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...

A recent and mysterious discovery by scientists peels back one of the many layers under the Earth's surface to reveal a story from an era when the dinosaurs reigned our world: evidence of an ancient seafloor that sunk deep into the Earth.



This discovery has set the research world buzzing, giving a whole new spin to our understanding of the planet's inner workings.



Leading this investigation is <a href="https://www.geol.umd.edu/jingchuanwang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jingchuan Wang</a>, a postdoctoral researcher from the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>. Wang has dedicated his career to deciphering the enigmas situated miles beneath our feet, and his latest work is causing tremors in the scientific arena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-through-earth-s-mantle">Journey through Earth's mantle</h2>



Utilizing advanced seismic imaging technologies, Wang and his team embarked on a fascinating virtual journey deep into the Earth -- venturing between 255 and 410 miles below our surface. 



This intriguing region, known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-hole-drilled-into-earths-mantle-scientific-goldmine-magma-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mantle transition zone</a>, plays a crucial role in the planet's geodynamic behavior, influencing everything from volcanic activity to tectonic movements. 



Despite its significance, this enigmatic layer remains shrouded in mystery, holding numerous secrets about the Earth's composition and processes that scientists have yet to unravel. 



As they delved deeper into this uncharted territory, the team aimed to uncover insights that could reshape our understanding of how our planet operates beneath the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nazca-plate-and-the-east-pacific-rise">Nazca plate and the East Pacific Rise</h2>



The focus of Wang's team was the East Pacific Rise, a mid-ocean ridge in the Pacific Ocean where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-lost-mega-plate-pontus-resurfaces-after-160-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plate tectonics</a> are shifting away from each other. 



Scientists have studied this region for its volcanic activities and the role it plays in seafloor spreading, but who could have predicted that remnants of an ancient seafloor lay buried deep below?



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ancient-sunken-seafloor_dinosaur-age_rewrite-earth-mantle-history_map_credit-UMaryland_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ancient-sunken-seafloor_dinosaur-age_rewrite-earth-mantle-history_map_credit-UMaryland_1s.webp" alt="A map depicting the region where the discovery of an ancient seafloor was made. Credit Jingchuan Wang, University of Maryland." class="wp-image-1946285"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A map depicting the region where the discovery of an ancient seafloor was made. Credit Jingchuan Wang, University of Maryland.</figcaption></figure>



In their investigations, the team unearthed a thickened portion in the mantle transition area that contradicted current models. 



Wang explained, "This thickened area is like a fossilized fingerprint of an ancient piece of seafloor that subducted into the Earth approximately 250 million years ago. It's giving us a glimpse into Earth's past that we've never had before." 



Imagine that, a peek into the lost world of dinosaurs from a time capsule buried deep within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our planet's mantle</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plate-tectonics-and-the-ancient-seafloor">Plate tectonics and the ancient seafloor</h2>



This new finding is really shaking up what we know about plate tectonics, challenging the usual ideas about how tectonic plates move and interact with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s mantle</a>.



Usually, plate subduction -- the process where one tectonic plate slides under another -- is key to recycling geological materials into the Earth’s core and also plays a role in volcanic activities on the surface.



This process has been essential in shaping our planet's geology and impacts seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ancient-sunken-seafloor_dinosaur-age_rewrite-earth-mantle-history_illustration_credit-UMaryland_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ancient-sunken-seafloor_dinosaur-age_rewrite-earth-mantle-history_illustration_credit-UMaryland_1s.webp" alt="An illustrative diagram showing the ancient subducted 'slab' the team resolved at present day. It has a direct impact on the large-scale lowermost mantle structures known as 'superplumes'. Credit Jingchuan Wang, University of Maryland." class="wp-image-1946283" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An illustrative diagram showing the ancient subducted 'slab' the team resolved at present day. It has a direct impact on the large-scale lowermost mantle structures known as 'superplumes'. Credit Jingchuan Wang, University of Maryland.</figcaption></figure>



However, recent research suggests that our ancient seafloor has gotten stuck midway through this subduction journey, raising some interesting questions about how tectonic movement works and its long-term effects on the interactions between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s crust and mantle</a>.



Wang's research suggests that movement in the mantle transition zone might be a lot slower than we previously thought.



"We found that in this region, the material was sinking at about half the speed we expected. Our discovery opens up new questions about how the deep Earth influences what we see on the surface across vast distances and timescales," Wang continued.



This revelation has far-reaching implications on anything from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-volcanic-hotspots-are-all-connected-to-earths-interior-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activities</a> to the shifting of continents over millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-seafloor-impact-on-earth-s-carbon-cycle">Ancient seafloor impact on Earth's carbon cycle</h2>



Why should we care, you ask? The subduction of ocean slabs plays an immense part in Earth's carbon cycle.



As these slabs descend, they transport surface materials, including carbon, deep into the mantle. This process can majorly affect how carbon is stored and released over long periods, influencing volcanic activity and potentially our planet's climate.



This new understanding that some slabs might be getting stuck turns the spotlight on the questions this raises about the carbon cycle and climate patterns over geological timescales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-in-mapping-the-past">Future in mapping the past</h2>



So, what's the next stop for Wang and his team? They aim to broaden their research across the Pacific Ocean and beyond, with the goal to map ancient subduction zones and understand how these concealed features shape both the Earth's surface and its deep interior structures.



By gathering more seismic data, they hope to craft a detailed global map of these formations. This could ultimately help scientists better comprehend how tectonics have sculpted our planet and potentially improve early warning systems for earthquakes and volcanic activities.



The implications of this research don't stop at our own doorstep. The techniques and insights gleaned from this study could be applied to other extraterrestrial bodies like Mars and Venus.



"We believe that there are many more ancient structures waiting to be discovered in Earth's deep interior. Each one has the potential to reveal many new insights about our planet's complex past -- and even lead to a better understanding of other planets beyond ours," Wang confidently stated.



Stay tuned...there's much more to come from this field of research.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado1219" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Mysterious megastructure found under the seafloor rewrites Earth's history

A recent and mysterious discovery by scientists peels back one...

Researchers have identified a plausible geological setting in which nucleic acids, the fundamental building blocks of genetic material, could have replicated on their own, potentially giving rise to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-shed-new-light-on-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/">life</a> on Earth.&nbsp;



The study, published as a reviewed preprint in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.100152.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>, shows how a simple interaction between gas flow and water in a narrow rock channel could create the physical conditions necessary for nucleic acid replication.&nbsp;



The work offers insights that may interest scientists exploring the origins of life as well as applications in nucleic acid research and diagnostics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emergence-of-life-rna-s-ability-to-replicate">Emergence of life: RNA's ability to replicate </h2>



The emergence of life on Earth remains a mystery, but one prevailing theory is that the replication of nucleic acids - DNA and RNA - was a crucial process.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA</a> can store genetic information and catalyze its own replication, which would allow it to mutate, evolve, and adapt to different environments, eventually encoding the proteins essential for life.&nbsp;



However, for RNA to replicate, the strands must not only form double-stranded helices but also separate again to continue the replication cycle. Strand separation is difficult under high salt and nucleic acid concentrations, which are necessary for replication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nucleic-acid-synthesis-nbsp">Nucleic acid synthesis&nbsp;</h2>



“Various mechanisms have been studied for their potential to separate DNA strands at the origin of life, but they all require temperature changes that would lead to degradation of nucleic acids,” explained lead author Philipp Schwintek, a PhD student in systems biophysics at <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München</a> in Germany.



Schwintek and his team investigated a geological scenario where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-may-have-learned-how-earth-got-its-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> movement through a rock pore is dried by gas percolating through the rock, a setting that would have been common on volcanic islands during early Earth. They hypothesized that this environment could enable nucleic acid synthesis.



The researchers built a laboratory model of a rock pore with water flowing upwards and evaporating at an intersection with a perpendicular gas flow.&nbsp;



This interaction created circular currents in the water, potentially leading to the accumulation of dissolved gas molecules and nucleic acids near the surface.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-hypothesis-nbsp">Testing the hypothesis&nbsp;</h2>



To test their hypothesis, the team used beads to monitor water flow and tracked the movement of fluorescently labeled short DNA fragments.



“We found that water continuously evaporated at the interface, but the nucleic acids in the aqueous face accumulated near the gas/water interface,” Schwintek said.&nbsp;



Within five minutes, there was a threefold accumulation of DNA strands, which increased thirtyfold after an hour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-strand-separation-nbsp">DNA strand separation&nbsp;</h2>



While this suggests that nucleic acids could concentrate enough for replication, the separation of double-stranded <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-mystery-50000-knots-found-in-the-human-genome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> is still necessary.&nbsp;



Typically, temperature changes drive this process, but the researchers proposed that fluctuations in salt concentration, driven by the circular flow of water, could achieve the same effect.



To test this, the team used FRET spectroscopy to measure DNA strand separation. A high FRET signal indicated that DNA strands were still bound, while a low signal suggested that the strands had separated.&nbsp;



Initially, FRET signals were high near the gas-water interface, but as the experiment continued, they dropped, indicating single-stranded DNA.



The team also observed that fluctuations in salt concentration, caused by the vortex at the gas-water interface, played a role in separating the strands. While nucleic acids and salts accumulated near the interface, concentrations remained low in the bulk of the water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-conditions-allow-life-to-replicate-nbsp">Dynamic conditions allow life to replicate&nbsp;</h2>



Next, the researchers tested whether nucleic acid replication could occur in this environment by adding fluorescently labeled nucleic acids and an enzyme to synthesize double-stranded DNA.&nbsp;



After two hours, they detected an increase in fluorescence, signaling the creation of more double-stranded DNA molecules. When the gas and water flow were halted, no such increase was observed, indicating that replication relied on the dynamic conditions of the environment.



“In this work, we investigated a plausible and abundant geological environment that could trigger the replication of early life,” said senior author Dieter Braun, a professor of systems biophysics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.



“We considered a setting of gas flowing over an open rock pore filled with water, without any change in temperature, and found that the combined gas and water flow can trigger salt fluctuations which support DNA replication.”&nbsp;



“Since this is a very simple geometry, our findings greatly extend the repertoire of potential environments that could enable replication on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-earth-life-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early planets</a>.”



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Did the building blocks of life replicate on their own?

Researchers have identified a plausible geological setting in which nucleic...

We’re living in the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch that shows just how big an impact humans have had on our planet. From changing the climate to reshaping landscapes, our influence is now on par with natural forces in driving Earth’s systems. 



Industrial activities, urbanization, and deforestation have left their mark, pushing ecosystems to their limits and driving species to extinction at alarming rates. 



The Anthropocene isn’t just a time of change; it’s a crucial moment in Earth’s history that prompts us to rethink how we relate to the natural world and our role in its future. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-the-start-of-the-anthropocene">Defining the start of the Anthropocene</h2>



A team of Earth scientists led by the <a href="https://www.uvi.edu/research/center-for-marine-environmental-studies/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Marine Environmental Studies</a> has identified the 1950s as the most likely starting point for the Anthropocene.



Proposals regarding when humanity began to significantly change the Earth system have included several milestones:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Development of agricultural societies approximately 8,000 years ago </li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Development of irrigated rice cultivation approximately 6,500 to 5,000 years ago</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Arrival of Europeans in the “New World” between 1492 and 1800, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychological-impact-industrial-revolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Industrial Revolution</a>, and the Great Acceleration</li>
</ul>



“However, to date, no report has pinpointed the time at which humankind began to disrupt much of the operation of the Earth system based on global datasets of diverse proxy records with high-precision chronology," noted the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-the-mid-20th-century">New era in the mid-20th century </h2>



In their comprehensive analysis, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2313098121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, the researchers evaluated three leading contenders for the beginning of the Anthropocene and concluded that the mid-20th century stands out as the strongest candidate.&nbsp;



This new study adds significant weight to the ongoing debate about when human activities began to leave a profound and lasting mark on our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concept-of-the-anthropocene-nbsp">Concept of the Anthropocene&nbsp;</h2>



The concept of the Anthropocene was first proposed in 2002 by Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen, who suggested that the Holocene - the current geological epoch - had ended and been succeeded by a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/welcome-to-humanitys-new-era-the-anthropocene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new era</a> dominated by human-induced changes.&nbsp;



Since Crutzen's proposal, scientists have debated whether sufficient evidence exists to formally recognize the Anthropocene and pinpoint its exact start date.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-globally-significant-human-impact">Globally significant human impact</h2>



Believing that the evidence is indeed compelling enough to declare the Anthropocene, the research team set out to determine the precise moment when human impact became globally significant. They examined a range of indicators across three potential start dates:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Late 1800s: Marked by the onset of the Industrial Revolution, this period saw the widespread distribution of lead across major land surfaces, alterations in stable isotope ratios, and shifts in nutrient balances. </li>



<li>Early 1900s: Characterized by global changes in pollen distribution, significant increases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-carbon-emissions-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black carbon</a>, and widespread alterations in stable isotopes. </li>



<li>Mid-20th Century (1950s): This era witnessed the proliferation of organic pollutants, the emergence of plastics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, the beginning of the nuclear age with test blasts leaving evidence worldwide, and the onset of major impacts from global warming.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enduring-changes-to-earth-s-systems">Enduring changes to Earth's systems</h2>



After meticulously comparing the global impacts of these periods, the researchers found that the 1950s best encapsulated the most measurable and enduring changes to the Earth's systems.&nbsp;



These changes are likely to persist for thousands, if not millions, of years, making them a clear marker of a new geological epoch.



The team emphasized that the mid-20th century introduced changes that are both easily observable and irreversible on geological timescales.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-true-start-of-the-anthropocene">True start of the Anthropocene </h2>



By comparing the global impact of all three periods, the scientists concluded it was the third one that should be considered as the true start of the Anthropocene, being characterized by the most easily seen and measured global changes.



“This study reveals the dates of rapid increases in anthropogenic fingerprints in the strata of the Antarctica, Arctic, East Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and other regions,” noted the researchers.



“This leads to the identification of an unprecedented surge in diverse anthropogenic fingerprints throughout all regions, which began in 1952 ± 3 CE, corresponding to the onset of the Great Acceleration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-great-acceleration">The Great Acceleration</h2>



According to the study authors, this demonstrates that an overwhelming force with global influence can now be associated with human activities during the Great Acceleration, rapidly and fundamentally transforming diverse natural processes and cycles in the Earth system.



The experts further noted that the global upsurge in anthropogenic fingerprints suggests that humans have become a geological and planetary force capable of inscribing abundant and diverse anthropogenic fingerprints in strata worldwide.&nbsp;



“This period marked the start of profound planetary-wide changes, such as climate deviations from the Holocene conditions, the transformation of the nitrogen cycle, and intercontinental invasions and colonization of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unseen-crisis-37000-alien-species-have-been-introduced-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alien species</a>.”&nbsp;



“Thus, the nearly simultaneous and unprecedented surges in anthropogenic signals worldwide suggest that human influences began to profoundly change the Earth system around 1952 CE.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-on-earth">Human impacts on Earth</h2>



This research not only solidifies the argument for the Anthropocene but also provides a clear timeframe that can guide future scientific and policy discussions about human impacts on the Earth.&nbsp;



By identifying the 1950s as the starting point, the study highlights the profound and rapid changes initiated during this period, underscoring the significant role human activities have played in shaping the planet's future.



The research included contributions from experts at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, the Australian National University, Matsuyama University, Kyoto University, and Shimane University.



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The Anthropocene: When exactly did humans begin changing Earth?

We’re living in the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch that...

The January 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga underwater volcano resulted in one of the most significant volcanic events in recorded history, comparable to the impact of a nuclear explosion.



The cause of this cataclysmic eruption has long puzzled scientists, leaving many questions about its origins unanswered. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-magnitude-of-tonga-explosion">Extraordinary magnitude of Tonga explosion </h2>



However, a student-led team of seismologists from <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Australian National University</a> (ANU) has made strides in understanding the eruption's triggering mechanisms.



The recent study reveals that the eruption was not just a typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-volcanic-events-linked-to-the-slowing-of-tectonic-plates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic event</a> but rather an explosion of extraordinary magnitude, characterized by unprecedented energy release and significant geological impact.



The research highlights the unique nature of the Hunga Tonga eruption, setting it apart from previous <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/volcanic-activity-has-intensified-on-anak-krakatau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activities</a> and emphasizing the importance of further research to fully understand its implications for volcanic science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuclear-power-of-the-explosion">Nuclear power of the explosion</h2>



The researchers meticulously analyzed extensive seismic records of the eruption, which were described as noisy yet remarkably valuable for their insights.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that the eruption resulted from a massive explosion caused by gas-compressed rock beneath the surface.&nbsp;



This explosive release of energy was equivalent to five underground <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-should-you-do-in-the-event-of-a-nuclear-explosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear explosions</a> conducted by North Korea, showcasing the eruption's unprecedented power.



“Our findings confirm there was an explosion, possibly due to a gas-compressed rock, which released energy that equated to five of the largest underground nuclear explosions conducted by North Korea in 2017,” stated Jinyin Hu, an ANU PhD student and co-author of the study.&nbsp;



This research not only sheds light on the eruption’s incredible intensity but also enhances our understanding of the complex mechanisms driving such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-amount-of-vertical-force">Massive amount of vertical force</h2>



The Tonga explosion generated a massive vertical push of water into the atmosphere, creating powerful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-disasters-like-tsunamis-cause-lasting-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tsunamis</a> that reached staggering heights of up to 45 meters at nearby islands.



"The water volume that was uplifted during the event was huge.&nbsp;Based on our estimates, there was enough water to fill about one million standard Olympic-sized swimming pools,” said Dr. Thanh-Son Pham, highlighting the extraordinary scale of the displacement.&nbsp;



To explore the mechanics of the event further, the experts utilized advanced seismic waveform modeling for a comprehensive analysis.



“Using seismic waveform modeling, we observed a significant vertical force pointing upward during the event," said Professor Hrvoje Tkalčić.



This approach provided invaluable insights into the eruption's dynamics and its far-reaching consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-eruptions">Preparing for future eruptions</h2>



According to the ANU seismologists, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tonga-eruption-released-the-highest-known-volcanic-plume/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tonga eruption</a> stands out as the best-instrumentally recorded event of its size in recent history. 



“This is one of the largest events in our lifetime. Luckily, we had multiple ways to record the event, from data from satellite images to seismic sensors that record the sound waves and structure,” Hu noted.&nbsp;



He compared this eruption to the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, which was of similar size but lacked sophisticated monitoring systems. 



“There was another event that happened in 1991 that was a similar size in Pinatubo in the Philippines, but back then, monitoring systems weren’t as sophisticated as they are now,” said Hu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-eruptions-0">Preparing for future eruptions </h2>



The ANU researchers believe that ongoing monitoring of gas emissions and micro-seismicity from volcanic sites will enhance our ability to prepare for future events.



Understanding these mechanisms is crucial as we face the potential for similar natural disasters in the future.&nbsp;



The Hunga Tonga eruption has provided invaluable insights into volcanic activity, deepening our understanding of this particular event while enhancing our preparedness for future eruptions worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-effects-of-the-tonga-eruption">Global effects of the Tonga eruption </h2>



The Hunga Tonga eruption not only had local effects but also sent shockwaves felt across the globe.&nbsp;The explosion generated atmospheric waves that circled the Earth multiple times, leading to unique atmospheric phenomena.&nbsp;



Researchers noted that these waves affected weather patterns and could potentially influence climate conditions in the surrounding regions. 



This unprecedented event highlights the importance of global monitoring systems to track volcanic activity and assess its broader environmental impacts.



As scientists continue to analyze the data collected from the eruption, the insights gained could help improve disaster preparedness and response strategies for future volcanic events around the world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109442" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Tonga eruption had the energy of five nuclear explosions

The January 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga underwater volcano...

From the human imagination to the annals of science, the concept of a 'rescue' has been dramatically transformed. The word 'rescue' in the world of science means something quite unique and equally heroic: a fight for the survival of a species like the red fox and their genetic makeup.



In the world of conservation, the primary blinkers are not night-vision goggles or tranquilizer darts, it's the microscopic realm of genetics. 



A recent study has just illustrated this point, by uncovering some fascinating insights about the montane red foxes found in the mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-fox-needs-a-genetic-rescue">Red fox needs a genetic rescue</h2>



It's not a good time to be a red fox in the Lassen Peak region of California. The numbers are scary; with approximately 30 remaining, conservationists are on edge. 



The decline of these furry <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-mammals-live-depends-more-on-climate-than-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain inhabitants</a> calls for drastic measures.



The culprit? Inbreeding. 



Our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinct-fox-may-have-once-been-mans-best-friend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red friends</a> have been having a rough ride ever since unregulated trapping and poisoned baits kicked them off their mountain homes back in the 19th and early 20th century. 



This has led to a lot of cousin-cousin tango, which is not exactly ideal.



Inbreeding has dramatic impacts on the health and survival of a species, and for the red fox of Lassen, it seems no truer.



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



What is genetic rescue? It's when conservationists bring in new members to a population to introduce genetic variation and spur growth. 



"Nothing we found disqualifies red foxes from genetic rescue," said lead author Cate Quinn, who conducted the research as a <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> (UC Davis) postdoctoral researcher with the Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit within the School of Veterinary Medicine.



She is now a research biologist with the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA Forest Service</a> Rocky Mountain Research Station. "The study suggests that genetic rescue could be a viable option for the Lassen population," Quinn states.



To maximize the effectiveness of this rescue plan, scientists have gone back in time with genome sequencing of the four subspecies of montane red foxes. 



This step uncovers the historical baseline genetic rescue seeks to restore and the deeper evolutionary relationships these foxes share. A journey back in time could very well be the key to their future survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-rescue-of-the-red-fox-is-controversial">Genetic rescue of the red fox is controversial</h2>



The study found that our Lassen red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-foxes-can-be-domesticated-thanks-to-breeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foxes</a> were once part of a connected, abundant, and diverse population of montane red foxes throughout the Western United States. 



Ten to twelve thousand years ago, these foxes were not in isolated pockets but living it large across the region. This paints a hopeful picture for the future of the Lassen foxes.



While genetic rescue offers promising solutions, it is not without its challenges and controversies. Introducing new genetic material to a population comes with its own set of risks. 



There is the potential for disrupting local adaptations, as introducing individuals from different environmental backgrounds may not be optimal for the native habitat of the Lassen foxes. 



Moreover, ethical considerations arise, questioning the extent to which human intervention should interfere with natural processes. 



Balancing the urgency of preventing extinction with respect for ecological and evolutionary dynamics remains a pivotal line of inquiry in the conservation community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-the-future-saving-fox-genetics">Hope for the future: Saving fox genetics</h2>



Despite these challenges, the narrative for the Lassen red foxes is one of optimism and progressive conservation efforts. 



Researchers, conservationists, and wildlife agencies are collaborating to develop a nuanced, evidence-based approach to genetic rescue.



Pioneering studies in genetics provide a roadmap, enabling more informed decisions that honor biodiversity while addressing urgent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-dingoes-evolved-from-dogs-in-east-asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation needs</a>. 



By aligning technology and ecological awareness, there is hope that these enigmatic mountain dwellers will once again thrive, not only in the Lassen region but potentially in broader territories reminiscent of their ancestral expanses. 



This holistic approach encapsulates a harmonious interaction between humans and nature, showcasing science as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of ecological balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-the-road-to-recovery">On the road to recovery?</h2>



If the things that caused their decline are now gone, can we bring them back to their former glory? According to Ben Sacks, director of the Mammalian and Ecology Conservation Unit at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, there is indeed hope. 



Therefore, the efforts to counteract inbreeding depression could very well light the way towards a hopeful future for these foxes.



However, Quinn offers a word of caution. An authentic genetic rescue requires reconnection of the entire subspecies, not just a single population.



"All in all, if we only consider each small pocket individually, they're in trouble. But if we look at the whole montane system, restoration is still possible," Quinn concludes.



This important study, carried out by a team of dedicated scientists, gives a glimmer of hope for the future of the montane red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-a-fox-dive-headfirst-into-snow-its-all-in-the-snout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foxes</a>.



With the help of genetics, we might just be able to pull off a real-life rescue mission for the red fox. Time will tell, but for the Lassen red foxes, it seems the cavalry has arrived, and their hero wears a lab coat.



-----



The study was jointly funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and UC Davis.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/41/9/msae193/7759487" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Biology and Evolution</a>.



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Red foxes need a genetic rescue as they edge near extinction

From the human imagination to the annals of science, the...

Did you know that mountains, covering only a quarter of the Earth's surface, are home to 85% of the world's species? These majestic landscapes support incredible biodiversity, including amphibians, birds, and mammals.



As some of the planet's most diverse ecosystems, mountains are an essential focal point for conservationists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-biodiversity-with-altitude">Mountain biodiversity with altitude</h2>



The level of species diversity, or the range of different species in a specific area, often varies with altitude in mountainous regions. Factors such as changes in climate conditions contribute to this variance.



A recent study from the Centre for Ecological Sciences (<a href="https://ces.iisc.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CES</a>) at the Indian Institute of Science (<a href="https://iisc.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IISc</a>) has unraveled another intriguing element that influences bird species diversity at mid-elevations. 



The element in question? Ants from the Oecophylla genus.



Kartik Shanker is a professor at CES and co-author of the research, which is published in the journal Ecology Letters.



"In mountains, you often see hump-shaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-fill-a-150-year-gap-in-biodiversity-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns of species diversity</a>, and for a long time, people have been intrigued by why this happens. One of the mechanisms they did not ponder much about was biotic interactions like competition," said Shanker. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ants-influence-montane-birds">How ants influence montane birds</h2>



The ants from the Oecophylla genus, notorious for their aggressive and dominant demeanor, are found at the base of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-making-mount-everest-grow-taller/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> in the paleotropics, spanning continents from Africa and Asia to Oceania. 



These ants are ferocious predators of insects. Researchers decided to test the effects of these ants on the diversity of insect-eating birds, particularly at lower elevations.



Study co-author Trevor D Price is a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago. A previous study led by Price had hinted at the presence of Oecophylla ants impacting montane birds.



The experts determined that these ants, present at the base of the eastern Himalayas, reduced the density of insects, which could potentially affect the presence of insect-eating birds. 



The current study was designed to see if this pattern extended to other insect-eating species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interesting-patterns-in-mountain-biodiversity">Interesting patterns in mountain biodiversity</h2>



Under the leadership of Umesh Srinivasan, a professor at CES, the research team sifted through various datasets about bird species observed across different mountain ranges at multiple elevations.



The birds were categorized into dietary guilds -- essentially groups having similar dietary needs, like insectivores and omnivores. 



The team discovered patterns which aligned with Oecophylla ants competing with montane birds for food at lower elevations.



Consequently, these birds might have migrated higher up the mountains, resulting in the most significant species diversity at an elevation level of about 960 meters. 



Interestingly, bird categories like fruit and nectar eaters, which do not compete with Oecophylla ants, saw a decrease in their species diversity as the elevation increased.



The researchers concluded that the presence or absence of Oecophylla ants at the base of mountains could explain why the diversity of insect-eating birds peaked at mid-elevations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-biotic-interactions">Role of biotic interactions</h2>



Biotic interactions, such as those observed between Oecophylla ants and insect-eating birds, highlight the intricate ecological networks existing within mountain ecosystems.



These interactions are not limited to predation or competition; they extend to mutualisms and commensalism as well. 



Such relationships can significantly influence species distribution and community structure. In mountain regions, where environmental conditions change swiftly with altitude, the importance of these interactions is further amplified. 



Understanding the dynamics of mountain ecosystems can lead to more effective conservation management, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity amid environmental changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-interactions-and-biodiversity-patterns">Species interactions and biodiversity patterns </h2>



The findings from the study emphasize the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-asexual-ants-maintain-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical role of species interactions</a> in shaping biodiversity patterns, which has far-reaching implications for conserving mountain ecosystems.



Conservationists need to factor in these interspecies relationships to maintain biodiversity. 



Protecting key species like Oecophylla ants might be essential to sustain the complex food webs that support a multitude of species, including avian insectivores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-mountain-biodiversity">Protecting mountain biodiversity </h2>



Moreover, the mid-elevational peaks in species diversity reveal zones of high ecological value that merit focused conservation efforts. 



Customized strategies that embrace the unique ecological processes at play could bolster efforts to protect these biodiversity-rich areas from the twin threats of habitat loss and climate change.



So, what does this mean for the future of mountains and their biodiversity with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> knocking on our doors? 



"With climate change, if the ants shift their ranges towards higher elevations, this might impact the bird species at higher elevations as well," noted Srinivasan.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.14497" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>.



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Ants are forcing some bird species to relocate to higher elevations

Did you know that mountains, covering only a quarter of...

On October 1, 2024, the Sun put on quite a show. A powerful X7.1 solar flare erupted from its surface, marking the second most intense flare we've seen in Solar Cycle 25 so far.



Around 6:20 p.m. Eastern Time, an X7.1-class solar flare burst out from an area known as Active Region 3842 on the Sun. 



NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sdo/main/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SDO</a>), which keeps a constant watch on our star, captured some amazing images of this event, including the one you see <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/solar-flare_x7.1-class_100124_SDO_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">featured in this article</a>.



The <a href="https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GOES-16 </a>satellite also picked up the flare with its X-ray Sensor. Even though the flare was brief, it packed a punch -- scientists call this kind of quick, intense flare "impulsive." 



There are also reports from U.S. Air Force solar observatories hinting that a coronal mass ejection (CME) might be linked to this flare. 



A CME is basically a big bubble of gas and magnetic field that gets ejected from the Sun's corona, and it can have some interesting effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-down-solar-flare-classifications">Breaking down solar flare classifications</h2>



Solar flares get classified using letters and numbers. The categories are A, B, C, M, and X. Think of A as the smallest and X as the biggest. 



Each step up means the flare is ten times stronger than the one before it. Within each letter category, numbers from 1 to 9 give us more detail about the flare's strength.



So, an X-class flare is about as intense as they come, and an X7.1 flare is seriously strong. Just for context, the only flare stronger during this solar cycle was an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-blasts-biggest-x-class-solar-flare-nineteen-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X8.7 flare back on May 14, 2024</a>. 



These big flares can really shake things up in space weather, which can, in turn, affect us here on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-solar-storms-mean-for-earth">What do solar storms mean for Earth?</h2>



Solar flares and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannibal-cme-from-the-sun-is-headed-our-way-watch-for-auroras-tonight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMEs</a> can mess with Earth's magnetic field. This can lead to things like:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Radio Blackouts: High-frequency radio signals might get wonky or drop out entirely, which isn't great news for pilots and sailors relying on them. </li>



<li>GPS Issues: GPS signals could become unreliable for a bit, which might affect navigation systems. </li>



<li>Satellite Problems: Satellites could experience glitches due to the increased radiation, potentially affecting TV broadcasts, weather data, and other services we count on. </li>



<li>Power Grid Hiccups: In really extreme cases, power lines and transformers could overload. </li>



<li>Higher Radiation Exposure: Astronauts and even flight crews at high altitudes might get exposed to more radiation than usual. </li>



<li>Awesome Auroras: On the upside, we might see the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steve-phenomenon-looks-like-an-aurora-acts-like-an-aurora-but-what-is-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern and Southern Lights</a> further away from the poles than we usually do.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heads-up-from-noaa">Heads up from NOAA</h2>



Because of the potential CME associated with this flare, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWPC</a>) has issued Geomagnetic Storm Watches for October 3 to 5, 2024. 



Basically, they're saying that conditions are ripe for geomagnetic storms when the solar material from the flare reaches us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-latest-space-weather-forecast">The latest space weather forecast</h2>



Here's the lowdown from NOAA's latest forecast:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Solar Activity: Things are pretty active up there right now. They expect more moderate flares, and there's a slight chance we could see another strong one between October 2 and 4, 2024. </li>



<li>Energetic Particles: Electron levels should stay normal to moderate. Proton levels are expected to hang out in the background unless another big flare pops up. </li>



<li>Solar Wind: The solar wind is steady, cruising around 420 kilometers per second. No big changes are expected in the next couple of days. </li>



<li>Geomagnetic Field: Earth's geomagnetic field has been quiet. It should stay that way unless the CME hits us as predicted, which could stir things up a bit.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-in-the-loop">Stay in the loop</h2>



If you use GPS, rely on radio communications, or depend on satellite services, it's a good idea to keep an eye on updates. 



NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center is a solid place to get the latest info on what's happening with the Sun and how it might affect us.



To sum it all up, this X7.1 solar flare is a strong reminder of just how dynamic our Sun can be. It's exciting stuff for scientists and anyone who loves watching the skies. 



But it's also a good time to be aware of how these solar events can impact our everyday lives. 



Stay tuned for updates, and maybe take a peek outside at night -- you might catch the auroras putting on a spectacular show further south than usual.



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Second strongest solar flare since 2019 prompts geomagnetic storm alert

On October 1, 2024, the Sun put on quite a...

Most climate scientists predict a more drastic global warming increase than what the 2015 Paris Agreement aimed to limit, according to a study led by Concordia University.



The goal of the international treaty is to limit global temperature rise this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The more ambitious target is to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-forecasts">Global warming forecasts</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ozone-day-2024-advancing-climate-action/">climate</a> experts surveyed, all of whom are authors for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), showed a hint of optimism despite their concerning prediction. 



Two-thirds feel we can accomplish net-zero CO2 emissions in the latter half of the 21st century, suggesting that our mitigation efforts have the potential to appropriately steer the emissions curve. 



CO2 removal also received acknowledgment, with a median response suggesting that technology could help remove up to five gigatons of carbon dioxide (GtCO2) per year by 2050. However, this figure sits at the lower end of what is believed to be necessary to meet the Paris targets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-climate-experts">Insights from climate experts</h2>



Led by Seth Wynes, the study aimed to uncover how some of the world's leading climate experts perceive potential climate outcomes. Now an assistant professor at the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/">University of Waterloo</a>, Wynes was a former postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.concordia.ca/">Concordia University</a>. 



"These scientists also engage in important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/">climate change</a> communication, so their optimism or pessimism can affect how decision-makers are receiving messages about climate change," noted Wynes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-predictions">Global warming predictions</h2>



The survey, which involved 211 respondents, revealed a general pessimism about hitting the Paris targets with current policies. 



A staggering 86% of the experts estimated a warming above 2˚C (3.6°F) by 2100, with the median estimate of 2.7˚C (4.9°F) possessing potential catastrophic consequences for our world. 



Nonetheless, this estimate should not be seen as an inevitable outcome, noted study co-author Damon Matthews. 



"These responses are not a prediction of future warming, but rather a gauge of what the scientific community believes," said Matthews, a professor in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment at Concordia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beliefs-biases-and-global-warming">Beliefs, biases, and global warming</h2>



The respondents were also asked to estimate their peers' responses to the same questions. There was a strong correlation between what the scientists believed and what they sense their colleagues to believe, said Wynes 



"They had a bias to see their beliefs as representative of the larger group. This can indicate an overconfidence in their own beliefs, so we think this is a good opportunity for them to reevaluate what their peers actually believe."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-climate-change-communication">Effective climate change communication</h2>



The way climate scientists communicate their findings to the public and policymakers plays a crucial role in shaping the global response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-volcanic-past-reveals-the-shocking-reality-of-global-warming/">climate change</a>. 



This communication on global warming is not merely the transmission of facts but also involves conveying a sense of urgency and possible solutions to mitigate the impact. 



Effective climate change communication can motivate policy changes, bolster public support for environmental initiatives, and encourage individual action towards sustainable practices. 



However, the inherent uncertainties and variances in expert predictions pose challenges in maintaining a balanced narrative. It is essential for communicators to acknowledge these uncertainties while still emphasizing the critical need for immediate action to prevent the most severe outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovations-in-mitigation-strategies">Innovations in mitigation strategies</h2>



Amid these daunting projections lies a burgeoning field of innovation focused on climate change mitigation. Advances in renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and geothermal technologies, offer promising pathways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. 



These developments are coupled with breakthroughs in battery storage and smart grid technology, which are essential for the stabilization and integration of clean energy into existing power systems. 



Furthermore, the potential of emerging technologies for direct air capture and carbon sequestration holds promise for addressing emissions beyond just reduction, allowing for the actual removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 



As these technologies evolve, they must be supported by robust policy frameworks and public-private partnerships to achieve scalable impacts. In doing so, society can hope to bridge the gap between current trajectories and the ambitious goals set forth by the Paris Agreement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differing-perspectives-on-global-warming">Differing perspectives on global warming</h2>



While climate scientists' verdicts on possible climate scenarios are valuable, Matthews - an IPCC author himself - acknowledges the important role of differing perspectives in addressing global warming and climate change. 



Matthews recognizes that policy implementation and societal reform will determine the rate of emissions reduction.



"The decision as to what we do and how we respond to the climate challenge is up to policymakers and the public that they represent, and I think the full range of outcomes is still very much on the table," said Matthews.



Contributing authors to this paper include Steven Davis of <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, Mitchell Dickau and Susan Ly at Concordia University, Edward Maibach at George Mason University, Joeri Rogelj at Imperial College London, and Kirsten Zickfeld at Simon Fraser University.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01661-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.&nbsp;



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Climate experts predict global warming will far exceed Paris goals

Most climate scientists predict a more drastic global warming increase...

Marine microplastic pollution is often illustrated by images of wildlife trapped in plastic debris on beaches, highlighting the urgent need for action. However, this widespread pollution goes far beyond what we can see.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-microplastic-sinks">Hidden microplastic sinks</h2>



Each year, up to 12.7 million tons of plastic enter the ocean through rivers, fishing, aquaculture, and shipping, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems and human health.



While the amount of floating plastic is much lower than expected, it indicates the presence of unseen sinks where microplastics accumulate.



Recent research has identified one such sink in the North Sea. In 2022, Dr. Danja Hoehn and colleagues at the <a href="https://www.cefas.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science</a> collected microplastic data using a specialized Neuston Microplastic Catamaran.



This floating catamaran, equipped with a mechanical flowmeter and mesh, captured plastics at the ocean’s surface, where microplastics first enter from terrestrial runoff or ship-based sources before sinking to the seabed. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-crisis-in-coastal-waters">Microplastic crisis in coastal waters </h2>



The research is shedding new light on the severity of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> in coastal waters.



The data revealed alarming levels of microplastic pollution in coastal areas of the North Sea, particularly in the Southern Bight, where concentrations exceeded 25,000 microplastic items per square kilometer. This region recorded some of the highest levels compared to other nearby areas.



On average, the waters of the Southern Bight contained around 8,700 microplastic items per square kilometer, which is significantly higher than nearby offshore areas. 



Off the Scottish coast, microplastic concentrations averaged 4,500 items per square kilometer, while the northeast Atlantic had an average of 3,200 items per square kilometer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-microplastic-particles">Identifying the microplastic particles</h2>



Most of these microplastics were fragments of everyday materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. 



Polyethylene, accounting for 67% of the microplastics found, is commonly used in items such as shopping bags and water bottles. 



Polypropylene, at 16%, is used in packaging and textiles, while polystyrene, making up 8%, is found in packaging and disposable medical devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-presence-of-large-plastic-debris">Presence of large plastic debris </h2>



While the researchers were focused on microplastics, they also uncovered the presence of larger plastic debris. Mesoplastics, measuring 5 to 25 millimeters, and macroplastics, over 25 millimeters, were present but in lower concentrations. 



These larger plastics are often fragments of broken-down materials, including microbeads and plastic film. 



Despite a UK ban on microbeads in cosmetics since 2018, their presence in the North Sea suggests they are still being transported by ocean currents from other regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution">Hotspots of microplastic pollution </h2>



Hotspots of microplastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-antarctica-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> were identified near the coast of East Anglia, where concentrations were at their highest.



Despite variations in plastic levels across the study area, the widespread presence of microplastics highlights the ongoing threat they pose to marine ecosystems. The particles can harm marine life through ingestion and entanglement, disrupting entire food webs. 



Currents play a major role in carrying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic debris</a> into these accumulation zones, with plastics from various countries adding to the problem.&nbsp;



Interestingly, while the concentrations in the UK's waters are concerning, they are still lower than those recorded in other parts of the world.



For example, areas off the coast of northwest Spain have been found to contain around 254,000 plastic items per square kilometer, while west Portugal has seen levels around 40,000 items per square kilometer. The Canary Islands recorded a staggering one million items per square kilometer in 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-action-on-plastic-pollution">Global action on plastic pollution</h2>



Efforts to address this growing issue are underway at both national and international levels. The UK's Marine Strategy includes plans to develop a microplastics indicator to monitor levels in marine sediments. 



The North-East Atlantic Environmental Strategy also focuses on reducing marine litter in the region. On a broader scale, the United Nations Environmental Agency is working toward a legally binding agreement to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-world-may-put-an-end-to-plastic-pollution-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end plastic pollution by 2040</a>.



With the global demand for plastic products now exceeding 400 million tons per year, understanding where plastic ends up in our oceans is crucial.&nbsp;



This research brings us one step closer to uncovering the hidden plastic sinks in our oceans, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect marine life and preserve ocean ecosystems for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-threat-to-marine-life">Microplastic threat to marine life</h2>



The presence of microplastics in the North Sea not only poses a direct threat to marine life but also disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.&nbsp;



As these tiny particles accumulate, they can interfere with the reproductive and feeding behaviors of various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a>.&nbsp;



For example, filter feeders may ingest microplastics along with their food, leading to harmful health effects and potentially affecting population dynamics.&nbsp;



Additionally, the presence of microplastics can alter habitat conditions, making it difficult for some species to thrive.&nbsp;



Understanding these impacts is essential for effective conservation efforts and for safeguarding the health of the ocean environment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1430307/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



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Hotspots of microplastic pollution found in the North Sea

Marine microplastic pollution is often illustrated by images of wildlife...

Have you ever wondered what happens after a sea turtle egg hatches underground? You're not alone. For decades, scientists have been speculating about how sea turtle hatchlings reach the surface of the sand.



A team of researchers led by Davey Dor, a PhD scholar at the <a href="https://www.southwales.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a>, used tiny recording devices to study the movements of hatchlings as they emerge from their nests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-sea-turtle-hatchlings">Secrets of sea turtle hatchlings</h2>



Surprisingly, the team discovered that the hatchlings swim to the surface rather than dig, contrary to previous beliefs. 



Imagine being in a tight, dark space with no signs to direct you, yet you know where to go. That's the life of a hatchling in the first few days after hatching.



Picture this: newborn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-celebrating-100-million-years-of-majesty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a> wriggling energetically across the sand towards the ocean. But what occurs before that? This has been a tough nut to crack for scientists since this critical stage was first observed about 64 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-backpacks-for-the-turtle-hatchlings">Tiny backpacks for the turtle hatchlings</h2>



The team used miniature accelerometer backpacks, which measure changes in speed or direction, to get a never-before-seen view into the first few days of the hatchlings' life.



After deploying these devices, the team waited eagerly, peeping into the nest every three hours. When the hatchlings finally emerged, they were quickly relieved of their backpacks. 



Analysis of the data showed that the hatchlings moved in an unexpected way, pushing forward and backward, as if swimming in the dark.



"After locating the nests, we waited for approximately 60 days for the eggs to develop,” said Dor. 



“Three days before they hatched, we put a device called a hatch detector next to 10 different nests. This unique instrument measures voltage at the nest site and lets us know when the hatchlings had hatched out of their eggs.”&nbsp;



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



This newly uncovered behavior could have significant implications for sea turtle relocation. Changes in nest characteristics could unknowingly hamper hatchling success, highlighting the importance of understanding their behavior in the most formative days.



The discovery of this swimming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-turtle-day-protecting-turtles-tortoises-and-their-vanishing-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> by hatchlings raises pertinent questions about their survival tactics and how they interact with altered environments - a paramount concern in conservation biology.



As climate change evokes substantial effects on nesting beaches, understanding the innate abilities of these young turtles to adapt could prove critical. 



Scientists must now explore whether these swimming movements are a universal trait among different turtle species and if they can adjust to the shifting sands and temperatures induced by global climate patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-sea-turtle-hatchlings">Future research on sea turtle hatchlings</h2>



This recent work by Dor and his team paves the way for new research methodologies in marine biology. 



By employing innovative technologies like accelerometer backpacks, researchers can delve deeper into the clandestine world beneath the sand.



As this technology evolves, it holds the promise of unlocking further mysteries of other subterranean life forms, providing invaluable insights that could transform our understanding of life beneath the Earth's surface.



This intersection of technology and natural science marks a promising frontier, inviting scholars and conservationists alike to rethink strategies for preserving marine biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-and-public-engagement">Collaboration and public engagement </h2>



The future of this research hinges on collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines to explore the lives of sea turtle hatchlings. Biologists, engineers, and computer scientists must work in unison to refine and expand the use of cutting-edge technologies like the accelerometer backpacks.



Such interdisciplinary approaches can enhance our understanding of marine life and promote innovations in real-time data collection in natural habitats.



Public engagement plays a crucial role in the success of conservation efforts. Through fascinating studies, scientists can inspire a wider audience to become passionate about marine conservation.



Educational programs, interactive exhibitions, and social media campaigns are powerful tools to enlighten and enlist public support for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtle conservation</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-sea-turtle-hatchlings">What's next for sea turtle hatchlings?</h2>



Impressed with the effectiveness of these accelerometers, Dor and his team plan to deploy more of them in the future. The goal is to answer even more intriguing questions about these hatchlings and their survival.



“There are lots of factors that we don't really understand because we haven't been able to observe this stage of their lives, but we hope this will change as a result of this new method, particularly in answering questions about best conservation practices,” concluded Dor.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1702" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings B</a>.



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Tiny 'backpacks' record the movements of sea turtle hatchlings

Have you ever wondered what happens after a sea turtle...

A global team of scientists, led by researchers from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has launched an ambitious project aimed at illuminating the planet’s plant diversity “darkspots."



These are regions that are rich in biodiversity, but where geographic and taxonomic data remain incomplete, leaving scientists with limited understanding of the plant diversity that exists within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-diversity-darkspots-around-the-world">Plant diversity darkspots around the world </h2>



The experts identified 33 such darkspots around the globe, with 14 (or 44%) of these located in tropical Asia.



According to the State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2023 report, 75% of the world’s yet-to-be-described plant species already facing the threat of extinction. 



This new research offers a valuable tool for identifying where to prioritize plant collection and conservation efforts in this critical decade for halting biodiversity loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unnamed and unmapped plant species</h2>



The research team focused on predicting the number of plant species that remain unnamed and unmapped in various “botanical countries” - regions or countries that are used as reference units for botanical research.&nbsp;



The experts then compared the locations of these darkspots with the 36 globally recognized “biodiversity hotspots,” which are areas of rich and unique flora that are also under threat.&nbsp;



Additionally, the study considered how socio-political and environmental factors could influence botanical expeditions and guide future efforts to fill the gaps in taxonomic knowledge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Documentation of global plant diversity</h2>



“Resources to undertake new botanical expeditions or to digitize existing collections are limited, so prioritizing collecting efforts is vital,” said co-author Samuel Pironon, a lecturer in conservation biology at <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> and an honorary research associate at RBG Kew. 



“Our study provides a flexible framework to help accelerate the documentation of global plant diversity to inform conservation actions. Knowing where there are most species remaining unnamed and unmapped, of which many are likely to be threatened, is necessary for us to meet the <a href="https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2030 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global distribution of plant diversity darkspots</h2>



The research revealed the existence of 33 darkspots worldwide. Of these, 14 were found in tropical Asia, eight in South America, eight in the Asia-Temperate region, two in Africa, and one in North America.&nbsp;



Globally, the areas with the greatest combined data shortfalls were Colombia, New Guinea, and South-Central China, in decreasing order. On a continental scale,&nbsp;



New Caledonia had the greatest shortfall for the Pacific region, Western Australia for Australasia, New Guinea for tropical Asia, China South-Central for temperate Asia, Madagascar for Africa, Albania for Europe, Southwest Mexico for North America, and Colombia for South America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crucial areas for collection efforts&nbsp;</h2>



When factoring in different environmental and socio-economic scenarios, six botanical countries consistently emerged as priority areas for targeted collection efforts: Colombia, Myanmar, New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, and Turkey.&nbsp;



These regions were flagged as crucial zones for scientific research and plant collection to uncover the extent of their biodiversity and better inform conservation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unexpected biodiversity hotspot in New Guinea&nbsp;</h2>



One surprising finding was that New Guinea was the only darkspot identified that did not overlap with one of the world’s recognized biodiversity hotspots.&nbsp;



However, the researchers noted that New Guinea’s exceptional biodiversity is likely to become even more apparent as the gaps in knowledge are filled.&nbsp;



Nevertheless, the region is already facing significant threats from species overexploitation and the expansion of agricultural land, which could endanger its biodiversity before it is fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global efforts to maintain plant diversity&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Ian Ondo is a senior data analyst at RBG Kew and program officer at the <a href="https://www.unep-wcmc.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Center</a> (UNEP-WCMC).



“Recognizing and accounting for plant diversity darkspots is essential to achieving comprehensive conservation priorities. It ensures that critical areas are inclusive of underrepresented biodiversity and receive attention and protection, ultimately enhancing global efforts to maintain biodiversity,” said Ondo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The role of Indigenous communities</h2>



Kiran Dhanjal-Adams, a future leader fellow at RBG Kew, highlighted another key aspect of the study: the role of Indigenous and local communities in understanding plant diversity.&nbsp;



“Many species that are not yet described by science are, in fact, well known by Indigenous and local communities,” she explained.&nbsp;



The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework emphasizes the importance of including Indigenous and local communities in conservation efforts.&nbsp;



Strengthening partnerships with these communities could not only lead to the discovery of new species but also help raise conservation interest and funds that directly support these communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five key commitments&nbsp;</h2>



The study aligns with the broader goals of a global call to action, formalized in the “<a href="https://www.kew.org/science/state-of-the-worlds-plants-and-fungi/2030-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2030 Declaration on Scientific Plant and Fungal Collecting</a>,” which was co-led by RBG Kew and the <a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Missouri Botanical Garden</a>. 



Arising from discussions held at Kew’s 2023 State of the World’s Plants &amp; Fungi Symposium, the declaration outlines five key commitments aimed at closing the gaps in knowledge about plant and fungal diversity.&nbsp;



These commitments include adopting evidence-based collection strategies, strengthening local research capacities, fostering collaboration across disciplines, collecting specimens with future research in mind, and sharing the benefits of these collections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coordinating scientific collection efforts</h2>



Biological specimens collected from the wild remain a fundamental component of natural sciences. Researchers continue to collect and preserve samples to support conservation actions, advance scientific research, and uncover potential benefits such as new medicines or fuels.&nbsp;



The process of collecting these specimens is governed by strict regulations, including national and international laws regarding access and benefit sharing. 



Yet there is still much to learn - particularly about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>, with over 90% of the estimated 2.5 million fungal species remaining undescribed by science.



The 2030 Declaration, co-authored by contributors from 22 countries and signed by over 800 individuals and organizations from 85 nations, represents a major step forward in coordinating scientific collection efforts.&nbsp;



The declaration will remain open for additional signatories until the end of this year. By encouraging conversations at international, regional, national, and local levels during botanical and mycological congresses, RBG Kew hopes to foster more decentralized and complementary efforts to fill the knowledge gaps that still exist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting Earth’s diverse ecosystems</h2>



Senior author Alexandre Antonelli, the director of science at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew emphasized the importance of these coordinated efforts.&nbsp;



“As we head to CBD COP16 in Colombia, governments will be under scrutiny to determine what progress has been achieved towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 targets, what challenges remain, and how they can be overcome.”&nbsp;



“Comprehensive data on plants and fungi are an integral part of the solution, and filling knowledge gaps in darkspots represents a cost-effective way forward. If countries come together and implement these declaration commitments, we will be better able to address the grand challenges of biodiversity loss, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, and food security.”



This study and the ongoing efforts to map the world’s plant diversity darkspots mark a significant step toward understanding and protecting Earth’s rich and diverse ecosystems.&nbsp;



By prioritizing efforts in these crucial regions, the global scientific community aims to safeguard biodiversity for future generations, while also supporting the well-being of local and Indigenous communities who depend on these ecosystems for their survival.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Plant diversity 'darkspots' need urgent attention

A global team of scientists, led by researchers from the...

World Farm Animals Day, observed each year on October 2, is a global initiative to raise awareness about the plight of farm animals and promote compassionate treatment.&nbsp;



Established in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, a champion of nonviolence and animal rights, World Farm Animals Day focuses on the billions of animals raised for food under often inhumane conditions.&nbsp;



“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” said Gandhi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-world-farm-animals-day-nbsp">Significance of World Farm Animals Day&nbsp;</h2>



Today is a time to reflect on the impact of factory farming on animals and the environment, and to pursue positive changes in our approach to food production.



Animal rights organizations and individuals come together to call for ethical farming practices and better laws to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-can-now-decipher-the-emotional-states-of-chickens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>.&nbsp;



There are growing movements advocating for better welfare standards and plant-based alternatives, reflecting concerns over how farm animals are treated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatment-of-farm-animals">Treatment of farm animals</h2>



According to the <a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Agriculture Organization</a>, an estimated 92.2 billion land animals are slaughtered in the global food system each year. This figure includes chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other livestock. 



The treatment of farm animals varies widely depending on the farming practices and regulations in place. While some farms follow humane practices, others are criticized for mistreatment.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factory-farming">Factory farming</h3>



Many large-scale industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intensive-farming-raises-pandemic-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farms</a> (factory farms) are known for poor animal welfare. Animals are kept in confined spaces, like cages or crowded pens, with little room to move. This can cause stress, injury, and disease.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-enrichment">Lack of enrichment</h3>



Animals like pigs, chickens, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-want-to-talk-to-their-cows-so-ai-is-helping-them-interpret-moos-and-burps/">cows</a> may not have access to natural behaviors such as rooting, pecking, or grazing, which can lead to frustration and poor mental health.



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



Practices like debeaking in chickens or tail docking in pigs and cows are often done to prevent injuries from aggressive behaviors that stem from overcrowding. These procedures can be painful and are sometimes performed without pain relief.



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



Animals are often subjected to long, stressful transportation times to slaughterhouses.



Conditions in slaughterhouses are sometimes inhumane, with animals being killed in excruciating ways, though regulations aim to minimize suffering.



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



There are some farms that adopt higher welfare standards. In pasture-based systems, animals are allowed to roam freely and exhibit natural behaviors.



Organic or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/free-ranging-dairy-cows-have-a-much-healthier-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free-range</a> farms also have stricter animal welfare standards. When it comes to slaughter, some farms and facilities follow protocols designed to reduce stress and pain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-farm-animals-important">Why are farm animals important?</h2>



Farm animals provide essential resources such as food, fiber, and labor, making huge contributions to societies worldwide.&nbsp;



In terms of food, animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep provide meat, milk, eggs, and other products, serving as primary sources of protein and nutrition for many communities.&nbsp;



Their by-products, such as leather, wool, and manure, contribute to industries ranging from fashion to agriculture, where manure is a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil.



Farm animals have also played an important role in agricultural labor. For centuries, animals like oxen, horses, and donkeys were used for plowing fields, transportation, and other heavy tasks, allowing humans to farm more efficiently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalities-and-emotional-intelligence-nbsp">Personalities and emotional intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



Farm animals possess incredible personalities and behaviors. Chickens, for example, can recognize up to 100 different faces, while pigs are known for their intelligence and emotional depth, often being compared to dogs in terms of their social and problem-solving abilities.&nbsp;



Sheep have impressive flocking instincts and can remember human faces for years. Cows exhibit strong maternal bonds and social hierarchies within their herds.



These animals also display emotions like affection, fear, and contentment, which make them deserving of compassionate treatment.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-greater-role-of-farm-animals">The greater role of farm animals</h2>



Farm animals are integral to the ecosystems in which they live. Through practices like grazing, they can help maintain landscapes, promote soil health, and contribute to biodiversity when managed responsibly.



Culturally, farm animals hold significance in various traditions, religious practices, and community life. In many societies, certain animals symbolize wealth, prosperity, or spiritual beliefs.



Ultimately, farm animals are essential not just for what they provide, but also for the balance they help maintain in sustainable farming and cultural traditions. Their importance extends far beyond food, impacting environmental health, economies, and human history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-showing-compassion-on-world-farm-animals-day">Showing compassion on World Farm Animals Day</h2>



Today, we recognize the importance of showing compassion toward farm animals and raising awareness about their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-welfare-concerns-more-people-than-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">welfare</a>.&nbsp;



World Farm Animals Day serves as a reminder to rethink how we treat animals in the food production system and to support efforts that promote their well-being.



Here are some ways you can show compassion for farm animals:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choose-plant-based-meals-nbsp">Choose plant-based meals&nbsp;</h3>



Opting for plant-based alternatives or reducing meat consumption can lower the demand for intensive farming practices that often harm animals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-humane-farming-practices">Support humane farming practices</h3>



Buy products from farms that prioritize animal welfare, including free-range, pasture-raised, and certified humane labels. This helps promote better living conditions for animals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volunteer-at-animal-sanctuaries">Volunteer at animal sanctuaries</h3>



By supporting sanctuaries that rescue and care for farm animals, you can provide direct assistance to animals that have been rescued from cruel conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-welfare-laws">Animal welfare laws</h3>



By encouraging policymakers to implement and enforce stricter regulations for farm animal protection, we can help animals get treated with the dignity they deserve.



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World Farm Animals Day: Taking action for animal welfare

World Farm Animals Day, observed each year on October 2,...

<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.

<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/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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

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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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.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?

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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

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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"

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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