Hotter summers are not just uncomfortable, they also changing the odds of getting sick from food. A new analysis links warmer air, higher moisture, specific dewpoint ranges, and longer daylight to spikes in Salmonella infections across two European countries. 



The team showed that risk climbs when average temperatures rise above about 50°F and days stretch past 12 to 15 hours.



Lead author <a href="https://www.londonntd.org/research/researchers/laura-c-gonzalez-villeta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Laura C. González Villeta</a> of the University of Surrey’s <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Veterinary Medicine</a> led work that tied laboratory confirmed Salmonella cases to local weather conditions using a transparent statistical approach.



The bacteria called Salmonella cause <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15697-salmonella" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food poisoning</a> that often brings diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Common symptoms usually start within hours to a few days and most people recover without treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmonella-and-the-weather">Salmonella and the weather</h2>



Researchers linked daily case counts from the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Health Security Agency</a> to detailed weather from the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Met Office</a>, then checked the model with national surveillance data from the Netherlands. 



They examined 14 factors, including temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, sunshine, and dewpoint temperature.



Instead of forcing a complex equation to fit the data, the group calculated a conditional incidence that directly describes how often cases occur when specific combinations of weather are present. 



That method lets you see which trio of conditions lines up with higher infection counts without hiding the signal inside a black box.



The approach showed consistency when moved from one country to another after accounting for reporting differences. That matters because public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/to-get-fit-and-stay-healthy-walk-this-exact-distance-every-day/">health</a> tools work best when they travel across borders without losing accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-model-found">What the model found</h2>



Risk rose when average air temperatures topped roughly 50°F, day length sat between 12 and 15 hours, and dewpoint hovered around the mid 40s to about 50°F. The same pattern appeared regardless of location.



Not every weather knob seemed important. Wind speed, air pressure, and sunshine duration had little or no association with reported cases in this dataset.



Seasonal peaks in late summer were reproduced when the model fed on local weather. That gave officials a way to anticipate risk based on last week’s skies rather than waiting for lab reports to trickle in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-weather-boosts-salmonella">How weather boosts Salmonella</h2>



Broader evidence lines up with these findings. A large <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11530612/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meta-analysis</a> of 23 Salmonella studies found about a 5 percent rise in risk for every 1.8°F increase in temperature.



Europe’s outbreak history shows why this topic matters. In 2018, nearly one in three foodborne outbreaks in the European Union were caused by Salmonella, according to an EFSA <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/salmonella-most-common-cause-foodborne-outbreaks-european-union" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>.



That baseline risk has not disappeared in recent years. Surveillance summaries still identify Salmonella as a leading cause of foodborne outbreaks across the region, with eggs and mixed foods often involved, as noted in EFSA’s public <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7666" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">publication</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-public-health">What this means for public health</h2>



“The study highlights how weather plays a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-overlooked-sources-of-antibiotic-resistant-salmonella/">Salmonella</a> outbreaks and provides a valuable tool for predicting future risks and tailoring interventions, particularly in the context of climate change,” said Dr. Villeta. The work is not just about describing patterns.&nbsp;



Weather aware forecasting can help agencies time inspections, target hygiene messaging, and plan surge capacity when the odds of illness tick up. 



Food businesses can also adjust cold chain checks, staff training, and consumer advice when riskier conditions line up.



Individuals are not powerless either. Keep cold foods cold, cook poultry and eggs to safe temperatures, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, and wash hands and surfaces, especially when the air is warm and the day runs long.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-forecasting-tools">High-tech forecasting tools</h2>



Most forecasting tools lean on regression or time series fits that struggle with tangled, non linear interactions. 



The conditional incidence approach shows how combinations of temperature, humidity, and daylight align with cases, which is easier to interpret and to explain.



That clarity helps separate what drives risk from noise. It also allows public health teams to identify factor combinations that do not explain much, saving effort where it will not pay off.



Model outputs replicated real world peaks and mapped risk at fine spatial scales. That is the level where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-screen-time-shapes-their-mental-health-as-teens/">health</a> departments and food producers make day to day choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limits-and-next-steps">Limits and next steps</h2>



The model tracks reported cases, which understate total infections. Even so, de trending and validation across two countries suggest the weather signals are real.



Future tests in different climates and income settings would show how far the method travels. Adding data on livestock density, land use, and consumer behavior could sharpen predictions without losing transparency.



Better early warnings do not replace basic food safety, but they can make those steps more timely. That is useful as warmer summers and longer heat seasons become more common.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(25)00004-0/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Infection</a>.



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Warmer weather is impacting global food supply, but not in the way you think

Hotter summers are not just uncomfortable, they also changing the odds of getting sick from food. A new analysis links warmer air, higher moisture, specific dewpoint ranges, and longer daylight to spikes in Salmonella infections across two European countries. The team showed that risk climbs when average temperatures rise above about 50°F and days stretch past 12 to 15 hours. Lead author Dr. Laura C. González Villeta of the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine led work that tied laboratory confirmed Salmonella cases to local weather...

Plants are the survivors of nature, equipped with a remarkable ability to cope with diverse climatic conditions. Their resilience against weather extremes and grazing pressure offers rich insights about biodiversity and the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoration-of-drylands-essential-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dryland ecosystems</a>.



Even more intriguing is the fact that such resilient traits, which help plants thrive in dry landscapes, are not as uncommon as one might presume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puzzling-phenomenon-of-plant-traits">Puzzling phenomenon of plant traits</h2>



An international team of scientists led by Fernando Maestre of the <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Abdullah University of Science and Technology</a> (KAUST) delved into the fascinating world of plant traits and their response to changes in aridness and grazing pressure across global drylands.



Surprisingly, the researchers found that as aridity and grazing pressure increased, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-may-never-fully-recover-from-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diversity</a> did not decrease as expected.



Instead, the diversity of traits, particularly those linked to nutrient cycling, rose notably above an aridity threshold of 0.7, which marks the transition between semi-arid and arid zones. This increase in diversity was consistent with elevated grazing pressure.



Maestre, who was at the helm of this revolutionary study termed BIODESERT, noted that global initiatives aiming to describe plant trait diversity have focused on plant morphology and leaf carbon economy, but neglected the diversity of chemical elements that sustain plant survival and growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-survival-strategies-in-dry-landscapes">Plant survival strategies in dry landscapes </h2>



The research team conducted a thorough field survey to analyze the implications of aridity and grazing pressure on plant traits. They selected 98 sites from 25 countries, representing a global aridity gradient. Their selection included several plots spanning local gradients of grazing pressure.



The findings of the study were eye-opening. Variations in functional traits highlighted shifts in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant adaptation</a> strategies under changing environmental conditions.



Similarly, the researchers noticed that aridity and grazing triggered a plethora of strategies to endure water shortage and grazing.



The team measured traits associated with the concentration of 14 chemical elements in leaves, leaf and plant size, and the leaf carbon economy.



This invaluable data sheds light on how aridity and grazing shape the co-variations and trade-offs observed among multiple morphological and chemical plant traits across dry landscapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defying-nature-s-rule-book">Defying nature’s rule book</h2>



With rising levels of aridity, plants exhibited contrasting strategies. Some were tall species with fast-growing leaves following stress-avoidance strategies, and others were small conservative species following stress-tolerance strategies. The experts also noticed variations in Mg-Ca and Zn-Na concentrations in the leaves.



“These elemental strategies can reflect the contrasting role of chemical elements in plants, either as a way to tolerate high aridity levels or as base elements for defensive compounds against grazers," noted Maestre.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-plant-phenotypic-diversity">Redefining plant phenotypic diversity</h2>



The study provides novel insights into how vascular plants react to biotic stressors and environmental extremes.



More than half of the trait diversity was observed in the most arid and grazed drylands, highlighting the unique nature of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harsh environments</a>. Contrary to popular belief, harsh environmental conditions did not reduce plant trait diversity. 



“Our results also highlight the importance of considering a plant’s chemical composition (the elementone) to understand dryland biodiversity responses to ongoing climate change,” said Maestre. 



“Plants could have many alternative strategies to cope with increases in environmental stress induced by climate change and land-use intensification.”



Maestre plans to expand the BIODESERT survey into the arid and hyper-arid ecosystems of Saudi Arabia. His research offers valuable insights into how Saudi plant diversity can respond to ongoing climate change and also aids the selection of species suitable for ongoing and future greening programs.



The research confirms that plants are far from fragile, devising astounding strategies to survive and thrive in the harshest of conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-conservation-in-arid-ecosystems">The role of conservation in arid ecosystems</h2>



Understanding plant diversity in arid terrains highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these unique ecosystems. Climate change poses significant threats, making proactive measures essential to preserve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/algae-genetics-could-help-engineer-more-resilient-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilient plant species</a>.



Conservation should focus on safeguarding habitats from land degradation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agriculture, while also restoring degraded landscapes to enhance biodiversity. 



Involving local communities and incorporating Indigenous knowledge can create a collaborative approach to land management.



Promoting research and monitoring programs will ensure ongoing understanding of plant adaptation, enabling targeted conservation strategies. 



By recognizing the importance of these efforts, we can help sustain the resilient plant species that thrive in the harshest climates.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07731-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Plants in dry landscapes have surprising diversity

Plants are the survivors of nature, equipped with a remarkable...

Permafrost, an ever-prominent issue due to climate change, is causing the frozen lands of Alaska to wear away faster than they can restore themselves. 



The effects are not only detrimental to the physical landscape but also to the balance of Earth's atmosphere. As the land erodes, it releases trapped carbon, bolstering the warming of our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crucial-role-of-permafrost">The crucial role of permafrost</h2>



A sizable part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-a-widespread-decline-of-snow-cover-in-the-northern-hemisphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Hemisphere</a>'s surface is dominated by permafrost - permanently frozen ground that is primarily found in Arctic regions. This chilly natural resource is more than just frozen soil; it's an integral part of our global environment.



The imbalance of its destruction and renewal rate could lead to significant infrastructure damage and amplify the warming of the atmosphere. If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-exposing-the-dangers-of-melting-permafrost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost melts</a> faster than it can reform, we risk disrupting a delicate ecological balance.



"In the Northern Hemisphere, much of the ground is permafrost, meaning it is frozen year-round. Permafrost is a delicate natural resource. If it is lost faster than it is regenerated, we endanger infrastructure and release carbon, which can warm the atmosphere," said Nathan D. Brown, assistant professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at <a href="https://www.uta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UT Arlington</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-and-river-dynamics-in-alaska">Permafrost and river dynamics in Alaska</h2>



Rivers are dynamic entities, steadily altering their course over time. Influenced by floods, earthquakes, vegetation growth, and wildlife, they harmoniously flow and carve their way through the landscape. However, in Alaska, there’s an added element to this natural process.



The riverbanks, enshrined in permafrost, are consistently eroding, releasing organic carbon as they melt. When this carbon combines with oxygen, it morphs into carbon dioxide - a greenhouse gas responsible for atmospheric warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lingering-uncertainty-of-permafrost">The lingering uncertainty of permafrost</h2>



Dr. Brown, supported by academic peers from several notable institutions, set out to unravel the elusive nature of permafrost in a climate-challenged world.



The study was focused on the Koyukuk River in Alaska. This 425-mile tributary of the Yukon River is a vital component of the Alaskan ecosystem and plays a considerable role in the region's permafrost.



The research, published by the <a href="https://www.agu.org/user-profile/research?cstkey=C0D323FE-9886-4216-8D59-91B9B7B8D051&amp;researchType=publication" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Geophysical Union</a>, reveals a concerning trend. While new permafrost is developing along the floodplain, it’s not keeping pace with the amount melting due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-is-losing-its-cooling-power-making-the-earth-even-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a>.



"By dating these permafrost deposits, we found that permafrost formation in this region can take thousands of years. Under a warming climate, permafrost formation is expected to take longer, while thawing permafrost riverbanks will become more susceptible to erosion," explained Dr. Brown. 



"The net result will be a loss of permafrost and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abrupt-permafrost-thaw-releases-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contribution of carbon</a> to the atmosphere."



In the fight against climate change, every small alteration in the environment can have a cascading impact on the global stage. 



With the rapid melting of Alaska's permafrost, the future may hold even more challenges. Our Earth is a complex and delicately balanced system. Maintaining that balance is essential as we move forward into an uncertain climate future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-thawing-ice-on-wildlife">The impact of thawing ice on wildlife</h2>



As the climate warms and the ice melts, the implications extend beyond just the landscape; they significantly affect local wildlife. 



Many species, particularly those adapted to cold environments, are facing increasing challenges. For instance, polar bears, which rely on sea ice for hunting seals, are struggling to find adequate food sources as their habitat diminishes.



Moreover, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-sea-ice-has-a-direct-impact-on-adelie-penguin-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting ice</a> alters the natural cycles of rivers and lakes, affecting fish populations and other aquatic life. Fish spawn in specific conditions that are becoming more unpredictable due to temperature fluctuations and changes in water levels. This disruption can lead to declines in fish stocks, which not only impacts the ecosystem but also local communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods.



Further, as ice retreats, it exposes new areas of land that were previously frozen, leading to potential habitat shifts for various species. Some animals may adapt to these changes, while others could face extinction. 



The ripple effects of these changes can disrupt the intricate web of life in Alaska and beyond, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems.



Understanding and addressing these challenges is vital for the preservation of biodiversity as we strive for a sustainable future in a warming world.



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Rapid permafrost thaw in Alaska threatens global climate balance

Permafrost, an ever-prominent issue due to climate change, is causing...

Have you ever wondered why the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth is warming</a> at an alarming rate? The answer lies right under our noses - climate change, a phenomenon that scientists worldwide have been battling against. A recent study from <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> presents insights into our planet's climatic past, offering a unique perspective on the effects of warming today.



The research was led by Earth scientists at ETH Zurich. The team collaborated with eminent institutions, including the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>, CNRS Toulouse, and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-past-and-climate-change">Earth's past and climate change</h2>



Earth's geological history is complex, with major events like volcanic eruptions that changed landscapes and released ash and gas into the atmosphere.



These eruptions often led to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-earths-hottest-day-ever-was-recorded-on-july-22-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quick climate warming</a>, affecting ecosystems and life. Mass extinctions, like the one that killed the dinosaurs, were key moments that changed evolution and allowed new species to develop.



These periods of enhanced volcanic activity altered the carbon-climate regulation systems for millions of years. As if Earth's fiery turmoil wasn't enough, the changing vegetation further shifted the planet's climatic equilibrium, leaving an indelible mark on Earth's geological narrative.



"The Siberian Traps event released some 40,000 gigatons of carbon over 200,000 years. The resulting increase in global average temperatures between 5 - 10°C caused Earth’s most severe extinction event in the geologic record,” noted Professor Taras Gerya from ETH Zurich, a seasoned veteran in the field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-thriving-or-dying">Surviving, thriving, or dying</h2>



Unsurprisingly, nature has had to adapt to these climatic changes. However, some species simply didn't have the luxury of time to adapt to the steadily increasing temperatures.&nbsp;



“The recovery of vegetation from the Siberian Traps event took several millions of years and during this time Earth’s carbon-climate regulation system would have been weak and inefficient resulting in long-term climate warming,” explained study lead author Julian Rogger of ETH Zurich.



According to the study, the severity of such climatic turmoil relies on the rapid sequestration of emitted carbon back into Earth's interior, either through silicate mineral weathering or organic carbon production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-lessons-from-earths-past">Climate lessons from Earths past </h2>



The historical data from Earth's climate reveals that resilience and adaptation are not merely choices but necessities for survival.&nbsp;



The drastic shifts during previous warming periods serve as a warning, portraying the potential consequences of inaction in the face of current climate crises. Learning from the past enables us to develop robust strategies for resilience not just in plant life but across ecosystems.&nbsp;



As communities and nations grapple with climate challenges, integrating historical climate insights into modern policymaking will be essential.&nbsp;



Understanding how previous species thrived or perished can guide contemporary efforts in conservation and environmental management, ensuring that we take informed steps towards a sustainable future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-earth-s-climate-crisis">New era of Earth's climate crisis</h2>



So, what does the past have to say about our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-make-your-hometown-feel-like-somewhere-else/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">current climate crisis</a>? Essentially, the disruption of vegetation contributes significantly to the duration and severity of climate warming. The study reveals that an impaired ability of vegetation to regulate Earth's carbon cycle may take millions of years to reach a new stable climatic equilibrium.



“Today, we find ourselves in a major global bioclimatic crisis,” said Professor Loïc Pellissier of ETH Zurich and <a href="https://www.wsl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSL</a>. 



“Our study demonstrates the role of a functioning of vegetation to recover from abrupt climatic changes. We are currently releasing greenhouse gases at a faster rate than any previous volcanic event. We are also the primary cause of global deforestation, which strongly reduces the ability of natural ecosystems to regulate the climate. This study, in my perspective, serves as ‘wake-up call’ for the global community.”



This is indeed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-still-prevent-critical-climate-tipping-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wake-up call for humanity</a>. Now, the question is, how will we respond? Will we continue on our current path, risking the destruction of our planet, or will we rise to the occasion, making changes to ensure a livable world for future generations?



The clock is ticking, and unlike plant species millions of years ago, we might not have the luxury of time to adapt.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn3450" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Plants needed millions of years to recover from past climate warming

Have you ever wondered why the Earth is warming at...

In what can only be described as a herculean accomplishment, a team of scientists has succeeded in bringing to the surface a long, 1,268-meter section of rocks from the Earth's Mantle. This layer, hidden beneath the crust, forms the largest chunk of our planet.



The insights gained from this discovery open doors to a profound understanding of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet's inner workings</a>, offering a peek into life's origins, the causes behind volcanic activities, and the global cycles of elements vital to our existence such as carbon and hydrogen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-earth-s-interior">Understanding Earth's interior</h2>



The Earth is composed of four <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primary layers</a>: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. At the surface, we find the crust, which is thin and solid, primarily made of rock, representing the layer where we reside.



Below the crust lies the mantle, a substantial layer of semi-solid rock that flows gradually over time. This dynamic layer is crucial, as it drives the movement of tectonic plates, resulting in earthquakes and volcanic activity.



Delving deeper, the outer core consists of liquid metal, predominantly iron and nickel, and is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field through its movements.



At the very center, we encounter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-is-slowing-down-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the inner core</a> -- a dense, solid sphere of iron and nickel. Despite enduring extreme heat, the extraordinary pressure keeps this inner core solid.



Each layer not only contributes to the structure of our planet but also plays a vital role in processes that shape our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-achievement">Unprecedented achievement</h2>



At the forefront of this remarkable feat is Professor Johan Lissenberg from Cardiff University’s <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth-environmental-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Earth and Environmental Sciences</a>.



The mantle rocks were procured from a tectonic window on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge during Expedition 399 of the JOIDES Resolution, appropriately titled “Building Blocks of Life, Atlantis Massif,” in spring of 2023.



This accomplishment marks an epoch in Earth sciences. The international team, operating under the International Ocean Discovery Program (<a href="https://www.iodp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IODP</a>), has secured these ancient rocks for detailed analysis. They will now serve as keys to our understanding of Earth's geological and biological history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-the-many-layers-of-earth-s-mantle">Deciphering the many layers of Earth's mantle</h2>



The rock samples are far from ordinary. Their unique makeup reveals secrets of processes that took place as these rocks ascended from the deep recesses of the Earth to the surface.



Professor Lissenberg notes, "Our study begins to look at the composition of the mantle by documenting the mineralogy of the recovered rocks, as well as their chemical makeup."



Interestingly, they contain less of the mineral pyroxene and more magnesium than anticipated. This points to the mantle undergoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">considerably more melting</a> than previously believed, which in turn, helps explain how magma forms and eventually leads to volcanic eruptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-earth-s-mantle-to-volcanic-eruptions">From Earth's mantle to volcanic eruptions</h2>



Pathways discovered within these rock samples indicate the routes magma took towards the Earth's surface. 



These revelations underscore a better understanding of how magma originates in the mantle, moves upwards, and eventually powers volcanic eruptions.



"This is important because it tells us how the mantle melts and feeds volcanoes, particularly those on the ocean floor that account for the majority of volcanism on Earth," explains Professor Lissenberg.



Understanding this interplay between mantle melting and volcanic activity is a critical piece in Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theia-ancient-planet-buried-inside-of-earth-may-be-the-origin-of-our-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geological puzzle</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foothold-on-the-origins-of-life">Foothold on the origins of life</h2>



The mantle rocks offer key insights not just into geological processes, but also into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/luca-universal-ancestor-to-all-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life on Earth might have originated</a>.



The mineral olivine, abundant in mantle rocks, reacts with seawater to produce hydrogen and other molecules – a process potentially fundamental to the creation of early life conditions.



Dr. Susan Q. Lang from the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> underscores the importance of this breakthrough.



"The rocks that were present on early Earth bear a closer resemblance to those we retrieved during this expedition than the more common rocks that make up our continents today," she shares.



This discovery offers a glimpse into conditions billions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-exploration-of-earth-s-mantle-layer">Further exploration of Earth's mantle layer</h2>



The journey of the Expedition 399 team is far from complete. The international group, comprised of more than 30 scientists, will continue to examine the mantle samples to unravel a myriad of scientific mysteries.



Dr. Andrew McCaig, the co-chief scientist of the expedition from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>, sheds light on the extensive implications of this research.



"Our new deep hole will be a type section for decades to come in disciplines as diverse as melting processes in the mantle, chemical exchange between rocks and the ocean, organic geochemistry, and microbiology," McCaig concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-past-present-and-future">Window into the past, present, and future</h2>



The recovery of mantle rocks from the ocean's depths is not just a landmark scientific achievement; it's a giant leap towards untangling the intricate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-is-drilling-a-hole-more-than-30000-feet-deep-in-the-earths-crust-and-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mysteries of our planet</a>.



As scientists like Professor Lissenberg, Dr. Lang, Dr. McCaig, and their colleagues continue to delve into the data, they're not just increasing our understanding of Earth; they're also reshaping our perception of our planet and our place within it.



It is awe-inspiring to realize that somewhere, deep beneath our feet, the answers to some of life's grandest questions lay shrouded in mystery.



The team's relentless pursuit of knowledge, their spirit of collaboration, and their unending curiosity serves as a reminder of scientific exploration's endless potential.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp1058" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Record-breaking hole drilled into the Earth’s mantle is a scientific goldmine

In what can only be described as a herculean accomplishment,...

Growing up, we all learned about Earth's seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. These geographical boundaries have been taught as an integral part of our education system for ages.



However, new research suggests that this long-held belief may not be correct. According to Dr. Jordan Phethean and his dedicated team, we actually have only six continents.



This bold claim comes from a detailed study that looks into the geological processes behind the breakup of the European and North American continents, exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-u-s-just-expanded-its-territory-by-a-million-square-kilometers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how these landmasses have evolved</a> over millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-continental-shift">New perspective on continental shift</h2>



Dr. Jordan Phethean, the lead author of the study from the <a href="https://www.derby.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Derby</a>, highlights a significant shift in our understanding of tectonic plates.



"The discovery indicates that the North America and Eurasian tectonic plates have not yet actually broken apart, as is traditionally thought to have happened 52 million years ago," explains Dr. Phethean.



Instead, these plates are still stretching and in the process of breaking apart. This ongoing process changes how we perceive the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-lost-mega-plate-pontus-resurfaces-after-160-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation and separation</a> of Earth's continents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceland-s-connection-to-earth-s-continents">Iceland's connection to Earth's continents</h2>



The study focuses on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/icelands-volcanic-eruptions-may-continue-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iceland, a volcanic island</a> nestled between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Traditionally, it has been believed that Iceland emerged around 60 million years ago as a result of the mid-Atlantic ridge.



This tectonic boundary, formed by the North American and Eurasian plates, is thought to have facilitated the rise of a hot mantle plume that ultimately created the island.



However, recent findings challenge this long-standing theory. Researchers, through an extensive analysis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-volcanic-events-linked-to-the-slowing-of-tectonic-plates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic movements</a> across the African continent, have proposed a captivating idea.



They claim that Iceland, along with the Greenland Iceland Faroes Ridge (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012825218305476" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GIFR</a>), contains geological fragments from both European and North American tectonic plates.



This discovery suggests that these regions are not merely isolated landforms; they are interconnected components of a larger continental structure. To describe this newly identified geological feature, the team has coined the term 'Rifted Oceanic Magmatic Plateau' (ROMP).



This term emphasizes the unique composition of the area and highlights the significant implications for our understanding of plate tectonics and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-building-triggered-a-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geological history</a> of the North Atlantic region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-romp-earth-s-hidden-treasure">The ROMP: Earth’s hidden treasure</h2>



Dr. Phethean draws an intriguing parallel, describing the ROMP as the Earth Science equivalent of finding the Lost City of Atlantis.



"Fragments of lost continent submerged beneath the sea and kilometers of thin lava flows," he explains. By studying the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-rift-massive-crack-could-split-the-continent-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic Afra region in Africa</a> and comparing it to Iceland, the team found striking similarities in their evolution.



If Dr. Phethean's team is correct, the European and North American continents are still in the process of breaking apart. This means that, scientifically speaking, North America and Europe might be considered a single continent of Earth rather than two distinct continents.



While this idea is controversial, it is grounded in meticulous research.



"It is controversial to suggest that the GIFR contains a large amount of continental crust within it, and that the European and North American tectonic plates have perhaps not yet officially broken up," admits Dr. Phethean. Yet, their findings support this bold hypothesis.



The research is still in its conceptual phase. The team plans to explore volcanic rocks in Iceland for more concrete evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient continental crust</a>. 



They are also undertaking plate tectonic modeling and computer simulations to better understand the ROMP formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-earth-s-proto-microcontinent">Discovery of Earth's proto-microcontinent</h2>



This research follows Dr. Phethean's earlier discovery of a new 'proto-microcontinent' between Canada and Greenland. 



Believed to have formed 60 million years ago, this proto-microcontinent is about the size of England, sitting below the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Davis Strait</a>.



"Rifting and microcontinent formation are ongoing phenomena," says Dr. Phethean.



Understanding these processes helps scientists learn more about how plate tectonics operate. This knowledge can predict where useful resources might be found and how Earth might look millions of years into the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-earth-science">Implications for Earth Science</h2>



Dr. Phethean's work offers new insights into the dynamic nature of our planet. The discovery of the proto-microcontinent and the ROMP has significant implications.



It helps us understand the past, present, and future of Earth's geological activity. It also sheds light on how plate tectonics might have influenced the development of life.



The next steps for Dr. Phethean and his team involve more in-depth studies and advanced modeling techniques. By continuing their research, they aim to provide more evidence and refine our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/argoland-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-a-lost-continent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's geological history</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-continents-are-forever-changing">Earth's continents are forever changing</h2>



In summary, Dr. Phethean's research offers a transformative perspective on our understanding of Earth's continents. 



By revealing ongoing tectonic shifts and the presence of hidden continental fragments, his findings challenge longstanding assumptions and pave the way for new explorations.



This study emphasizes the dynamic nature of our planet and the constant evolution of its geological framework. 



As we explore these revelations further, we not only revise our scientific literature but also broaden our comprehension of the Earth we inhabit.



Dr. Phethean and his team's work serves as a reminder of the countless hidden mysteries our world holds, waiting to be discovered. 



Their continued efforts are set to illuminate both Earth's history and its future, deepening our appreciation for its ever-evolving character.



How might these insights influence our approach to understanding geological processes and their implications for our environment? Stay tuned.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1342937X24001023?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gondwana Research</a>.



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Earth may now have only six continents instead of seven

Growing up, we all learned about Earth's seven continents: Africa,...

Due to warming sea temperatures and mass coral bleaching events, the Great Barrier Reef is currently facing critical threats that endanger its remarkable ecology, biodiversity and beauty, according to a new study published in journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07672-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



Study lead author Benjamin Henley is an Honorary Fellow at the <a href="https://www.uow.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wollongong</a> (UOW). Along with his team, Henley has reconstructed 400 years of summer sea surface temperatures in Coral Sea. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bleaching-on-the-great-barrier-reef">Bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef</h2>



The investigations revealed that extreme recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean heat</a> has caused significant coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. This research provides new evidence of ongoing and future impact of rising sea surface temperatures on this ecological jewel of Australia.



Recently, <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/committee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee</a> decided not to list the Great Barrier Reef as in danger. However, Henley and his team argue that - based on their new evidence - the Reef is indeed in peril. 



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



The team combined sea surface temperature reconstructions using geochemical data from coral cores previously collected from the region.&nbsp;



The researchers also analyzed climate model simulations of sea surface temperatures, both with and without the influence of climate change, concluding that anthropogenic climate change is responsible for the rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-heat-and-great-barrier-reef-bleaching">Record heat and Great Barrier Reef bleaching</h2>



According to the experts, recent mass bleaching events coincide with five of six hottest years in the new 400-year-long record. Specifically, years 2024, 2017, and 2020 saw Coral Sea reaching 400-year highs. The warmest on record, by a large margin, was 2024. 



Additional significant heat events occurred in 2016, 2004 and 2022. The repeated sequences of mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral bleaching</a> have had devastating effects, severely impacting Great Barrier Reef's unparalleled ecology and biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-death-of-a-natural-wonder">The death of a natural wonder</h2>



“When I plotted the 2024 data point, I had to triple check my calculations – it was off the charts – far above the previous record high in 2017. I could almost not believe it. Tragically, mass coral bleaching has occurred yet again this year,” Henley said.&nbsp;



“In the absence of rapid, coordinated and ambitious global action to combat climate change, we will likely witness the demise of one of Earth’s most spectacular natural wonders.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-barrier-reef-faces-catastrophe-nbsp">Great Barrier Reef faces catastrophe&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Helen McGregor, from UOW’s Environmental Futures, and the second author of the study, stressed the need for urgent action to prevent the devastation of one of the world’s most important ecosystems.&nbsp;



“There is no ‘if, but or maybe’ - the ocean temperatures during these bleaching events are unprecedented in the past four centuries,” she reported.&nbsp;



“The Great Barrier Reef is facing catastrophe if anthropogenic climate change is not immediately addressed. The very corals that have lived for hundreds of years and that gave us the data for our study are themselves under serious threat.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-the-reef">Human influence on the Reef</h2>



According to Henley, the climate model analysis confirms that human influence on the climate system is responsible for the rapid warming in recent decades.



“Without urgent intervention, our iconic Great Barrier Reef is at risk of near-annual bleaching from high ocean temperatures. The Reef’s fundamental ecological integrity and outstanding universal value are at stake,” said Henley.&nbsp;



According to Henley, immediate action to transition to net zero emissions is necessary. “We have many of the key solutions to stop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-that-climate-change-is-caused-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>; what we need is a step change in the level of coordinated national and international action to transition to net zero.



“We can never lose hope. Every fraction of a degree of warming we avoid will lead to a better future for the human and natural systems of our planet. We hope that our study equips policymakers with more evidence to pursue deeper cuts in greenhouse gas emissions internationally.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bleaching-on-a-mass-scale-nbsp">Bleaching on a mass scale&nbsp;</h2>



Coral bleaching occurs when stress causes corals to expel the algae that live in their tissue, which provide the corals with their vibrant colors. Without the algae, the coral’s white skeleton is exposed.&nbsp;



Environmental disturbances and declining water quality can lead to bleaching, but recent sea temperature warming has caused bleaching on a mass scale.&nbsp;



Although corals can recover if the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killing-crown-of-thorns-starfish-cots-could-save-great-barrier-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress trigger</a> is reduced, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced five major mass coral bleaching events since 2016.



The research has broader implications for coral reef systems worldwide, highlighting the link between the long-term trajectory of extreme ocean temperatures and the ecological health and biodiversity of these critical ecosystems.



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



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Great Barrier Reef is on the brink of extinction

Due to warming sea temperatures and mass coral bleaching events,...

A disturbing new study has provided direct evidence that the center of Greenland's ice sheet, not just its edges, melted away in the recent geological past. The melt, and resulting sea-level rise, revealed a once-green <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-climate-turns-tundra-from-carbon-sink-to-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tundra</a> landscape across Greenland.



This discovery is particularly concerning, as it suggests the ice sheet is more vulnerable to melting than previously thought.



Scientists uncovered this evidence by re-examining a small section of sediment from a two-mile-deep ice core, known as GISP2, which was extracted from the center of Greenland in 1993 and stored in a Colorado facility for 30 years. The sediment contained pristine soil with willow wood, insect parts, fungi, and a poppy seed.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-s-ice-melted-recently">Greenland’s ice melted recently</h2>



“These fossils are beautiful,” said Paul Bierman, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a> (UVM), who co-led the study with UVM graduate student Halley Mastro and nine other researchers. 



“But, yes, we go from bad to worse,” he added, referring to the implications of human-caused climate change on the melting of Greenland's ice sheet.



The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2407465121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, confirms that Greenland’s ice melted during a warm period likely within the last million years. This suggests that the ice sheet is not as stable as once thought.&nbsp;



If the ice at the center of Greenland melted, then the majority of the island's ice must have also melted, possibly for thousands of years - long enough for soil formation and the development of an ecosystem.&nbsp;



“This new study confirms and extends that a lot of sea-level rise occurred at a time when causes of warming were not especially extreme,” said Richard Alley, a climate scientist at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> who reviewed the research, emphasizing the study's warning about the potential damages from continued climate warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-and-sea-level-rise-nbsp">Greenland and sea-level rise&nbsp;</h2>



Currently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a> are rising more than an inch per decade, with the pace accelerating. Bierman warned that if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced, the near-total melting of Greenland’s ice sheet over the next few centuries could result in approximately 23 feet of sea level rise. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/greenland_tundra-fossils_ancient-ice-melt-revealed_UVermont_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/greenland_tundra-fossils_ancient-ice-melt-revealed_UVermont_1s.webp" alt="Willow bud scale, arctic poppy seed, fungal bodies, and rock spikemoss megaspores found in the GISP2 soil sample viewed under a microscope at the University of Vermont." class="wp-image-1940905"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Willow bud scale, arctic poppy seed, fungal bodies, and rock spikemoss megaspores found in the GISP2 soil sample viewed under a microscope at the University of Vermont.</figcaption></figure>



“Look at Boston, New York, Miami, Mumbai or pick your coastal city around the world, and add twenty plus feet of sea level,” Bierman cautioned. “It goes underwater. Don't buy a beach house.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-ice-sheet-instability-nbsp">Evidence of ice sheet instability&nbsp;</h2>



In 2016, Joerg Schaefer and colleagues from <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> analyzed rock from the bottom of the GISP2 core, proposing that Greenland's ice sheet could be less than 1.1 million years old and that significant ice-free periods occurred during the Pleistocene epoch.&nbsp;



The controversial study suggested that if the ice had melted at the GISP2 site, 90% of Greenland’s ice would have also melted. This challenged the long-held belief that Greenland's ice sheet has been a stable “fortress of ice” for millions of years.



Further supporting this, in 2019, Bierman and an international team re-examined another ice core extracted from Camp Century near Greenland's coast in the 1960s.&nbsp;



They found twigs, seeds, and insect parts, indicating that the ice had melted within the last 416,000 years, demonstrating that the ice sheet's stability had failed more recently than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ice-free-greenland">An ice-free Greenland</h2>



These findings prompted Bierman and his colleagues to investigate the bottom of the GISP2 core further. With the support of the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Science Foundation</a>, they obtained a sample from the National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility in Lakewood, Colorado.&nbsp;



The new study confirms that during a warm period, Greenland was not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice-free</a> but also supported a tundra ecosystem, potentially with stunted trees. 



“We now have direct evidence that not only was the ice gone, but that plants and insects were living there,” Bierman said. “And that's unassailable. You don't have to rely on calculations or models.”



The discovery of intact biological material, such as the bud scale of a young willow and the compound eye of an insect, was made by geoscientist Andrew Christ, who worked on the project during his PhD at UVM.&nbsp;



Halley Mastro continued the research, identifying various macrofossils, including spores from spikemoss and a seed from an Arctic poppy. “It was amazing,” Mastro said. “It lets us know that Greenland's ice melted and there was soil, because poppies don't grow on top of miles of ice.”



This research underscores the fragility of Greenland's ice sheet and the significant implications of climate change, highlighting the urgency of addressing global warming to prevent catastrophic sea level rise and the loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overtopping-threatens-the-future-of-coastal-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal habitats</a>.



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Increased risk of sea-level catastrophe confirmed by Greenland fossils

A disturbing new study has provided direct evidence that the...

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

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.



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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...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge">Disturbing connections emerge</h2>



Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters">Timing matters</h2>



The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns">Genetic vulnerability patterns</h2>



Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications">Public health implications</h2>



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.



As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.



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



Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.



Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.



Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.



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



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.



The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.



The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.



The full study was recently published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.



Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.



Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents". In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively. MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.



MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization. The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.



Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.



A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.



This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.



PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.



In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.



As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.



The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.



For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.



The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.



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MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a>



Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.



The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.



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



The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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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



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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

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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

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

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Today's Video of the Day from <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

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> 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

[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Saturn,-,High,Resolution,3d,Images,Presents,Planets,Of,The

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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

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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