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

Incredible view of Jupiter captured by Hubble Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a striking new look at Jupiter captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.

The Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) is the most technologically advanced instrument to take images in the visible spectrum.

The WFC3 shot this photograph on June 27, 2019, when Jupiter was 644 million kilometers away at its closest point to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA">Earth</a> this year.

Jupiter is primarily composed of hydrogen with a quarter of its mass being helium, though helium comprises only about a tenth of the number of molecules. It may also have a rocky core of heavier elements,but like the other giant planets, Jupiter lacks a well-defined solid surface. Because of its rapid rotation, the planet's shape is that of an oblate spheroid (it has a slight but noticeable bulge around the equator). The outer atmosphere is visibly segregated into several bands at different latitudes, resulting in turbulence and storms along their interacting boundaries. A prominent result is the Great Red Spot, a giant storm that is known to have existed since at least the 17th century when it was first seen by telescope. Surrounding Jupiter is a faint planetary ring system and a powerful magnetosphere. Jupiter has 79 known moons, including the four large Galilean moons discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610. Ganymede, the largest of these, has a diameter greater than that of the planet <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/peregrine-falcons-mercury/">Mercury</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: European Space Agency

&nbsp;

Incredible view of Jupiter captured by Hubble

Astonishing new observations from the Webb Telescope (JWST) have revealed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-finalizes-ambitious-rule-to-slash-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane emissions</a> from a cold brown dwarf -- a discovery that challenges our understanding of these distant celestial bodies. 



This observation suggests potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-enigma-aurorae-discovered-on-isolated-brown-dwarf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auroral activities</a> similar to those on Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn, reshaping how we perceive the atmospheres of distant, isolated worlds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brown-dwarfs-are-an-enigma">Brown dwarfs are an enigma</h2>



Brown dwarfs are intriguing cosmic entities, larger than planets yet not massive enough to ignite like stars. They populate our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> in abundance, with thousands discovered within our own solar vicinity. 



These objects present a fascinating blend of planetary and stellar characteristics, making them a prime focus for astronomical research.



A particularly interesting subject of study is W1935, a brown dwarf located 47 light years away.



With a chilly surface temperature of about 400° Fahrenheit, this brown dwarf is as warm as an oven used to bake chocolate chip cookies. Despite this, it exhibits conditions markedly different from those of a typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-blaze-star-explosion-visible-one-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a>.



Despite its poorly defined mass, estimates suggest it weighs between 6 and 35 times that of Jupiter, placing it squarely within the typical size range for brown dwarfs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-methane-glow-on-brown-dwarf-w1935">Unexpected methane glow on brown dwarf W1935</h2>



While examining W1935 among other brown dwarfs, researchers discovered a surprising phenomenon: W1935 was emitting methane.



This observation marked the first instance of methane emissions on a brown dwarf, as methane typically absorbs light rather than emitting it in such cold environments.



“Methane gas is expected in giant planets and brown dwarfs but we usually see it absorbing light, not glowing,” said Jackie Faherty, the lead author of the study. “We were confused about what we were seeing at first but ultimately that transformed into pure excitement at the discovery.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-inversions-and-auroras">Temperature inversions and auroras</h2>



Further investigation through computer modeling revealed another unexpected aspect: W1935's atmosphere exhibits a temperature inversion. In this inversion, the temperature increases with altitude.



While such inversions are common in planets close to a heat source like a star, the isolated nature of W1935 makes this phenomenon particularly baffling.



“We were pleasantly shocked when the model clearly predicted a temperature inversion,” said co-author Ben Burningham from the <a href="https://www.herts.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hertfordshire.</a> “But we also had to figure out where that extra upper atmosphere heat was coming from.”



The team sought answers within our solar system by examining Jupiter and Saturn. Both planets are known for methane emissions and temperature inversions likely caused by auroras.



Consequently, auroras result from interactions between magnetic fields and high-energy particles from the sun. These interactions lead to spectacular light displays near the poles of planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speculating-on-solar-and-lunar-influences">Speculating on solar and lunar influences</h2>



Without a host star, the typical solar wind explanation for auroras does not apply to W1935. However, a tantalizing hypothesis emerged: an active moon, similar to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brilliant-new-images-of-jupiters-moon-io-captured-by-juno-spacecraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter's Io</a> or Saturn's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-sparking-energy-source-found-on-saturns-moon-enceladus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enceladus</a>, might be influencing the phenomenon. 



These moons, known for their dynamic geological activity, significantly impact their planets' atmospheres.



“Every time an astronomer points JWST at an object, there’s a chance of a new mind-blowing discovery,” Faherty explained. 



“Methane emission was not on my radar when we started this project but now that we know it can be there and the explanation for it so enticing I am constantly on the look-out for it. That’s part of how science moves forward," he concluded.



This recent discovery underscores the unpredictability of space exploration and ignites curiosity. It also drives the scientific community to further unravel the secrets of the universe.



Additionally, more observations are planned to enhance our understanding of W1935 and explore the potential of an undiscovered moon fostering auroral activity on this distant brown dwarf.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07190-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Cold brown dwarf seen emitting methane and generating an aurora

Astonishing new observations from the Webb Telescope (JWST) have revealed...

A,Saber-toothed,Tiger,Attacks,A,Lone,Mammoth,In,A,Snowstorm

A team of brilliant climate scientists has taken a deep dive into Earth's Last Ice Age to unravel the complex relationship between climate change, carbon dioxide (CO2), future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>. 



By focusing on the Last Glacial Maximum (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-footprints-prove-humans-were-in-north-america-23000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LGM</a>), a period 21,000 years ago when much of North America was covered in ice, the study aims to improve our understanding of climate sensitivity and the potential warming we face in the years and decades ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-last-ice-age-for-future-climate-clues">Analyzing the last ice age for future climate clues</h2>



As carbon dioxide (CO2) levels continue to rise in the atmosphere, the Earth's climate will continue to change, and temperature is expected to increase. 



However, the exact relationship between CO2 and global warming, known as climate sensitivity, is still under investigation.



A recent study led by <a href="https://uwpcc.ocean.washington.edu/person/Vince_Cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vince Cooper</a>, a doctoral student in atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, and senior author <a href="https://environment.uw.edu/faculty/kyle-armour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Armour</a>, an associate professor of atmospheric sciences and oceanography, has shed new light on this critical relationship by analyzing data from Earth's Last Ice Age.



"The main contribution from our study is narrowing the estimate of climate sensitivity, improving our ability to make future warming projections," Cooper explained. 



"By looking at how much colder Earth was in the ancient past with lower levels of greenhouse gases, we can estimate how much warmer the current climate will get with higher levels of greenhouse gases," he continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Data from the LGM: Coldest chapter of the Last Ice Age</h2>



The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refers to the period during the Last Ice Age when global ice sheets reached their maximum extent. This occurred around 21,000 years ago and lasted for several thousand years. 



The LGM represents the coldest and most severe stage of the last glacial period. During the LGM, global temperatures were significantly lower than today, with average temperatures around 6 degrees Celsius cooler.



This extreme cooling allowed ice sheets to expand and cover vast areas of the Earth's surface. The Laurentide Ice Sheet in North America and the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in Europe were at their peak, while glaciers advanced in mountainous regions worldwide.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sea level changes and exposed landmasses</h3>



As water became locked up in the massive ice sheets, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global sea levels</a> dropped by approximately 125 meters during the LGM. 



This dramatic decrease in sea levels exposed extensive areas of the continental shelves, creating land bridges between regions that are now separated by water. 



The most famous example is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-arrived-in-the-americas-10000-years-earlier-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bering Land Bridge</a>, which connected Asia and North America, allowing human populations and animals to migrate between the continents.



The LGM also saw significant changes in the Earth's atmospheric composition. Carbon dioxide levels were much lower than today, dropping to around 190 parts per million (ppm) compared to the current level of over 400 ppm. 



This decrease in greenhouse gases contributed to the cooler global temperatures and amplified the effects of the expanding ice sheets.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Influence on ecosystems and biodiversity</h3>



The harsh conditions of the LGM had a profound impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. Tundra and steppe environments expanded, while forests retreated to smaller refugia. 



Many plant and animal species adapted to the colder climate, with some megafauna, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/end-of-an-era-woolly-mammoth-remains-tell-an-intriguing-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woolly mammoths</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossilized-tooth-diet-giant-ground-sloth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant ground sloths</a>, thriving during this period. 



However, the LGM also led to the extinction of some species that were unable to cope with the changing environmental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-future-climate-warming-estimates-from-ice-age-data">Refining future climate warming estimates from ice age data</h2>



By analyzing data from the Last Glacial Maximum, the study's results show significant deviations from current warming projections. 



The best-case, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most likely estimates</a>, for warming due to doubling CO2 levels remain unchanged at about 2 and 3 degrees Celsius, respectively. 



However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worst-case scenario</a> has been reduced by a full degree, from 5 to 4 degrees Celsius.



"This paper allows us to produce more confident predictions because it really brings down the upper end of future warming, and says that the most extreme scenario is less likely," Armour enthused. 



"It doesn't really change the lower end, or the average estimate, which remain consistent with all the other lines of evidence," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-recent-climate-trends">Limitations of recent climate trends</h2>



The authors caution that recent decades are not a reliable predictor of future global warming trends. 



Shorter-term climate cycles and the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric pollution</a> are just some of the reasons why recent patterns cannot be relied upon to forecast the rest of the century.



"The spatial pattern of global warming in the most recent 40 years doesn't look like the long-term pattern we expect in the future -- the recent past is a bad analog for future global warming," emphasized Armour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-paleoclimate-records-and-computer-models">Combining paleoclimate records and computer models</h2>



By combining prehistoric climate records from the Last Glacial Maximum, such as ocean sediments, ice cores, and preserved pollen, with computer models of the Earth's climate, Vince Cooper and his team were able to simulate the weather conditions of this ancient period.



"The paleoclimate record includes long periods that were on average much warmer or colder than the current climate, and we know that there were big climate forcings from ice sheets and greenhouse gases during those periods," explained Cooper. 



"If we know roughly what the past temperature changes were and what caused them, then we know what to expect in the future," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-ice-sheets-and-clouds">Role of ice sheets and clouds</h2>



The study revealed that the ice sheet covering much of North America during the Last Glacial Maximum had a more significant cooling effect than previously thought. 



In addition to reflecting summer sunlight off the continents, the ice sheet also altered wind patterns and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a>, causing the northern Pacific and Atlantic oceans to become especially cold and cloudy. 



These cloud changes over the oceans compounded the glacier's global cooling effects by reflecting even more sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-climate-with-help-from-earth-s-last-ice-age">Predicting future climate with help from Earth's last ice age</h2>



In summary, as we continue to face the challenges posed by climate change, studies like this one provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between CO2 and global warming. 



By refining our understanding of climate sensitivity and improving our ability to make future warming projections, researchers are helping to inform policymakers and the public about the potential impacts of rising greenhouse gas levels.



While the study's findings offer some reassurance that the most extreme warming scenarios are less likely, it is crucial to remember that even moderate increases in global temperature can have significant consequences for our planet and its inhabitants. 



As we work towards a more sustainable future, it is essential that we continue to support and invest in climate change research to better understand and mitigate the risks posed by a warming world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk9461" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Ice age data analysis offers good news for Earth’s current climate woes

A team of brilliant climate scientists has taken a deep...

A significant space weather event has prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>) to issue a Geomagnetic Storm Alert. 



The Space Weather Message Code ALTK07, issued at 1952 UTC on April 19, 2024, indicates that the geomagnetic K-index has reached a value of 7, crossing the threshold at 1951 UTC during the synoptic period of 1800-2100 UTC.



Initially, space experts anticipated the storm's intensity to fluctuate between a G1 and G2 level, potentially escalating to G3 by Sunday. 



However, the unpredictable nature of space weather has manifested itself, with a severe G3 level storm materializing within the last 24 hours.



The alert, classified as a G3 -- Strong event on the NOAA Space Weather Scale, suggests that the area of impact is primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. 



The NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at <a href="http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts-on-power-systems-spacecraft-navigation-and-radio">Potential impacts on power systems, spacecraft, navigation, and radio</h2>



The G3 - Strong geomagnetic storm alert warns of several potential impacts across various sectors:



<ol start="1">
<li>Induced Currents - Power system voltage irregularities are possible, and false alarms may be triggered on some protection devices. </li>



<li>Spacecraft - Systems may experience surface charging, increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites, and orientation problems. </li>



<li>Navigation - Intermittent satellite navigation (GPS) problems, including loss-of-lock and increased range error, may occur. </li>



<li>Radio&nbsp;- High frequency (HF) radio communications may be intermittent.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aurora-visibility-extends-to-lower-latitudes">Aurora visibility extends to lower latitudes</h2>



One of the most visually stunning effects of this geomagnetic storm is the increased visibility of the aurora. The alert suggests that the aurora may be seen as low as Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Oregon, providing a rare opportunity for residents in these regions to witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights.



In the rare event of the storm reaching a G4 level of severity, the phenomenon could be observed as far south as Alabama and Northern California, a remarkable occurrence for these latitudes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-warning-and-continued-monitoring">Active warning and continued monitoring</h2>



The Space Weather Message Code ALTK07 indicates that an active warning is in place, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and preparedness. 



As the geomagnetic storm progresses, NOAA and other space weather monitoring agencies will provide updates and further guidance to help mitigate the potential impacts on technology and infrastructure.



It is essential for individuals and organizations in the affected regions to stay informed about the development of this geomagnetic storm and to take necessary precautions to protect sensitive equipment and systems. 



By understanding the potential risks and staying alert to official updates, we can work together to minimize the disruptions caused by this powerful space weather event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-predicting-geomagnetic-storms">Challenges of predicting geomagnetic storms</h2>



Predicting the precise intensity of geomagnetic activity remains a complex challenge for space experts, compounded by the increasing frequency of such events. 



The uptick in geomagnetic storms is attributed to the Sun entering the peak phase of its 11-year solar cycle, a period marked by the magnetic field's reversal.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-lights-activity-will-intensify-over-the-next-18-months/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar Cycle 25</a>, which commenced in 2019, is expected to continue until approximately 2030, indicating a period of heightened solar and geomagnetic activity ahead. 



As the world witnesses the awe-inspiring displays of the aurora, the scientific community continues to work tirelessly to better understand and predict the intricacies of space weather.



Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Weather Prediction Center</a>&nbsp;for more information.



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NOAA Alert: Severe geomagnetic solar storm warning issued

A significant space weather event has prompted the National Oceanic...

In a remarkable development, NASA has given the green light to the Dragonfly mission, a revolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dragonfly-craft_titan-surface_nasa_1m.jpg">rotorcraft</a> designed to investigate the complex chemistry of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturns-rings-will-vanish-from-sight-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn</a>'s moon Titan. 



This confirmation allows the mission to proceed with the final design, construction, and testing of the spacecraft and its scientific instruments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-the-prebiotic-chemistry-on-titan">Deciphering the prebiotic chemistry on Titan</h2>



The Dragonfly <a href="https://dragonfly.jhuapl.edu/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mission</a>, led by Dr. Melissa Trainer of NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, will carry a cutting-edge instrument called the Dragonfly Mass Spectrometer (DraMS). 



This powerful tool will help scientists delve into the intricate chemistry at work on Titan, potentially shedding light on the chemical processes that led to the emergence of life on Earth, known as prebiotic chemistry.



"We want to know if the type of chemistry that could be important for early pre-biochemical systems on Earth is taking place on Titan," explains Dr. Trainer, a planetary scientist and astrobiologist specializing in Titan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Titan: Dragonfly's target</h2>



Titan, the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon of Saturn</a>, is shrouded in a dense nitrogen-rich atmosphere, bears a striking resemblance to Earth in many ways. With a diameter of 5,150 kilometers, Titan is the second-largest moon in our solar system, surpassed only by Jupiter's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-moon-ganymede-has-huge-internal-ocean-and-salty-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ganymede</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dense atmosphere and unique climate</h3>



One of Titan's most distinctive features is its thick atmosphere, which is composed primarily of nitrogen and methane. This dense atmosphere creates a surface pressure 1.5 times higher than Earth's, making it the only moon in our solar system with a substantial atmosphere. 



The presence of methane in Titan's atmosphere leads to a fascinating hydrological cycle, similar to Earth's water cycle, but with methane as the primary liquid.



Titan's surface is dotted with numerous lakes and seas of liquid hydrocarbons, predominantly methane and ethane. These liquid bodies, some of which are larger than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-great-lakes-are-running-low-on-ice-cover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Lakes on Earth</a>, are the result of Titan's unique climate and atmospheric conditions. 



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/cassini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cassini mission</a>, which explored the Saturn system from 2004 to 2017, provided stunning images and data of these extraterrestrial lakes and seas.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dragonfly mission to search Titan for prebiotic chemistry and life</h3>



The complex chemistry occurring on Titan's surface and in its atmosphere has drawn significant attention from astrobiologists. 



With its abundant organic compounds and the presence of liquid methane, Titan is considered a prime candidate for studying prebiotic chemistry and the potential for life to emerge in environments different from Earth. 



Beneath Titan's icy crust lies another intriguing feature: a global subsurface ocean of liquid water and ammonia. This ocean, which is believed to be salty and have a high pH, may potentially host microbial life. 



The presence of this subsurface ocean, along with the unique chemistry on Titan's surface, makes this moon a fascinating target for future exploration and scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-the-boundaries-of-rotorcraft-exploration">Pushing the boundaries of rotorcraft exploration</h2>



Nicky Fox, associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Headquarters</a>, emphasized the significance of the Dragonfly mission, stating, "Exploring Titan will push the boundaries of what we can do with <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dragonfly-craft_titan-surface_side-view_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rotorcraft outside of Earth</a>."



Titan's unique characteristics, including its abundant complex carbon-rich chemistry, interior ocean, and past presence of liquid water on the surface, make it an ideal destination for studying prebiotic chemical processes and the potential habitability of an extraterrestrial environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-design-and-cutting-edge-technology">Innovative design and cutting-edge technology</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dragonfly-craft_mission-concept_NASA_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dragonfly robotic rotorcraft</a> will leverage Titan's low gravity and dense atmosphere to fly between different points of interest on the moon's surface, spanning several miles apart. 



This innovative approach allows the entire suite of instruments to be relocated to new sites once the previous one has been thoroughly explored, providing access to samples from diverse geological environments.



DraMS, developed by the same team responsible for the Sample Analysis at Mars (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/msl-curiosity/science-instruments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SAM</a>) instrument suite aboard the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-vanishing-water-mystery-new-insights-curiosity-rover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosity rover</a>, will analyze surface samples using techniques tested on Mars. 



Dr. Trainer emphasized the benefits of this heritage, stating, "This design has given us an instrument that's very flexible, that can adapt to the different types of surface samples."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dragonfly-mission-challenges-and-funding">Dragonfly mission challenges and funding</h2>



The Dragonfly mission successfully passed its Preliminary Design Review in early 2023. However, due to funding constraints, the mission was asked to develop an updated budget and schedule. 



The revised plan, presented and conditionally approved in November 2023, hinged on the outcome of the fiscal year 2025 budget process.



With the release of the president's fiscal year 2025 budget request, Dragonfly is now confirmed with a total lifecycle cost of $3.35 billion and a launch date set for July 2028. 



This reflects a cost increase of approximately two times the initially proposed cost and a delay of more than two years from the original selection in 2019.



Despite the challenges posed by funding constraints, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and an in-depth design iteration, NASA remains committed to the Dragonfly mission. 



Additional funding has been provided for a heavy-lift launch vehicle to shorten the mission's cruise phase and compensate for the delayed arrival at Titan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rigorous-testing-and-validation">Rigorous testing and validation</h2>



To ensure the success of the Dragonfly mission, researchers on Earth have conducted extensive testing and validation of the designs and models for the nuclear-powered, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dragonfly-craft_in-flight_nasa_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">car-sized drone</a>. 



The mission team has carried out test campaigns at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/langley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Langley Research Center</a>, utilizing the Subsonic Tunnel and the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (<a href="https://aeroelasticity.larc.nasa.gov/facilities/transonic-dynamics-tunnel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TDT</a>) to validate computational fluid dynamics models and gather data under simulated Titan atmospheric conditions.



Ken Hibbard, Dragonfly mission systems engineer at APL, emphasized the importance of these tests, stating, "All of these tests feed into our Dragonfly Titan simulations and performance predictions."



As the Dragonfly mission progresses, it marks a new era of exploration and scientific discovery. Dr. Trainer expressed her excitement, saying, "Dragonfly is a spectacular science mission with broad community interest, and we are excited to take the next steps on this mission."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-science-fiction-into-fact-with-the-dragonfly-mission">Turning science fiction into fact with the Dragonfly mission</h2>



In summary, the Dragonfly mission embodies the essence of human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. As NASA prepares to send this revolutionary rotorcraft to the alien world of Titan, we stand on the brink of a new era of exploration and discovery. 



With its innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and the unwavering dedication of the mission team, Dragonfly will unlock the secrets of prebiotic chemistry and shed light on the potential for life beyond Earth. 



As we eagerly await the launch of this titanic mission, we can only imagine the wonders that await us on Saturn's enigmatic moon. The Dragonfly mission is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and our boundless capacity to push the frontiers of knowledge. 



In the words of Ken Hibbard, "With Dragonfly, we're turning science fiction into exploration fact," and that fact will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.



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NASA's Dragonfly mission gets the green light to search for life on Titan

In a remarkable development, NASA has given the green light...

Ever watched a fly zoom past or a bee hover delicately over a flower, and wondered how they manage it? Unlike birds and other flying animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-insects-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> don't have direct muscle control in their wings. 



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Institute of Technology</a> have delved deep into this question, revealing the complex mechanics behind insect flight, a capability that has profoundly influenced the evolution of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-secret-s-in-the-hinge">The secret's in the hinge</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-flying-insects-fight-the-wind-to-reach-food-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insect</a> wings are attached to the body by a hinge that is far more complex than any simple joint. This specialized hinge facilitates subtle rotations, precise tilting, and intricate motions, granting the insect incredible agility during flight. 



Internal muscles control the hinge, acting in a concerted way to manipulate the wings. Each muscle receives direct commands from the insect's brain, resulting in coordinated and precise alterations in wing movement that dictate the insect's flight path.



"The fly wing hinge is perhaps the most mysterious and underappreciated structure in the history of life," explained Professor Michael Dickinson. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flying-is-an-insects-superpower">Flying is an insects superpower</h2>



Flight offers substantial benefits that have contributed significantly to the ecological success of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-feast-on-migrating-insects-in-the-pyrenees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>. Here's how aerial movement impacts their lives:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-foraging">Enhanced foraging</h3>



Taking to the skies vastly expands an insect's foraging range. They can quickly locate food sources that would be difficult or tedious to reach on foot, increasing their chances of finding a meal and boosting energy intake.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-dating-pool">Expanding the dating pool</h3>



The ability to fly makes it significantly easier for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-silent-language-decoding-the-chemical-signals-of-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> to locate potential mates. Individuals can cover vast distances and increase the odds of encountering a suitable partner, contributing to successful reproduction and species continuation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-predator-avoidance">Improved predator avoidance</h3>



Flight provides insects with a swift escape route. They can rapidly gain altitude or outmaneuver predators, increasing their chances of survival and ultimately, reproductive success.



Unlike birds, bats, and pterosaurs, who evolved flight through the modification of their forelimbs, insects took a radically different approach. Their wings are not modified limbs, but unique outgrowths of their body wall. 



This unique evolutionary trajectory and specialized wing system is one crucial reason behind the incredible diversification and dominance of insects around the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-behind-insect-flight">Complexity behind insect flight</h2>



Scientists at Caltech are exploring the intricacies of insect flight, focusing on the remarkable aerial capabilities of the fruit fly. Their research reveals the complexity and precision of these small creatures’ flight mechanisms.



"We didn't want to just predict the wing motion; we wanted to know the role of the individual muscles," said study first author Johan Melis. "We wanted to tie together the biomechanics of the wing hinge to the neural circuits that control it."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-behind-insect-flight">Mechanisms behind insect flight </h2>



In the wing hinge of a fly, a specific set of 12 muscles directly controls the movement of the wings. Each of these muscles receives signals directly from the fly's brain, guiding their precise and quick actions necessary for flight. 



To understand the significance of this, compare it to a hummingbird, which is also renowned for its agile flight. Despite its small size, a hummingbird relies on thousands of neurons to coordinate the complex movements needed for its flight maneuvers. 



Essentially, while both creatures are masters of flight, the fly achieves similar levels of control and agility with far fewer neural resources, indicating a highly efficient and specialized flight control system within these tiny insects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-learning-and-insect-flight">Machine learning and insect flight</h2>



To better visualize these processes, the researchers engineered fruit flies with wing muscles that emit a glow when active. This genetic modification allowed clearer observation of muscle activity during flight.



The team used high-speed cameras and microscopes to gather extensive data, recording over 80,000 wingbeats from their test subjects. This highlights the dynamic and rapid nature of insect flight.



Finally, to manage and interpret this vast amount of information, machine learning algorithms were utilized. These tools analyze the data and generate detailed maps that show how the fly's muscles work together seamlessly to control flight, often making adjustments faster than the blink of an eye.



This exploration not only increases our understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-insects-seem-to-be-attracted-to-light-has-long-been-a-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> fly but also enhances our appreciation for the complex biological systems that govern seemingly simple actions like flight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wing-movements-facilitated-by-the-insect-s-hinge">Wing movements facilitated by the insect's hinge</h2>



The ultimate objective of this research extends beyond simply understanding the intricate wing movements facilitated by the insect's hinge. Scientists strive to unravel how these complex wing motions are orchestrated by the insect's brain. 



The wing hinge, despite its remarkable design, is merely a tool – it's the brain that issues the commands and directs aerial maneuvers.



As some of the first creatures to take to the air, insects hold invaluable insights into the evolution of early flight control systems. Their brains contain the neural circuits that allowed for this remarkable adaptation, blueprints that offer a glimpse into the origins of flight.



Moreover, an insect's brain seamlessly coordinates flight and their numerous walking legs. This showcases an incredible ability to control vastly different movement systems, requiring sophisticated neural networks and information processing within their compact brains.



The connection between the physical structures that enable flight – like the hinge and muscles – and the neural commands that control them is fundamental to understanding the amazing aerial abilities of insects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



The Caltech team hopes to create intricate models that fully combine the muscle control, the mechanics of the hinge, the way air flows around the wings, and the fly's inner command center. 



By studying other insects like mosquitos and bees, they could reveal how different wing structures and brain systems give insects their unique flying styles.



"We want to understand the circuitry between the biomechanics and the neurobiology. Very few times in evolution has an animal had one very successful form of locomotion - walking - and simply added another one - flying. This means that the brains of insects must have all the circuitry to regulate to completely different means of moving," said Dickinson.



Understanding the incredible engineering that underpins insect flight is about more than just satisfying our curiosity. This research might ultimately lead to better flying robots – such as tiny drones with the adaptability of a housefly. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07293-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Insect flight is powered by an extraordinary structure

Ever watched a fly zoom past or a bee hover...

Saguaros,In,Sonoran,Desert,After,Snow,Storm.

Global warming is undeniable, yet recent winters have witnessed record-breaking, extreme cold temperatures in unexpected areas. This paradoxical situation has scientists investigating the Warm Arctic-Cold Continent (WACC) phenomenon and its far-reaching impacts.



A study by the <a href="https://www.gist.ac.kr/en/main.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology</a> underscores a significant change in WACC patterns from the 2030s onward, with implications for weather forecasting, climate modeling, and community preparedness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-arctic-cold-continent-wacc-phenomenon">Warm Arctic-cold continent (WACC) phenomenon</h2>



The WACC phenomenon centers on how rapid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic warming</a> and diminishing sea ice disrupt large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns, specifically the jet stream. 



The jet stream functions as a boundary separating cold Arctic air from warmer air to the south. A warming Arctic shrinks the temperature difference between the Arctic and the mid-latitudes, weakening the jet stream. 



This leads to a wavier jet stream that becomes prone to forming large, meandering loops. These loops allow frigid Arctic air to escape and plunge far southward into regions like North America, Europe, and Asia. 



Consequently, these areas experience intense cold snaps, demonstrating how a warming Arctic has far-reaching impacts on weather patterns well beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> region itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wacc-pattern-and-extreme-cold-events">WACC pattern and extreme cold events</h2>



The team behind this research at the Gwangju Institute dove into the science behind WACC.



"The WACC pattern has significantly influenced winter climates, but what we see currently is merely the start of a drastic shift," explained Professor Jin-Ho Yoon, lead researcher of the study. 



The WACC pattern is likely at its strongest in the 2020s.



"These events will sharply decline post-2030s. Yet, this decline does not mean reduced extreme weather events in the future. Instead, winters will get warmer as global warming intensifies. Although cold snaps will occur less frequently, they may have more severe consequences when they do happen," Professor Yoon warned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altered-arctic-warming-and-wacc-pendulum">Altered Arctic warming and WACC pendulum</h2>



Imagine a pendulum swinging between a super-warm Arctic and freezing cold continents. This pendulum represents the WACC pattern. 



Right now, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-new-clues-about-rapid-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> is warming rapidly, causing a large temperature difference between it and mid-latitude continents. 



This pushes the pendulum to swing wildly, resulting in the extreme cold snaps we see recently. Over the next few decades, the pendulum will start to slow down as the Arctic continues to warm and the temperature difference decreases. 



Eventually, the swings may become so small that we might not notice the WACC pattern as strongly. Even though the pendulum will slow down, it doesn't mean the end of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-dramatically-increases-the-threat-of-desert-locusts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a>. 



Global warming means that overall, winters will become warmer. However, those occasional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icy blasts</a> can still happen. Because they'll be less frequent than they are now, they'll be unexpected and out of the ordinary for places they hit. This makes them potentially even more severe in their impact when they do occur.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-studying-extreme-cold-events">Significance of studying extreme cold events</h2>



Scientists use complex computer models to predict the weather and how the climate might change. This research shows those models need updating to reflect the upcoming changes in WACC, otherwise, our predictions might be way off.



"Understanding the impact of the drastic shift in WACC events and devising adaptation and mitigation strategies determines the future of our winter climate," noted Ph.D. student Yungi Hong. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerable-communities">Vulnerable communities</h2>



Communities accustomed to experiencing frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-linked-to-extreme-winter-weather-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cold blasts</a> due to the WACC phenomenon are facing a new challenge. As global warming progresses, these cold events are predicted to occur less often. 



However, when they do happen, they are expected to be more intense and severe. This change means that the usual preparedness plans might no longer be sufficient. 



These communities will need to develop new strategies that are specifically designed to handle the increased severity of the cold events, even though they will happen less frequently. 



This involves enhancing infrastructure, improving emergency responses, and updating safety protocols to protect against the heightened risks of these less frequent, but more intense, cold blasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-extreme-cold-events-caused-by-wacc">Effects of extreme cold events caused by WACC</h2>



The WACC phenomenon is a complex climate pattern that describes how warming in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-arctic-climate-change-is-much-more-difficult-since-russia-invaded-ukraine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> can lead to colder winters in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Here are the broader implications of WACC:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-effects-of-extreme-cold-events">Economic effects of extreme cold events</h3>



<ul>
<li>Agricultural disruption: Unpredictable weather patterns can threaten agricultural production, affecting crop yields and the timing of planting and harvesting. This can lead to economic losses for farmers and increased food prices.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Infrastructure stress: Infrastructure not designed to handle extreme cold may face operational challenges, requiring significant investments in upgrades or new technologies to ensure resilience.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Energy demand fluctuations: Extreme cold events can lead to spikes in energy demand as communities need more heating. This can strain energy supplies and increase costs.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-impacts-of-extreme-cold-events">Social impacts of extreme cold events</h3>



<ul>
<li>Increased energy poverty: Higher energy demands can exacerbate energy poverty, where households are unable to afford adequate heating. This can lead to increased rates of illness and a lower quality of life.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Emergency services strain: More frequent and severe weather can overwhelm emergency services, from road maintenance to medical response during extreme weather events.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-climate-interactions">Broader climate interactions</h3>



<ul>
<li>Interactions with other phenomena: The effects of WACC can interact with other climatic phenomena like El Niño or La Niña, complicating predictions and impacts across different regions.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Feedback loops: Changes in sea ice and snow cover not only result from WACC but can also exacerbate warming and atmospheric changes, creating feedback loops that further destabilize climate patterns.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-climate-predictions">Long-term climate predictions</h3>



<ul>
<li>Modeling challenges: Accurately modeling WACC impacts requires understanding these complex interactions and feedback mechanisms, which are currently challenging for climate models.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Future research needs: Continued research is essential to refine models and predictions, helping policymakers and communities better prepare for future conditions.</li>
</ul>



The WACC phenomenon is a stark reminder that climate change isn't simple. It brings a whole cascade of unpredictable effects. This research is a call to action: we need to work on reducing our impact on the planet and get ready for the unexpected ways in which our world will keep changing.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-024-00611-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Climate and Atmospheric Science</a>.



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How extreme cold events fit into the global warming model

Global warming is undeniable, yet recent winters have witnessed record-breaking,...

A,Man,Standing,In,A,Cave,At,Sunset,Natural,Rock

The deserts of Saudi Arabia are home to a unique kind of treasure: caves and lava tubes. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/7-surprising-facts-you-didnt-know-about-lava-tubes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural formations</a> were created by the intense heat from volcanic eruptions long ago. Today, these lava tubes offer insights into the lives of the early humans who managed to survive and thrive in this harsh landscape.



Conducted by <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Griffith University</a>'s Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution (<a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/australian-research-centre-human-evolution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ARCHE</a>), this remarkable research focuses on one such site, the Umm Jirsan cave. 



The study highlights new evidence of ancient human activities. It provides a deeper understanding of how people once lived in Saudi Arabia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-umm-jirsan-lava-tubes">Umm Jirsan lava tubes</h2>



Deep within the expansive Harrat Khaybar <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Umm-Jirsan-Cave-system_credit-green-arabia-project_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lava field of Saudi Arabia</a> lies the archaeological treasure of lava tubes called Umm Jirsan. 



This sprawling underground lava tube serves as a natural shelter and a time capsule preserving millennia of Arabian prehistory. 



Led by Dr. Mathew Stewart, a team of archaeologists has discovered a wealth of artifacts at this site. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/inside-caves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cave</a> has yielded numerous insights into the daily lives, cultural practices, and environmental adaptations of its ancient inhabitants.



"Our findings at Umm Jirsan provide a rare glimpse into the lives of ancient peoples in Arabia, revealing repeated phases of human occupation and shedding light on the pastoralist activities that once thrived in this landscape," said Dr. Stewart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rock-art-in-saudi-arabia-s-lava-tube">Rock art in Saudi Arabia's lava tube</h2>



Archaeologists have managed to reconstruct a detailed account of how ancient travelers and inhabitants used this underground sanctuary. Among the fascinating discoveries within these ancient walls is an array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-artists-carved-incredibly-detailed-animal-tracks-onto-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rock art</a>. 



The lava tube's surfaces are adorned with artistic depictions of cattle, sheep, goats, and even dogs. These images provide a window into the types of animals that were raised by these early peoples. They offer insights into the nascent days of animal domestication.



The rock art found within the Umm Jirsan lava tube serve as historical records, narrating the story of early domestication practices. Each scene offers insights into the animals that were raised and revered by these early communities.



Archaeologists have meticulously analyzed these drawings to construct a vibrant and detailed portrayal of life in and around Umm Jirsan. These illustrations reveal the daily survival strategies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-arrived-in-the-americas-10000-years-earlier-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient humans</a>. 



Moreover, it also signified the cultural and social activities that flourished in this unique environment. Umm Jirsan was a key site for both practical survival and the development of early societal norms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bones-offer-human-life-clues-in-saudi-arabia-s-lava-tubes">Bones offer human life clues in Saudi Arabia's lava tubes</h2>



The story doesn't end with the artwork. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-humans-hunted-elephants-with-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal bones</a>, left behind after feasts of the past, give us even greater detail. Scientists analyzed these remains and made a fascinating discovery.



"Isotopic analysis of animal remains indicates that livestock primarily grazed on wild grasses and shrubs, while humans maintained a diet rich in protein,” explained Dr. Stewart. This tells us they were skilled herders, moving with the seasons to find grazing for their animals.



The detailed analysis of the rock art and other archaeological findings within the Umm Jirsan lava tube also reveals a significant shift in the human diet over time. It points to a major developmental milestone in the region: the rise of oasis agriculture. 



The rise in consumption of C3 plants, including various grasses and trees, hints at a shift toward a settled agricultural lifestyle. 



This dietary change suggests that ancient inhabitants started to cultivate and depend more on local plant sources. They strategically moved away from a lifestyle solely based on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting and gathering</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-humans-demonstrated-environmental-adaptation">Early humans demonstrated environmental adaptation</h2>



This move towards agriculture is a critical indicator of the evolving human adaptation to the environment. It implies that the historically arid landscape of Arabia may have undergone periods of climatic change. The change made it more hospitable for settled life and enabling the growth of oasis agriculture. 



The emergence of this type of farming likely transformed the social structures of the time. These findings challenge the traditional view of ancient Arabia as an unchanging desert landscape. They highlight the dynamic nature of human adaptation to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-humans-climate-change-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lava-tubes-and-early-humans-beyond-saudi-arabia">Lava tubes and early humans beyond Saudi Arabia</h2>



This isn't just about a single lava tube or the people who sheltered there. "This site likely served as a crucial waypoint along pastoral routes, linking key oases and facilitating cultural exchange and trade,” Dr. Stewart emphasized. 



Imagine Umm Jirsan as a prehistoric highway rest stop, a place where ideas, goods, and people from all over Arabia mingled.



"While underground localities are globally significant in archaeology and Quaternary science, our research represents the first comprehensive study of its kind in Saudi Arabia," said Professor Michael Petraglia, Director of ARCHE.&nbsp;



What happens in the lava tubes of Arabia helps us better understand the grand story of human resilience and adaptation all across the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-saudi-arabia-s-lava-tubes">Cultural significance of Saudi Arabia's lava tubes</h2>



As discussed, the artifacts and rock art found in Saudi Arabia's lava tube serve as vibrant cultural expressions. These historical treasures shed light on the beliefs, values, and social structures of the people who created them.



The symbolism in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-cave-bears-neanderthals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cave</a>'s rock art is especially revealing. It shows a society that was deeply connected to its surrounding environment and the animals that inhabited it.



The scenes painted and carved onto the walls of Umm Jirsan include depictions of cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs, which were crucial to the livelihood and survival of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-families-crawled-caves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient communities</a>. 



These images suggest that pastoralism was not merely an economic activity but also held significant cultural importance. 



The prominence of these animals in the art could indicate their role in religious or ritual activities, suggesting a reverence for the life-sustaining resources these animals represented.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-organization">Community organization</h2>



The variety of species depicted can tell us about the social stratification and community organization of the time. For instance, the ownership and breeding of larger herds might have been a sign of wealth and status. It could influence social hierarchies within the group. 



Additionally, the communal nature of pastoral life, as suggested by the art, implies a collaborative social structure where group cooperation was necessary for managing herds and sustaining the community.



The art also provides clues about the spiritual and existential views of the people. Animal figures could have been totemic symbols or part of mythological narratives, serving as protectors, symbols of fertility, or emblems of clan identities.



Such depictions allow archaeologists to infer not only the economic priorities of these ancient peoples but also their cosmological and spiritual landscapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-ancient-knowledge">Redefining ancient knowledge</h2>



The discovery of such art in the secluded and enduring space of a lava tube highlights the importance of these locations not just as shelters but as cultural repositories.



Saudi Arabia is changing our understanding of the ancient world. It isn't all about Egypt or Mesopotamia – the desert has its own epic to tell. Umm Jirsan is just the beginning. 



"These findings underscore the immense potential for interdisciplinary investigations in caves and lava tubes, offering a unique window into Arabia's ancient past," Professor Petraglia explained.



The study is published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0299292" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Early humans lived in lava tubes in the scorching Arabian deserts

The deserts of Saudi Arabia are home to a unique...

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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



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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



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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...

Belize’s glowing Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Today’s Image of the Day comes from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Gallery/eo1.php?src=features-hp&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=feature">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at Belize’s beautiful Lighthouse Reef atoll. The photo was taken by the <a href="http://eo1.gsfc.nasa.gov/technology/alihome1.htm">Advanced Land Imager</a> (ALI) on board NASA’s <a href="http://eo1.gsfc.nasa.gov/">Earth Observing-1</a> satellite.
Here, the shallow, turquoise waters of Lighthouse Reef glow against the backdrop of the surrounding deep, dark ocean water. The atoll sits roughly 50 miles southeast of Belize City and marks the easternmost portion of the expansive Belize Barrier Reef.
Lighthouse Reef is shaped almost like a whale, measuring 22 miles in length and roughly 5 miles wide. Unlike many dying and threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dead-zones-coral-reefs/">reefs</a> across the globe, this one remains in healthy condition and continues to thrive. Belize’s glowing Lighthouse Reef Atoll shown in picture has beautiful coloring.
Belize (/bəˈliːz/ is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Belize is bordered on the northwest by Mexico, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the south and west by Guatemala. It has an area of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 sq mi) and a population of 408,487 (2019).Its mainland is about 290 km (180 mi) long and 110 km (68 mi) wide. It has the lowest population and population density in Central America.  The country&#8217;s population growth rate of 1.87% per year (2018 estimate) is the second highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
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By Rory Arnold, <a href="https://www.earth.com">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Source: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Gallery/eo1.php?src=features-hp&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=feature">NASA Earth Observatory</a>

Belize’s glowing Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="http://esa.int">European Space Agency</a> features the city of Houston, Texas.

Houston is the state’s most populous city and the fourth largest city in the United States. 

Houston appears in white and grey, contrasting with the yellow tones of the surrounding land. The photo also highlights the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Houston  is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas, fourth most populous city in the United States, most populous city in the Southern United States, as well as the sixth most populous in North America, with an estimated 2019 population of 2,320,268. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the seat of Harris County and the principal city of the Greater Houston metropolitan area, which is the fifth most populous metropolitan statistical area in the United States and the second most populous in Texas after the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with a population of 6,997,384 in 2018.
Comprising a total area of 637.4 square miles (1,651 km2), Houston is the eighth most expansive city in the United States (including consolidated city-counties). It is the largest city in the United States by total area, whose government is not consolidated with that of a county, parish or borough. Though primarily in Harris County, small portions of the city extend into Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, bordering other principal communities of Greater Houston such as Sugar Land and The Woodlands.

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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

Image Credit: ESA

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