Submarine canyons are giant valleys carved into the ocean floor, and they play a big role in how the ocean functions. A new study is finally shedding light on some of the least explored ones - those hidden beneath Earth’s icy edges.



Scientists have created the most detailed catalog yet of submarine canyons in Antarctica, identifying 332 canyon networks, some plunging deeper than 4,000 meters (2.48 miles).



The work comes from researchers at the <a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/">University of Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Cork</a>.



The study reveals how these deep canyons may affect ocean circulation, melting of ice shelves, and global sea levels. It also uncovers how different East and West Antarctica really are beneath the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canyons-shape-ocean-ecosystems">Canyons shape ocean ecosystems</h2>



Submarine canyons aren’t just geological curiosities. They transport sediments and nutrients from the coast into deeper waters, link shallow and deep ocean layers, and host ecosystems teeming with life.



Roughly 10,000 canyons are known across the globe, but only about 27 percent of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/only-001-percent-of-earths-deep-seafloor-has-ever-been-directly-observed/">seafloor</a> has been mapped in high resolution. That leaves a lot of room for surprises.



David Amblàs of the Consolidated Research Group on Marine Geosciences at the Faculty of Earth Sciences of the University of Barcelona is the study's lead author. 



“Like those in the Arctic, Antarctic submarine canyons resemble canyons in other parts of the world,” he said. “But they tend to be larger and deeper because of the prolonged action of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-polar-ice-sheets-cant-withstand-1-5c-warming-target/">polar ice</a> and the immense volumes of sediment transported by glaciers to the continental shelf.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peering-beneath-antarctic-ice">Peering beneath Antarctic ice</h2>



The study used Version 2 of the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO v2), the most detailed map yet of Antarctica's seafloor. 



By combining new high-resolution bathymetric data with a semi-automated analysis method, the researchers were able to classify 15 canyon characteristics across the continent.



“Some of the submarine canyons we analyzed reach depths of over 4,000 meters (2.48 miles),” said Amblàs. “The most spectacular of these are in East Antarctica, which is characterized by complex, branching canyon systems."



"The systems often begin with multiple canyon heads near the edge of the continental shelf and converge into a single main channel that descends into the deep ocean, crossing the sharp, steep gradients of the continental slope.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-antarctic-worlds-below">Two Antarctic worlds below</h2>



One of the key findings of the study was how different the canyons are between East and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/">West Antarctica</a>.



“It was particularly interesting to see the differences between canyons in the two major Antarctic regions, as this hadn’t been described before,” said Riccardo Arosio of the Marine Geosciences Research Group at University College Cork.



East Antarctic canyons formed slowly beneath glaciers, shaped by erosion and deposition, while West Antarctic canyons are steeper and more V-shaped. According to Amblàs, this isn’t just a curiosity - it points to a deeper climate history.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025322725001331#f0020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/antarctica_submarine-canyons_first-maps-ever_credit-Marine-Geology_1s.webp" alt="A new high-resolution catalogue identifies 332 submarine canyon networks on the seafloor of the Antarctic continent. Credit: Marine Geology" class="wp-image-1979060"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A new high-resolution catalogue identifies 332 submarine canyon networks on the seafloor of the Antarctic continent. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Marine Geology</figcaption></figure>



“This morphological difference supports the idea that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet originated earlier and has undergone a more prolonged development,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-canyons-more-effectively">Analyzing canyons more effectively </h2>



The resolution of the new seafloor map gave researchers the precision they needed to analyze the canyons more effectively.



This high-resolution map enabled more reliable, semi-automated analysis of submarine canyons than earlier, lower-resolution versions.



“We also developed a GIS software script that allows us to calculate a wide range of canyon-specific morphometric parameters in just a few clicks,” said Arosio.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canyons-drive-deep-currents">Canyons drive deep currents</h2>



The underwater canyons do more than carve up the seafloor. They play a quiet but powerful role in the climate. Canyons help move cold, dense water formed near Antarctica’s ice shelves into the deep ocean.



This process creates Antarctic Bottom Water, which helps drive global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/">ocean circulation</a>. At the same time, the canyons also allow warmer water from the open ocean to reach the coast.



This warm water, called Circumpolar Deep Water, can slip under floating ice shelves, melting them from below and weakening their structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-models-struggle-with-canyons">Models struggle with canyons</h2>



When ice shelves collapse, they no longer hold glaciers in place - and those glaciers can surge into the sea, directly contributing to sea level rise.



The researchers note that today’s ocean models don’t do a good job of simulating what happens in places like this. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/antarctica_submarine-canyons_coastline_study-area-map_credit-Marine-Geology_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/antarctica_submarine-canyons_coastline_study-area-map_credit-Marine-Geology_1s.webp" alt="Overview of the study area, with zone subdivision and extent of the MBES cover (https://ibcso.org/current_version/). The Coastline of Antarctica and different ice occupation areas were obtained from Gerrish et al. (2023)." class="wp-image-1979058"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Overview of the study area, with zone subdivision and extent of the MBES cover. The Coastline of Antarctica and different ice occupation areas were obtained from Gerrish et al. (2023). Click image to enlarge. Credit: Marine Geology</figcaption></figure>



Climate models struggle to capture how water moves through complex seafloor features like canyons at local scales.



These missing pieces include current channeling, deep mixing, and other dynamics critical to forming and transforming cold, dense water. Without factoring in these local canyon effects, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a> risk being off the mark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canyons-still-hidden-in-antarctica">Canyons still hidden in Antarctica </h2>



According to the researchers, gathering high-resolution bathymetric data in unmapped areas will surely reveal new canyons.



The team also pointed out the need for more direct and remote data to improve climate models and make projections about climate change impacts more accurate.



Antarctica still hides many of its secrets beneath the ice and sea. But studies like this are giving us better tools to understand what's really going on - and what it means for the planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025322725001331?via%3Dihub">Marine Geology</a>.



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Antarctica is hiding hundreds of massive underwater canyons

Submarine canyons are giant valleys carved into the ocean floor, and they play a big role in how the ocean functions. A new study is finally shedding light on some of the least explored ones - those hidden beneath Earth’s icy edges. Scientists have created the most detailed catalog yet of submarine canyons in Antarctica, identifying 332 canyon networks, some plunging deeper than 4,000 meters (2.48 miles). The work comes from researchers at the University of Barcelona and University College Cork. The study reveals how these deep...

There's an astounding sight to behold in the west of Eifel, a region synonymous with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activities</a>. Nestled within the sediment of the Kyll River are diminutive blue wonders - sapphires. But there's more to these 0.9 mm diameter gemstones than their sheer beauty. 



They are indeed the missing pieces of a captivating geological conundrum - how could they take shape amidst such tumultuous, fiery conditions, a scenario far detached from our perception of tranquil gemstone genesis?



Stepping in to solve the mystery are the seasoned researchers from <a href="https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heidelberg University</a>. The scientific sleuths have been delving deep into the phenomenon of these blue marvels that formed among the fiery crucible of volcanic activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demystifying-eifel-sapphires">Demystifying Eifel sapphires</h2>



Let's take a sidebar here. What are sapphires? These treasured stones are essentially 'contaminated' aluminum oxide or corundum. 



The term "contamination" alludes to a few impurities that present sapphires with their iconic blue shade. Intriguingly, most sapphires are discovered in regions boasting silicon-poor volcanic rocks.



Are these gemstones, found on Earth's surface, a tell-tale sign of having originated deep within the crust, ushered to the surface by the ascending magma?



Dr. Axel Schmitt, a researcher at <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a>, Australia, and an honorary professor at Heidelberg University, Germany, is grappling with this very question.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eifel-scenario-sapphire-central">Eifel scenario: Sapphire central</h2>



Our sapphire narrative unravels in Eifel, a volcanic hotspot tucked in Europe's heart. For about 700,000 years, magma from Earth's mantle has been inching its way up through the crust in this region, bringing forth an intriguing enigma. 



The puzzling link between the silicon-deficient, sodium and potassium-abundant magma found here and the prevalence of sapphires has left geologists in a quandary. The Heidelberg team scrutinized 223 sapphires from the Eifel region.



"Like gold, sapphire is very weathering-resistant compared to other minerals. Over protracted time periods, the grains are washed out of the rock and deposited in rivers. Because of their high density, they are easy to separate from lighter sediment components using a gold pan," explained Sebastian Schmidt, who conducted the research as part of his master's degree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-of-eifel-s-sapphires">Origin of Eifel's sapphires</h2>



To trace the roots of these sapphires, the investigators determined their age by deploying the uranium-lead method on mineral inclusions found within the sapphires themselves. This approach can also uncover the composition of oxygen isotopes in the sapphires.



The findings were remarkable. Sapphires in Eifel took shape simultaneously with the region's volcanism. 



Some gemstones bore the isotopic signature of mantle melts that had been tainted with the heat and partially liquefied crustal rock, at a depth of approximately 5-7 kilometers, while others seemed to have crystallized when subterranean melts permeated the adjacent rock, catalyzing their crystallization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-the-crucial-catalyst">Water: The crucial catalyst </h2>



Water plays an instrumental role in the exceptional process of sapphire formation in volcanic settings. Magma ascending through Earth's crust commonly encounters water-rich zones, propelling a phenomenon known as metasomatism. 



During this occurrence, element-laden fluids intermingle with the surrounding rock, spurring the migration of aluminum and other vital components necessary for sapphire crystallization. 



This interplay not only precipitates the growth of sapphires but also enhances their unique chemical composition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study </h2>



The unearthing of sapphires in Eifel doesn't just shed light on gem genesis, but it also enriches our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-tremors-can-now-be-detected-to-forecast-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehension of volcanic activities</a>. 



By examining these precious stones and the conditions under which they originated, geologists can gain insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-affects-magma-formation-deep-within-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics of magma</a> movement and the interactions between variant geological materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-puzzle">Piecing together the puzzle</h2>



"In the Eifel, both magmatic and metamorphic processes, in which temperature changed the original rock, played a role in the crystallization of sapphire," noted Schmidt.



So, as it emerges, sapphires aren't just a pretty sight; they are a testament to Earth's might, a gateway to understanding our planet's inner mechanics. 



Hence, the next time you lay eyes on a sapphire, remember to honor this blue marvel for its remarkable voyage from the scorching depths of Earth's crust right up to the sun-soaked surface.



Moreover, the interdisciplinary collaboration between geologists and gemologists is pivotal in unraveling the complex narrative encapsulated within these gemstones. 



Such synergy not only illuminates the geological history of the Eifel but also propels future research in gem formation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-magma-traced-to-melting-in-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic processes</a>. The implications extend far beyond sapphires, inviting a broader exploration of earth science.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00410-024-02136-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology</a>.



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How blue sapphires form amidst fiery volcanic activity

There's an astounding sight to behold in the west of...

Opponents of deep sea mining faced a significant setback on Friday when efforts to initiate an international moratorium on the practice did not advance. 



This outcome marks a crucial point in the ongoing debate over deep sea mining, which could yield essential minerals for the green transition but poses considerable environmental risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-mining-debate">Deep sea mining debate</h2>



Until now, proponents of deep sea mining have managed to prevent the <a href="https://www.isa.org.jm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Seabed Authority</a> (ISA) from discussing the issue. 



However, a recent debate did take place, although a draft calling for a “dialogue” towards “the development of a general policy for the protection and preservation of the marine environment” failed to move forward after a week of discussions in Kingston, Jamaica.



Delegations from several countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, and the African group of member states, argued that the draft lacked clarity and that the full assembly of 168 members was not the appropriate forum to make decisions on protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-forms-dust-clouds-that-devastate-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine habitats</a>. 



Instead, these countries suggested that the ISA's Council, comprised of 36 states, should make such decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discussions-have-been-delayed">Discussions have been delayed</h2>



Facing consistent opposition, Chile withdrew the draft measure as the assembly's annual session, which makes decisions by consensus, drew to a close.&nbsp;



“We are somewhat disappointed,” said Chilean representative Salvador Vega Telias. Although he believed he had majority support, he decided to delay the discussions until July 2025, a proposal that was also not approved.



Deep sea mining in international waters involves extracting minerals like nickel, cobalt, and copper from the ocean floor. These minerals are crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> technology. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-deep-sea-environment-nbsp">Protecting the deep sea environment&nbsp;</h2>



Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the ISA is responsible for both protecting the seabed in areas beyond national jurisdictions and overseeing exploration or exploitation of resources in those zones. So far, deep sea mining has not progressed beyond the experimental and exploratory stage.



The ISA's Council, which currently only grants exploration contracts, has been working on commercial exploitation rules for over a decade, aiming to adopt a mining code in 2025.&nbsp;



Non-governmental organizations and scientists warn that deep sea mining could damage habitats and harm species that are not well understood but are potentially crucial to the food chain. They also highlight the risks of disrupting the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon emissions and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-marine-noise-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noise pollution</a> that could disturb species like whales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploratory-contracts-have-been-secured">Exploratory contracts have been secured</h2>



Despite these concerns, many countries have secured exploratory contracts and conducted tests. Nauru, a small Pacific island nation, has pushed the ISA to allow exploitation applications even without a mining code.&nbsp;



Canada's <a href="https://metals.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Metals Company</a> (TMC) and its subsidiary Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) are preparing to submit an application to start commercial mining operations in the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone (CCZ) in the Pacific.



Nauru President David Adeang emphasized the necessity of responsible deep sea mineral development for the survival of Nauru and other small island developing states in a rapidly changing world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-demand-to-prohibit-deep-sea-mining-nbsp">Public demand to prohibit deep sea mining&nbsp;</h2>



Over 30 countries, including France, Canada, Chile, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, have called for a moratorium on deep sea mining. A recent study showed that the mineral-rich nodules targeted by mining companies produce oxygen, marking the first instance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/it-took-200-million-years-for-earth-to-get-its-oxygen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen</a> production by non-living sources without sunlight.



“Public demand and political support for stopping deep sea mining from harming the oceans has never been stronger,” said Louisa Casson, a campaigner with <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/global/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenpeace</a>. 



“With the threat of a company applying to mine the oceans hanging over us all, it's clear that we need far greater urgency from governments at the ISA to turn these words into action.”



In this context, NGOs welcomed the election of Brazil's Leticia Carvalho to replace Michael Lodge of Britain as the ISA's secretary general in January 2025. Lodge had faced criticism for his pro-business stances and allegations of fund misuse by the ISA's leadership, which the ISA Secretariat has denied.



“This is a new chapter,” the<a href="https://deep-sea-conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Deep Sea Conservation Coalition</a> said. “Reforming the ISA to protect and manage the deep sea for the benefit of humankind is crucial.”



The recent developments highlight the intense global debate over deep sea mining and the urgent need for effective governance to balance economic interests with environmental protection.



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Deep sea mining debate intensifies as opponents face a setback

Opponents of deep sea mining faced a significant setback on...

The Gulf of Mexico's “dead zone” - an area with dangerously low oxygen levels - currently covers approximately 6,705 square miles. This makes it 12th largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dead zone</a> in the 38 years of recorded measurements. 



This expanse, equivalent to over four million acres, represents significant loss of habitat for marine species. It particularly affects those living on the ocean floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveying-the-dead-zone-in-the-gulf-nbsp">Surveying the dead zone in the Gulf&nbsp;</h2>



The annual survey was conducted from July 21–26 by scientists from <a href="https://www.lsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louisiana State University</a> and the <a href="https://lumcon.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium</a> (LUMCON) aboard research vessel Pelican. 



The research provides crucial data for the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force. This state and federal partnership aims to reduce the five-year average size of the dead zone to fewer than 1,900 square miles by 2035. The current five-year average however, stands at 4,298 square miles - more than double the target.



“It's critical that we measure this region's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypoxia</a> as an indicator of ocean health, particularly under a changing climate and potential intensification of storms and increases in precipitation and runoff,” said Nicole LeBoeuf, assistant administrator of NOAA's National Ocean Service.  



According to LeBoeuf, this long-term data set can help decision makers while they adjust their strategies to reduce the dead zone and manage its impacts to coastal resources and communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gulf-dead-zone-is-larger-than-expected">Gulf dead zone is larger than expected</h2>



In June, NOAA had predicted an above-average dead zone size of 5,827 square miles, based on data from the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a> regarding Mississippi River discharge and nutrient runoff. 



The actual size measured fell within the forecast's uncertainty range, confirming the accuracy of the predictive models used and their utility in informing nutrient reduction strategies.



“The area of bottom-water hypoxia was larger than predicted by the Mississippi River discharge and nitrogen load for 2024, but within the range experienced over the nearly four decades that this research cruise has been conducted,” said Nancy Rabalais, a professor at Louisiana State University and LUMCON, and co-chief scientist for the survey. “We continue to be surprised each summer at the variability in size and distribution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-causes-dead-zones">What causes dead zones?</h2>



Dead zones are mainly caused by excess nutrients - particularly nitrogen and phosphorus - entering the Gulf of Mexico through the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin.&nbsp;



These nutrients stimulate algal blooms, and upon dying they decompose and consume oxygen in the water. This process creates hypoxic conditions. Such low oxygen levels force marine animals, like fish and shrimp to leave the area, which severely impacts their diets, growth rates, reproduction and habitat use.



In an attempt to overcome these hurdles, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the Gulf Hypoxia Program in June 2022, which aims to accelerate nutrient reduction efforts by Hypoxia Task Force.



“Nutrient pollution impacts water bodies across the country and in the Gulf of Mexico it has resulted in a dead zone, where low to no oxygen does not support fish and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>,” said Bruno Pigott, acting assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Water. 



“EPA is committed to its partnership with state and local governments and Tribes in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin, working together to reduce nutrient pollution and protect the health of the Gulf. In fact, thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is investing $60 million into this effort.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-reduction-strategies-nbsp">Nutrient reduction strategies&nbsp;</h2>



The Hypoxia Task Force states are intensifying their nutrient reduction strategies while also enhancing climate resiliency and ensuring that the benefits of these actions extend to disadvantaged communities.



“The importance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mississippi-river-coastline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mississippi River</a> to the strength and growth of our states' economies and communities cannot be understated,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.



“By implementing our nutrient reduction strategies, the Hypoxia Task Force states are individually and collectively demonstrating our commitment to protecting and enhancing this working river.”



Naig noted that weather and other factors will always introduce variability in the hypoxic zone measurement from year to year, but the focused conservation implementation work within each state is making a positive impact on our water quality.&nbsp;



“States, along with numerous public and private partners, are best positioned to address their specific geographies and we remain motivated to expand this proven water quality work in rural, suburban and urban landscapes in the years and decades to come.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efforts-to-monitor-and-understand-dead-zones">Efforts to monitor and understand dead zones</h2>



NOAA's work extends beyond the annual hypoxia forecast and survey. The agency supports the development of monitoring technologies to better understand dead zones and studies the effects of hypoxia on fish and fisheries through various programs, including Coastal Hypoxia Research, Ocean Technology Transition, Uncrewed Systems, and Hypoxia Watch.&nbsp;



Additionally, NOAA collaborates with states to create new tools for predicting nutrient runoff and supports the <a href="https://www.northerngulfinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Gulf Institute</a> in delivering technical assistance, observation, and monitoring capabilities.



This year, NOAA scientists are also exploring the use of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) as an emerging technology to map hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Several ASVs were deployed in coordination with the measurement survey, and their data will be compared with traditional ship-based measurements to assess their efficacy.



The efforts by NOAA and its partners underscore the importance of comprehensive and sustained actions to address the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, a critical issue affecting marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal economies.



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Gulf of Mexico’s dead zone is unusually large this year

The Gulf of Mexico's “dead zone” - an area with...

Light pollution disrupts circadian rhythms and ecosystems worldwide, with potentially profound effects on plants that rely on light for photosynthesis.&nbsp;



A new study published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1392262/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Plant Science</a> has revealed that high levels of artificial light at night can make tree leaves tougher and harder for insects to eat, which poses a threat to urban food chains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tough-leaves-under-artificial-light-nbsp">Tough leaves under artificial light&nbsp;</h2>



“We noticed that, compared to natural ecosystems, tree leaves in most urban ecosystems generally show little sign of insect damage. We were curious as to why,” said Shuang Zhang, a scientist at the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> and the study's corresponding author. 



“Here we show that in two of the most common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-species-diversity-shaped-by-climate-change-for-21000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> in Beijing, artificial light at night led to increased leaf toughness and decreased levels of leaf herbivory.”



Artificial light has increased night-time brightness by almost 10%, affecting most of the world's population. Changes in plant properties due to artificial light can significantly impact ecosystems, as plant interactions with other plants and animals are altered.



“Leaves that are free of insect damage may bring comfort to people, but not insects,” Zhang said. “Herbivory is a natural ecological process that maintains the biodiversity of insects.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tougher-leaves-as-a-defense-mechanism-nbsp">Tougher leaves as a defense mechanism&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers hypothesized that plants exposed to high levels of artificial light would prioritize defense over growth, resulting in tougher leaves with more chemical defense compounds.&nbsp;



To test this, they focused on two common street trees: Japanese pagoda and green ash trees. These trees, though similar in many ways, differ in leaf characteristics, with Japanese pagoda trees having smaller, softer leaves preferred by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivores</a>.



The team selected 30 sampling sites along main roads in Beijing, spaced roughly 100 meters apart and usually illuminated all night. They measured the illuminance at each site to determine exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial light</a>. 



Nearly 5,500 leaves were collected and analyzed for insect herbivory and traits potentially affected by artificial light, such as size, toughness, water content, and levels of nutrients and chemical defenses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-light-levels-lead-to-tougher-leaves">Higher light levels lead to tougher leaves</h2>



For both tree species, higher levels of artificial light resulted in tougher leaves, with tougher leaves showing less evidence of insect herbivory. The more intense the light, the more frequently leaves showed no signs of herbivory.&nbsp;



“The underlying mechanism for this pattern is not yet fully understood,” Zhang said. “It is possible that trees exposed to artificial light at night may extend their photosynthesis duration. Additionally, these leaves might allocate a greater proportion of resources to structural compounds, such as fibers, which could lead to an increase in leaf toughness.”



Japanese pagoda trees exposed to more artificial light had lower levels of nutrients like phosphorus, with higher nutrient levels correlating with more herbivory.&nbsp;



Conversely, green ash trees, less preferred by herbivores, showed stronger influences from higher light levels, displaying higher nitrogen levels, smaller leaves, and lower chemical defenses.



“Decreased herbivory can lead to trophic cascading effects in ecology,” Zhang explained. “Lower levels of herbivory imply lower abundances of herbivorous insects, which could in turn result in lower abundances of predatory insects, insect-eating birds, and so on. The decline of insects is a global pattern observed over recent decades. We should pay more attention to this trend.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-impacts-of-light-pollution-nbsp">Far-reaching impacts of light pollution&nbsp;</h2>



While leaf toughness is a mechanical defense against predation, other factors may also contribute to decreased herbivory. For example, increased light might make insects more visible to predators. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of artificial light.



“Our study was conducted in only one city and involved just two tree species,” Zhang cautioned. “This limitation hinders our ability to generalize the conclusions to broader spatial and taxonomic scales. Research on how urbanization affects insects and insect-related ecological processes is still in its infancy.”



The study highlights the complex and far-reaching impacts of light pollution on urban ecosystems, particularly on the interactions between plants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-develop-wing-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>. It underscores the need for further research to develop comprehensive strategies for mitigating these effects and protecting urban biodiversity.



“These results emphasize that high ALAN [artificial light at night] is detrimental to the flow of energy from plants to higher trophic levels, and further suggest that ALAN may have far-reaching effects on the maintenance of urban biodiversity and ecosystem functioning,” the authors concluded.



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



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h--0">-----</h3>

Streetlights make tree leaves too tough for insects to eat

Light pollution disrupts circadian rhythms and ecosystems worldwide, with potentially...

An ancient method of heat storage may hold the key to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspires-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a> in clean energy, according to a recent study. 



This ingenious technology, dating back to the Bronze Age, could offer an efficient and cost-effective way to achieve the United Nations' climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-energy-storage-with-firebricks">Clean energy storage with firebricks</h2>



The technique in question involves the use of specially assembled heat-absorbing bricks known as firebricks.



These bricks are stacked in an insulated container, storing heat generated by solar or wind power at temperatures required for industrial processes. 



The reserved heat can be released when necessary by allowing air to flow through channels in the firebrick stacks.



It’s a simple yet potent solution that permits industries like cement, steel, glass, and paper manufacturers to function on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underground-water-could-be-a-great-source-of-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> when wind and sunlight aren't available. This technique would allow for a seamless switch to cleaner energy sources.



This concept of thermal energy storage is not entirely new and several companies have already begun commercializing it for industrial heat storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bronze-age-technology">Bronze Age technology</h2>



The firebricks used are crafted from similar materials that lined the kilns and furnaces in the primitive age. The real innovation lies in the combination and proportion of these materials, optimized to store heat effectively instead of merely insulating.



While traditional batteries store electricity from renewable sources and produce heat on demand, firebricks offer a unique advantage.



Study lead author Mark Z. Jacobson is a professor of civil and environmental engineering in the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a> and School of Engineering.



"The difference between firebrick storage and battery storage is that the firebricks store heat rather than electricity and are one-tenth the cost of batteries. The materials are simple too, basically just the components of dirt," noted Jacobson.



Most industrial processes require high-temperature heat. For instance, cement production requires temperatures of at least 1,300 degrees Celsius, while glass, iron, and steelmaking need 1,000 degrees Celsius or higher.



Around 17% of all global carbon dioxide emissions could be traced back to the burning of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> for producing heat for these industrial processes. 



Therefore, generating industrial heat from renewable sources could significantly reduce these emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimizing-energy-storage">Optimizing energy storage </h2>



Focusing on storing energy in the form that is closest to its end use can minimize conversion inefficiencies. 



The concept is as straightforward as storing hot water for hot showers and ice for cold drinks. In this case, the study suggested: "If you need heat for industry, store it in firebricks."



The researchers explored the impact of using firebricks to store most of the industrial heat in a futuristic scenario where every country has shifted to renewable energy sources like wind, geothermal, hydropower, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tech-melts-steel-concrete-1800-degrees-heat-solar-power-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a>. 



The research revealed that firebricks could expedite this transition at a lower cost, creating benefits for health, climate, jobs, and energy security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cleaner-future-with-clean-energy">A cleaner future with clean energy</h2>



In addition to benefiting the environment, accelerating the transition to clean energy also positively impacts human health.



Previous studies have revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution from burning fossil fuels</a> causes millions of premature deaths each year. 



"Every bit of combustion fuels we replace with electricity reduces that air pollution," said Jacobson, indicating the urgent need to find cost-effective ways to hasten this transition.



Enlivened by a desire to discover effective, rapid solutions, Jacobson turned his attention to firebricks. He believes that a cost-saving approach would be embraced more readily and hence, expedite the world's transition to cleaner renewables.



The potential impact of this Bronze Age technology is vast, promising substantial benefits at low costs, from reducing air-pollution mortality to facilitating a smoother shift to clean energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-innovations-with-ancient-techniques">Modern innovations with ancient techniques</h2>



As we explore the potential of firebricks, it's essential to leverage modern technology to enhance these ancient techniques. Innovations like advanced composites and nano-coatings can improve heat storage efficiency.



Integrating smart technologies, such as IoT sensors and AI algorithms, can optimize thermal energy systems. 



For example, smart sensors can monitor temperatures in real-time, ensuring efficient heat storage and release. This data-driven approach enables manufacturers to align production with renewable energy availability.



Educating industry stakeholders and demonstrating the benefits of firebrick technology through workshops and pilot programs can encourage adoption, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern solutions for a cleaner, sustainable future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/7/pgae274/7710221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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Bronze Age technology is a modern solution for clean energy

An ancient method of heat storage may hold the key...

Methane is a major contributor to the global climate crisis, yet its emissions have often been underestimated. Responsible for nearly half of the observed global warming, this potent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> demands immediate attention.



In response to the urgent call for action, similar to the Global Methane Pledge, a team of researchers from <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a> has presented a three-step strategy to curb emissions.



This plan is supported by an innovative tool designed to optimize reduction efforts and help mitigate the accelerating effects of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-the-unsung-villain">Methane: The unsung villain</h2>



Although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> typically steals the spotlight in climate change discussions, methane has quietly contributed to approximately half of the observed global warming, despite being less frequently discussed. 



Unfortunately, methane emissions continue to rise at worrying speeds, exacerbating the urgency of the climate crisis. 



While the world has predominantly focused on reducing carbon dioxide, it's time to broaden our efforts and turn our attention to these other potent contributors, which have been underestimated in their impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>.



Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes both carbon dioxide and methane mitigation strategies to effectively combat climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-step-action-plan">Three-step action plan</h2>



The Duke team has highlighted three critical strategies to address methane emissions. These findings are backed by extensive research involving satellite remote sensing data, reported emissions, and the interaction of abatement options with market forces.



The first step revolves around reducing methane emissions. The increasing emissions, driven by fossil fuel production and rising emissions from wetlands, need to be curtailed immediately.



In addition, there is an urgent need for international coordination to address both methane and carbon dioxide emissions. Cutting carbon dioxide alone will not halt global warming soon enough, and solely reducing methane merely postpones the inevitable.



Furthermore, it is vital to incentivize and enforce methane abatement. A coordinated, effective approach will yield significant results in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abandoned-farmland-can-be-used-for-climate-change-mitigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change mitigation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-vs-benefit-of-methane-mitigation">Cost vs. benefit of methane mitigation</h2>



The proposed measures promise to be enormously beneficial, both economically and environmentally. 



For each ton of methane emitted in 2020, the estimated damages were between US $470-1,700. However, factoring in the impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> and human health, the actual cost could escalate up to $7,000 per ton.



The positive impact of mitigation efforts significantly outweighs the costs involved. Many options for reducing emissions yield net economic gains, even before considering the environmental benefits.



Moreover, since methane does not linger in the atmosphere for the long-term, reductions in emissions take effect more swiftly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-equipping-ourselves-for-the-job">Equipping ourselves for the job</h2>



Fighting methane emissions might require different approaches depending on a country's industries and the measures previously implemented.



That's why the authors of this landmark study have created an online tool to identify the most effective measures for reducing emissions in various countries.



For large fossil fuel producers, the most effective measures may be regulating production, incentivizing methane capture, or charging companies for emissions. For others, focusing on emissions from landfills could offer the most significant rewards. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individuals-can-reduce-methane-emissions">Individuals can reduce methane emissions </h2>



Lifestyle changes can also make a significant impact on methane emissions, and individuals can contribute in numerous ways. Reducing the consumption of beef and dairy, composting organic waste, and considering the environment in our voting decisions can help curb methane emissions.



As the world battles the growing climate crisis, it's more vital than ever to adopt a multi-faceted approach. 



Despite uncertainties and challenges, the need to reduce methane emissions remains critical to lessen the accelerating climate damages suffered worldwide. 



As concerned citizens, it's our collective responsibility to act on this, ensuring a safer, healthier future for our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-in-methane-reduction">Innovation in methane reduction</h2>



Innovation is essential in combating methane emissions, with new technologies and practices improving detection, capture, and reduction. 



Satellites and drones enhance real-time monitoring of leaks, allowing for swift responses. In agriculture, innovative practices like improved feed efficiency and anaerobic digesters reduce methane from livestock and rice production while boosting farm productivity.



Public-private partnerships can accelerate the development of scalable methane reduction technologies. Engaging the public through awareness campaigns fosters collective action and sustainability. 



Innovation, collaboration, and community engagement are crucial in a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/science/articles/10.3389/fsci.2024.1349770/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a>.



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Rapid reductions in methane emissions are possible

Methane is a major contributor to the global climate crisis,...

The Western Forest Complex (<a href="https://thailand.wcs.org/en-us/Wild-Places/Western-Forest-Complex.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WEFCOM</a>) in Thailand has seen a remarkable resurgence of its rich biodiversity, particularly with the tiger, the apex predator of these woods, experiencing a significant increase in population over the past 15 years.



According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Thailand has recorded a staggering 250% increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tiger-day-worldwide-support-for-tiger-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiger numbers</a> from 2007 to 2023. That's right, the count has leaped from about 40 to over 140!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-thailand-tiger-conservation">Celebrating Thailand tiger conservation</h2>



The Pattaya News reports that this extraordinary success story in Thailand is playing out differently in other parts of Southeast Asia. The disappearance of tigers from Java and Bali predates the 21st century, with Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam reporting similar losses by the mid-2000s. 



In Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and Myanmar, these big cats are hanging on by a thread, often in small or isolated populations, held at bay by hunting and loss of habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-destined-to-save-thailand-tigers">Destined to save Thailand tigers</h2>



Enter Pornkamol Jornburom, director of WCS Thailand, and a defiant beacon of hope for these endangered creatures. She believes the credit for this remarkable recovery goes to Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, (DNP).



They have executed rigorous patrolling regimes, forming a protective shield around the tigers and their habitat from poachers and deforestation.



"We see very strong correlations between better law enforcement and the recovery of tigers. Prior to this, illegal hunting and logging were rife in WEFCOM, and tigers were on a path toward extinction. Here, as elsewhere in Asia, good enforcement is the cornerstone of the tiger recovery process," explained Jornburom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-coast-is-clear">The coast is clear</h2>



The DNP's tireless work of more than two decades, coupled with WCS and the Thai government's meticulous monitoring, were crucial in tracking the success of these patrols. Started in 2004, the team installed hundreds of cameras to photograph the tigers, effectively using their unique stripe patterns to monitor the population's health.



The work was led by Thailand DNP senior scientist Somphot Duangchantrasiri. "We believe this is a good example of how to set up and maintain a strong, independent monitoring program that brings credibility to tiger recovery efforts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-tiger-tale">More than just a tiger tale</h2>



Any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thriving ecosystem</a> is a balanced ecosystem. So, apex predators, the state of tigers is a reflection of the overall health of their habitat.



The team also monitored the positive ripple effects of their rigorous patrolling. Notably, they reported recovery in prey populations, like the banteng, a species of endangered wild cattle.



Apinya Saisamornin is an expert who specializes in tiger prey at the Wildlife Conservation Society and Kasetsart University in Bangkok.



"Tigers can't exist in the wild without a healthy abundance of prey species. Our study showed a doubling in numbers of both sambar (a large, elk-like deer) and banteng, the key prey species for tigers in WEFCOM. Without the recovery of prey, tiger numbers could not have grown as large as they did," noted Saisamornin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-triumph-but-only-the-beginning">A triumph, but only the beginning</h2>



All these numbers stitch together a heartening tapestry of ecosystem-wide recovery. 



"The news out of Thailand of a 250% increase in tiger numbers over 15 years is proof that the tiger can be saved, but it takes long-term commitment on focused interventions," said Dale Miquelle, a senior tiger conservationist at WCS.



"Recovery efforts are important not only for tigers - these same forests protect most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial biodiversity</a> of Asia, provide ecosystem services for millions of people, and buffer the impacts of climate change by retaining healthy forested ecosystems."



Let’s take a moment here. Is it victory? Yes, but let’s not rest on our laurels. Miquelle's words are as much a celebration as they are a call to arms.



Yes, we’ve stumbled upon a recipe for success in Thailand’s WEFCOM. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get ready to cook up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-cougar-day-the-crucial-ecological-role-of-cougars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar stories</a> across the world. 



Because if we've learned anything here, it’s that through collective effort, we can turn around the seemingly insurmountable. So, are you ready to give these magnificent beasts a fighting chance?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989424002208?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>.



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Tiger numbers have jumped by 250% in Thailand

The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) in Thailand has seen a...

The stratosphere and the ground are two areas in the atmosphere influenced by the gas we know as ozone.&nbsp;The stratosphere, which sits high above us, relies on ozone to protect Earth and its humans from the harsh&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultraviolet rays</a>&nbsp;of the sun. At ground level, this colorless gas can cause noticeable health issues.&nbsp;



But there's a zone in between these two, the upper troposphere, where ozone acts as a potent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a>.



The upper troposphere, a layer of the atmosphere just beneath the stratosphere where most aircraft fly, is where this gas contributes to global warming.&nbsp;



Despite global efforts to curb its sources, the ozone level in this atmospheric layer is showing an upward trend, and the cause appears to be human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-a-human-fingerprint">Ozone: A human fingerprint</h2>



A group of scientists from <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) have confirmed that a large part of the increase in upper tropospheric ozone is, indeed, anthropogenic. 



The study uncovers a clear indication of human influence on the ozone trends in the upper troposphere dating back to 2005.



The team confirmed that there is a "clear and increasing trend in upper tropospheric ozone in the northern midlatitudes due to human beings rather than climate noise."



The researchers plan to delve deeper into the data to uncover exactly what human activities are causing this trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-and-human-activities">Ozone and human activities </h2>



Understanding the causes and influences of ozone is a complex task. The gas is not directly emitted but created through a series of chemical reactions.&nbsp;



These reactions begin with precursors, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-could-boost-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen oxides</a> and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are released into the atmosphere by various human activities including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and aircraft operations.



How long ozone remains in the atmosphere is dependent on many factors, including the type and volume of human activity in a specific area and natural climate variability.&nbsp;



Adding to the complexity is that while the ozone level in the upper troposphere is increasing, it has remained stable or even decreased in lower parts of the atmosphere, largely due to emissions control efforts in North America and Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-vs-climate-noise">Human influence vs. climate noise</h2>



The researchers sought to identify the human "fingerprint" in upper tropospheric ozone levels. 



To achieve this, they ran a series of simulations using a chemistry climate model to understand the impact of human activities on ozone level - distinct from the effects of climate variability.



The simulations revealed a common signal across all scenarios, which the team identified as a human fingerprint. The researchers then cross-referenced this data with actual satellite observations. 



Despite initial skepticism about the robustness of satellite data, the experts found a clear signal, especially over Asia, where industrial growth and weather conditions have significantly increased ozone and its precursors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-focus-in-search-of-the-culprits">Future focus: In search of the culprits</h2>



The next step for the MIT team is to identify the specific human activities that are causing the upper tropospheric ozone to increase.&nbsp;



The researchers are exploring various possibilities, including emissions from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a>&nbsp;combustion in vehicles and power plants, aircraft flying in the upper troposphere, and even the influence of wildfires.



Separating human-caused impacts from natural climate variations is vital to inform strategies addressing climate change and air pollution, the team underscored.&nbsp;



This insightful study moves the scientific community a step closer to identifying the solutions required to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-rising-ozone-levels">Implications of rising ozone levels</h2>



As we contemplate the implications of increased upper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-threatens-the-health-of-plants-and-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropospheric ozone</a>&nbsp;levels, it becomes evident that the ramifications extend beyond environmental concerns to encompass public health and climate policy.&nbsp;



The increase of ozone in this layer is linked to rising atmospheric temperatures and worsening climate change. These changes have cascading impacts across weather patterns, ecosystems, and biodiversity.



Moreover, ozone is a potent respiratory irritant; thus, its rise can lead to heightened instances of respiratory ailments and overall degradation of air quality.&nbsp;



The impacts are particularly pronounced in urban areas already plagued by pollution and can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly.&nbsp;



It's crucial to have strong strategies to reduce emissions. This includes identifying sources and implementing policies that promote a sustainable balance between human activities and the health of our atmosphere.



Finding new solutions like green technologies and tougher rules on industrial emissions is essential to tackle the growing environmental challenge.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c01289" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Human activities are increasing ozone in the upper troposphere

The stratosphere and the ground are two areas in the...

Forecasts reveal a foreboding specter: the potential collapse of a pivotal system of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlantic Ocean currents</a> within the next decade and a half. 



This phenomenon carries the power to drastically redefine our planet's weather and climate patterns, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human societies.



This report paints a sobering panorama of a future where the very fabric of life on Earth could be dramatically affected, altering everything from temperature distributions to weather extremes and oceanic ecosystems. 



The potential ramifications extend beyond mere environmental shifts, potentially impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and the global economy in profound and unpredictable ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-atlantic-s-crucial-conveyor-belt">The Atlantic's crucial conveyor belt</h2>



Known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), this essential system functions like a colossal oceanic conveyor belt.



It transports warm surface water from the southern hemisphere and the tropics to the chilly expanses of the North Atlantic. The colder, saltier water then plunges to the ocean floor and flows south. 



This cyclical motion not only prevents the Southern Hemisphere from overheating and the Northern Hemisphere from freezing over but also disperses life-nourishing nutrients throughout marine ecosystems.



Research into these vital currents has been intense and ongoing. In recent years, multiple studies have proposed the disturbing theory that the AMOC could be heading towards a catastrophic failure, weakened by rising ocean temperatures and disrupted salinity levels - the chilling aftermath of human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-deja-vu-oceans-may-slow-down-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-timeline-for-collapse">A timeline for collapse</h2>



The prognosis of this recent research stands out as it provides an estimated timeframe for the potential collapse of the AMOC. According to the data, the shutdown could transpire as soon as 2037 and as late as 2064.



The findings further suggest that there is more than a 50% chance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-could-collapse-the-atlantic-circulation-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents</a> collapsing before we reach the middle of this century.



The urgency and precision of this prediction are unprecedented, sounding alarms among many within the scientific community and beyond.



The detailed forecast has heightened concerns and spurred intense discussions about the potential global impact, emphasizing the need for immediate action and comprehensive climate strategies to mitigate the impending crisis.



Study co-author René van Westen is an atmospheric and marine researcher.based at the <a href="https://www.uu.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utrecht</a>. 



"This is really worrying," said van Westen. "All the negative side effects of anthropogenic climate change, such as more heat waves, more droughts, and more flooding, will continue. If you add an AMOC collapse on top of that, the climate will become even more distorted."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-without-the-amoc">A world without the AMOC</h2>



Picture a world where the AMOC has ceased to function. It would hardly be recognizable as the one we know now. 



In the wake of the collapse, Arctic ice would gradually advance southwards, enveloping the southern coast of England within a century. 



Mean temperatures in Europe and parts of North America, including regions of the United States, would nosedive.



In an ironic twist, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon rainforest</a>'s dry and rainy seasons would be completely inverted. Such a future, as we can all agree, is one we should strive to avoid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-the-tipping-point">Pinpointing the tipping point</h2>



The Utrecht University team utilized cutting-edge models and - for the first time - highlighted an area within South Atlantic Ocean as the prime location to monitor any changes in the circulation.



They analyzed temperatures and ocean salinity in this region, aiming to narrow down when the AMOC might reach its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping point</a>. 



However, melting Greenland ice - which is disrupting the circulation's driving force of salt, is insufficiently considered - which might lead to underestimation of the speed and onset of the collapse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-evolving-understanding-of-the-amoc">An evolving understanding of the AMOC</h2>



Until just a few years ago, the possibility of an AMOC collapse was considered a "low-probability, high-impact risk." But now, it's seen as a highly likely event within this century. 



The swift advances in AMOC research and the rapid evolution of models predicting its collapse underscore the urgency of this growing threat.



Ultimately, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, Earth's lifeblood and climate regulator, is at a perilous crossroads. With over a 50% chance of collapse before 2050, the need for swift, decisive action to mitigate the effects of our changing climate has never been more urgent.



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Atlantic current system may collapse by 2037

Forecasts reveal a foreboding specter: the potential collapse of a...

Have you ever found yourself halted in the supermarket aisle, a dozen juice options staring back at you, your hand hovering between the gleaming glass bottle and the humble carton pack? That choice seems simple, yet it carries a crucial question: which packaging is more sustainable?



The choices seem endless: there's aluminum made from recycled material, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tetra-pak-will-help-restore-brazils-endangered-atlantic-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable carton</a>, 100% recyclable glass, or even biodegradable plastic. Each option comes with its own set of promises and perceived benefits. 



Like most consumers, you might instinctively reach for the glass bottle, assuming it's the most sustainable choice.



However, it's time we unravel the surprising truth and examine the real environmental impact of these packaging options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-illusion-of-glass-as-sustainable-packaging">The illusion of glass as sustainable packaging</h2>



"Glass was the most sought-after and the most highly esteemed packaging type," said the authors of a recent study from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>. This, however, is a common misconception, noted the researchers.



Contrary to popular belief, glass stands among the least sustainable options when we take into account the entire packaging life cycle.



When consumers were asked to rank packaging choices based on their perception of sustainability, the list read - glass, carton, aluminum, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/9936-chemicals-found-in-plastic-products-used-for-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a>. The truth, as it turns out, is quite different.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-sustainability-cartons-lead-the-way">Redefining sustainability: Cartons lead the way</h2>



The sustainability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-develop-smart-food-packaging-show-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food packaging</a> is variable and depends on several factors, including the type of product and packaging and the container’s size and weight.



For a single-serve orange juice, the most sustainable choice would be a carton, followed by plastic, cans, and then finally - glass. This revelation was as astounding to the scientists as it is to most consumers.



“I was shocked to read the lifecycle assessment from the experts that it takes so much energy to produce glass and recycle it – much more than what it takes to make or recycle plastic,” said Nomzamo Dlamini, lead author of the paper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-sustainable-packaging-education">Need for sustainable packaging education</h2>



The researchers set out to investigate the motivations behind consumers’ packaging choices, while also considering factors like price, lifestyle, and other attitudes.



This understanding can aid industry experts in identifying what consumers prefer and believe, and hence educate them on making more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eco-labeling-promotes-sustainable-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable choices</a>.



To capture real-life scenarios in the research, a questionnaire was designed using a method called conjoint analysis. The team presented various options and assessed the trade-offs made by consumers.



According to Dlamini, the ultimate goal was "to understand at the end of the day, what matters to people."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainability-vs-price-ultimate-trade-off">Sustainability vs price: Ultimate trade-off</h2>



Contrary to expectations, even though many consumers expressed an intention to purchase sustainable packaging, the top motivating factor turned out to be price – mostly the lowest price – followed by packaging type, product claim, and packaging claim. 



Thus, for the 847 consumers surveyed, the ideal orange juice option turned out to be priced at $1.10 per 12 fluid ounces. The juice was packaged in glass, locally produced, and labeled as 100% <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infinitely-recyclable-plastics-may-soon-become-a-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recyclable</a>.



The message here for the food industry is clear. Consumers are motivated to choose sustainable packaging, provided the price is right. 



"Sustainable packaging options should be clearly labeled as such, effective (e.g. not defective or just as durable as conventional packaging), and affordable to increase consumers’ motivation and adoption of sustainable packaging for food and beverages," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-sustainability-takeaway">Final sustainability takeaway</h2>



While packaging choices play a significant role in environmental outcomes, the study underscores that the most impactful and practical way consumers can contribute to sustainability efforts is by reducing or avoiding food waste. 



This simple yet powerful action can greatly diminish the overall carbon footprint associated with food production and consumption. 



Beyond choosing eco-friendly packaging, unnecessary waste can be prevented through mindful portion sizes, proper storage, and thoughtful purchasing.



As we collectively strive towards a more sustainable future, it's crucial to remember that small, everyday actions like minimizing food waste can lead to substantial environmental benefits.



This holistic approach to sustainability not only preserves resources but also fosters a culture of conscious consumption.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/14/6202" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainability</a>.



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What's the most sustainable packaging? The answer will surprise you

Have you ever found yourself halted in the supermarket aisle,...

In today's socio-environmental landscape, two imminent threats are converging upon our delicate coastal ecosystems: seawater flooding and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-kills-ocean-embryos-during-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a>. 



A new study has surfaced with alarming findings: the presence of these two stressors together can significantly impact the growth and reproductive capabilities of coastal plant species.



"Coastal ecosystems face a multitude of pressures including plastic pollution and increased flood risk due to sea level rise and the frequency and severity of storms," noted the study authors.  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focusing-on-hidden-coastal-threats">Focusing on hidden coastal threats</h2>



Ecosystems function in complex interdependencies, where minor changes can have profound bearings on the entire web of life. 



The study signals how two escalating issues - increased plastic use and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change-induced flooding</a> - can pose a severe combined threat. 



This puts a strain on the plants, leading to altered growth patterns, short-term suppression of photosynthetic efficiency, and eventually compromising ecosystem health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-case-study-in-environmental-stress">A case study in environmental stress</h2>



The research, led by experts at the University of Plymouth <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/school-of-biological-and-marine-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological and Marine Sciences</a> and the International Marine Litter Research Unit, focused on a robust coastal species known as the buck's horn plantain.



Endemic to various corners of the globe - from Europe, Asia and North Africa, to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand - this plant species often proliferates in beach shingle and sand dune habitats.



Experimenting with this hearty plant, the research team cultivated it in soil containing conventional or biodegradable plastics for over a month. 



The plants were then inundated with seawater for 72 hours, replicating the type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/100-year-floods-will-likely-be-annual-events-by-the-end-of-the-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding events</a> that are becoming more common due to storms and coastal storm surges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disconcerting-coastal-findings">Disconcerting coastal findings </h2>



Upon analyzing metrics such as plant survival, plant size, photosynthetic efficiency, and flower production post the flooding event, the team made some disconcerting observations. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a> took a toll on the plants' reproduction, while flooding led to an increased rate of tissue death.



"This research highlights the potential for microplastics, composed of conventional and biodegradable plastic, to detrimentally affect plant functioning. Moreso, it indicates that the effect of microplastics can be magnified by other environmental factors such as rising sea levels and coastal flooding," said study lead author Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones.



"Studies such as this help us appreciate the potential harm posed by microplastics to a range of organisms, and ecosystem resilience generally."



The findings underline the urgency to understand and address the threats posed by microplastics and climate change, especially when they converge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensifying-effects-on-coastal-plants">Intensifying effects on coastal plants</h2>



As we move forward, it is crucial to take into account the combined impact of pollution and flooding, as their effects can be dangerously pronounced when they occur together.



"Coastal dunes and grasslands play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, but are coming under increasing threat from climate change and a number of other environmental factors," said study senior author Dr. Mick Hanley. 



"That is particularly worrying given that both microplastic pollution and coastal flooding are projected to worsen and intensify over the coming decades unless ambitious global actions are implemented."



Indeed, the time is ripe to take swift, decisive action on a global scale to salvage the health and resilience of our ecosystems from these mounting stressors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-coastal-ecosystem-preservation">Solutions for coastal ecosystem preservation</h2>



The convergence of plastic pollution and seawater flooding presents a formidable challenge, yet there is a growing consensus on the importance of integrating innovative solutions to mitigate these threats. 



Key strategies include enhancing waste management systems, promoting the usage of biodegradable materials, and implementing robust coastal management policies. 



Community engagement and education also play vital roles. By fostering awareness of the impacts of plastic pollution and climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-turbidity-helps-protect-coastal-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal ecosystems</a>, we empower individuals to contribute to sustainable practices.



Furthermore, collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and local communities can harness local knowledge and scientific research to develop effective conservation strategies tailored to specific ecosystems. 



It is imperative that we act collectively to promote resilience within our coastal habitats, ensuring they continue to support biodiversity and provide essential resources for future generations. 



“Think globally, act locally” is a guiding principle that must resonate in our collective pursuit of ecological sustainability.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749124012879?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a>.



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Coastal plants endangered by plastic pollution and flooding

In today's socio-environmental landscape, two imminent threats are converging upon...

Unpredictable as they may seem, the forces of nature never cease to surprise us. Yet, the fact remains that the better we understand these forces, the better we can anticipate their impact. The latest in the mysterious saga of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stability-of-antarctica-is-threatened-by-submarine-canyons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural occurrences</a> is the rising earth beneath the Antarctica <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Sheet</a>, a phenomenon taking precedence in our fight against future sea level rise. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-and-fall-of-sea-levels-in-antarctica">Rise and fall of sea levels in Antarctica</h2>



While it may appear to be a motionless mass, our 'solid' ground is always on the move, sinking and rising in response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-low-antarctic-sea-ice-and-rapid-melting-pace-stuns-climate-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental shifts</a>. 



Now, Antarctica, already in the spotlight for melting glacial ice, adds another interesting twist. As the ice melts, the reduced weight on the bedrock allows it to rise. 



How this rising ground interacts with the overlying ice and consequently impacts sea level rise intrigued Terry Wilson - a senior research scientist at the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at The <a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a> - and her team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-in-the-balance">What lies in the balance</h2>



To make sense of this, Wilson's fellow researchers at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> developed an impressive model. It predicts how these earth-ice interactions could influence global sea level and, surprisingly, it points to some good news. 



But, what could be good about rising sea levels? Well, if we manage to lower greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming, the model suggests that the upward shifts in the solid earth could lessen Antarctica's contribution to sea level rise by a whopping 40 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-antarctica-rising-sea">Rising Antarctica, rising sea</h2>



Yet, we must face the reality that if we fail to reduce carbon emissions in time, the scales tip the other way. With higher emissions, ice retreat outstrips the uplift and magnifies sea level rise. This scenario could worsen sea level rise predictions along populated coastlines according to Wilson.



“Our measurements show that the solid earth that forms the base of the Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a> is changing shape surprisingly quickly,“ said Wilson. “The land uplift from reduced ice on the surface is happening in decades, rather than over thousands of years.”&nbsp;



The study uses data obtained from the Antarctic Network (ANET) of the Polar Earth Observing Network (POLENET) project. By conducting a series of simulations, the researchers predicted potential evolutions of Antarctica’s ice sheet and the extent of global sea level rise until the year 2500.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-every-action-counts">Every action counts</h2>



"We can project what difference it will make if we all contribute to a low-emission scenario now, versus what’s come to be called ‘business as usual’ emissions,” said Wilson.



Her research is a testament to how our individual, national, and global actions can impact the health of our planet and shape our future.



The study is crucial in understanding how changes in Antarctica could influence sea levels worldwide. With almost 700 million people living in coastal regions, mitigating conditions like atmospheric and ocean warming becomes a pressing issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-at-stake">What’s at stake?</h2>



With climate change effects becoming increasingly apparent, this work emphasizes the urgency of action. It reinforces that our collective decisions can shape the kind of Earth our next generations will inherit. 



This insightful study ties in seamlessly with a broader dialogue on climate change, the environment, and our shared responsibility in preserving our future.



The study was achieved with invaluable contributions from scientists across various universities and was generously supported by the U.S National Science Foundation and the <a href="https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada</a>.



This piece of research has further untangled the complex relationship between the solid earth and the processes it undergoes. As our planet evolves, consistent data gathering and prompt, accurate predictions are critical in navigating the environmental changes we face.



“There’s a lot of uncertainty in every model and every prediction that you make,” said Wilson. “But to document how fast our world is changing, it’s very important to continue advancing our ability to make predictions that are more certain, which is the only path that will allow us to tend to our future in a meaningful way.”



And remember, whether it's a small switch to sustainable alternatives or a vote for environmental policies, every action we take brings us a step closer to preserving our home. So, what steps will you take today?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn1470" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Antarctica's land is lifting, and it may reduce sea level rise

Unpredictable as they may seem, the forces of nature never...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;



"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.



"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;



According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



Video 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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. 



According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.



"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.



"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."



Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;



"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.



The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.



"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.



"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/">NTU Singapore</a> reveals that some plants can remove toxic heavy metals from soil.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed samples of various tropical plant species to test for levels of heavy metals and metalloids. The study showed that there are existing plants with high levels of these contaminants, which means that these species are great candidates for drawing pollutants out of the soil.&nbsp;



Among the plants examined in the study, 12 species had accumulated several types of heavy metals and metalloids. These plants are widely available, including species that are native to Singapore.



“In a small nation like Singapore, land may be repurposed to support new development plans, so it is important that we have a green and sustainable way to remediate land that is contaminated," said Professor Lam Yeng Ming.



"We set out to uncover how to better make use of tropical plants to do phytoremediation and through advanced characterization techniques, we showed how some of these tropical plant species can be an environmentally friendly and literally a 'green' way to remove contaminants in soil."&nbsp;



"Phytoremediation also has benefits of cost effectiveness, simplicity of management, aesthetic advantages, and long-term applicability and sustainability. The strategy prevents erosion and metal leaching by stabilizing or accumulating heavy metals, so that helps reduce the risk of contaminant spread.”



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes why herbicides are not as effective in killing weeds anymore. In the 20th century, chemical companies developed thousands of herbicides. The most commonly used herbicide was glyphosate, which was introduced in 1974.



Over the past few decades, dozens of species of weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Depending on the site of action, the part of the plant that an herbicide interacts with, weeds may even be resistant to herbicides that have not been developed yet.&nbsp;



With increasing resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides, weeds are - once again - becoming a major concern for farmers.&nbsp;



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) describes a dust storm on Mars that was nearly twice the size of the United States. As the storm covered the southern hemisphere of the planet, some of NASA’s explorers had to delay their normal activities.



NASA’s Insight lander put itself in a "safe mode" for 11 days to conserve battery power because solar power was disrupted by the dust. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter postponed flights until conditions improved.



"A fleet of NASA orbiters monitor Martian dust storms like this one and serve as lifelines to Earth by relaying data from the rovers and lander on the ground back to the team. This includes the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and Odyssey," reports JPL.



"Dust storms like this recent one start close to the ground and are spread by wind as they rise – warming the cold Martian atmosphere."



The images in the video were captured by NASA’s Curiosity as the dust rolled in. A fleet of orbiters monitored the dust storm from above, relaying data from Mars’ explorers back to scientists on Earth.



Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



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NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.



Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;The Hara Forest Protected Area is a network of shallow waterways and forest located between the island and the mainland. This protected region is home to sea turtles, snakes, and more than 150 species of migrating birds.



Qeshm is famous for its wide range of&nbsp;ecotourist&nbsp;attractions, such as the&nbsp;Hara marine forests. According to environmentalists, about 1.5 percent of the world birds and 25 percent of Iran's native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-hummingbirds-avoid-sexual-harassment-by-looking-like-males/">birds</a> annually migrate to the forests, which are the first national geo park in Iran.



Tourists are also drawn to the island to see an age-old Portuguese&nbsp;fort, historic mosques, the&nbsp;Seyyed Mozaffar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bibi Maryam&nbsp;shrines, and the "Valley of Stars."



The average temperature on the island is 81 degress and the region is often hot and humid. From June to August, the island is described as being oppressively hot. The ideal time to visit is during the winter season. 



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



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Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique.&nbsp;



"Inhambane Bay is a deep inlet into which the small Mutamba River flows," says ESA. "On one side of the bay lies the historical city of Inhambane, capital of the Inhambane Province, while the sister city of Maxixe, the economic capital of Inhambane, sits across from it. The province is the second largest grower of cashews, after Nampula, and it also produces coconut and citrus fruits."



The beaches of Barra and Tofo are popular with tourists. There are also coral reefs along the long coastline of Inhambane, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.



"Mozambique’s extensive coastline heightens the country’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones that develop in the Indian Ocean as well as storm surge flooding," says ESA.



"More than half of the population lives in low lying coastal areas, putting communities at risk. Inhambane Bay was dangerously close to where Cyclone Idai made landfall in 2019 causing widespread destruction to the country."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, one of the largest tidewater outlet glaciers in Greenland. The glacier is located on the east coast of the Greenland ice sheet.



As human-induced climate change continues to drive up temperatures, global ice loss is accelerating at an alarming rate. ESA reports that, over the past decade alone, 3.5 trillion tons of ice have melted from the Greenland ice sheet. This is enough to cover the UK with meltwater 15 meters deep.



Based on satellite imagery, researchers determined that Kangerlussuaq entered a new phase of rapid retreat and acceleration in 2017. In their study, published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2019.00123/full">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>,&nbsp; the experts report that the glacier's ice front is now at its most retreated position since the early 20th century.



"Given Kangerlussuaq’s previous impacts on both the magnitude and pattern of ice sheet wide mass loss, we predict that its new phase of retreat, acceleration and thinning will markedly enhance the south-east region’s contribution to increasing discharge from the ice sheet," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"More broadly, accurate forecasting of the ice sheet’s contribution to sea level rise will require a deeper understanding of, and responses to, these non-linear ice dynamic processes."



Video 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



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Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the complex relationship between ocean and climate. ESA's Climate Change Initiative will help us understand how oceans influence the climate and how climate change is impacting the oceans.&nbsp;



"Earth’s oceans are huge heat stores, soaking up 93% of the excess heat from human activity over the past 70 years. Ocean currents redistribute heat around the planet, from the Equator to the poles. Where this ocean heat goes influences weather patterns and regional climate," explains ESA.



"As well as absorbing heat, oceans are a natural carbon sink, absorbing a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. This has led to the acidification of ocean water, threating marine life."



The amount of heat and carbon dioxide soaked up by the ocean depends on specific variables, including phytoplankton, temperatures, waves, salinity, and ice cover. Satellites can be used to measure these variables from space.



"From their unique vantage point, satellites provide key information for understanding the complexities of our planet and monitoring environmental issues," says ESA.



Video 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



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Ocean heat influences regional climate

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