A new phenomenon dubbed "ice piracy" is unfolding in the frigid wilderness of West Antarctica, where one glacier appears to be stealing ice from its neighbor. 



This unusual behavior - once believed to take hundreds or even thousands of years - has now been recorded happening in under two decades.



Scientists from the University of Leeds, working with international collaborators, have used high-resolution satellite data to reveal that a fast-moving glacier is redirecting ice flow away from its slower neighbor.



This surprising event is changing how scientists understand the dynamics of glaciers - and how such shifts may contribute to future sea-level rise. Their findings, now published in The Cryosphere, provide rare insight into these rapid changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-paced-shift-in-the-ice">Fast-paced shift in the ice</h2>



Between 2005 and 2022, researchers observed that seven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-streams-move-unpredictably-due-to-hidden-quakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice streams</a> in the Pope, Smith, and Kohler (PSK) region of West Antarctica sped up significantly. 



One glacier nearly doubled its speed - an 87% increase - at the point where it meets the ocean. 



Three other glaciers accelerated by 60% to 84%. By 2022, six of these streams were moving at more than 700 meters (0.4 miles) per year. That’s the equivalent of covering just over seven football fields in just one year.



This kind of acceleration, especially so close to the grounding line - the point where a glacier starts to float - is a warning sign. 



Grounding lines help track the stability of ice sheets. Changes in their position or speed suggest the system is out of balance and can influence how ice flows inland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowing-glaciers-leads-to-ice-piracy">Slowing glaciers leads to ice piracy</h2>



But not every glacier followed the same pattern. The Kohler West glacier actually slowed down by 10% during the same time period. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Antarctica_ice-piracy_Glacier-velocity-change_2005-2022_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Antarctica_ice-piracy_Glacier-velocity-change_2005-2022_ESA_1s.webp" alt="The image depicts the average change in velocity of multiple glaciers flowing into the Crosson and Dotson Ice Shelves in West Antarctica from 2005 to 2022. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1969732"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The image depicts the average change in velocity of multiple glaciers flowing into the Crosson and Dotson Ice Shelves in West Antarctica from 2005 to 2022. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



This stood in stark contrast to nearby glaciers like Kohler East and Smith West, which sped up dramatically - by about 560 meters per year.



The slowdown puzzled scientists, until they looked at the ice flow patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kohler-west-and-kohler-east">Kohler West and Kohler East</h2>



“We think that the observed slowdown on Kohler West Glacier is due to the redirection of ice flow towards its neighbor - Kohler East," explained lead author Dr. Heather L. Selley from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>.



"This is due to the large change in Kohler West’s surface slope, likely caused by the vastly different thinning rates on its neighboring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-glaciers-flow-faster-during-the-summer-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>.” 



She added that because Kohler East’s ice stream is flowing and thinning faster as it travels, it absorbs, or ‘steals’ ice from Kohler West. 



"This is effectively an act of ‘ice piracy’, where ice flow is redirected from one glacier to another, and the accelerating glacier is essentially ‘thieving’ ice from its slowing neighbor,” explained Selley.



“We didn’t know ice streams could ‘steal’ ice from each over such a short period, so this is a fascinating discovery. It’s unprecedented as we're seeing this from satellite data and it’s happening at a rate of under 18 years, whereas we’ve always thought it was this extremely long, slow process,” she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watching-ice-piracy-from-space">Watching ice piracy from space</h2>



To track this shift, the research team used satellite images and a technique that follows the movement of surface features like crevasses and rifts. 



They also incorporated data on ice thinning from the European Space Agency’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/CryoSat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CryoSat mission</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Antarctica_ice-piracy_speed-direction_Crosson-Dotson-Ice-Shelves_2015-2022_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Antarctica_ice-piracy_speed-direction_Crosson-Dotson-Ice-Shelves_2015-2022_ESA_1s.webp" alt="The image depicts the average speed and direction of multiple glaciers flowing into the Crosson and Dotson Ice Shelves in West Antarctica from 2015 to 2022. The arrows show change in direction of flow. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1969725"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The image depicts the average speed and direction of multiple glaciers flowing into the Crosson and Dotson Ice Shelves in West Antarctica from 2015 to 2022. The arrows show change in direction of flow. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



Data was sourced from satellites operated by ESA, NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.



“This study provides an interesting demonstration of ice piracy, where flow into one glacier gradually switches to flow into another glacier, as the ocean melts the grounding zone and re-configures ice flow,” said Pierre Dutrieux, climate researcher at the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



The research team looked into several factors that influence ice flow, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-are-rising-faster-than-expected-and-likely-to-accelerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a>, circulation changes, air temperature, and snowfall. 



They discovered that ice redirection is affecting the amount of ice reaching the floating ice shelves fed by these glaciers.



Two major ice shelves - the Crosson and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shapes-never-seen-by-humans-dotson-ice-shelf-ran-submersible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dotson</a> - are already among the fastest-changing outlets in West Antarctica. 



Crosson spans roughly 40 miles (60 kilometers), and Dotson stretches about 30 miles (48 kilometers). Both are thinning and retreating at their grounding lines.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Antarctica_ice-piracy_Crosson-Dotson-Ice-Shelves_map_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Antarctica_ice-piracy_Crosson-Dotson-Ice-Shelves_map_ESA_1s.webp" alt="The Crosson and Dotson Ice Shelves are situated in West Antarctica. These huge ice shelves are fed by numerous glaciers flowing towards the Amundsen Sea. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1969723"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Crosson and Dotson Ice Shelves are situated in West Antarctica. These huge ice shelves are fed by numerous glaciers flowing towards the Amundsen Sea. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



“The changes in flow direction have substantially altered the ice mass flux into Dotson and Crosson Ice Shelves, likely playing an important role in maintaining Dotson and accelerating the deterioration of Crosson," explained Professor Anna Hogg, co-author and Professor of Earth Observation at the University of Leeds.



“This suggests that ice flow redirection is an important new process in contemporary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-sheet-fracture-sets-a-speed-record-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet dynamics</a>, which is required to understand present-day structural change in glaciers and the future evolution of these systems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-piracy-rising-seas-global-impacts">Ice piracy, rising seas, global impacts</h2>



The stakes are high. Sea levels are already rising due to climate change, and over 410 million people could be affected by coastal flooding by the year 2100. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global sea levels</a> have increased by more than 10 centimeters over the past decade.



“This new study highlights the unique ability of satellites to provide both the temporal and spatial coverage required to assess change in the polar regions,” remarked Dr. Martin Wearing, ESA Digital Twin Earth Scientist and Polar Science Cluster Coordinator.



Using data from Copernicus Sentinel-1 and ESA's Earth Explorer CryoSat, the team has revealed the complex evolution of ice flow in part of West Antarctica over the past few decades. 



Understanding these changing dynamics and what drives them is crucial for improved projections of future ice-sheet change and contributions to sea-level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-it-all-mean">What does it all mean?</h2>



To sum it all up, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice sheet</a> - once thought to be sluggish and stable over millennia - is changing much faster than we realized, and in unexpected ways. 



This discovery of "ice piracy" shows that glaciers can dynamically interact, competing for ice and rerouting flow like rivers shifting course, which completely reshapes how we model future sea-level rise.



If one glacier can weaken another by stealing its ice, entire ice systems may destabilize quicker than predicted, feeding more ice into the ocean and raising sea levels. 



In plain terms: Antarctica isn’t just melting - it’s reorganizing itself in ways that could have big consequences for coastal cities around the world.



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The study brought together experts from the University of Leeds, the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, and the UK Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (<a href="https://cpom.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPOM</a>), which is led from <a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northumbria University</a>. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://tc.copernicus.org/articles/19/1725/2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cryosphere</a>.



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Ice piracy: Antarctic glacier discovered 'stealing' ice from its neighbor, and that's not a good thing

A new phenomenon dubbed "ice piracy" is unfolding in the frigid wilderness of West Antarctica, where one glacier appears to be stealing ice from its neighbor. This unusual behavior - once believed to take hundreds or even thousands of years - has now been recorded happening in under two decades. Scientists from the University of Leeds, working with international collaborators, have used high-resolution satellite data to reveal that a fast-moving glacier is redirecting ice flow away from its slower neighbor. This surprising event is changing how scientists...

Could that fish dinner be messing with your body more than you realize? A study from the West Coast suggests it might be, showing that nearly all tested seafood contained cancer-linked <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> particles.&nbsp;



These tiny particles are smaller than a quarter of an inch. They weave their way into food, water, and even into the air, with questions lingering about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-seafood-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential harm</a> to human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-almost-all-seafood-contains-plastic">Almost all seafood contains plastic</h2>



The newly released study was led by Dr. Susanne Brander at Oregon State University. The experts found that 99 percent of tested seafood samples had particles embedded in their edible tissues.



Scientists suspect these bits can slip past an organism’s digestive tract and lodge elsewhere.



“It’s very concerning that microfibers appear to move from the gut into other tissues, which has wide implications for other organisms, potentially including humans too,” said Dr. Brander. 



This finding raises important questions about whether certain species are more vulnerable to these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-how-microplastics-accumulate-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic invasions</a> than others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smaller-seafood-holds-more-plastic">Smaller seafood holds more plastic</h2>



Smaller fish and shellfish showed a noticeable tendency to harbor more particles than larger species. One prime example was pink shrimp, a popular choice in many seafood markets.



“We found that the smaller organisms that we sampled seem to be ingesting more anthropogenic, non-nutritious particles,” said Dr. Elise Granek from <a href="https://www.pdx.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland State University</a>.  



The word "anthropogenic" refers to environmental changes caused by human activities. The term highlights how everyday habits - like wearing synthetic clothes or tossing plastic packaging - are fueling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contamination</a> in marine habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-health-risks-of-plastic-exposure">Navigating health risks of plastic exposure </h2>



Researchers <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.612624/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caution</a> that there is no established safe level for plastic particles in food.



Some reports link such pollutants to potential organ inflammation and cellular stress, although more data is needed to clarify what truly happens inside human bodies over time.



In some cases, plastic bits can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014181302200410X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bind</a> with toxins, adding another layer of potential risk. This possibility is especially concerning for people who consume seafood regularly and may accumulate more of these plastic materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-we-ditch-seafood">Should we ditch seafood?</h2>



Despite the unsettling picture, experts say there is no need to avoid eating fish altogether. They point out that plastic pollution has become so widespread, most foods and bottled beverages contain some degree of unwanted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a>.



“What we put out into the environment ends up back on our plates,” said Dr. Granek. In other words, cutting fish from your diet will not solve the broader problem because plastic finds its way into plenty of other products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-steps-to-reduce-exposure">Practical steps to reduce exposure</h2>



One effective way to reduce plastic contamination in seafood is by thoroughly rinsing it before cooking or consumption. 



Washing seafood under running water can help remove any surface particles that may have settled during processing or packaging. Additionally, seafood storage methods play a crucial role in limiting plastic exposure.



Instead of using plastic containers, which can shed tiny particles over time, opting for glass or paper-based storage materials can minimize contamination. 



Glass containers provide a non-reactive and reusable option, while paper-based materials are biodegradable and free from synthetic components.



Another strategy involves tackling fibers that can escape during laundry. Installing or advocating for specialized filters in washing machines could <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135420308253?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catch</a> countless microscopic threads before they enter waterways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-pollution-off-at-the-source">Cutting pollution off at the source</h2>



Environmental advocates are urging policymakers to create better monitoring programs that check plastic levels in water and air. 



They emphasize the need for regular assessments to track pollution sources and understand how microplastics spread.



Others want stricter <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00467-022-05615-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guidelines</a> on manufacturing, pushing for reduced plastic production and safer alternatives to minimize waste before it reaches the environment.



Experts note that preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic contamination</a> at its source is the most effective solution. By cutting down on unnecessary plastic use and improving waste management, we can reduce pollution before it enters waterways.



Improved recycling programs, bans on certain plastics, and innovations in biodegradable materials could help curb pollution over time. Immediate action is crucial to prevent long-term damage to ecosystems and human health.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2024.1469995/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Toxicology</a>.



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Plastic particles found in 99% of tested seafood samples

Could that fish dinner be messing with your body more...

Invasive species pose a threat to ecosystems worldwide. They disrupt native habitats, outcompete local species, and create long-term ecological challenges.



Scientists have struggled to predict where these species will spread next, as their movements are often unpredictable. This unpredictability makes it difficult for conservationists and policymakers to develop effective strategies to contain or prevent their spread.



The spotted tilapia is just one example of an invasive species that continuously moves into new environments. These alien species adapt quickly, making it hard for researchers to simulate their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movements</a>.



Traditional climate-based models provide some insights, but they often lack accuracy in forecasting future invasions. 



Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (<a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UF/IFAS</a>) set out to refine these predictions by taking a deeper look into what makes certain areas more susceptible to invasion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-way-to-predict-invasive-species">Better way to predict invasive species</h2>



The scientists identified a missing piece in existing invasion models. They proposed an updated approach to environmental resistance (ER) modeling, which accounts for factors beyond just climate conditions. 



This new method provides a better understanding of why some areas are more vulnerable to invasions than others.



Environmental resistance measures how difficult it is for an invasive species to establish itself in a new habitat. One of the key factors influencing this difficulty is the similarity between the native species in a given area and those in an already invaded region. 



If a new location has native species that are similar to those in an invaded area, it is more likely to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-non-native-species-are-saving-themselves-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experience an invasion</a>.



An invasive species is more likely to spread to areas where native species resemble those in already invaded regions.



This study focused on the eastern United States, a region heavily impacted by invasive species. Florida, for example, has more invasive vertebrates than any other state. Meanwhile, the Great Lakes region and the Northeast face significant challenges from invasive plants. 



Understanding the patterns of invasion in these regions helps researchers determine which factors play the most significant role in either allowing or preventing the spread of non-native species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-new-models-for-prediction">Testing new models for prediction</h2>



To refine ER modeling, the scientists considered several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-species-are-pre-adapted-to-tolerate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental factors</a>. Traditional climate-based models assume that if an invasive species thrives in one location, it will do well in a similar climate elsewhere.



However, this approach has its limitations. It does not account for how quickly invasive species can adapt to new conditions or how existing ecosystems might resist their spread.



Yunpeng Liu is a postdoctoral researcher at UF/IFAS and lead author of the study.



“Most important, traditional modeling strategies do not predict invasion spread well if we do not know much about the suitable climates of the invasive species or we are not sure about their adaptation after they colonize into new habitats,” said Liu.



“What we came up with is an update to ER modeling that adds the necessary layer that has been missing.”



The researchers tested different versions of ER modeling, incorporating factors such as soil type and human activity. They simulated real-world invasion patterns and compared which models most accurately predicted the spread of invasive species. 



The results revealed that models based on native species similarity were the most effective in predicting invasions, outperforming those based on climate and other environmental factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-native-species-similarity-matters">Why native species similarity matters</h2>



One of the most important findings of the study was that native species similarity played a crucial role in predicting invasion spread. When native species in an area resemble those found in an already invaded region, the risk of invasion increases significantly.



“The ER model based on native species similarity was the best model for predicting current spread, not just for invasive plants but also a suite of invasive animals,” Liu explained.



This insight challenges previous assumptions that climate is the dominant factor in determining where invasive species will thrive. While climate remains important, the interaction between native and invasive species is often a stronger predictor of whether an invasion will succeed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impact-on-invasive-species">Climate change impact on invasive species</h2>



As temperatures shift due to climate change, ecosystems will experience transformations that could make them more or less vulnerable to invasion. 



Native species distributions will change, potentially increasing the similarity between previously distinct ecosystems. This could create new opportunities for invasive species to expand into areas where they previously could not survive.



“The findings suggest that native species groupings could become more similar in the future than what they are today, leading to an increase in the spread of most of the invasive species, especially for those who have already occupied a wide range of habitat,” Liu said.



Urban areas, particularly those near large cities in Florida, are likely to face the highest risk. As human activity alters natural landscapes and climate shifts continue, these regions may become hotspots for future invasions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-and-conservation-efforts">Applications and conservation efforts </h2>



The findings of this study provide valuable insights for ecologists, land managers, and policymakers. Understanding the relationship between invasive species and native biodiversity allows experts to take proactive measures before an invasion occurs. 



Rather than relying solely on climate-based predictions, conservationists can now use ER modeling to identify areas at the highest risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-have-become-one-of-the-worlds-most-invasive-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasion</a>.



One key takeaway from the research is the importance of preserving the unique composition of native species in different regions. If native species become too similar across different environments, it could create more opportunities for invasive species to spread. 



Conservation efforts should prioritize maintaining the diversity of native ecosystems to strengthen their natural resistance against invaders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-in-managing-invasive-species">Progress in managing invasive species</h2>



This study marks a significant advancement in predicting and managing invasive species. By refining ER modeling and focusing on species similarity, researchers have developed a more accurate tool for assessing invasion risk. 



This approach not only helps scientists better understand the spread of invasive species but also provides land managers with the knowledge needed to protect vulnerable ecosystems.



As invasive species continue to challenge native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-plants-alter-the-soundscape-of-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a>, innovative research like this plays a critical role in shaping conservation strategies. 



With a better understanding of how invasive species interact with their surroundings, experts can implement targeted solutions to safeguard biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.



The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.15089" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Biogeography</a>. 



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Why some places are prime targets for invasive species

Invasive species pose a threat to ecosystems worldwide. They disrupt...

Marine ecosystems rely on food webs that hinge on microscopic life. One creature in particular has drawn the attention of scientists because of its pivotal role in feeding relationships and ocean health.



Researchers have focused on <a href="https://oceana.org/marine-life/antarctic-krill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic krill</a> as a critical link in food chains These small, shrimp-like <a href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/crustacean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustaceans</a> underpin the survival of large marine animals like whales, penguins, and seals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-ocean-color">Observing ocean color</h2>



"Antarctic krill are the superheroes of the Southern Ocean. They are tiny, unsung heroes that sustain incredible marine life, but climate change and unsustainable fishing are putting them at risk," said <a href="https://www.arcticwwf.org/about/meet-the-team/downie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rod Downie</a>, chief polar adviser at the wildlife charity <a href="https://www.wwf.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-UK</a>.



A new project aims to track these creatures by looking at subtle shifts in how seawater absorbs light. Scientists from the <a href="https://www.strath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Strathclyde</a>, the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF</a>, and the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> are working on this approach to gather precise population data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-absorption-studies">Light absorption studies</h2>



"We start with seawater, then we add in a krill and take a measurement [of how much light the water absorbs], then we add another krill and take another measurement." said <a href="https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/persons/cait-mccarry-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Cait McCarry</a>, who recently returned from Antarctica.



Her team believes those patterns of light absorption can reveal approximate numbers of krill from satellite images. 



This method offers a way to observe vast stretches of the Southern Ocean without visiting them, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-lionfish-global-domination-mediterranean-sea-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disturbing marine life</a> in any way.



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



Many conservation specialists worry that global warming will impact sea temperatures and threaten the survival of krill populations. Some <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts</a> also question whether fishing pressures might weaken this vital link in the Antarctic ecosystem.



<a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v362/p1-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> on rising ocean temperatures shows potential shifts in krill distribution, which may affect predator populations. 



Experts highlight the need for protective measures that balance commercial interests with protecting the ocean’s overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calls-for-protection">Calls for protection</h2>



"We urgently need to better manage the fishery and protect krill habitats within a network of marine protected areas. [This project could] give us a new tool to help monitor and safeguard this vital species," said Downie.



Krill also consume <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Phytoplankton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microscopic algae</a> that absorb carbon during photosynthesis. This exchange between animals and plants helps keep greenhouse gases in check, although the shifting climate adds extra stress on both sides of the chain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-connections">Whale connections</h2>



Some of the largest marine mammals depend on krill for nutrition. In turn, their waste releases nutrients that support the growth of more microscopic algae, which creates a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263782441_Whales_as_marine_ecosystem_engineers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productive cycle</a> that benefits the entire region.



Scientists see krill as a linchpin in that nutrient exchange. If krill populatioins decrease, whales, seabirds, and even commercial fisheries could feel the repercussions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-from-afar">Monitoring from afar</h2>



Satellites help scientists capture changes across enormous swaths of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lobsters-are-ditching-their-old-habitats-for-open-water/">open water</a>. These images pick up small differences in color that are linked to krill abundance, enabling large-scale observations that were once impossible.



This process avoids intrusive sampling and offers consistent coverage over time. Researchers hope it will streamline the way in which they record shifts in krill hotspots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-merging-new-and-old-methods">Merging new and old methods</h2>



<a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/krill-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vessel-based surveys</a> have traditionally counted krill, but these can be costly and weather-dependent. Combining ship data with satellite insights may provide a fuller picture for conservation strategies.



Teams are testing how effectively remote readings match direct measurements. Accurate mapping could shape decisions about sustainable fishing quotas in Antarctic waters.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-krill-are-natures-unexpected-carbon-warriors/">Krill</a> might be small, but they are essential for the health of distant ecosystems that are connected by ocean currents. 



Scientists emphasize that changes in krill populations can have ripple effects that influence biodiversity in regions far beyond Antarctic waters.



Some nations rely on krill as a fishery product for animal feed and human supplements. Striking a balance between utilization and preservation is critical for long-term ecological stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Satellite monitoring may become a core part of Antarctic management strategies in the years to come. Many experts anticipate that this technology will strengthen our grasp on the ocean’s hidden patterns and guide policy decisions.



Researchers remain optimistic that a better understanding of krill numbers will be obtained by tracking their populations from space. They hope that this will boost conservation outcomes for every creature in these chilly waters. This new research was detailed in press releases by the <a href="https://www.wwf.org.uk/press-release/krill-space-project-takes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF</a> and the <a href="https://www.strath.ac.uk/whystrathclyde/news/2025/krillmonitoring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Strathclyde</a>.



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How satellites track Antarctic krill: Are these tiny ocean shrimp in danger?

Marine ecosystems rely on food webs that hinge on microscopic...

Micro- and nanoscale plastic particles can greatly increase how much toxic chemicals enter plants and human cells, according to two studies led by Rutgers University. The findings deepen concerns about plastic pollution.&nbsp;



The researchers discovered that these minute plastic particles, in combination with environmental pollutants, can intensify the uptake of poisons, heightening food safety risks.



One study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452074825000011?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NanoImpact</a>, showed that lettuce plants exposed to both nanoparticles of plastic and common pollutants - such as arsenic - absorbed significantly more toxins than when exposed to the pollutants alone.&nbsp;



A second study published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/4/1/4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a> demonstrated a comparable effect in human intestinal tissue, signaling that these tiny plastics may be promoting more efficient transfer of both contaminants and plastics into our bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heightened-levels-of-plastics-and-toxins">Heightened levels of plastics and toxins</h2>



Together, these studies point to a potentially harmful cycle. As plastic degrades into micro- and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-could-help-remove-nanoplastics-from-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoplastics</a>, it pollutes soil and water, enabling plants to absorb more dangerous substances.&nbsp;



Humans, consuming these plants, may then absorb heightened levels of toxins and plastic particles, posing elevated health risks.



Philip Demokritou is the director of the Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center at the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute at <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers University</a> and senior author on both papers.&nbsp;



“We’ve already put about 7 billion metric tons of plastics into the environment that keep breaking apart,” said Demokritou. "They pollute everything around us - the water we drink, the food we eat, the air we breathe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalated-toxin-uptake-in-human-cells">Escalated toxin uptake in human cells</h2>



Using a simulated digestive system and lab-grown models of the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-migrate-from-the-gut-to-other-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small intestine</a>, the Rutgers researchers documented that nano-scale plastic particles increased the amount of arsenic absorbed by nearly sixfold compared to arsenic exposure alone.&nbsp;



The same phenomenon was observed with the commonly used pesticide boscalid.



Even more concerning, in the presence of these chemicals, the cells also took in considerably more plastic. Plastic particle uptake roughly doubled when toxins were present.



“We know nanoscale materials can bypass biological barriers,” said Demokritou. “The smaller the particles, the more they can bypass biological barriers in our bodies that protect us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-and-toxin-absorption-in-lettuce">Plastics and toxin absorption in lettuce</h2>



In a separate study on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-lettuce-nasas-plans-to-grow-nutritious-plants-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lettuce</a>, scientists exposed the plants to two sizes of polystyrene plastic particles - 20 nanometers and 1,000 nanometers - along with arsenic and boscalid.&nbsp;



The researchers found that the smaller particles exerted the greatest influence, increasing arsenic levels in edible plant tissue nearly threefold compared to arsenic exposure alone.



These effects remained evident in both hydroponic systems and soil-based experiments. Using high-resolution imaging, the researchers verified that smaller plastic particles can travel from roots into the above-ground tissues of the plant, allowing them to accumulate in areas people typically eat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-keep-breaking-down">Plastics keep breaking down</h2>



Micro- and nanoplastic pollution arises mainly from the progressive degradation of larger plastic debris. According to Demokritou, stopping new plastic production won’t erase what is already out in the environment.



“Even if we stop today producing plastics or using plastics, we have plenty of plastic waste unfortunately out there,” Demokritou said.



Because these smaller particles seem to raise absorption levels of both toxins and plastics, food contamination from plastic pollution could persist indefinitely, with potential impacts on overall public health.



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



The team’s findings come from a broader <a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a>-funded project focused on ensuring food safety amid micro- and nanoplastic pollution. 



The researchers argue for heightened efforts to minimize further plastic waste while also searching for long-term resolutions.



“We need to stick with the ‘three-R’ waste hierarchy - reduce the use of plastics, reuse, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-recycling-day-creating-a-healthier-planet-for-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycle</a>,” Demokritou said. “For areas where you cannot apply these three Rs, like in agriculture where so much plastic is used for weed control and other things, use biodegradable plastics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substitutes-for-conventional-plastic">Substitutes for conventional plastic</h2>



To address pollution, the scientists are developing new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable materials</a> as substitutes for conventional plastics. They are also refining techniques to detect and measure plastic contamination in food and water.&nbsp;



Still, Demokritou stressed that fully mitigating plastic pollution will require grappling with social, economic, and technological obstacles.



“It’s not that technically we cannot address some of these issues. But it will definitely be a challenge to retain all the benefits from this very useful material while reducing the harms that it does. There are social and economic obstacles related to plastic production and use to overcome,” Demokritou concluded.



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Plastics supercharge toxin absorption in plants and humans

Micro- and nanoscale plastic particles can greatly increase how much...

Throughout history, Earth has faced cataclysmic events that reshaped its climate and ecosystems. Some of these events were triggered by asteroid impacts, leaving long-lasting effects on both land and sea. 



Scientists continue to study these possibilities, not just to understand past extinctions but to prepare for potential future threats.



A recent study by researchers from the IBS Center for Climate Physics (<a href="https://ibsclimate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICCP</a>) at <a href="https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pusan National University</a> in South Korea explores what would happen if a medium-sized asteroid struck Earth.



Using advanced climate models, the research team simulated how such an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-asteroid-2024-yr4-has-a-chance-of-hitting-earth-in-2032/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a> could disrupt the atmosphere, weather patterns, and even global food security. 



The findings reveal a world drastically altered, with some life struggling to survive while other forms unexpectedly thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-an-asteroid-collision">Risk of an asteroid collision</h2>



Earth is surrounded by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-ingredients-building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroid-bennu-dust-sample/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">countless objects</a> with relatively close orbits. Most pose no immediate threat, but some have collision probabilities that cannot be ignored.



One of the more notable objects is the asteroid Bennu, which measures about 500 meters in diameter. According to recent studies, there is a 1-in-2700 chance that Bennu could collide with Earth in September 2182.



To put that probability into perspective, it is similar to flipping a coin 11 times and getting the same outcome every time. 



While such a scenario remains unlikely, the potential consequences are severe enough to warrant scientific investigation.



If an asteroid of this size were to strike, the damage would go far beyond the initial impact zone, triggering worldwide disruptions that could last for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-an-asteroid-impact">Simulating an asteroid impact</h2>



To understand the potential consequences, researchers at <a href="https://ibsclimate.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICCP</a> created an advanced climate model to simulate a medium-sized asteroid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collision</a>. 



Their model assumed that an impact would release several hundred million tons of dust into the upper atmosphere. This dust would block sunlight, triggering a global cooling event similar to what happened after massive volcanic eruptions in Earth's past.



Unlike previous studies, which focused mainly on atmospheric and temperature changes, this research also examined the effects on terrestrial and marine ecosystems. 



The team wanted to determine how plant life, both on land and in the ocean, would respond to the sudden climate shift.



Using the IBS supercomputer Aleph, the researchers ran multiple scenarios, varying the amount of dust injected into the atmosphere. 



The results showed widespread disruption to climate, atmospheric chemistry, and global photosynthesis for at least three to four years after the impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changes-due-to-asteroid-collision">Climate changes due to asteroid collision</h2>



The most extreme scenario revealed that solar dimming caused by dust would lead to a global surface cooling of up to 4°C. 



This drop in temperature would have a severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-recent-mini-moon-2024-pt5-seems-to-be-a-lost-fragment-of-our-real-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a> on agriculture, making it harder for crops to grow in many parts of the world.



Rainfall would also decrease by around 15%, further worsening food production. In addition, the study predicted ozone depletion of about 32%, exposing life to harmful ultraviolet radiation.



While these changes would affect the entire planet, some regions would suffer more than others. Areas already prone to drought could experience even harsher conditions, while colder regions might see longer, more intense winters. 



The disruptions would make it difficult for many species, including humans, to adapt quickly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-land-and-ocean-ecosystems">Impact on land and ocean ecosystems</h2>



Dr. Lan DAI, a postdoctoral research fellow at ICCP and lead author of the study, explained how these changes would affect ecosystems across the globe.



“The abrupt impact winter would provide unfavorable climate conditions for plants to grow, leading to an initial 20–30% reduction of photosynthesis in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This would likely cause massive disruptions in global food security,” said Dr. Lan DAI.



While land plants would struggle with the sudden drop in temperature and reduced sunlight, the researchers found something surprising when they analyzed ocean plankton. 



Unlike their land-based counterparts, plankton displayed an entirely different response to the impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-recovery-in-the-ocean">Surprising recovery in the ocean</h2>



The computer models showed that while photosynthesis on land declined sharply, ocean plankton rebounded quickly. 



Within six months, plankton levels returned to normal, and in some cases, they even surpassed pre-impact levels.



This unexpected recovery was linked to the composition of the asteroid dust and its climate impact.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/asteroid-impact-simulation_global-climate_plant-life_credit-IBS_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/asteroid-impact-simulation_global-climate_plant-life_credit-IBS_1s.webp" alt="Climatic and ecological responses to dust injections of 400 million tons from a Bennu-type asteroid impact. Spatial changes of surface temperature (upper left), total precipitation (upper right), percentage change of terrestrial net primary productivity (lower left) averaged over the first 24 months, and percentage change of marine net primary productivity (lower right) averaged from 10 to 38 months after the impact relative to the control simulation. Credit: Institute for Basic Science" class="wp-image-1959081"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Climatic and ecological responses to dust injections of 400 million tons from a Bennu-type asteroid impact. Spatial changes of surface temperature (upper left), total precipitation (upper right), percentage change of terrestrial net primary productivity (lower left) averaged over the first 24 months, and percentage change of marine net primary productivity (lower right) averaged from 10 to 38 months after the impact relative to the control simulation. Credit: Institute for Basic Science</figcaption></figure>



“We were able to track this unexpected response to the iron concentration in the dust,” said Professor Axel Timmermann, Director of the ICCP and co-author of the study.



Iron is a critical nutrient for algae, and in some parts of the ocean, natural iron levels are extremely low. When the asteroid struck, it released iron-rich dust into the atmosphere, which eventually settled into the ocean.



This sudden influx of iron created ideal conditions for algae growth, particularly in nutrient-depleted regions like the Southern Ocean and the eastern tropical Pacific. The result was an explosion of marine productivity, with algae blooms spreading across large ocean areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boom-in-marine-life">Boom in marine life</h2>



The study found that silicate-rich algae, known as diatoms, benefited the most from the increased iron levels. 



These microscopic organisms form the base of the marine food chain, meaning their growth would attract higher levels of zooplankton, which feed on them. This process set off a chain reaction, boosting marine life at multiple levels.



“The simulated excessive phytoplankton and zooplankton blooms might be a blessing for the biosphere and may help alleviate emerging food insecurity related to the longer-lasting reduction in terrestrial productivity,” noted Dr. Lan DAI.



While terrestrial ecosystems would struggle for years after an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-test-simulation-shows-earth-not-prepared-prevent-large-asteroid-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid impact</a>, the ocean might become a refuge for certain species. This unexpected benefit could help balance some of the food shortages caused by declining crop yields on land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-past-asteroid-strikes">Lessons from past asteroid strikes </h2>



Medium-sized asteroids have collided with Earth approximately every 100,000 to 200,000 years. These events have left permanent marks on the planet’s geological and biological history. 



Scientists believe that some of these impacts may have shaped human evolution by forcing early human populations to adapt to harsh environmental conditions.



“On average, medium-sized asteroids collide with Earth about every 100-200 thousand years. This means that our early human ancestors may have experienced some of these planet-shifting events before with potential impacts on human evolution and even our own genetic makeup,” said Professor Timmermann.



Studying these past events can help scientists understand how humanity might respond to a future impact. If a medium-sized asteroid were to strike again, modern technology and global cooperation could play a key role in minimizing its effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroid-driven-climate-shifts-of-the-past">Asteroid-driven climate shifts of the past </h2>



The ICCP researchers plan to expand their study by simulating how early human populations might have responded to asteroid-driven climate shifts. 



Using agent-based computer models, they aim to recreate the survival strategies of ancient humans as they faced drastic environmental changes.



Understanding past events is crucial, but preparing for the future is just as important. While the chances of an asteroid collision remain low, having scientific models in place can help policymakers and researchers develop strategies to mitigate potential risks. 



From planetary defense initiatives to climate adaptation plans, the knowledge gained from these studies could one day prove vital for protecting life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq5399" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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What would happen if a small asteroid hit Earth? Scientists have an idea

Throughout history, Earth has faced cataclysmic events that reshaped its...

Wildfires have long been a part of North America’s forests, shaping ecosystems and maintaining ecological balance. Yet, recent research suggests that today’s forests burn far less than they did in previous centuries. 



At first glance, this might seem like a positive change, but scientists warn that fewer wildfires could lead to more severe and destructive fires in the future.



A study published in Nature Communications reveals that modern forests are experiencing a significant “fire deficit.” 



This gap allows flammable materials such as dead wood and dry vegetation to accumulate, setting the stage for larger, more intense wildfires.



The study’s findings challenge the common belief that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-fire-risk-has-grown-exponentially-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> are increasing in frequency. Instead, they highlight how fire suppression has created dangerous conditions for both forests and communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-deficits-in-north-america">Fire deficits in North America</h2>



The study was led by researchers from the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (<a href="https://cires.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIRES</a>) at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> and the U.S. Forest Service’s <a href="https://research.fs.usda.gov/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a>.



The experts compared wildfire activity between two distinct periods: 1984-2022 and 1600-1880. They also analyzed 1,850 tree-ring records from historically burned areas and compared them with modern fire maps from Canada and the United States.



The results show a sharp decline in wildfire frequency over the past century. Despite recent record-breaking fire seasons, modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-identified-the-key-driver-of-severe-wildfires-in-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> burn significantly less land than they did before 1880. 



The researchers found that North American forests currently experience only about 20 percent of the fire activity they once did.



Historically, fire regularly cleared away underbrush, limiting the buildup of dry vegetation. The absence of these smaller fires has created an environment where large, uncontrollable wildfires are more likely to occur.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-maintains-healthy-forests">Fire maintains healthy forests</h2>



Fire has long played a crucial role in forest ecosystems. Frequent low-intensity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-season-of-2023-redefined-what-is-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a>, such as those common before 1880, helped maintain a balance by preventing excessive fuel accumulation. 



These fires cleared away smaller vegetation while leaving most mature trees unharmed.



“It’s a harbinger for far more bad fires to come unless we can get more beneficial management fires on the landscape,” said Chris Guiterman, a CIRES research scientist and member of NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (<a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCEI</a>) paleoclimate team.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="Jessie Thoreson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/forest-fires_north-america_timeline-comparison_credit-Jessie-Thoreson_1s.webp" alt="Conceptual figure illustrates the impacts of fire exclusion and suppression on area burned and fire severity in historically frequent-fire North American forests and woodlands represented by the majority of the fire scar sites used in our analysis. Credit: Jessie Thoreson" class="wp-image-1959635"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Conceptual figure illustrates the impacts of fire exclusion and suppression on area burned and fire severity in historically frequent-fire North American forests and woodlands represented by the majority of the fire scar sites used in our analysis. Credit: Jessie Thoreson</figcaption></figure>



Before European colonization, Indigenous peoples practiced controlled burns to manage landscapes and reduce fire hazards. These intentional fires were essential for preventing the unchecked growth of flammable materials. 



In addition, naturally occurring wildfires - often sparked by lightning - further contributed to this process. This fire-adapted system helped maintain biodiversity and kept wildfires from reaching catastrophic levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-suppression-changed-forest-landscapes">Fire suppression changed forest landscapes</h2>



Over the past century, humans have significantly altered the natural fire cycle. 



Widespread fire suppression policies, aimed at protecting human settlements and commercial timber, have prevented natural and controlled burns. 



Livestock grazing has also contributed by reducing grassy fuels that once carried low-intensity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-activity-surged-during-ice-age-climate-shifts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a>.



As a result, many forests now contain a dense accumulation of fuel. Instead of experiencing frequent, smaller fires that rejuvenate ecosystems, forests are now at risk of massive wildfires that destroy everything in their path. 



The shift from regular, low-intensity burns to infrequent, high-intensity wildfires marks a dangerous transformation in fire behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-risk-of-severe-wildfires">Growing risk of severe wildfires</h2>



Even though wildfires burned larger portions of the landscape in the 18th and 19th centuries, those fires were often less destructive. 



Many trees recorded the presence of fire in their growth rings but survived to continue growing. In contrast, modern wildfires are so intense that they leave forests barren, littered with dead trees.



The study suggests that these severe fires are a direct consequence of human-driven changes in fire management. Without regular burning, forests have become overcrowded with vegetation, creating a dangerous stockpile of flammable material. 



Once ignited, these dense forests burn at extreme temperatures, making them more destructive to both ecosystems and human communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-and-climate-change">Wildfires and climate change</h2>



Recent research indicates that modern wildfires are not only more severe but also increasingly linked to climate change. Warmer temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns create conditions that make forests more susceptible to large fires. 



However, the study also suggests that historical fires coincided with drought periods but remained less destructive due to the presence of frequent, smaller burns.



This finding challenges the assumption that climate change alone is responsible for today’s extreme wildfires. While rising temperatures do contribute to wildfire risk, the absence of fire as a natural process plays an equally significant role. 



The current approach to fire management, which prioritizes suppression over controlled burns, has made forests more vulnerable to large-scale devastation.



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



Wildfires will always be a part of North American ecosystems. Instead of trying to eliminate fire altogether, scientists and land managers emphasize the importance of adopting strategies that reduce the likelihood of severe fires.



One of the most effective approaches is the use of mechanical fuel treatments and prescribed burns. These methods involve deliberately setting controlled fires or removing excess vegetation to reduce fire hazards. 



Research shows that such techniques align with Indigenous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire management</a> practices, which successfully maintained healthy forests for centuries.



“It’s heartbreaking to witness how recent wildfires are devastating people, communities, and forests,” said Sean Parks, research scientist with the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station and lead author of the study.



“Wildfires are inevitable, so preparing our forests for these events through fuel reduction treatments and prescribed fire will reduce their impacts to communities and forests.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-fires-for-forest-health">Restoring fires for forest health</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need to rethink fire management policies. Returning to a more balanced approach - one that includes controlled burns and recognizes fire as a necessary ecological process - may help reduce the severity of future wildfires.



As researchers continue to analyze historical fire patterns, one thing remains clear: fire is not the enemy of forests. In fact, its absence may be causing more harm than good. 



By learning from the past and restoring traditional fire practices, we may be able to create a future where wildfires are less destructive and forests remain resilient.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56333-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Fewer forest fires happen today than in the past, ironically causes bigger issues

Wildfires have long been a part of North America’s forests,...

It was first spotted in 1911 by the Australian geologist Griffith Taylor and has captivated explorers ever since. This crimson feature, known as Blood Falls, emerges from the pristine white surface of Taylor Glacier in East Antarctica and splashes onto the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-zones-found-in-antarctica-were-recently-mapped-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icy terrain</a> below.



This strange spectacle has generated curiosity for over a century. 



According to <a href="https://lanlexperts.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/chris-g-carr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Carr</a>, a glaciologist at Los Alamos National Laboratory (<a href="https://www.lanl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LANL</a>) and lead author of a recent <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021JF006325" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, experts are still working to uncover the exact trigger behind the waterfall’s unpredictable flow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-stays-liquid-at-blood-falls">Water stays liquid at Blood Falls</h2>



Blood Falls does not flow year-round, but it stands out because the water beneath the glacier remains liquid, despite the intense cold of the surroundings.



<a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-glaciology/article/an-englacial-hydrologic-system-of-brine-within-a-cold-glacier-blood-falls-mcmurdo-dry-valleys-antarctica/B5C197906AD54619AEA26068AD92989A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> have traced this salty water to a hidden reservoir below <a href="https://www.swisseduc.ch/glaciers/antarctic/dry_valleys/taylor_glacier/index-en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Glacier</a> that retains heat more effectively than ordinary freshwater. 



The high salinity also lowers its freezing point, which means that the water remains fluid in the harsh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-melting-ice-shelves-threaten-global-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> temperatures.



Some investigators have suggested that the reservoir may be an ancient body of marine water, possibly trapped millions of years ago. 



The water then seeps out through cracks and channels inside the glacier, and bursts onto the surface at irregular intervals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-otherworldly-color">An otherworldly color</h2>



It looks frightening, yet the color is not from blood. The hue is the result of <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxidation-in-chemistry-605456" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxidation</a>, a chemical process that happens when the iron-rich brine meets oxygen in the open air. 



With each splash, more iron reacts and coats the ice with a rusty stain.



Researchers once attributed the crimson color to red algae, but that theory was eventually dismissed. 



Careful chemical analyses subsequently identified <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/astronomy-and-space-sciences/articles/10.3389/fspas.2022.843174/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iron compounds</a> that darken the flow of water, making it a deep, ruddy color.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-puzzle-of-seasonal-flow">A puzzle of seasonal flow</h2>



Winter is a hostile time in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>, with temperatures that plummet far below freezing point.



Scientists were stunned to see that the water in Blood Falls continued gushing in these icy conditions. 



There was hope that capturing the waterfall on camera would reveal some type of seismic activity linked to cracks in the ice. The sensors did record tiny shifts, yet none seemed to cause the brine flow.



That left experts scratching their heads. <a href="https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/directory/erin-pettit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Erin Pettit</a>, a glaciologist at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> and co-author of several Blood Falls investigations, <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021JF006325" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commented</a> on this anomaly.&nbsp;



“We were just throwing out the most bizarre ideas because none of it made sense and we didn’t have very much data to draw from,” said Pettit. 



The presence of wintertime flow has led researchers to guess that changes deep under the glacier might be involved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeming-with-hidden-life">Teeming with hidden life</h2>



The brine at Blood Falls is by no means lifeless. Scientists have learned that it contains microorganisms adapted to an environment where sunlight is scarce and nutrients are locked beneath layers of ice.



<a href="https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/earlymars2004/pdf/8023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that some microbes can feed on the iron and sulfur compounds, and glean energy from these chemical reactions instead of from sunlight.



Some experts see parallels between these microbes and the types of life that might exist on other icy worlds. 



The protective blanket of ice, combined with salty subglacial waters, offers a hint of how life could persist in hidden pockets far from the Sun’s reach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-falls-glaciers-and-other-planets">Blood Falls, glaciers and other planets</h2>



The existence of brine in such a frigid place challenges older views about the limitations of cold glaciers. 



“Researchers had assumed that any water would freeze solid, yet Taylor Glacier is known as the coldest glacier to have a steady flow of liquid water,” said Pettit in a <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/news/archives/news-archives-2010-2021/researchers-solve-the-100-year-old-mystery-of-blood-falls.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a>.



Those observations carry weight for our broader understanding of subglacial hydrology. 



Data gathered at Blood Falls can guide future exploration of other cold glaciers on Earth and spark new ideas about possible habitats beneath the ice caps on Mars or Jupiter’s moon, Europa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-falls-remains-a-puzzle">Blood falls remains a puzzle</h2>



The exact cause of each outflow remains uncertain. Some propose that internal pressure builds in the subglacial reservoir until the water finds a weak point to burst through. 



Others question if slight shifts in the glacier’s movement open narrow pathways that allow the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2018JG004411" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brine</a> to escape.



Either way, each sudden pulse of red fluid reminds us that certain glacial processes occur on unpredictable schedules.



New technologies such as specialized radar and melting probes are helping scientists view these hidden systems more precisely. 



Each time the crimson water appears, additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observations</a> could provide clues about what sparks each discharge.



For now, Blood Falls stands as a striking reminder of Earth’s many surprises.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-blood-falls-research-is-important">Why Blood Falls research is important</h2>



Antarctica’s secrets extend well beyond the bright red flow in Taylor Valley. Studying Blood Falls takes grit, funding, and strict protocols for working in polar conditions. 



Field camps must be set up, gear transported, and delicate instruments installed, all without contaminating the pristine environment or endangering the research team.



This waterfall may look like a small trickle in a gigantic frozen desert, but it represents a bigger story of geological persistence. 



The briny discharge hints at a vast hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> network and the remarkable endurance of life where few would expect it.



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Image credit: National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>)/Peter Rejcek



The study is published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021JF006325" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface</a>.



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"Blood Falls" is a dark red waterfall in Antarctica that remains a scientific mystery

It was first spotted in 1911 by the Australian geologist...

New research reveals that subtle shifts in land elevation can considerably increase or decrease the local impacts of sea level rise along coastlines.&nbsp;



Even though these changes usually amount to fractions of an inch per year, they may alter flood risk, wave exposure, and saltwater intrusion for nearby communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-ocean-heights">Looking beyond ocean heights</h2>



Accurately predicting future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> involves more than measuring how high the oceans climb. It also requires determining whether coastal lands are subsiding or uplifting.&nbsp;



A <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>-led study focused on California demonstrates how slow vertical movement of the land could have serious implications for areas already dealing with the challenges of a warming planet.



Sea levels along California’s coastline are projected to rise by 6 to 14.5 inches (15 to 37 centimeters) above year 2000 levels by 2050, mainly due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> and ice sheets, as well as the thermal expansion of warming ocean waters. 



However, the recent study emphasizes that a better grasp of land elevation trends is crucial for refining local sea level forecasts.



“In many parts of the world, like the reclaimed ground beneath San Francisco, the land is moving down faster than the sea itself is going up,” said lead author Marin Govorcin, a remote sensing scientist at <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-land-motion-in-detail">Tracking land motion in detail</h2>



The new research also highlights that the pace and scale of vertical land motion vary widely, shaped by both natural processes - such as tectonic activity - and human endeavors like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater pumping</a> or wastewater injection.&nbsp;



Previous regional models relying on tide gauges cannot capture all these dynamic changes or produce the detailed local picture that direct satellite observations now enable.



Scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) used satellite radar to study over a thousand miles of California’s coastline.&nbsp;



The experts identified multiple “hotspots,” including urban centers, beaches, and aquifers, where the sinking or rising of land could interact with ongoing sea level rise in significant ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-land-and-rising-sea-levels">Shifting land and rising sea levels</h2>



By analyzing radar measurements from <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>’s Sentinel-1 satellites and velocity data from ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System stations, the researchers pinpointed areas experiencing subsidence of more than 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) per year.



Regions like San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City, and Bay Farm Island in the San Francisco Bay Area are gradually sinking due to sediment compaction, among other factors.&nbsp;



As a result, projected sea levels in these localities could exceed 17 inches (45 centimeters) by 2050 - over twice the general regional estimate of 7.4 inches (19 centimeters) indicated by tide gauge data.



Certain areas, however, are rising. The Santa Barbara groundwater basin has been slowly lifting since 2018 thanks to aquifer replenishment, while Long Beach exhibited uplift driven by fluid extraction and injection linked to oil and gas activities.



In parts of Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, human-driven changes in land motion increase sea level projections by as much as 15 inches (40 centimeters). Groundwater use, hydrocarbon extraction, and other unpredictable land-use practices raise uncertainties that demand vigilant, real-time monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dowmward-drifting-terrain">Dowmward-drifting terrain</h2>



Farther inland, the Central Valley experiences rapid sinking - sometimes up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) annually - because of widespread groundwater withdrawals.&nbsp;



Scientists also recorded cyclical patterns of rising and falling land in Santa Clara, Santa Ana, and Chula Vista, correlated with fluctuations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> and drought.&nbsp;



In geologically active coastal regions like Big Sur and Palos Verdes, slow-moving landslides are causing portions of terrain to drift downward. Around San Francisco and Monterey bays, subsiding marshes and lagoons highlight erosion’s role in land changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-the-coming-decades">Changes in the coming decades</h2>



Policymakers, the public, and scientists can keep an eye on coastal land motion through the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/go/opera/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OPERA</a> (Observational Products for End-Users from Remote Sensing Analysis) initiative, led by JPL.&nbsp;



This project details surface elevation changes across North America, including subsidence zones, tectonic shifts, and landslide-prone areas.&nbsp;



The data will become even more precise once the next-generation <a href="https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NISAR</a> (NASA-Indian Space Research Organization Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission is launched in the coming months.



By incorporating satellite-based measurements of land elevation changes into broader sea level rise models, researchers hope to provide more accurate and actionable forecasts. The goal is to help coastal communities develop more robust strategies for coping with climate change in the decades to come.



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Sinking land will intensify the effects of rising sea levels

New research reveals that subtle shifts in land elevation can...

Human activity has profound consequences, including the rising concentration of heavy metals in the environment - a threat that is often overlooked. Few realize that elements like arsenic, lead, and mercury are becoming more prevalent due to human actions.



The seemingly insignificant activities of our everyday lives - like using fertilizers, mining, and even driving our vehicles - contribute to the growing problem of heavy metal pollution.



The issue is amplified by the persistence of these metals in our environment. They can bioaccumulate and cause harm even in small amounts, posing a danger to both humans and wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-metal-pollution-in-yangshan-port">Heavy metal pollution in Yangshan Port</h2>



A recent study was focused on China's Yangshan Port. Researchers from <a href="http://zjou.admissions.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zhejiang Ocean University</a> looked at the concentration of seven heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/151-million-americans-have-mental-health-disorders-linked-to-leaded-gasoline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead</a>, mercury, and zinc) in seawater, sediment samples, and five species of fish and crustaceans thriving on or near the seafloor.



Heavy metals were found to accumulate more in the sediment than in the water column. This, unfortunately, correlated with a higher degree of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-strengthen-the-toxicity-of-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxicity</a> in benthic organisms dwelling close to the seafloor, as they interact more with bottom sediments compared to fish dwelling in the upper water layers.



The situation is further complicated by differences in metabolisms and detoxification mechanisms among marine species living at varying depths.



For instance, fish living at different depths of the water column adapt to different dissolved oxygen levels, which could influence their ability to handle these heavy metals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biggest-sources-of-heavy-metals">Biggest sources of heavy metals</h2>



The researchers have no doubt that human factors are the primary cause of this growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-metal-pollution-increases-antibiotic-resistance-in-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, especially in the port area close to the Yangtze River estuary.



"With the acceleration of urbanization and the development rapidly industry in coastal areas, heavy metals circulated continuously in the marine environment through river runoff and atmospheric deposition," wrote the study authors. 



The experts identified the biggest sources of heavy metal contamination, such as household and industrial wastewater.



"Heavy metals entering marine environment were affected by a variety of factors, including domestic sewage, garbage discharge, automobile exhaust and agricultural and fishery wastewater, fertilizer residues, metal mining and smelting, industrial wastewater, etc., as well as antifouling coatings and fuel leaks from ships."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-heavy-metals">Health risks of heavy metals </h2>



"Excessive heavy metal contamination not only impacted the marine environment negatively, but also presented a threat to marine organisms and human health," said the researchers.



They noted that arsenic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-pollution-is-making-its-way-to-the-deepest-parts-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mercury</a> pose the greatest threat to the area's marine environment, with arsenic being the highest risk to human health through trace metal poisoning. 



The repercussions could be severe, affecting various body systems and increasing the risk of cancer. The threat is even greater for children due to their developing metabolism, immune systems, and rapid cell growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wake-up-call-for-communities">Wake-up call for communities </h2>



Due to the bioaccumulation of heavy metal toxicity in marine organisms, this silent menace moves quietly up the food chain. To limit exposure, the local population may need to reduce their seafood consumption.



The study highlights the increasing need to understand heavy metal toxicity in oceans, its impact on marine ecosystems, and its effects on human health.



The research serves as a wake-up call to communities and policymakers around the world to enforce protective measures to reduce the risks associated with heavy metal pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-toxic-metal-contamination">Addressing toxic metal contamination</h2>



With Yangshan and other ports in different parts of the world undergoing expansion projects, the need to address the issue grows even more urgent.



Regulatory bodies must implement stricter monitoring of industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and shipping activities to limit the influx of toxic metals into the ocean. 



Additionally, sustainable fishing practices and improved wastewater treatment technologies can help mitigate the long-term effects of contamination.



Public awareness also plays a crucial role. Educating local communities about the risks of heavy metal exposure through seafood consumption can encourage safer dietary choices.



Consumers, policymakers, and industries must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions that protect marine ecosystems while ensuring the safety of global seafood supplies.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1512115/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



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Heavy metal pollution threatens marine life and human health

Human activity has profound consequences, including the rising concentration of...

Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the sea, are among the most diverse and essential ecosystems on Earth. These underwater structures provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for countless marine species. However, microplastics have become a growing threat, infiltrating these habitats and harming marine life. 



Coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-artificial-light-can-boost-coral-reef-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> help maintain ocean health by filtering water, generating oxygen, and protecting coastlines from storm damage, but microplastics disrupt these crucial functions. Understanding how microplastics interact with coral reefs is a key step in protecting these vital habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-corals-trap-microplastics">How corals trap microplastics</h2>



A research team from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> has made a significant discovery regarding microplastic accumulation in coral reefs. They found that mucus secreted by coral naturally attracts and traps microplastics. This insight could help scientists develop strategies to protect coral reefs from plastic contamination.



The study, conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Engineering, applied advanced nanotechnology to examine how microplastics interact with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-not-adapt-quickly-enough-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral surfaces</a>. Their findings reveal that the sticky mucus surrounding corals plays a major role in capturing and holding microplastics in place.



“This discovery is critical because it helps us understand how microplastics attach to coral ecosystems, which is vital for developing effective removal strategies,” said Dr. Boxin Zhao, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and a member of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-coral-reefs-matter">Why coral reefs matter</h2>



Coral reefs support nearly a quarter of all marine species. They serve as nurseries for fish populations, sustain coastal communities, and contribute to global biodiversity. 



Many economies rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-be-more-resilient-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> for tourism and fishing, making their protection essential for both environmental and economic reasons.



In addition to sustaining marine life, coral reefs help regulate ocean chemistry. They remove carbon dioxide from the water, reducing ocean acidification and supporting broader climate stability. Their role in protecting shorelines is equally vital, as they act as natural barriers against waves, storms, and erosion.



With so many benefits linked to healthy coral reefs, the rise of microplastic pollution adds another layer of urgency to conservation efforts. Understanding how plastics accumulate in these ecosystems is an important step toward mitigating damage and ensuring long-term survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-mucus-and-microplastics">Coral mucus and microplastics </h2>



The University of Waterloo researchers approached this issue from a materials science perspective. They used nanotechnology to analyze the interaction between coral mucus and microplastics at a microscopic level.



In a controlled laboratory setting, they recreated the environmental conditions of a real coral reef. They then conducted mechanical adhesion tests on both living corals and synthetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-is-transforming-nightlife-on-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef structures</a>. 



The goal was to measure contact forces and determine what causes microplastics to stick to coral surfaces. The results confirmed that mucus secreted by coral plays a central role in capturing these tiny pollutants.



By identifying this key factor, scientists now have a clearer picture of how microplastics become embedded in coral ecosystems. This knowledge paves the way for developing practical solutions to remove these pollutants without causing further harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-microplastics-from-coral-reefs">Removing microplastics from coral reefs</h2>



With this newfound understanding, researchers are now shifting their focus toward developing innovative cleanup methods. Any effective solution must not only remove microplastics from reefs but also prevent them from drifting back into the ocean.



One promising idea involves designing artificial coral structures that could act as plastic traps. These structures would collect pollutants before they reach natural reefs, reducing the burden on existing ecosystems.



"By understanding the forces involved in microplastic adhesion, we can design solutions that not only prevent further harm, but also mitigate further microplastic pollution in coral reefs," said Dr. Sushanta Mitra, executive director of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-biology-and-environmental-pollution">Coral biology and environmental pollution</h2>



The research team’s findings mark an important step in tackling microplastic pollution in coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-coral-reefs-is-a-matter-of-humans-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a>. 



Their work highlights the complex relationship between coral biology and environmental pollution. While more research is needed, this discovery offers hope for creating targeted solutions that reduce microplastic buildup in marine environments.



The next challenge lies in translating these insights into large-scale applications. Conservationists, scientists, and policymakers must work together to develop strategies that not only remove existing pollutants but also prevent new plastic waste from entering the ocean. 



Addressing plastic pollution at its source - by improving waste management systems and reducing single-use plastics - remains critical to long-term success.



The study, which included Dr. A. Reum Kim, a postdoctoral fellow at Waterloo, was recently published in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.4c00650?goto=supporting-info" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS ES&amp;T Water</a>.



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Scientists discover how microplastics accumulate in coral reefs

Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the sea, are...

Agroforestry has long been overlooked in the farming community, with many believing that trees and agriculture are incompatible. However, this integrated approach - combining trees, shrubs, and traditional farming methods - offers significant benefits for both farmers and the environment.



Despite its potential to improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and increase profitability, agroforestry adoption in the U.S. Midwest remains surprisingly low. Now, researchers at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> are working to change that narrative.



The experts argue that widespread agroforestry adoption requires strategic planning that considers environmental, social, and economic factors to make it a viable and attractive option for farmers across the Midwest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-benefits-of-agroforestry">Surprising benefits of agroforestry</h2>



While most studies have focused on the agronomy and ecology elements of agroforestry, study lead author Sarah Castle noted that not enough attention has been given to the social and economic impacts of these practices.



"It turns out those factors dramatically shift our priorities for targeting agroforestry in certain areas," she emphasized. 



Castle conducted much of this research during her doctoral studies at the university and is currently a postdoc at Yale School of the Environment, while also being a scholar at Illinois.



The research team set out to create a tool that would pinpoint areas where agroforestry could yield the highest environmental benefits. The sites needed to be economically viable, socially acceptable, and inhabited by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> that could thrive under agroforestry practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-agroforestry-with-combined-data">Mapping agroforestry with combined data</h2>



Combining social attitudes, economic feasibility, and environmental data was a monumental task.



“We took all of these different data layers, normalized them so they were comparable, and combined them very intentionally to conduct a holistic assessment. One of the most helpful parts of that process was conducting key informant interviews," noted Castle.



The researchers interacted with individuals from Illinois Extension, the USDA National Agroforestry Center, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Savanna Institute to gain feedback on their approach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-intentional-mapping">Power of intentional mapping</h2>



The team succeeded in developing a valuable asset - a map that identifies regions where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-technologies-can-reverse-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agroforestry could be a sustainable solution</a> for soil erosion, water quality, and climate concerns. The map could also enhance profitability for lands unsuitable for routine crops.



The researchers mentioned a staggering estimate of the potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a> if agroforestry was implemented in the most appropriate areas in the Midwest.



"Expanding these practices across just 5% of suitable Midwestern agricultural land could store 43 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year," said study co-author Professor Chloe Wardropper.



When compared to cover <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-cover-crops-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>, which are approximated to store about 8.4 million tons of CO2e per year on similar lands, the potential benefits of agroforestry are undeniable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-personalized-support-tool">A personalized support tool </h2>



To further support their cause, the research team decided to make their mapping tool available for everyone - landowners, conservation scientists, and policymakers - completely free of charge.



This decision-support tool allows users to adjust parameters based on their specific agroforestry goals. 



“Say you want to run an assessment only on one tree species, or only considering economics, or setting economics as five times more important than environmental factors," said Castle. 



"Users of the decision support tool can set their parameters based on their specific agroforestry goals and rerun the analysis to create their own maps for Midwest states, counties, and watersheds."



Every region may have a suitable agroforestry practice since each one has unique spatial opportunities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agroforestry-can-be-adapted-to-any-farm">Agroforestry can be adapted to any farm</h2>



Professor Wardropper, taking the example of windbreaks, reminds us that introducing agroforestry does not necessarily imply revolutionizing the entire farm.



"There are a lot of ways a landowner/operator can really tailor agroforestry to the types of benefits that they're looking for," said Professor Wardropper, emphasizing that the transition to agroforestry can be gradual, less costly, and manageable.



Ultimately, the scientists are changing the way we think about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-nutrient-loss-due-to-heavy-rainfall-threatens-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>. By integrating trees into their farming practices, farmers in the Midwest can help to create a sustainable future for themselves and for the planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1072858" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Agroforestry could transform farming in the Midwest

Agroforestry has long been overlooked in the farming community, with...

Last month set a new record for the hottest January ever documented, surprising climate experts who had expected that a developing La Niña would finally start easing a prolonged bout of unusual heat.



According to the <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a>, January 2025 was 1.75°C warmer than in pre-industrial times, continuing a notable series of high-temperature records spanning 2023 and 2024. 



Human-generated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> have largely driven this persistent warming trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-weaker-la-nina-than-anticipated">A weaker La Niña than anticipated</h2>



Most climate scientists anticipated that the exceptional heat wave would lose momentum once an El Niño event - peaking in January 2024 - gave way to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña</a>, which typically brings a temporary cooling effect.&nbsp;



Yet temperatures have remained at, or near, record-breaking levels, prompting discussion about additional factors that may be elevating global warmth beyond forecasts.



Researchers caution that even slight increments in global temperature magnify both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather phenomena such as heatwaves, severe rainfall, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerning-jump-in-january-heat">Concerning jump in January heat</h2>



January exceeded the previous monthly record (set in January 2024) by 0.09°C, a margin that Copernicus climate scientist Julien Nicolas described as “sizeable” in the context of global temperature shifts.&nbsp;



“This is what makes it a bit of a surprise...you're not seeing this cooling effect, or temporary brake at least, on the global temperature that we were expecting to see,” said Nicolas.



Stefan Rahmstorf from the <a href="https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/university-of-potsdam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Potsdam</a> pointed out that this is the first time in recorded data that a La Niña phase has yielded temperatures higher than those during the preceding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a>.&nbsp;



“This is of serious concern - over the past sixty years, all twenty five La Niña January's have been cooler than surrounding years,” said Rahmstorf.



This year’s La Niña is predicted to be mild, and Copernicus reported evidence that surface temperatures in parts of the equatorial Pacific may be slowing or stalling the expected move toward cooler conditions. Nicolas noted that the phenomenon could vanish entirely by March.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surpassing-the-paris-agreement-goal">Surpassing the Paris Agreement goal</h2>



Last month, Copernicus announced that the average global temperature for 2023 and 2024 had, for the first time, surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;



Though this does not confirm a permanent breach of the long-term Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C, it does reveal that the threshold is being tested.



Overall, scientists do not anticipate 2025 to eclipse 2023 and 2024’s record-breaking heat; they predict it will probably rank as the third-warmest year.&nbsp;



Nonetheless, Copernicus plans to carefully track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> in 2025 to learn more about the planet’s evolving climate conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-oceans-in-climate-change">The role of oceans in climate change</h2>



Oceans function as a crucial moderator of Earth’s climate and a major carbon sink. Cooler sea waters are able to capture more heat from the air, thereby contributing to reduced atmospheric temperatures.&nbsp;



Cooler oceans also hold on to around 90 percent of the extra heat produced by the burning of fossil fuels.



“This heat is bound to resurface periodically,” Nicolas said. “I think that's also one of the questions - is this what has been happening over the past couple of years?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astonishing-heat-in-january">Astonishing heat in January</h2>



Sea surface temperatures have reached notably high levels throughout 2023 and 2024; in January alone, they were the second warmest ever recorded. “That is the thing that is a little puzzling - why they remain so warm,” Nicolas added.



University College London climate researcher Bill McGuire described it as “astonishing and frankly terrifying” that January remained near record highs even after La Niña conditions emerged.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, Joel Hirschi from the UK’s <a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanography Center</a> advised restraint when interpreting only one month’s data, remarking that peaks had also been noted after past El Niño phases, even with La Niña underway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explanations-for-record-heat-nbsp">Explanations for record heat&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists generally concur that the long-term rise in global temperatures is primarily caused by burning fossil fuels, though natural climate cycles can influence yearly temperature variations.&nbsp;



Still, experts say that El Niño alone cannot explain what has transpired in the atmosphere and oceans, meaning other explanations are being explored.



One possibility is that the move toward cleaner shipping fuels that began in 2020 has accelerated warming by curtailing sulfur-based emissions that help form sunlight-reflecting clouds.&nbsp;



Another study, published in December, questioned whether fewer low-altitude clouds might be letting more heat reach Earth’s surface.



“These are avenues that must be taken seriously, and remain open,” said Robert Vautard, a top researcher with the UN’s <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-earth-in-125-000-years">Hottest Earth in 125,000 years</h2>



Copernicus harnesses billions of measurements from satellites, ships, planes, and weather stations to form its climate estimates.&nbsp;



Though the agency’s own records trace back to 1940, other climate data sources - like ice cores, tree rings, and coral skeletons - enable scientists to extrapolate findings from a much deeper past.



Based on that broader array of evidence, researchers believe that the current period could well be the hottest Earth has experienced for at least 125,000 years.



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'Astonishing' global temperatures in January 2025 surprised scientists

Last month set a new record for the hottest January...

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

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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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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the importance of monitoring the shape of the sea surface, which is constantly changing. These observations have many applications, such as ship routing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-modem-ocean-is-a-tough-place-for-whales-to-survive/">ocean</a> current forecasting, and debris tracking.



"A project supported by the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities recently investigated a new technique to measure sea surface topography very precisely," reports ESA.



"The technique involves looking at satellite navigation (GNSS) signals that have been reflected off of the sea surface at very low angles. At these so-called grazing angles, waves and surface roughness have very little impact on the reflection process; the sea surface acts as a very smooth mirror."



Estel Cardellach is the principal investigator at the Institute for Space Studies of Catalonia, who first submitted the idea for the project.



“In a mirror-like reflection the phase of the signal can be tracked – it is continuous," said Cardellach. "Different surface heights result in different phase measurements. It gives a very precise measurement of the surface altitude at a few centimetres’ precision.”



The researchers developed a GNSS receiver and set up an experiment in the Balaeric Islands to collect signals from the receiver that were reflected off the sea surface. Ultimately, these signals will provide improved measurements of the shape of the sea surface.



Image/ Video Credit: ESA



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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

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