of-bird-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building collisions</a>, and fishing incidents. 



Miller, in a tone of incredulity, noted, "Forty percent of the animals arrive at wildlife rehab centers largely due to negative impacts from human activities. How can we modify our policies and behaviors to lessen our impact on these animals?"



Regarding seasonal trends, the researchers found that vehicle collisions, peaking from May to July, affected reptiles disproportionately. During spring, summer, and early fall -- periods of heightened agricultural and construction activities -- pesticide poisonings rose. 



In the winter, following the hunting season, lead poisonings became more prevalent, especially in animals like bald eagles. This increase is often due to many hunters using lead ammunition for deer hunting. Lead from the bullets subsequently poisons scavengers like eagles and vultures feeding on the remains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-policy-and-environmental-health">Future policy and environmental health</h2>



Wildlife rehab centers eventually release about one-third of the animals they receive back into the wild. However, this release rate varies significantly among different species.



“For example, pelicans are injured but then are often released [68%], whereas bald eagles have a very low chance of being released [20%],” Primack says. “This presents a very interesting question of why the threats to wildlife are so different between these two groups of large birds.”



The team hopes their research will aid wildlife rehab centers in securing grants and funding. It also aims to encourage community-level changes to protect wildlife from people. Their plans would include implementing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-animals-feel-safe-using-wildlife-crossings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife underpasses and overpasses</a>, using bird-friendly window designs, and promoting the use of non-lead fishing gear and ammunition.



Post-graduation, Miller has shifted focus to policy research at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>, addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vast-amounts-of-edna-captured-in-air-quality-monitoring-stations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental health</a> issues affecting human communities. This transition underscores the interconnectedness of wildlife and human health and the broader environmental impacts of policy decisions.



In summary, this study, led by Tara Miller, marks a significant step in understanding the threats facing wildlife and the role of human activities in these challenges. It calls for a collective effort in policy-making, community awareness, and individual actions to create a safer environment for wildlife and, consequently, for ourselves.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0006320723003968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



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People are a greater threat to wildlife than climate change or anything else

In our local neighborhoods, encountering distressed wildlife is not uncommon....

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical global issue, and a recent study has shed new light on one of its less understood consequences: the release of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-finalizes-ambitious-rule-to-slash-methane-emissions/">methane</a> from deep ocean sources.&nbsp;



The research reveals that a frozen form of methane trapped deep in the ocean is melting and releasing the potent gas due to climate warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-hydrate">Methane hydrate</h2>



The study was conducted by an international team of researchers who used advanced three-dimensional seismic imaging techniques. They focused on the dissociation of methane hydrate, also known as fire-ice, off the coast of Mauritania in Northwest Africa.&nbsp;



Methane hydrate is an ice-like substance containing methane, stored in large quantities under the ocean floor. As the oceans warm, this methane thaws and releases both into the sea and the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-findings">Significant findings</h2>



The study findings are significant. In one particular case, dissociated methane migrated over 40 kilometers from the deepest parts of the continental slope, released through pockmarks on the ocean floor.&nbsp;



This discovery challenges the previous assumption that hydrate in such deep regions was not vulnerable to climatic warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-discovery-nbsp">Unexpected discovery&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Professor Richard Davies of <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a> noted the unexpected nature of this discovery.



“It was a Covid lockdown discovery, I revisited imaging of strata just under the modern seafloor offshore of Mauritania and pretty much stumbled over 23 pockmarks," said Professor Davies.



"Our work shows they formed because methane released from hydrate, from the deepest parts of the continental slope vented into the ocean. Scientists had previously thought this hydrate was not vulnerable to climatic warming, but we have shown that some of it is.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrate-stability-zone-nbsp">Hydrate stability zone&nbsp;</h2>



The study indicates that even deep-seated methane hydrate is susceptible to climate change, and its release can significantly impact the atmosphere.



“This is an important discovery. So far, research efforts focused on the shallowest parts of the hydrate stability zone, because we thought that only this portion is sensitive to climate variations," said Dr. Christian Berndt of GEOMAR in Kiel, Germany.



“The new data clearly show that far larger volumes of methane may be liberated from marine hydrates and we really have to get to the bottom of this to understand better the role of hydrates in the climate system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide in its abundance and impact. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, methane constitutes about 16 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, understanding and addressing methane release is crucial for climate change mitigation.



The study's results are pivotal in predicting and managing the impact of methane on our changing climate. 



The research team plans to continue investigating methane vents along ocean margins and aims to forecast areas where massive methane seeps could occur due to planetary warming. They are now organizing a scientific cruise to drill into the pockmarks and establish a closer link to past climatic warming events.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01333" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Melting 'fire-ice' unleashes deep methane from beneath the seafloor

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical global issue,...

Animals use self-control to plan and achieve long-term goals. Birds, for instance, demonstrate delayed gratification when they resist a small, immediate reward in favor of waiting for a better one. Recent research has revealed intriguing differences in self-control behaviors between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> species, particularly in the presence of others. 



This study was spearheaded by researchers from <a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anglia Ruskin University</a> (ARU) in Cambridge, UK, and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>. It presents a fascinating comparison of the behavioral patterns of Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) and New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) in the context of delayed gratification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-self-control-in-bird-species">Studying self-control in bird species</h2>



Eurasian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jays-with-greater-intelligence-have-more-self-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jays</a> and New Caledonian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-brains-and-bodies-helped-crows-expand-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a>, both members of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ravens-crows-corvid-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corvid</a> family, are known for their high intelligence. This study specifically explored how these birds respond to food choices when another bird is present, focusing on their ability to exhibit self-control through delayed gratification.



The core of the study was a rotating tray task, where they gave the birds two food choices: a high-quality and a low-quality option. The birds had to remove these from under clear plastic cups. Mealworm served as the high-quality food for jays, and bread as the low-quality food, while crows preferred meat over the less desirable apple.



The team tested each bird individually, letting them observe as the researchers placed both food types on the rotating tray. Simultaneously, another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a>, either a competitor or a non-competitor, stayed in an adjacent compartment.



Right before the tray offered the less preferred food option, the researchers opened the door between the compartments. This allowed the second bird access. The tested bird then had the choice to either take the immediate option or wait 15 seconds for the preferred option to become available.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delayed-gratification-and-self-control">Delayed gratification and self-control</h2>



The study found a notable behavioral pattern among Eurasian jays. While alone, each jay chose the delayed reward (mealworm) but shifted to the immediate food choice (bread) when another bird was present, be it a competitor or a non-competitor. This flexibility in their decision-making underlines the influence of social context on their behavior.



In contrast, New Caledonian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jackdaws-reach-a-consensus-before-taking-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a> demonstrated remarkable consistency. They demonstrated self-control by waiting for the high-quality, delayed reward (meat), regardless of whether another bird was present. This consistency was observed in all test conditions, emphasizing the crows' steadfastness in their preference.



<a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/people/rachael-miller-harrison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Rachael Miller</a>, Co-lead author and Senior Lecturer in Biology at Anglia Ruskin University, highlighted the significance of delayed gratification as an indicator of self-control in birds. She drew parallels between this study and similar research conducted on young children, using the rotating tray task to measure self-control.



“Interestingly, we found that jays were highly flexible in their use of delayed gratification, and this was entirely influenced by the presence of other birds, but the crows consistently chose the better, delayed reward, regardless of rival birds being present," said Miller. 



Miller pointed out the unexpected findings regarding the Eurasian jaybird's flexibility in using delayed gratification, influenced entirely by the presence of other birds. In contrast, the New Caledonian crows' consistent choice of the better, delayed reward, irrespective of rival birds, adds a new dimension to our understanding of animal behavior in social contexts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-conclusions">Implications and conclusions</h2>



This research sheds light on the dynamics of self-control and factors influencing delayed gratification in animals. It suggests that a species' social tolerance and competition levels play a significant role in these behaviors.



Dr. Miller expounded, “These findings add to our understanding of self-control and the factors influencing delayed gratification in animals, which may relate to a particular species’ social tolerance and levels of competition."



Particularly, the more sociable nature of New Caledonian crows, compared to the territorial Eurasian jays, might explain their differing strategies. As Dr. Miller notes, the reliance of jays on hiding food for survival could be a key reason for their altered strategy in the presence of competitors, opting for immediate, less preferred food to avoid losing out.



In summary, this study not only enhances our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-dim-witted-pigeons-have-their-own-version-of-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian intelligence</a> but also opens up new avenues for exploring self-control mechanisms across different species in varying social settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-eurasian-jays">More about Eurasian jays</h2>



Garrulus glandarius, commonly known as the Eurasian Jay, is a species of bird found predominantly across Europe and parts of North Asia. This bird is notable for its striking plumage, with a mix of pinkish-brown, black, white, and blue. Its size is comparable to that of a typical crow, but with a distinctive rounded tail and a slightly smaller build.



Eurasian Jays primarily inhabit woodlands, showing a preference for oak forests due to their reliance on acorns as a food source. Their diet, however, is omnivorous and varied, including insects, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small rodents or reptiles.



These birds demonstrate remarkable intelligence and self-control, a trait common in the corvid family. They are known for their ability to store food in numerous locations for later retrieval, showcasing an impressive memory. This caching behavior is crucial for their survival, especially in harsh winter conditions.



The Eurasian Jay is also famous for its vocal abilities, capable of mimicking the calls of other bird species and even human-made sounds. This skill plays a vital role in their social interactions and territorial behaviors.



In terms of reproduction, Eurasian Jays are monogamous, with pairs often forming long-term bonds. They build nests in trees, where the female typically lays between 4 to 6 eggs. Both parents participate in raising the young, which are ready to leave the nest within a few weeks.



Overall, the Eurasian Jay stands out as a resilient and adaptable species, thriving across various environments and exhibiting behaviors that reflect a high level of cognitive ability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-new-caledonian-crows">More about New Caledonian crows</h2>



Corvus moneduloides, commonly known as the New Caledonian Crow, is a remarkably intelligent bird species endemic to New Caledonia in the South Pacific. This bird is medium-sized, predominantly black, and identifiable by its straight and relatively slim bill, which distinguishes it from other crow species.



The New Caledonian Crow inhabits various habitats on the islands, including dense forests and open areas. These birds have adapted well to human-altered environments, and are well-known for their impressive self-control instinct. 



One of the most striking aspects of this crow is its advanced tool-making ability. These birds are famous for crafting and using tools, such as twigs and leaves, to extract insects and other food from hard-to-reach places. This behavior is not only rare among birds but showcases an exceptional level of problem-solving skills and cognitive complexity.



New Caledonian Crows are omnivorous, feeding on a range of insects, fruits, and small animals. Its tool use is primarily associated with foraging for larvae and insects. They are known to live in loose family groups and exhibit a range of complex social behaviors.



Reproduction in New Caledonian Crows involves nest-building, usually in trees. The female typically lays around three eggs, and both parents are involved in nurturing the young. The juvenile crows stay with the parents for extended periods, learning vital survival and tool-use skills.



In summary, the New Caledonian Crow is a species of significant interest due to its sophisticated tool-using abilities, indicating a level of intelligence and adaptability that is remarkable in the avian world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Crows exhibit more self-control than other bird species

Animals use self-control to plan and achieve long-term goals. Birds,...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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.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

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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

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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...

Big Bend National Park&nbsp;is an American&nbsp;national park&nbsp;located in&nbsp;West Texas, bordering Mexico. The park has national significance as the largest protected area of&nbsp;Chihuahuan Desert&nbsp;topography&nbsp;and&nbsp;ecology&nbsp;in the United States, and was named after a&nbsp;large bend&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Rio Grande/Río Bravo. &nbsp;The park protects more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. Additional park activities include scenic drives, programs led by Big Bend park rangers, and stargazing.



There are&nbsp;four&nbsp;campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. The National Park Service (NPS) operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds that provide drinking water and restroom facilities. In addition, a full hookup RV camping area is operated by the park concessioner, Forever Resorts. Reservations are required for Big Bend National Park Campgrounds. Reservations can be made by visiting&nbsp;recreation.gov. For visitors with rugged vehicles, or the willingness to leave the road behind and backpack into the wild, Big Bend provides options for&nbsp;backcountry camping. A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping and river trips.