Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy.



This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-aspens-and-elk">Yellowstone, aspens, and elk</h2>



In the 1920s, people <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/wolf-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eliminated wolves in Yellowstone</a>. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right thing to do.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-wolves-to-dogs-did-domestication-begin-without-human-help/">Without wolves</a>, elk herds grew very large. Elk love to eat aspen shoots - the tender young growth is highly palatable to them.



For roughly 70 years, elk browsed aspen sprouts down to stub height, and the trees couldn't grow. 



If you had walked through Yellowstone in the 1980s, you would have seen many tiny aspen shoots covering the ground, but almost no young trees gaining height. 



The forest's regeneration was stalled. Old trees died, and no new ones replaced them.



In 1995 and 1996, park managers reintroduced wolves into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/">Yellowstone Park ecosystem</a>. Scientists hoped and wondered whether this would change anything for the trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-aspen-matter-to-yellowstone">Why aspen matter to Yellowstone</h2>



Aspen groves provide habitat for many species. Birds nest in them. Beavers eat the bark and use the wood for dams. Butterflies and moths lay eggs on the leaves. 



Their canopy admits enough light for wildflowers and shrubs to grow beneath. When it rains, aspen groves hold water in the soil better than some other forest types.



In short, when aspen return, dozens of other species benefit. More trees support more insects, which in turn support more birds, enriching the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-checking-the-trees-three-decades-later">Checking the trees three decades later</h2>



<a href="https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu/users/luke-painter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke Painter</a>, an ecologist at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>, sought clear answers. His team returned to 87 aspen stands across Yellowstone that scientists had previously surveyed. 



They measured thousands of young trees, looked for bite marks, and counted how many stems were tall enough that elk could no longer reach the tips.



About a third of these stands now have many tall young aspens pushing toward the canopy. 



"About 26 of the 87 aspen stands we examined had large numbers of tall saplings throughout, a remarkable change from the 1990s when surveys found none at all," Painter said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-wolves-matter-to-yellowstone-aspens">Why wolves matter to Yellowstone aspens</h2>



Breaking it all down, the conclusions of this study are pretty simple. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-move-pups-across-mountains-to-adapt-to-climate-pressure/">Wolves hunt elk</a>. When wolves came back, two things happened. First, elk numbers declined from unusually high levels. Second, elk changed their behavior. They spent less time in the same areas feeding.



With fewer elk and shorter feeding bouts, more aspen shoots survived long enough to exceed the browsing zone - about six to seven feet high. 



Once a sapling reaches that height, elk cannot easily reach the growing tip. The tree continues to grow.



"The reintroduction of large carnivores has initiated a recovery process that had been shut down for decades," Painter explained.



Scientists call this a <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/trophic-cascades-across-diverse-plant-ecosystems-80060347/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trophic cascade</a> - when adding or removing one species causes changes that ripple through the whole system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-places-recover-others-don-t">Some places recover, others don't</h2>



Unfortunately, not every aspen stand has recovered yet. Some valleys still have many short, heavily browsed shoots, because it's not only elk eating them anymore. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-iconic-bison-have-merged-into-a-single-herd/">Bison herds have grown</a>, and bison browse on aspen as well. They are strong enough to break young trees. 



"Increasing numbers of bison may be emerging as a new constraint to aspen in some areas," Painter confirmed.



Additionally, winter snow depth varies; droughts stress trees; bears and mountain lions also hunt elk; and hunting outside the park influences elk distribution. 



All of these factors interact, which is why some sites show strong recovery, others show moderate recovery, and a few have changed very little.



The key pattern is that places with many tall saplings experience little browsing, and aspen groves that remain popular eating grounds today stay short. 



This fact is the strongest indication that tree recovery is linked directly to wolf presence, not solely to weather or soil conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proof-in-the-measurements">Proof in the measurements</h2>



Painter's team did not rely on casual observation. They used the same methods as earlier researchers, measuring the same plots. 



They counted recruitment - when young trees surpass browsing height and begin progressing toward maturity. This measure is crucial. Sprouts are insufficient if they never grow; without recruitment, the forest cannot replace itself.



The results are robust. After being stalled for most of a century, Yellowstone's aspens are increasing in height. In recovering stands today, you will see saplings - six, eight, or ten feet tall - that were not present in the 1990s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-yellowstone-s-aspens">The future of Yellowstone's aspens</h2>



"This is a remarkable case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/">ecological restoration</a>," Painter concluded. "Wolf reintroduction is yielding long-term ecological changes contributing to increased biodiversity and habitat diversity."



Trees grow slowly, so even with wolves restored, it will take decades for these young aspens to form a full-grown forest. 



Some areas might never fully recover if bison numbers continue to rise or if the climate becomes too hot and dry.



Thanks to the work of Painter and his team, scientists are now certain that restoring the Yellowstone predator has restarted aspen forest regeneration. Not everywhere and not perfectly, but enough to be measured, creating hope for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112725004499?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



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Yellowstone's aspen trees are growing again thanks to the reintroduction of wolves

Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy. This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns. Yellowstone, aspens, and elk In the 1920s, people eliminated wolves in Yellowstone. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right...

The global popularity of sugary beverages, coupled with a concerning rise in health complications, prompted scientists to investigate the broader implications of their consumption. The research has revealed an alarming association with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.



The study was conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://nutrition.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy</a>.



The findings outline a grim pattern. The experts estimate that each year, 2.2 million new cases of type 2 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diabetes-rate-has-doubled-reaching-over-800-million/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease can be attributed to the consumption of sugary drinks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-countries-under-siege">Developing countries under siege</h2>



The researchers discovered a particularly distressing scenario in developing countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, over 21% of all new diabetes cases are linked to sugary drinks.



Furthermore, Latin America and the Caribbean report that nearly 24% of new diabetes cases and over 11% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crucial-discoveries-will-improve-cardiovascular-disease-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> cases are related to sugary beverage consumption.



Countries like Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa bear a major brunt of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-could-cause-a-health-crisis-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health crisis</a>, with exceptionally high percentages of novel diabetes and cardiovascular diseases cases linked to sugar-sweetened beverages.



These countries, along with others, are in the throes of a largely avoidable public health crisis unleashed by the soaring consumption of beverages such as carbonated soda, energy drinks, and juices with added sugar. 



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



The experts noted that sugar-sweetened beverages, despite their fleeting pleasures, lead to a rapid rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-tea-extract-lowers-blood-sugar-and-improves-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood sugar</a> levels while offering little nutritional value.



"High doses of rapidly digested glucose also activate insulin and other regulatory pathways, which can result in visceral fat production, hepatic and skeletal muscle insulin resistance and weight gain," noted the researchers.



Excess weight, insulin resistance, and various metabolic issues are the precursors to health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugary-drinks-gaining-more-popularity">Sugary drinks gaining more popularity</h2>



Sadly, these detrimental drinks are fervently marketed and sold in low- and middle-income nations. 



Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School, pointed out that these communities aren't just consuming harmful products - they are also less equipped to handle the health fallout.



As countries progress and incomes rise, these sugary drinks gain more popularity, with men and younger adults being at a higher risk compared to women and older adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curbing-sugary-drinks-for-global-health">Curbing sugary drinks for global health</h2>



The urgency of the situation isn't lost on Laura Lara-Castor, the lead author of the study. "We need urgent, evidence-based interventions to curb consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages globally, before even more lives are shortened by their effects on diabetes and heart disease."



The team suggests multi-faceted countermeasures, proposing public health campaigns, sugary drink advertising regulations, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugar-drink-taxes-dramatically-improve-overall-health-in-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages</a>. 



There is already a positive precedent set by Mexico, where an implemented tax on sugary beverages seems to be effective in reducing consumption, especially among lower-income individuals.



Yet, as Mozaffarian emphasizes, there is much more to be done. "As a species, we need to address sugar-sweetened beverage consumption," especially in high-consumption regions like Latin America and Africa, where the health consequences are severe.



The global implications of sugary drink consumption loom large, representing a call to action for everyone - from health organizations to individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-industry-and-consumer-awareness">The role of industry and consumer awareness</h2>



While sugary drinks are aggressively marketed as lifestyle staples, their hidden health toll demands greater scrutiny. 



The beverage industry spends billions on advertising campaigns that particularly target younger audiences and communities in low- and middle-income nations, where regulations are often lax. 



These promotional efforts have normalized excessive consumption, overshadowing the associated health risks.



Public awareness campaigns, like those warning about the risks of smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, could be key in addressing this issue.



Experts advocate for clearer labeling on sugary beverages to emphasize their impact on health through visual warnings or sugar content limits.



Addressing the health crisis posed by sugary drinks will require a collective effort - one that combines policy reform, industry accountability, and individual awareness - to shift the global narrative.



Consumers need accessible information to make healthier choices and reduce their dependency on sugar-sweetened drinks.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03345-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Sugary drinks linked to millions of diabetes and heart disease cases

The global popularity of sugary beverages, coupled with a concerning...

Hotter, drier North American climates will curtail the growth of a critical fungus used to keep the invasive spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) in check, according to computer models recently devised by scientists.



The research, led by the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> and the <a href="https://www.anl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argonne National Laboratory</a>, highlights the interconnected nature of climate change impacts by showing how higher temperatures can ripple through ecosystems and alter species interactions in unexpected ways.



Greg Dwyer is a professor of ecology and evolution at UChicago and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



“The vast majority of previous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> studies look at individual organisms, but a small amount of climate change can have a big effect when you compound it across multiple species,” said Dwyer.&nbsp;



“So, computer models are crucial for understanding the effects of climate change on species interactions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spongy-moth-a-destructive-invader">Spongy moth: A destructive invader</h2>



Introduced to North America in 1869, the spongy moth originates from Europe. 



Female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bella-moths-use-toxins-to-deter-predators-and-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moths</a> deposit their eggs on various surfaces - such as branches, stacked firewood, and outdoor furniture - which people can inadvertently transport far beyond the moth’s initial release site in Massachusetts. 



Once hatched, the caterpillars voraciously consume the leaves of hardwood forests, particularly oaks, leading to large-scale defoliation and significant tree mortality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-vs-forest-invaders">Fungi vs. forest invaders</h2>



Relief arrived in 1989, when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> Entomophaga maimaiga began to spread among spongy moth populations.&nbsp;



While it’s not certain how or when this non-native fungus arrived in North America - whether intentionally introduced for control or accidentally imported - the fungus effectively curbed moth outbreaks for decades.&nbsp;



Another pathogen, the nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), also helps keep spongy moth numbers down, but it requires large moth populations to spread efficiently. 



The E. maimaiga fungus, in contrast, can develop in small moth populations before major destruction sets in, provided that conditions are cool and moist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-warming-affects-moth-fungus-dynamics">How warming affects moth-fungus dynamics</h2>



As part of their study, Dwyer and his colleagues collaborated with atmospheric scientists Jiali Wang and Rao Kotamarthi from the Argonne National Laboratory to integrate advanced climate modeling into existing spongy moth population models.&nbsp;



By refining large-scale climate data to capture regional differences in temperature and precipitation, the research team could project how changing environments affect the interplay of spongy moths, their predators, and pathogens like E. maimaiga.



The simulations revealed that rising temperatures and drier weather reduce the infection rates of E. maimaiga, resulting in fewer moth deaths. 



As spongy moths become more likely to survive and reproduce, they cause more extensive defoliation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiplication-of-the-spongy-moth">Multiplication of the spongy moth</h2>



“Even small reductions in mortality rate for the moths lead to big increases in defoliation,” Dwyer explained. 



“If they don’t get killed off when they’re at low density one year, then the next year they’ll be back at higher density. You get this multiplication process going on.”



Recent seasonal trends have already hinted at what the future might hold. Below-average rainfall paired with above-average temperatures helped spur significant moth outbreaks, earlier than the researchers expected.&nbsp;



“Our projections were pessimistic, but probably not pessimistic enough. It’s very concerning,” said Dwyer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-domino-effect-of-climate-change">The domino effect of climate change</h2>



The study highlights the importance of treating species interactions as dynamic systems, where even slight changes in temperature or humidity can cascade across multiple organisms.&nbsp;



In this case, the spongy moth, the fungus that infects it, and the overall forest ecosystem are interlinked. As warmer, drier conditions limit E. maimaiga, spongy moth numbers surge, ultimately threatening <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-mammals-play-a-vital-role-in-maintaining-forest-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest health</a> and stability.



The spongy moth’s destructive capacity poses a financial burden as well, given the expensive efforts needed to manage infestations and the losses in timber and ecosystem services resulting from tree deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-spongy-moth-populations-nbsp">Controlling spongy moth populations&nbsp;</h2>



By drawing attention to the vulnerability of E. maimaiga under climate change, the study suggests that forest managers and policymakers might need alternative or supplemental approaches to control spongy moth populations.&nbsp;



In addition, other species could be affected in similarly indirect ways - a warning that climate change can reshape ecological communities through multiple layers of interaction.



In the future, the team hopes to test its model’s predictions in real-world settings and refine it to factor in additional complexities, such as geographic variations in forest composition and predator species.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-the-health-of-our-forests-nbsp">Preserving the health of our forests&nbsp;</h2>



By deepening our understanding of how climate change influences species relationships, researchers can help guide effective solutions for preserving forest health and maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.



Overall, the research highlights a broader truth about ecological management in a changing world: when one piece of the puzzle shifts, the entire system can behave in unexpected ways.&nbsp;



As Dwyer put it, “a small amount of climate change can have a big effect when you compound it across multiple species,” and the spongy moth’s changing fate exemplifies that message.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02204-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Nature's defense against the invasive spongy moth is fading

Hotter, drier North American climates will curtail the growth of...

Wild mushrooms, especially those found in local forests, have sparked a lot of curiosity among nutrition enthusiasts. Some of these mushrooms contain amino acids and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrimp-proven-to-be-a-nutritional-treasure-packed-with-antioxidants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antioxidants</a> that support human health.



Researchers have now focused on one specific amino acid, tryptophan, which our bodies use to produce molecules linked to mood and sleep regulation. 



Although we often hear that dairy products and turkey are good sources of this substance, certain wild mushrooms may also be worthy contenders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms-in-everyday-diet">Mushrooms in everyday diet</h2>



Growing consumer interest in nutrient-rich and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/">sustainable foods</a> has encouraged scientists to look more closely at mushrooms. 



Many regions of the United States enjoy mushroom-based dishes, but consumers in Europe and North Africa have also increased their mushroom consumption.



The quest for these nutritional benefits has led to new methods of extracting and measuring key mushroom components, including amino acids. 



<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alejandro-R-Lopez" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alejandro R. López</a>, a scientist from the <a href="https://www.uca.es/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cádiz</a> in Spain, has carried out several studies to extract and measure tryptophan content and antioxidant activity in wild mushrooms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-tryptophan">Exploring tryptophan</h2>



Tryptophan is crucial because our bodies cannot produce it on their own. It supports the production of <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serotonin</a>, the chemical that influences our mood, and <a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Melatonin%20is%20a%20hormone%20that,in%20the%20body%20beyond%20sleep." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melatonin</a>, a substance tied to daily sleep patterns. 



Experts have paid special attention to this amino acid in mushrooms due to its potential to assist with healthy cell function and <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/oxidative-stress" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxidative stress</a>. “The concentrations ranged from 0.042 mg/g to 0.742 mg/g,” claimed López, where he and the team explained their examination of how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/synthetic-psilocybin-less-effective-therapy-than-natural-mushroom-extract/">natural extracts</a> from mushrooms could support the body’s own defenses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-approach-that-made-a-difference">The approach that made a difference</h2>



Previous <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8228365/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">efforts</a> to measure tryptophan sometimes involved large volumes of harsh solvents or high heat that could degrade heat-sensitive compounds.&nbsp;



Recently, investigators adopted ultrasound-assisted extraction with a milder temperature (77 °F, 25 °C) and a moderate amount of ethanol. 



This choice used fewer harmful chemicals, made the process faster, and preserved the delicate nature of the bioactive substances. 



They also adjusted factors like the amplitude of the ultrasound probe and the duration of sonication. This method was developed using a statistical design called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/box-behnken-design" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Box-Behnken</a>, which guided the research team in finding the sweet spot for extraction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-mushroom-extracts">Wild mushroom extracts</h2>



A separate part of the project looked at each mushroom’s ability to scavenge <a href="https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-are-free-radicals-a-dietitian-explains.h00-159699912.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free radicals</a>. Two common tests, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8878429/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DPPH</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/abts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ABTS</a>, measured antioxidant capacity in percentages. 



Some mushrooms showed around 17.7%, while others reached up to 71.6%. Meanwhile, a range of 7.2% to 24.9% emerged for the ABTS test. 



Another area of investigation considered how effectively these mushrooms might help slow the activity of <a href="https://pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/54" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acetylcholinesterase</a> (AChE). 



This enzyme is tied to neurological changes in aging conditions. The samples tested offered inhibition percentages between 13.1% and 49.8%. 



Researchers compared their findings with other documented values for similar mushrooms. Some species, especially those in the Lactarius genus, had strong antioxidant readings and moderate to notable <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AChE-inhibitory activity</a>. 



These signs hint that the mushrooms in question may be valuable as dietary options that help maintain normal nervous system activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-health-and-wild-mushrooms">Human health and wild mushrooms</h2>



While these results spark fresh ideas about mushrooms and tryptophan, more steps are necessary. Cell and animal research could add depth to these findings, especially regarding the link between mushroom-derived tryptophan and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3744903/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging-related conditions</a>.&nbsp;



Another helpful move would be to see if preparation methods, such as cooking or drying, affect tryptophan levels in ways that matter for daily intake.&nbsp;



For the time being, the data supports the notion that certain wild mushrooms may serve as a suitable dietary source of tryptophan, alongside antioxidant compounds. 



They are also appealing for those looking to expand food choices that align with healthy diets. These mushrooms display interesting properties that might benefit individuals curious about options to support cognitive well-being.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814624036562" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Chemistry</a>.



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Wild mushrooms contain substances that improve sleep, mood and cognitive health

Wild mushrooms, especially those found in local forests, have sparked...

Marine bacteria roam our oceans in astonishing numbers, with prokaryotes ranking among the most abundant forms of life on Earth. 



<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.95.12.6578" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> have long recognized the importance of these microbes in managing the ocean’s nutrient cycles, including those of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. 



They also regulate oxygen and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-carbon-dioxide-removal-may-not-be-effective/">carbon dioxide</a> exchange between water and air. Yet, even with advancing genomic technologies, numerous bacterial lineages remain unexplored.&nbsp;



Some appear only in certain regions, while others drift across the planet’s waters. Recent work has brought fresh attention to these bacterial players, prompting further research into how their varied capabilities affect marine ecosystems and global processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-life-beneath-the-surface">Unusual life beneath the surface</h2>



Scientists examining seawater from <a href="https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/copepod/time-series/es-30301/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blanes Bay</a> in the north-western Mediterranean uncovered 26 new bacterial strains that represented 23 novel marine species and six distinct genera. Each strain shows particular traits, that offer clues about oceanic transformations that sustain life.



“Massive sequencing helps us understand bacterial communities as a whole,” said <a href="https://emm.icm.csic.es/xavier-rey-velasco/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X. Rey Velasco</a> (ICM-CSIC).&nbsp;



These organisms were identified by analyzing cellular features and genetic data, and their discovery confirmed that ocean microbes remain a major frontier for research. 



Their unusual profiles could explain processes behind nutrient turnover in coastal environments, highlighting how a small sample can yield remarkable diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blanes-bay-advantage">The Blanes Bay advantage</h2>



Blanes Bay hosts a permanent sampling station that lets researchers monitor microbial life during winter, spring, summer, and fall. Its convenient location about half a mile offshore in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-whales-epic-voyage-exposes-perils-of-the-mediterranean/">Mediterranean</a> allows consistent data collection throughout the year.&nbsp;



Observing the same site across different seasons provides a valuable view of changing conditions and microbial shifts. In a warmer month, for instance, certain bacteria may flourish, while cooler temperatures favor others.&nbsp;



This year-round approach captures fluctuations that shorter studies miss. The bay has become a central hub for oceanographic research because it reflects variations found in many temperate coastal waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-bacteria-and-nutrient-cycles">Marine bacteria and nutrient cycles</h2>



<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1153213" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine microbes</a> handle the majority of the ocean’s respiration and serve as key agents in nutrient transformations. The newly described strains show different capacities linked to carbon fixation, nitrogen metabolism, and the processing of sulfur compounds.&nbsp;



Some appear adept at dealing with dissolved organic matter, turning it into particles that other organisms consume. Others reduce nitrogen levels in ways that can lessen the buildup of harmful compounds.&nbsp;



By mapping their genomic details, researchers revealed pathways that allow these bacteria to recycle essential elements. Such activities preserve the ecological balance in coastal zones, open waters, and even deeper layers of the sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-reach-confirmed">Global reach confirmed</h2>



After isolating these strains, <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1261359" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigators</a> compared their gene sequences to global datasets from projects like <a href="https://fondationtaraocean.org/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tara Oceans</a>. 



Several newly characterized species also appear in polar regions, subtropical belts, and temperate seas, hinting at wide-ranging ecological success. 



Some members of the Flavobacteriaceae class are especially abundant, although a few groups occur in lower numbers. 



Tracking the distribution of marine bacteria showed that these bacteria adapt to diverse conditions, whether near coastlines or further offshore. 



Understanding how they survive in different settings may lead to discoveries about food web connections and resilience against environmental stress. This underscores their potential importance in oceanic processes worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tribute-to-female-pioneers">A tribute to female pioneers</h2>



In naming the new marine bacteria species, researchers honored several female microbiologists whose achievements shaped the way we investigate marine life today.



These individual’s had advanced knowledge about how microbes flourish in salty, nutrient-poor regions and how they respond to shifts in temperature or available carbon sources. 



This choice challenges the historic trend of commemorating mostly male scientists. It also invites future generations of researchers to appreciate and build upon the contributions of women who shaped modern microbiology. 



Other strains received labels inspired by local features, linking them to Blanes Bay’s particular conditions and cultural background.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-scope-of-microbial-discovery">Growing scope of microbial discovery</h2>



“Although Blanes Bay is possibly the most studied coastal marine ecosystem in the world from a microbiological point of view, we still discover new species and new aspects of its ecology every time we stop to look in detail,” commented <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CdrBrtsAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josep M. Gasol</a> (ICM).&nbsp;



Despite the attention Blanes Bay has received, new forms of marine life continue to be discovered. Scientists plan to investigate these unusual species under varied laboratory conditions, where they will be tested to determine their potential to use alternative energy sources or survive harsh circumstances. 



This could clarify how ocean communities respond to climate shifts, pollution events, or changes in nutrient availability.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-microbes-can-tell-us-about-global-changes-in-the-ocean/">Culturing diverse bacteria</a> remains essential for refining lab experiments on their metabolism, interactions, and evolutionary paths. By bridging culture-based methods and large-scale DNA sequencing, researchers can learn more about how these organisms help regulate conditions in the water column.&nbsp;



The findings from Blanes Bay suggest that there is no end to the hidden complexity of marine microbes. Studying them not only broadens our grasp of microscopic life but may also yield clues about the ocean’s response to ongoing environmental changes.&nbsp;



As data collection improves, so does the chance to predict how marine habitats will cope with tomorrow’s challenges.



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



These new insights hold practical significance. Some strains may produce enzymes that break down pollutants or recycle nutrients in ways that safeguard marine life. 



Ocean-based industries could harness their traits for sustainable aquaculture and resource management. 



Work in different regions will reveal more bacteria, and refine our understanding of how we can preserve underwater habitats around the globe. 



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1407904/full?field&amp;journalName=Frontiers_in_Microbiology&amp;id=1407904" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Microbiology</a>.



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23 new marine bacteria species discovered that influence global ocean cycles

Marine bacteria roam our oceans in astonishing numbers, with prokaryotes...

Recreational activities on mountain trails are pushing large carnivores like grizzly bears and wolves away from their native habitats, even when those trails lie hundreds of meters from where the animals roam.&nbsp;



A new study from the <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alberta</a> highlights the need for improved land management practices that allow people and wildlife to peacefully coexist. 



This issue is particularly pressing in the Bow River Valley, long recognized as a natural corridor linking the prairies to the Continental Divide.



Over the past 15 years, a team of researchers led by Peter Thompson set up camera traps at more than 1,600 sites in the Bow River Valley and surrounding areas. 



These traps were in place between 2007 and 2022, capturing over a million images of humans and tens of thousands of images of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grizzly-bears-help-huckleberries-thrive-in-a-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grizzly bears</a> and wolves.



The scientists then used statistical models to assess the relationship between human activity and carnivore presence on the landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-recreation-and-large-carnivores-nbsp">Human recreation and large carnivores&nbsp;</h2>



Upon examining the images and activity patterns, the researchers discovered a significant disturbance effect from busy trails, extending far beyond the immediate path.&nbsp;



The results showed that wolves and bears did not merely avoid the immediate vicinity of high-traffic areas; they stayed away from locations hundreds of meters away as well.



Thompson, formerly a postdoctoral fellow with Colleen Cassady St. Clair in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, is now a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Fraser University</a>.



“We initially thought bears might use hiking trails as efficient routes when humans weren’t around, but they actually avoid these areas altogether,” said Thompson.



“Our results show that human recreation has significant effects on wildlife, substantially influencing their behaviour even hundreds of meters away from the trail.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-displacement-of-large-carnivores-nbsp">Widespread displacement of large carnivores&nbsp;</h2>



For grizzly bears, half of the displacement effect from high-use trails remained in effect up to 300 meters from the trail. For wolves, this displacement was observed up to 600 meters away. Thompson noted that the phenomenon is considerably more extensive than was previously believed.



“When trails become busier, people may not realize the extent to which they are disrupting wildlife movement and habitat security,” Thompson added.&nbsp;



This finding demonstrates that outdoor enthusiasts using high-traffic trails, especially in popular regions, could unknowingly be displacing wolves and bears from substantial parts of their natural habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-recreation-on-wolves-nbsp">Effects of recreation on wolves&nbsp;</h2>



While grizzly bears are visibly impacted by busy trails, the displacement effect was even more pronounced for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gray-wolves-are-a-crucial-component-of-the-american-west/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wolves</a>. Their avoidance of human activity at distances of up to 600 meters likely relates to their year-round activity cycle, which intersects with winter recreation such as skiing and snowmobiling.&nbsp;



This further highlights how multiple forms of recreation can compound the stress on top predators.



“Wolves are even more affected by human recreation than grizzly bears, and they are active year-round, coinciding with winter recreational activities,” said St. Clair, Thompson’s former supervisor.&nbsp;



“This research highlights the critical need to manage human use in a way that allows people to share the landscape with these wary predators.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-the-impacts-on-large-carnivores-nbsp">Mitigating the impacts on large carnivores&nbsp;</h2>



The Bow River Valley is particularly significant for wildlife, functioning as a key passageway for many species.&nbsp;



Shifts in animal movement due to human traffic on trails could compromise the valley’s role as a corridor for genetic exchange and resource access.&nbsp;



If large carnivores are consistently deterred from these areas, the consequences could include altered feeding patterns, reduced breeding success, and changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator-prey dynamics</a>.



Land managers in this region may consider strategies such as creating buffer zones, limiting trail access during peak activity times, or issuing guidelines that reduce disturbance in critical wildlife areas.&nbsp;



Such steps might help maintain the valley’s ecological function and ensure that grizzlies, wolves, and other species can continue to move freely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-thoughtful-recreation-planning">Need for thoughtful recreation planning</h2>



The paper’s authors emphasize that as recreational use of mountain trails grows, the effects on wildlife will likewise increase.&nbsp;



Raising awareness about how trail use displaces animals, even far from the trail itself, could encourage more responsible behavior among outdoor enthusiasts.&nbsp;



Measures such as seasonal trail closures, visitor education programs, and designated wildlife corridors could help minimize the disruption to grizzly bears, wolves, and other sensitive species.



The findings in the Bow River Valley also reflect broader challenges faced worldwide as conservation areas strive to balance human recreation with wildlife protection.&nbsp;



By taking preemptive steps - whether through trail design, user quotas, or educational outreach - policymakers and conservation managers can better safeguard critical habitats for large carnivores and foster a more harmonious coexistence between people and nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reevaluating-our-use-of-mountain-trails-nbsp">Reevaluating our use of mountain trails&nbsp;</h2>



This study provides actionable insights into how recreational activities influence the distribution and well-being of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apex-predators-can-help-restore-ecosystems-but-not-immediately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apex predators</a>.&nbsp;



With wolves and bears essential to ecosystem balance, preventing their displacement has ecological significance beyond individual species.&nbsp;&nbsp;



According to Thompson, these results show that human recreation has significant effects on wildlife, and these findings are a call to reevaluate how we manage and use mountain trails.&nbsp;



Through careful planning and targeted conservation efforts, there is hope that humans and large carnivores can continue to share these magnificent landscapes for generations to come.



The study is published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.14837" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Ecology</a>.



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Mountain recreation displaces large carnivores from their habitats

Recreational activities on mountain trails are pushing large carnivores like...

A new study has shown that over the last 20 years, large floods in the U.S. have been linked with significantly higher death rates across major causes of mortality.&nbsp;



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03358-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>, this research highlights sweeping and hidden effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/">floods</a> - including those not related to hurricanes, such as those resulting from heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice jams - on public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-a-critical-knowledge-gap">Bridging a critical knowledge gap</h2>



The study was led by scientists at <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health</a>, in partnership with researchers from <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>, Harvard University, and the University of Arizona.&nbsp;



The experts aimed to fill a crucial gap in understanding cause-specific mortality risks related to floods over time and how these risks vary among different groups. The findings are expected to help public health agencies better allocate resources to mitigate these risks.



In the United States, population growth alone is believed to result in an approximately 72 percent increase in the population exposed to floods yearly by 2050. This is before accounting for the impact of climate change, which will likely lead to more frequent river, coastal, and flash floods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flooding-is-an-urgent-public-health-concern-nbsp">Flooding is an urgent public health concern&nbsp;</h2>



Victoria Lynch, a post-doctoral research fellow at Columbia Mailman School and the study’s first author, stressed the severity of the issue.&nbsp;



“Flooding is an urgent public health concern as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-levels-linked-to-the-rise-and-fall-of-early-human-societies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise,</a> rapid snowpack melting, and increased storm severity will lead to more destructive and frequent events,” she said.&nbsp;



“Our results show that floods were associated with higher death rates for most major causes of death, even for rain- and snow-related floods that are less likely to generate rapid emergency responses.”



Study senior author Robbie M. Parks, assistant professor in Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School, noted that floods have a devastating effect on society in the U.S., yet a comprehensive assessment of their continuing health impacts had been lacking.



“Our study is a first major step in better understanding how floods may affect deaths, which provides an essential foundation for improving resilience to climate-related disasters across the days, weeks, months, and years after they wreak destruction,” said Parks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deaths-after-large-floods">Deaths after large floods</h2>



The research team examined 35.6 million U.S. death records spanning from 2001 to 2018. Using a statistical model, they compared death rates during three-month periods following large floods to those during normal conditions, assessing variations across 2,711 counties that cover over 75% of the U.S. population.



The analysis revealed significant increases in death rates associated with flooding:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Injury deaths: Tropical storm and hurricane-related floods caused a 24.9% increase in deaths among older adults and a 21.2% rise among women.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiovascular diseases</a>: Death rates rose by 2.1% during heavy rain floods and 8.9% during snowmelt-related floods.</li>



<li>Respiratory diseases: Snowmelt-related flooding was linked to a 22.3% increase in mortality.</li>



<li>Neuropsychiatric conditions: Death rates rose by 15.9% during snowmelt-related floods.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infectious diseases</a>: Heavy rain floods caused a 3.2% increase in deaths, likely due to disruptions to water and sewage systems.</li>
</ul>



The study noted an alarming increase in the frequency of record-breaking rainfall. For instance, record-high monthly rainfall totals were achieved 27 percent more frequently in 2024 than at the century’s start, while daily records rose by 52 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-health-impacts-of-floods">Lingering health impacts of floods</h2>



The experts emphasize that floods cause long-lasting health impacts beyond the immediate disaster. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasting-the-floods-new-clues-about-extreme-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme rainfall</a> events led to widespread flash floods in regions such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Spain, and Bangladesh, causing thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.&nbsp;



Conversely, severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> conditions in places like the Amazon and southern Africa disrupted ecosystems, reduced crop yields, and heightened wildfire risks.



“Our study shows that even floods caused by snowmelt or heavy rain, each uniquely driven by changes to climate and development, elevate mortality months after the fact, providing critical knowledge of how to manage and adapt to floods,” said study co-author Jonathan Sullivan, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona.



These findings call for urgent action, including stronger flood defences, drought-resilient agriculture and water supplies, and better early warning systems.&nbsp;



Understanding the broad and lasting health impacts of floods will be critical for building resilient communities in the face of climate change.



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Flood fatalities: Experts reveal the hidden health impacts

A new study has shown that over the last 20...

Antarctica, a land of extremes, hides a fascinating and potentially impactful geological secret beneath its ice. Known for its towering Mount Erebus and iconic lava lake, the continent also harbors over 100 lesser-known volcanoes. 



Many of these lie buried beneath kilometers of ice, especially along Antarctica’s western coast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-s-hidden-volcanoes">Antarctica's hidden volcanoes</h2>



Climate change is causing Antarctica's ice sheet to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melt faster than before</a>, which is raising global sea levels. But the impact doesn’t stop with the oceans. 



The ice sheet is incredibly heavy and presses down on the land beneath it. When the ice melts, the weight on the rocks below is reduced, a process scientists call&nbsp;"unloading."



This unloading has significant geological effects. The reduced pressure can increase the chances of volcanic eruptions.



Similar effects have been seen in other parts of the world, where melting glaciers and ice sheets have triggered increased volcanic activity.



In Antarctica, where many volcanoes lie buried under kilometers of ice, this unloading process could "awaken" these hidden volcanoes. Their eruptions could melt even more ice from beneath, amplifying the melting process in what scientists call a "feedback loop." 



This means that as the ice melts, it could trigger volcanic eruptions that further accelerate the melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-ice-and-subglacial-volcanoes">Melting ice and subglacial volcanoes</h2>



A research team led by A. N. Coonin from <a href="https://www.brown.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a> used 4,000 computer simulations to study how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting Antarctic ice</a> affects hidden volcanoes.



The results show that as the ice gradually melts, it can increase both how frequent and how powerful subglacial volcanic eruptions become.



This means that ice loss doesn’t just impact the surface - it also significantly affects Antarctica’s volcanoes deep below the Earth’s crust.



The phenomenon is linked to how magma chambers respond to changes in pressure. Magma chambers, located beneath the Earth's surface, hold molten rock under high pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressure-inside-of-magma-chambers">Pressure inside of magma chambers</h2>



The massive weight of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turquets-octopus-dna-tells-scientists-that-west-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse-is-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a> above a magma chamber keeps the pressure stable. When the ice melts, the weight is reduced, and the pressure on the magma decreases.



As the pressure lifts, the magma can expand. This expansion puts stress on the walls of the magma chamber, making eruptions more likely. 



To make matters more complex, many magma chambers contain gases, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, dissolved in the magma under high pressure. When the pressure reduces - similar to opening a soda bottle - these gases escape in bubbles, rapidly increasing the pressure inside the chamber.



This added pressure from escaping gases and expanding magma increases the chances of an eruption. The process is further intensified in regions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>, where ice loss directly impacts the stability of these underground systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-subglacial-eruptions">Impact of subglacial eruptions</h2>



Subglacial volcanic eruptions rarely breach the surface, but their heat has significant consequences. They can intensify melting deep below the ice, weakening the ice sheet from within. 



As discussed above, this weakening creates a feedback loop: as ice melts and pressure lessens, volcanic activity increases, which in turn accelerates ice melting.



The researchers emphasize that this is a slow process, unfolding over centuries. However, this slow feedback loop could persist even if humanity succeeds in curbing greenhouse gas emissions. 



The process might have played a role in past volcano eruptions when Antarctica’s ice sheet was much thicker during the last ice age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnectedness-of-antarctica-s-volcanoes">Interconnectedness of Antarctica's volcanoes</h2>



Antarctica’s hidden volcanoes highlight that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts of climate change</a> extend far beyond the atmosphere and oceans. They reveal how warming temperatures can initiate complex chain reactions deep within the Earth. 



As the ice melts, it reduces pressure on underground magma systems, potentially triggering volcanic eruptions. These eruptions, in turn, can intensify ice melting, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.



Although this process unfolds over centuries, it serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of Earth's systems. Geology and climate are not isolated - they influence each other in ways that can reshape the planet.



Understanding these hidden dynamics is essential as we address the long-term consequences of climate change. By studying these processes, we can better prepare for the challenges they may bring, even if their full effects seem distant today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GC011743" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems</a>.



Image Credit:&nbsp;Josh Landis, U.S. Antarctic Program



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Melting ice in Antarctica could wake sleeping volcanoes

Antarctica, a land of extremes, hides a fascinating and potentially...

When we marvel at the wonders of nature - like the sweet aroma of spring roses, the melodies of songbirds, or the brilliant colors of autumn leaves - there's an unsung hero working quietly behind the scenes: the ozone layer.



This thin shield in the stratosphere protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR), safeguarding biodiversity and enabling life as we know it. 



Yet, the formation of this vital layer took over 2 billion years, and recent research reveals why it faced such a prolonged delay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battle-of-elements-in-earth-s-early-ozone-layer">Battle of elements in Earth's early ozone layer</h2>



A study led by experts at Yale University sheds light on an ancient atmospheric battle between iodine and oxygen.



This competition, the researchers propose, stalled the stabilization of the ozone layer, delaying the emergence and diversification of complex life on Earth.



“The origin and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ozone-day-2024-advancing-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversification</a> of complex life on Earth remains one of the most profound and enduring questions in natural science,” said Jingjun Liu, the study's lead author. 



The research challenges the long-held belief that evolutionary delays were purely due to time requirements, offering a fresh perspective on the role of atmospheric chemistry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-did-complex-life-wait">Why did complex life wait?</h2>



Despite cyanobacteria existing for 2.7 billion years, land plants did not appear until 450 million years ago. Similarly, complex life fossils are absent before the Cambrian era. 



Traditionally, scientists attributed these delays to slow evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-the-recovery-of-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processes</a>.



“That notion fails to explain how and why complex life originated and diversified,” said Professor Noah Planavsky, senior author of the study.



The research suggests that the true culprit was iodine. Elevated marine iodine concentrations disrupted the formation of a stable ozone layer, allowing intense UV radiation to bombard the Earth’s surface. 



This harsh environment made the planet inhospitable to complex terrestrial life for billions of years.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="s5PVS16IhO-4201105-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-iodine-and-ozone-depletion">Marine iodine and ozone depletion </h2>



Ozone forms through a delicate interplay between atmospheric oxygen and UVR. While oxygen levels eventually rose, the study found that high marine iodide emissions - salts formed by iodine - prevented a protective ozone shield from stabilizing.



These emissions led to ozone destruction akin to the damage caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) during the 20th-century Antarctic ozone hole crisis.



“Iodine-driven catalytic cycles for ozone destruction are kinetically much faster than those involving reactive chlorine,” explained Professor Planavsky.



As a result, even slight increases in marine iodine could have caused significant ozone depletion, exposing the Earth’s surface to harmful UVR for billions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-earth-s-history">New perspective on Earth’s history</h2>



Liu and the research team from <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> used geological evidence and ocean-atmosphere models to reconstruct iodine-ozone dynamics. 



The findings reveal that unstable and low ozone levels likely persisted from 2.4 billion to 0.5 billion years ago. Even with high oxygen production, periodic UV radiation surges would have hindered the evolution of land-based life.



This remarkable research reshapes our understanding of Earth’s history, revealing how atmospheric chemistry influenced life’s timeline. As we continue to uncover the mysteries of our planet’s past, we deepen our appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains life today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-earth-s-ozone-layer">Significance of Earth's ozone layer </h2>



The formation of the ozone layer was a long and complex process, taking billions of years to stabilize. It emerged from a "battle" between elements like iodine and oxygen in Earth's early atmosphere. 



This natural shield, located in the stratosphere, plays a critical role in protecting life on Earth by blocking harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decline-in-ozone-depleting-chemicals-is-an-encouraging-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultraviolet radiation</a> from the sun.



The ozone layer is not just a scientific marvel; it represents the deep connections between Earth's systems and life itself. Without it, life as we know it - plants, animals, and even the small joys like the scent of flowers, the sound of birdsong, and the colors of changing leaves - would not thrive.



Today, this shield faces threats from human activities, such as pollution and the release of ozone-depleting chemicals. Protecting the ozone layer isn’t just about maintaining the planet’s natural beauty; it’s about safeguarding the very foundation of life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.



Video Credit: Yale University 



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Earth’s ozone layer took more than two billion years to stabilize

When we marvel at the wonders of nature - like...

The,Clouds,Of,Jupiter,Texture,Pattern

Jupiter has always fascinated stargazers with its colorful bands of clouds and iconic weather patterns like the Great Red Spot. Now, new research from a team of citizen scientists challenges the old idea that its visible clouds are formed of ammonia ice.



These findings add clarity to how Jupiter’s cloud layers and atmospheric dynamics work. They have also been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research - Planets.



Astronomy enthusiasts have followed Jupiter for many years, mapping its shifting features from backyards and observatories. 



Reports of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-great-red-spot-shrinks-and-expands-like-a-stress-ball/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dramatic storms</a>, swirling vortexes, and bands of different hues have long intrigued experts and hobbyists alike. Yet the real composition of the planet’s most visible cloud layers remained unsettled.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-eyes-on-jupiter-s-clouds">Fresh eyes on Jupiter's clouds</h2>



A fresh approach emerged when amateur astronomer Dr Steven Hill, based in Colorado, studied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-the-mysterious-haze-at-jupiters-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter’s atmosphere</a> with commercially available telescopes and colored filters. 



By capturing images at specific wavelengths, he measured the abundance of ammonia and the height of cloud tops. His observations suggested that the clouds on Jupiter sit at depths too warm for ammonia ice to form.



Soon after, Professor Patrick Irwin from the University of Oxford’s <a href="https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Physics</a> applied Dr Hill’s analytical approach to observations from the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer at the European Southern Observatory’s <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Very Large Telescope</a> in Chile. 



Professor Irwin and his team simulated how light interacts with gases and clouds in a computer model. Their results confirmed that the main cloud layers are deeper than expected and unlikely to be ammonia ice clouds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-it-simple">Keeping it simple</h2>



“I am astonished that such a simple method is able to probe so deep in the atmosphere and demonstrate so clearly that the main clouds cannot be pure ammonia ice!" Professor Irwin enthused.



"These results show that an innovative amateur using a modern camera and special filters can open a new window on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-storms-can-last-for-years-but-what-fuels-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter’s atmosphere</a> and contribute to understanding the nature of Jupiter’s long-mysterious clouds and how the atmosphere circulates.”



Dr Hill’s straightforward techniques uncovered a more detailed picture of Jupiter’s weather. By examining small differences in brightness through narrow color filters, he produced ammonia maps that cost much less to calculate than complex modeling. 



“I always like to push my observations to see what physical measurements I can make with modest, commercial equipment," Dr. Hill explained, with great enthusiasm. 



"The hope is that I can find new ways for amateurs to make useful contributions to professional work. But I certainly did not expect an outcome as productive as this project has been!”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jupiter-s-clouds-and-citizen-science">Jupiter's clouds and citizen science</h2>



The ammonia maps derived from these simpler methods make it easier for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-gain-a-stronger-connection-with-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citizen scientists</a> and hobbyists to watch changes in Jupiter’s atmosphere. 



Researchers note that visible shifts, such as the appearance of small storms or fluctuations around Jupiter’s famous bands, can be tracked alongside these measurements of ammonia. The same goes for notable features like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-great-red-spot-may-not-be-as-old-as-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Red Spot</a>.



“A special advantage of this technique is that it could be used frequently by amateurs to link visible weather changes on Jupiter to ammonia variations, which could be important ingredients in the weather," explained John Rogers of the <a href="https://britastro.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Astronomical Association</a>, who contributed to the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-occasional-ammonia-ice-clouds">Occasional ammonia ice clouds</h2>



In certain spots, strong updrafts can still create puffy ammonia ice clouds. Spacecraft such as NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/galileo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galileo</a> and <a href="https://www.missionjuno.swri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juno</a> have documented small white clouds, complete with shadows, floating above a darker deck. 



Researchers suggest that, in those places, the rapid uplift allows the ammonia to condense before it is broken apart or mixed with photochemical haze. 



This idea explains why occasional bright patches of ammonia ice appear in the midst of Jupiter’s typically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fresh-look-at-jupiter-through-an-ultraviolet-lens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">darker cloud deck</a>.



Photochemistry is thought to play a key role in producing smog-like material. When ammonia-rich air is driven upward, exposure to sunlight triggers reactions that either destroy ammonia or blend it with other products. 



The result is a cloud deck that tends to contain ammonium hydrosulphide and tinted substances, giving Jupiter its reddish-brown tones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-phenomena-observed-on-saturn">Similar phenomena observed on Saturn</h2>



Inspired by these Jupiter results, Professor Irwin’s team extended the same filter-based analysis to data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-rain-to-saturns-rings-new-equations-push-the-boundaries-of-fluid-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn</a>. 



Their models mirrored the findings of other researchers, including those using the James Webb Space Telescope. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jupiter-clouds_ammonia-discovery_saturn-comparison_UOxford_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jupiter-clouds_ammonia-discovery_saturn-comparison_UOxford_1s.webp" alt="Visible appearance of Jupiter and Saturn reconstructed from VLT/MUSE observations on 23 March 2020 and 6 April 2017, respectively. The left-hand column shows the reconstructed colors when no gamma-correction has been applied, while the right-hand column shows the gamma-corrected appearances, which are closer to what the average human observes with their naked eye through a telescope, but have reduced contrast and are less color enhanced. Credit: Oxford/Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets (2025)" class="wp-image-1955849"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Visible appearance of Jupiter and Saturn reconstructed from VLT/MUSE observations on 23 March 2020 and 6 April 2017, respectively. The left-hand column shows the reconstructed colors when no gamma-correction has been applied, while the right-hand column shows the gamma-corrected appearances, which are closer to what the average human observes with their naked eye through a telescope, but have reduced contrast and are less color enhanced. Credit: Oxford/Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets (2025)</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-has-megastorms-that-affect-its-weather-for-centuries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn’s clouds</a> also seem to lie deeper than the ammonia condensation level. This indicates that smog production and dynamic weather processes could be at play there as well.



Such similarities offer fresh avenues for connecting the gas giants. Both planets show layered atmospheres shaped by rising and sinking air parcels, along with chemical reactions triggered by sunlight. 



Whether these parallels arise from identical processes or represent shared ingredients in different conditions remains an active topic of study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-jupiter-s-clouds-matter">Why Jupiter's clouds matter</h2>



These results open up opportunities for more frequent measurements of Jupiter’s atmosphere. The less complex technique gives amateur and professional astronomers a handy tool for examining weather patterns and gas distributions on short notice. 



That can support large-scale efforts to piece together how storms, jets, and other atmospheric elements evolve over days, weeks, and even years.



With deeper insights into both Jupiter and Saturn, researchers plan to continue mapping cloud levels and chemical makeup. They hope to see if these discoveries match what spacecraft detect from orbit. 



The combination of space-based instruments and Earth-based telescopes, now supported by citizen science efforts, may yield an even fuller understanding of these swirling worlds.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JE008622" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets</a>.



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Discovery about Jupiter's clouds leaves astronomers "astonished"

Jupiter has always fascinated stargazers with its colorful bands of...

Imagine strolling along the same path where our ancestors once walked, then accidentally discovering human footprints that had been left behind roughly 115,000 years ago. 



This is precisely what happened to a group of archaeologists when they found the oldest-known human footprints on the Arabian Peninsula.



Discovered among the tracks of prehistoric animals, these imprints mark a significant discovery in the study of human migration and life before the Ice Age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-human-footprints-on-the-arabian-peninsula">Early human footprints on the Arabian Peninsula </h2>



In 2017, the fossilized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-human-footprints-ever-found-are-believed-to-be-300000-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tracks</a> were spotted in a special lakebed region of northern Saudi Arabia. The tracks consisted of seven discrete footprints.



"Here, we report hominin and non-hominin mammal footprints and fossils from the Alathar lacustrine deposit in the western Nefud Desert, Saudi Arabia," noted the researchers.



"We argue that the footprints, dated to the last interglacial and therefore contemporaneous with an early&nbsp;H. sapiens&nbsp;out-of-Africa dispersal, most likely represent the earliest evidence of our species in the Arabian Peninsula."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-out-of-africa-theory-the-basics">Understanding the "out-of-Africa" theory -- the basics</h2>



The connection between early humans, Africa, and Arabia is rooted in the migration patterns that shaped human history. Most scientists believe that modern humans, Homo sapiens, first evolved in Africa about 200,000 years ago. 



From there, they began to spread out across the globe. Arabia played a key role as a "gateway" for these early humans. 



Situated between Africa and Asia, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/turquoise-lagoons-on-the-coast-of-saudi-arabia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arabian Peninsula</a> acted as a land bridge, allowing humans to migrate from Africa into other parts of the world. 



Over time, Arabia's varied landscapes, from deserts to coastal areas, offered resources that helped early humans survive and settle in the region.



As early humans moved through Arabia, they didn’t just pass through; they made it their home. Evidence shows that humans adapted to the harsh desert environment, developed tools, and built communities. 



However, as we discuss here, theories about the exact timeline of H. sapiens arrival in Arabia continue to change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-footprints-in-similar-states">Human footprints in similar states</h2>



The lakebed, named "the trace" in Arabic, seems to have been a busy spot over 100,000 years ago. The scientists noted that the footprints - which were found in similar states of preservation - were likely generated within a very short time frame. 



"An experimental study of modern human footprints in mud flats found that fine details were lost within two days and prints were rendered unrecognizable within four, and similar observations have been made for other non-hominin mammal tracks," explained the researchers.



Mud, it seems, is nature's perfect canvas to capture history, even though the impressions may be lost rather rapidly from the soft surface. 



During the Burgess Shale event, for example, organisms were preserved intact because they were caught in a mudslide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tracks-of-our-ancestors">The tracks of our ancestors</h2>



As complex as the past is, several theories have been proposed about the upright primates of that era. Mounting evidence indicates that the tracks were left by members of our own species, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-homo-sapiens-stone-tools-preserved-volcanic-ash-grotta-di-castelcivita/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Homo sapiens</a>.



"Seven hominin footprints were confidently identified and, given the fossil and archaeological evidence for the spread of H. sapiens into the Levant and Arabia during the era 130,000 to 80,000 years ago, and absence of Homo neanderthalensis from the Levant at that time, we argue that H. sapiens was responsible for the tracks at Alathar," stated the researchers. 



Furthermore, the experts noted that the sizes of the Alathar footprints are more consistent with those of early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-homo-sapiens-living-spaces-organized-similarly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H. sapiens</a> than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/isolation-played-a-key-role-in-neanderthal-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H. neanderthalensis</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brief-visits-to-the-lake">Brief visits to the lake</h2>



The scientists did not find marks from tools or knives on the animal bones that were uncovered in the area. In other words, there was no evidence of hunting. 



Does this mean the humans just dropped by for a drink?



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Alathar-paleolake_human-footprints_115000-years-old_ULondon_Science_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Alathar-paleolake_human-footprints_115000-years-old_ULondon_Science_1s.webp" alt="The Alathar paleolake sediments, footprints, and fossils. (A) Plan view of the Alathar paleolake deposits with researchers indicated by white arrowheads. (B) First stratigraphic section (units FS1 to FS3). (C) Second stratigraphic section (units SS1 to SS3) overlying the first but located toward the center of the paleolake. (D and E) Example of an elephant track and trackway, Proboscipeda isp. (F) Camelid trackway, Lamaichnum isp. (G) Camelid forefoot (H) Camelid hindfoot. (I) Equid track, Hippipeda isp. (J) Bovid axis vertebra eroding out of the paleolake sediment. Photo credit: Gilbert Price, The University of Queensland and Richard Clark-Wilson, Royal Holloway, University of London" class="wp-image-1955724"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Alathar paleolake sediments, footprints, and fossils. (A) Plan view of the Alathar paleolake deposits with researchers indicated by white arrowheads. (B) First stratigraphic section (units FS1 to FS3). (C) Second stratigraphic section (units SS1 to SS3) overlying the first but located toward the center of the paleolake. (D and E) Example of an elephant track and trackway, Proboscipeda isp. (F) Camelid trackway, Lamaichnum isp. (G) Camelid forefoot (H) Camelid hindfoot. (I) Equid track, Hippipeda isp. (J) Bovid axis vertebra eroding out of the paleolake sediment. Photo credit: Gilbert Price, The University of Queensland and Richard Clark-Wilson, Royal Holloway, University of London</figcaption></figure>



"The lack of archaeological evidence suggests that the Alathar Lake was only briefly visited by people," the researchers noted. The visit, it seemed, was primarily "tied to the need for potable water."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-last-steps-before-the-ice-age">Last steps before the Ice age</h2>



The fossilized footprints raise the obvious question of who made them, but they also spark another intriguing question: why weren't the tracks covered by those of another group?



One theory is that they may have been the last ones who migrated through a temperate climate before being obliterated by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Age</a>. Their silent footsteps, captured in the mud, are a reminder of a history we may never fully understand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-footprints-of-ancient-humans-and-animals">Footprints of ancient humans and animals</h2>



The footprints discovered at Alathar Lake not only reveal the presence of early humans but also offer a snapshot of the ecosystem that existed 115,000 years ago. 



Surrounding the human footprints, scientists identified tracks from animals such as elephants, camels, and antelopes. The research paints a vivid picture of a lush environment that was vastly different from the arid desert seen today.



These prehistoric creatures likely gathered around the lake to drink water, much like the humans whose tracks were immortalized in the mud.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-environment-with-shared-resources">Dynamic environment with shared resources </h2>



By analyzing the spatial arrangement and depth of the footprints, researchers can infer details about the behavior and interactions of both humans and animals during this period. 



For instance, the proximity of human and animal tracks suggests a dynamic environment where resources like water attracted a variety of species, enabling brief yet crucial encounters. 



These findings help scientists piece together not just human history but also the broader ecological tapestry of the region before the harsh climatic shifts of the Ice Age began to arrive.



The research was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aba8940">Science Advances</a>. 



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115,000-year-old human footprints found in a location where they should not be

Imagine strolling along the same path where our ancestors once...

Imagine the vast expanse of the United States Corn Belt, where fields of corn stretch endlessly toward the horizon, shaping not only the landscape but also the region's weather patterns.



A recent study reveals an intriguing perception: our farming practices and the environment are in an intricate dance, manifesting subtle changes in the weather.



The study paints a vivid picture of "precipitation recycling." This term describes a climate phenomenon where the moisture released from plants, soil, and other geographical features returns to earth as rainfall in a self-sustaining feedback loop.



Due to farming practices and the natural influence of shallow groundwater, precipitation recycling has increased by nearly 30% in the Corn Belt. The feedback loop boosts rainfall during the crucial growing season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-eye-of-the-storm-the-u-s-corn-belt">In the eye of the storm: The U.S. Corn Belt</h2>



The Corn Belt, stretching across 12 midwestern and Great Plains states from Ohio to Nebraska, was once a tapestry of tallgrass prairie and woodlands. Today, it is a quilt of croplands extensively maintained through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-can-now-show-us-how-much-water-we-use-for-irrigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irrigation</a> systems.



The effects of the rainfall recycling are fascinating: as corn matures during the summer months, recycling peaks. The phenomenon is also heightened during drier years when moisture from other regions is scarce.



"This research shows how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/developing-climate-smart-agricultural-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural practices</a> can modify regional climate, with implications for food and water security," noted study lead author Zhe Zhang. 



"In an agricultural region like the U.S. Corn Belt where rainfall is critical, it’s important for both farmers and water resource managers to understand where the rain comes from."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-weather-in-the-corn-belt">Factors influencing weather in the Corn Belt </h2>



The process of squeezing out these results involved some serious computer modeling power. 



The researchers used the NSF NCAR-based Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which simulates the atmosphere down to a high resolution of about 2.5 miles.



The experts also used the Noah-MP computer model, also based at NSF NCAR, which allows for an in-depth analysis of the system of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop growth</a>.



By comparing simulations that included crops, irrigation, and groundwater with those that lacked one or more of these factors, the scientists pinpointed the contributions of each factor to precipitation recycling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-patterns-and-agricultural-productivity">Rainfall patterns and agricultural productivity </h2>



The revelations of this study could help improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowflake-patterns-can-help-predict-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall predictions</a> for the Corn Belt and provide useful insights for water resource allocations and planting strategies.



Understanding the source of rainfall is not only crucial for managing agriculture but also for understanding freshwater availability. 



Now, the team plans to examine how these changing precipitation patterns may impact agricultural productivity.



As we continue to cultivate our landscapes, it seems we're not just shaping the earth beneath our feet but also the skies above.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-costs-of-rainfall-recycling">Hidden costs of rainfall recycling</h2>



While precipitation recycling may seem like a boon for agriculture, it’s not without its challenges. The increased reliance on local water sources through recycling can put additional pressure on shallow groundwater reserves.



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-in-the-u-s-rely-on-contaminated-groundwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> plays a key role in maintaining this self-sustaining feedback loop, overextraction for irrigation could disrupt the delicate balance. 



Furthermore, heavy reliance on precipitation recycling might make the region more vulnerable to prolonged droughts if external moisture sources diminish.



These findings suggest that a comprehensive understanding of water cycles is necessary for improving agricultural output and also for preventing potential resource depletion.



Future strategies will need to weigh these trade-offs to ensure long-term sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-weather-in-the-corn-belt">Forecasting weather in the Corn Belt</h2>



The findings from the U.S. Corn Belt also hold valuable insights for other agricultural regions around the globe. 



Similar precipitation recycling processes may be occurring in other heavily irrigated areas, such as India’s Punjab region or China’s North China Plain. 



Understanding these localized climate interactions could provide a global framework for managing water resources in a warming climate.



Additionally, precipitation recycling highlights the complex relationship between human activity and regional weather patterns.



These insights could lead to advancements in precision agriculture, helping farmers fine-tune their practices to optimize water use and productivity while minimizing environmental impact.



As the study highlights, the interplay between agriculture and climate is far more nuanced than previously understood. 



By learning from these patterns, we not only ensure the sustainability of the Corn Belt but also gain tools to navigate global agricultural challenges.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2402656121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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How the U.S. Corn Belt influences its own weather

Imagine the vast expanse of the United States Corn Belt,...

In a stunning new discovery, a team of researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham have unearthed a massive expanse of quarry floor filled with hundreds of different dinosaur footprints, creating a variety of enormous trackways.&nbsp;



These footprints, located at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, date back to the Middle Jurassic Period, approximately 166 million years ago.&nbsp;



According to the scientists, these trackways form part of a huge “dinosaur highway” and include footprints from the nine-meter predator Megalosaurus, as well as from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/isle-of-wight-fossils-suggest-that-europe-had-unique-plant-eating-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivorous dinosaurs</a> that were up to twice that size.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-dinosaur-highway-the-basics">Understanding the dinosaur highway - the basics</h2>



"The Dinosaur Highway" refers to a stretch of coastline in the southeast of England, particularly around the Isle of Wight and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. This area is famous for its rich fossil deposits, where dinosaur tracks and fossils have been discovered. 



The Isle of Wight, often called the "Dinosaur Island," is especially known for having some of the best-preserved dinosaur footprints in the world. 



Scientists have found evidence of many different species that lived millions of years ago, from plant-eating herbivores to massive carnivorous predators.



The Jurassic Coast, a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO World Heritage site</a>, stretches across Dorset and East Devon and is another key part of this "Dinosaur Highway." 



This coastline is not just home to dinosaur fossils but also offers a stunning view of Earth's geological history, with layers of rock dating back to the Mesozoic era.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-trackways-on-the-dinosaur-highway">Extensive trackways on the dinosaur highway</h2>



The excavation uncovered five main trackways, with indications of additional footprints in the surrounding area. One trackway spans over 150 meters. 



Four of the trackways were traced to gigantic, long-necked sauropods, likely Cetiosaurus, reaching up to 18 meters in length. 



The fifth belonged to a carnivorous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-theropod-dinosaurs-thrived-in-polar-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theropod</a> dinosaur, Megalosaurus, recognized by its large, three-toed footprints. 



In one section, sauropod footprints and Megalosaurus tracks intersect, hinting at the possibility of these dinosaurs encountering each other in this prehistoric setting.



“Scientists have known about and been studying Megalosaurus for longer than any other dinosaur on Earth, and yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found,” said Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate paleontologist at the <a href="https://www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford University Museum of Natural History</a> (OUMNH).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-sparked-by-keen-observations">Discovery sparked by keen observations</h2>



The footprints lay hidden under mud until quarry worker Gary Johnson noticed “unusual bumps” while clearing clay to expose the quarry floor. At that point, experts were brought in to investigate the site more closely.&nbsp;



Supported by Quarry Manager Mark Stanway and his staff, a large research team from the Universities of <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford</a> and <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birmingham</a> spent a week in June 2024 carefully revealing around 200 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matching-dinosaur-footprints-on-different-continents-trace-their-global-travels-gondwana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">footprints</a>.&nbsp;



They used aerial drone photography to build highly detailed 3D models, ensuring the footprints are documented for future scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-link-to-previous-finds">A link to previous finds</h2>



These new trackways connect with discoveries made in the same area in 1997. Past limestone quarrying had then revealed over 40 sets of footprints, some stretching 180 meters.&nbsp;



The earlier finds provided crucial insight into the types of dinosaurs that roamed the United Kingdom during the Middle Jurassic and helped establish the location as a “Site of Special Scientific Interest.”



Nevertheless, technology at that time did not allow for extensive digital or drone-based documentation. Modern techniques permit much more thorough recording of footprints, yielding a deeper understanding of dinosaur biology and behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-ancient-environments">A window into ancient environments</h2>



“These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited,” said Kirsty Edgar, a micropaleontologist at the University of Birmingham.&nbsp;



More than 20,000 images were taken of the prints, forming a valuable resource for further study. Scientists hope this archive will help them reconstruct details about how dinosaurs moved, their potential speeds, and whether and how they may have interacted.



Beyond footprints, the site’s rich geological context can offer insight into its ancient environment, a muddy lagoon where these creatures walked millennia ago.&nbsp;



“The preservation is so detailed that we can see how the mud was deformed as the dinosaur’s feet squelched in and out. Along with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> like burrows, shells and plants, we can bring to life the muddy lagoon environment the dinosaurs walked through,” said Duncan Murdock, an Earth scientist at OUMNH.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-fossils-from-the-dinosaur-highway">Viewing fossils from the dinosaur highway</h2>



BBC’s Digging for Britain covered the excavation as part of a new series, set to be shown on iPlayer from January 7 and on BBC2 on January 8, 2025. 



Hosted by Professor Alice Roberts, the program delves into the significance of the trackways and how they inform modern dinosaur research.



The discovery will also appear in the upcoming “Breaking Ground” exhibition at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, illustrating major turning points in our knowledge of Earth’s and life’s history.&nbsp;



Visitors can view original Megalosaurus fossils alongside images and video from the site, learning about cutting-edge paleontological tools and techniques.



These extensive trackways in Oxfordshire not only deepen our view of the Middle Jurassic but also demonstrate the power of modern technology to transform and enrich our understanding of the distant past.



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Hundreds of new and unique footprints found on the "dinosaur highway"

In a stunning new discovery, a team of researchers from...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



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



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

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A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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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.

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&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> Staff Writer 



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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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.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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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.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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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.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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