Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features sediment swirling in the Gulf of Alaska on December 29, 2023.



"After an unusually snowy start to winter, southern Alaska’s coastline remained under a blanket of white in late December," said NASA.



"Meanwhile, greens and tans swirled in the dark blue water offshore. The dullness of the hues near shore suggests that the water is mostly colored by sediment. It is likely that phytoplankton - microscopic plant-like organisms - contributed to some of the hues farther from the coast."



According to NASA, much of the sediment in this region comes from “glacial flour” carried into the gulf by the Copper River.&nbsp;



"Glacial flour forms as glaciers move over bedrock and grind it into a fine silt. When suspended in water, glacial flour can make the water appear an opaque turquoise color - similar to phytoplankton blooms. The sediment carries iron and other nutrients that can spur the growth of these tiny marine organisms," explained NASA.



Aimee Neeley, a biological oceanographer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that there are always phytoplankton in the water, but usually at lower levels in the wintertime at these latitudes.



The Gulf of Alaska is a vast and biologically rich body of water that lies at the northernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, encircled by Alaska.&nbsp;



The gulf extends approximately 1,500 miles from the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands in the west to the Alexander Archipelago in the east.



Characterized by a subarctic climate, it's known for heavy rain and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/">snowfall</a>. The region is also prone to frequent storms and is a significant pathway for colder northern weather patterns moving into the United States.



The Gulf of Alaska is home to a diverse marine ecosystem. It supports many species of fish, such as salmon and halibut, and is also a habitat for marine mammals like whales, sea lions, and seals.



The image was captured by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA’s Aqua satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Sediment swirling in the Gulf of Alaska

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut view of the Aladaghlar Mountains in northwestern Iran. These mountains are known for their strikingly colorful landscapes, which make them stand out among other mountain ranges.



"Ridges cast shadows in the valleys and other low elevation areas, creating a three-dimensional appearance. Human alterations to the landscape are most evident in riverbeds, where the even topography is easier to build on and navigate," said NASA.



"Natural processes over millions of years have folded rock layers of various compositions and colors into the curved patterns seen here. These folds are produced by tectonic forces operating along the convergent plate boundary of the Arabia and Eurasia plates. The convergence of these tectonic plates causes uplift, folding, and deformation of the colorful rock layers, and subsequent erosion exposes them."



One of the most remarkable features of the Aladaghlar Mountains is the vivid coloration of their slopes. The name "Aladaghlar" translates to "Colorful Mountains," which is a testament to their unique appearance. 



The Aladaghlar Mountains are part of a larger ecosystem that includes forests, meadows, and rivers, contributing to a rich biodiversity. The region supports a variety of wildlife, including several species that are unique to the area. The diverse wildlife add to the natural beauty and ecological importance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/">mountains</a>.



In addition to their natural appeal, the Aladaghlar Mountains hold cultural significance. The region has a rich history, with evidence of ancient civilizations and historical sites. Local communities have their unique cultures and traditions, which have been influenced by the natural environment of the mountains.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

The Aladaghlar Mountains of northwestern Iran

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a large sediment plume from the Yangtze River that extends hundreds of kilometers off the coast of China.



"Brown, sediment-laden water is visible along this shallow, turbid stretch of coast year-round, but a vast plume like the one visible here is a characteristic feature of winter. Scientists have proposed several causes of this seasonal phenomenon," said NASA.



"The ebb and flow of tides contain enough energy to stir up sediments from the seafloor, a 2017 study found. While there are also tides in the summer, the models used in the study showed that sediment only rises to the surface in the winter. That’s when temperatures and salinities at the sea surface and bottom are similar, allowing for vertical mixing to occur and for sediment to churn higher into the water column."



Additional studies have suggested that the summer monsoon’s influence on currents impedes the eastward flow of sediment out of the estuaries, noted NASA.



"Despite what looks like a glut of suspended sediment in the water, the overall amount of it flowing from the Yangtze River has declined steadily over the past several decades. The construction of dams, including the Three Gorges Dam, has been the primary driver of this trend."



It is important for scientists to track the movement of suspended sediment. This material can cause direct harm to marine life, as well as indirect harm by blocking sunlight.



The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, following the Nile and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-river-dolphins-are-at-great-risk-of-extinction-due-to-human-activities/">Amazon</a>. It flows for over 6,300 kilometers (about 3,917 miles) from the glaciers of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in western China to the East China Sea at Shanghai.&nbsp;



The Yangtze River basin is a key region for China's agriculture, industry, and hydroelectric power production. The river's waters are used for irrigation, navigation, and as a source of freshwater. The basin is home to diverse wildlife, including the critically endangered Yangtze river dolphin or Baiji, which may now be extinct.



The image was captured on February 12, 2024 by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite sensor on the NOAA-20 satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Sediment flows offshore from the Yangtze River 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is a tributary of the Congo River, one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-rivers-keep-antimicrobial-resistant-genes-at-bay/">rivers</a> in the world by discharge and depth. 



The Ruki River, previously known as the Busira, merges with the Momboyo River near the town of Basankusu to become the Lulonga River, which eventually flows into the Congo River at the town of Lisala.



"If the appearance of the muddy Amazon River evokes a coffee cut with cream, the Ruki River, coursing gently through the Congo Basin, is like a dark tea," said NASA.



"On its slow path through mostly untouched lowland rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the water leaches organic material from vegetation, prompting some researchers to think it is one of the darkest blackwater rivers on Earth. The dissolved material in this distinctive water, scientists are finding, offers clues into the carbon cycle of tropical forests."



In a recent study, researchers measured the chemical composition and flow of the Ruki for the first time.&nbsp;



"The study reported that, as the water color suggests, the Ruki is rich in dissolved organic carbon compounds. It contains four times as much organic carbon as the Congo River and 1.5 times as much as the Rio Negro, the world’s largest blackwater river and a major tributary of the Amazon," said NASA.



Due to this heavy carbon load, the researchers concluded that “tropical forests like those around the Ruki might not accumulate quite as much carbon as we once thought.”



The region around the Ruki River is rich in biodiversity, hosting various species of flora and fauna. It is part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest area in the world, which is a critical habitat for endangered species and a significant carbon sink.



The river is vital for the livelihoods of local communities. Fishing is a crucial activity, with many people depending on it for sustenance and income. The river also supports agriculture along its banks, where communities grow crops.



In many parts of the DRC, rivers like the Ruki are crucial transportation corridors due to the challenging and often nonexistent road infrastructure. The river enables the movement of people and goods, facilitating trade and access to markets, health care, and education.



The region faces several challenges, including deforestation, overfishing, and environmental degradation, which threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of people who depend on it. Efforts to manage and conserve the river's resources are vital for sustainable development.



Understanding and protecting the Ruki River and its surroundings are crucial for the DRC's environmental sustainability, economic development, and the well-being of its communities.



The image was captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

The Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features dust streaming from Lago Colhué Huapi, a shallow endorheic lake located in the Chubut Province in southern Argentina.



"Strong northwesterly winds often race down the eastern side of the Andes Mountains and whip across the central Patagonian Desert. In the process, they sometimes lift dust from Argentina’s drying Lago Colhué Huapi, fueling intense dust storms," said NASA.



"Lago Colhué Huapi is a particularly rich source of dust because the shallow lake regularly grows and shrinks with variations in the flow of the Senguer River and the pace of evaporation. When lake water levels are low, as they were when MODIS captured this image, fine-grained, lightweight particles are easily transported by the wind."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-activity-from-lago-colhue-huapi">Dust activity from Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/">Dust storms</a> in this region are most common during the summer months from December to March. There are 15 to 30 dust storms in a typical year.&nbsp;



"Dust storms are frequent and persistent enough in this area that they have exposed an open-air archaeological site along the lake’s edge," said NASA.



"The Puesto Roberts 1 site, located in an old floodplain on the southeast side of Lago Colhué Huapi, was first identified in 2019 when archaeologists noticed that winds had exposed a five-centimeter layer of sandy loam soil littered with stone tools and the bones of a wild species of llama called guanaco."



"Archaeologists identified 427 artifacts at the site - including stone cutting blades, milling tools, scrapers, and egg-shaped bola stones used for hunting - spread across 15 square meters, according to a 2022 study led by Heidi Hammond, an archaeologist at the National University of the Patagonia San Juan Bosco."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lago-colhue-huapi">More about Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



This lake is an interesting geographical feature primarily because it acts as a seasonal sink for the Senguerr River, which in turn gathers waters from various smaller streams in the region. 



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



Due to its shallow nature, the size of Lago Colhué Huapi can vary significantly with the seasons and the amount of water it receives from its sources. During times of drought or reduced rainfall, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-lakes-to-their-boiling-point/">lake</a> can shrink considerably, affecting the local ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.



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



The lake's surroundings are characterized by a semi-arid climate, which influences the type of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in the area. Despite the harsh conditions, the region around Lago Colhué Huapi supports a variety of bird species, making it a site of interest for birdwatchers and naturalists.



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



In recent years, Lago Colhué Huapi has faced environmental challenges, including the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/">climate change</a>, which has led to lower water levels and increased salinity. These changes pose threats to the lake's ecological balance and the species that inhabit its waters and shores. The situation at Lago Colhué Huapi serves as a reminder of the broader environmental issues facing water bodies in arid and semi-arid regions around the world.



The image was captured on March 29, 2024 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

Plant stress is a critical concern in agriculture, where timely and accurate information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-use-ai-and-drone-images-to-interpret-crop-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop health</a> is crucial for maintaining productivity and reducing losses. A recent advancement in this field involves sensors capable of detecting plant signaling molecules. 



The sensors provide farmers with an early warning system. They help preemptively address issues such as excessive light, heat, or attacks from insects and microbes.



Working on this technology, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>) and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMART</a>) have recently made significant strides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-markers-to-sense-plant-stress">Molecular markers to sense plant stress</h2>



Utilizing carbon nanotube-based sensors, the experts have identified distinct signals which indicate various types of stress in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-new-way-to-measure-stress-in-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, such as heat, light, or microbial and insect attacks. 



The sensors target two key signaling molecules: hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid. Hydrogen peroxide is used by plant cells as a distress signal under attack scenarios. Meanwhile, salicylic acid plays a role in regulating growth, development, and stress response in plants.



The innovative sensors developed by the team are capable of detecting these molecules, which produce distinct patterns at different times depending on the type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-plants-emit-sounds-when-they-are-stressed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> experienced by the plant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plant-sensors-detect-stress">How plant sensors detect stress</h2>



The plant stress sensors are initially dissolved in a specialized solution. The solution is then carefully applied to the underside of the leaves of the plants. This strategic application allows the sensors to seamlessly penetrate the stomata, which are tiny openings on the leaf surfaces. 



Once inside, the sensors navigate through to the mesophyll, a layer within the leaf where essential plant processes occur. Within the mesophyll, the sensors begin their crucial work. 



They detect and monitor any chemical changes signaling stress, such as alterations due to excessive light, heat, or the presence of pests and pathogens. These changes are crucial indicators of the plant's health and its immediate environment.



To capture this data, an infrared camera is used. The camera is sensitive enough to detect the subtle chemical shifts triggered by the sensors. It converts these signals into visual data that is both actionable and timely. 



The system allows farmers to receive real-time insights into the health of their crops. With this information, they can make informed decisions quickly, potentially preventing significant stress or damage to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-leaves-send-signals-to-their-roots-on-dry-days-telling-them-to-keep-digging-deeper-for-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. 



This technology represents a significant step forward in agricultural practices, providing a tool that enhances crop management and sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-application">Real-world application</h2>



In a recent study, the researchers used the plant stress sensors on pak choi plants. These plants were exposed to various stressors including heat, intense light, insect bites, and bacterial infections.



The results were telling; each stress type triggered a specific production timeline of hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid. This created a biochemical "language" or fingerprint that identifies the type of stress encountered.



The technology represents a significant leap forward from traditional methods, which often involve genetically engineered fluorescent proteins specific to certain plant types, like tobacco or Arabidopsis thaliana. 



The new sensors, however, can be universally applied to nearly any plant, providing a versatile tool for farmers.



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



Michael Strano, a professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT and senior author of the study, emphasized the potential of the plant sensors in agriculture.



"What we found is that these two sensors together can tell the user exactly what kind of stress the plant is undergoing. Inside the plant, in real time, you get chemical changes that rise and fall, and each one serves as a fingerprint of a different stress,” explained Professor Strano.



Furthermore, the team is working on integrating the plant sensors into diagnostic systems that could not only detect stress but also initiate responses, such as adjusting greenhouse conditions to mitigate stress factors automatically.



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



The next steps for the researchers involve adapting these sensors to detect other plant signaling molecules. This could further enhance our understanding of plant responses and potentially lead to new strategies for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-insect-pollinator-communities-boost-crop-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop management</a> and protection.



In summary, this novel sensor technology offers farmers a powerful tool to monitor and respond to plant stress more effectively and in real time. As this technology develops, it could revolutionize the way we approach farming, making it more responsive, efficient, and sustainable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47082-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Sensors that detect plant stress could revolutionize farming

Plant stress is a critical concern in agriculture, where timely...

Astonishing new observations from the Webb Telescope (JWST) have revealed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-finalizes-ambitious-rule-to-slash-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane emissions</a> from a cold brown dwarf -- a discovery that challenges our understanding of these distant celestial bodies. 



This observation suggests potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-enigma-aurorae-discovered-on-isolated-brown-dwarf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auroral activities</a> similar to those on Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn, reshaping how we perceive the atmospheres of distant, isolated worlds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brown-dwarfs-are-an-enigma">Brown dwarfs are an enigma</h2>



Brown dwarfs are intriguing cosmic entities, larger than planets yet not massive enough to ignite like stars. They populate our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> in abundance, with thousands discovered within our own solar vicinity. 



These objects present a fascinating blend of planetary and stellar characteristics, making them a prime focus for astronomical research.



A particularly interesting subject of study is W1935, a brown dwarf located 47 light years away.



With a chilly surface temperature of about 400° Fahrenheit, this brown dwarf is as warm as an oven used to bake chocolate chip cookies. Despite this, it exhibits conditions markedly different from those of a typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-blaze-star-explosion-visible-one-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a>.



Despite its poorly defined mass, estimates suggest it weighs between 6 and 35 times that of Jupiter, placing it squarely within the typical size range for brown dwarfs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-methane-glow-on-brown-dwarf-w1935">Unexpected methane glow on brown dwarf W1935</h2>



While examining W1935 among other brown dwarfs, researchers discovered a surprising phenomenon: W1935 was emitting methane.



This observation marked the first instance of methane emissions on a brown dwarf, as methane typically absorbs light rather than emitting it in such cold environments.



“Methane gas is expected in giant planets and brown dwarfs but we usually see it absorbing light, not glowing,” said Jackie Faherty, the lead author of the study. “We were confused about what we were seeing at first but ultimately that transformed into pure excitement at the discovery.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-inversions-and-auroras">Temperature inversions and auroras</h2>



Further investigation through computer modeling revealed another unexpected aspect: W1935's atmosphere exhibits a temperature inversion. In this inversion, the temperature increases with altitude.



While such inversions are common in planets close to a heat source like a star, the isolated nature of W1935 makes this phenomenon particularly baffling.



“We were pleasantly shocked when the model clearly predicted a temperature inversion,” said co-author Ben Burningham from the <a href="https://www.herts.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hertfordshire.</a> “But we also had to figure out where that extra upper atmosphere heat was coming from.”



The team sought answers within our solar system by examining Jupiter and Saturn. Both planets are known for methane emissions and temperature inversions likely caused by auroras.



Consequently, auroras result from interactions between magnetic fields and high-energy particles from the sun. These interactions lead to spectacular light displays near the poles of planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speculating-on-solar-and-lunar-influences">Speculating on solar and lunar influences</h2>



Without a host star, the typical solar wind explanation for auroras does not apply to W1935. However, a tantalizing hypothesis emerged: an active moon, similar to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brilliant-new-images-of-jupiters-moon-io-captured-by-juno-spacecraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter's Io</a> or Saturn's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-sparking-energy-source-found-on-saturns-moon-enceladus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enceladus</a>, might be influencing the phenomenon. 



These moons, known for their dynamic geological activity, significantly impact their planets' atmospheres.



“Every time an astronomer points JWST at an object, there’s a chance of a new mind-blowing discovery,” Faherty explained. 



“Methane emission was not on my radar when we started this project but now that we know it can be there and the explanation for it so enticing I am constantly on the look-out for it. That’s part of how science moves forward," he concluded.



This recent discovery underscores the unpredictability of space exploration and ignites curiosity. It also drives the scientific community to further unravel the secrets of the universe.



Additionally, more observations are planned to enhance our understanding of W1935 and explore the potential of an undiscovered moon fostering auroral activity on this distant brown dwarf.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07190-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Cold brown dwarf seen emitting methane and generating an aurora

Astonishing new observations from the Webb Telescope (JWST) have revealed...

A,Saber-toothed,Tiger,Attacks,A,Lone,Mammoth,In,A,Snowstorm

A team of brilliant climate scientists has taken a deep dive into Earth's Last Ice Age to unravel the complex relationship between climate change, carbon dioxide (CO2), future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>. 



By focusing on the Last Glacial Maximum (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-footprints-prove-humans-were-in-north-america-23000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LGM</a>), a period 21,000 years ago when much of North America was covered in ice, the study aims to improve our understanding of climate sensitivity and the potential warming we face in the years and decades ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-last-ice-age-for-future-climate-clues">Analyzing the last ice age for future climate clues</h2>



As carbon dioxide (CO2) levels continue to rise in the atmosphere, the Earth's climate will continue to change, and temperature is expected to increase. 



However, the exact relationship between CO2 and global warming, known as climate sensitivity, is still under investigation.



A recent study led by <a href="https://uwpcc.ocean.washington.edu/person/Vince_Cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vince Cooper</a>, a doctoral student in atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, and senior author <a href="https://environment.uw.edu/faculty/kyle-armour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Armour</a>, an associate professor of atmospheric sciences and oceanography, has shed new light on this critical relationship by analyzing data from Earth's Last Ice Age.



"The main contribution from our study is narrowing the estimate of climate sensitivity, improving our ability to make future warming projections," Cooper explained. 



"By looking at how much colder Earth was in the ancient past with lower levels of greenhouse gases, we can estimate how much warmer the current climate will get with higher levels of greenhouse gases," he continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Data from the LGM: Coldest chapter of the Last Ice Age</h2>



The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refers to the period during the Last Ice Age when global ice sheets reached their maximum extent. This occurred around 21,000 years ago and lasted for several thousand years. 



The LGM represents the coldest and most severe stage of the last glacial period. During the LGM, global temperatures were significantly lower than today, with average temperatures around 6 degrees Celsius cooler.



This extreme cooling allowed ice sheets to expand and cover vast areas of the Earth's surface. The Laurentide Ice Sheet in North America and the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in Europe were at their peak, while glaciers advanced in mountainous regions worldwide.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sea level changes and exposed landmasses</h3>



As water became locked up in the massive ice sheets, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global sea levels</a> dropped by approximately 125 meters during the LGM. 



This dramatic decrease in sea levels exposed extensive areas of the continental shelves, creating land bridges between regions that are now separated by water. 



The most famous example is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-arrived-in-the-americas-10000-years-earlier-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bering Land Bridge</a>, which connected Asia and North America, allowing human populations and animals to migrate between the continents.



The LGM also saw significant changes in the Earth's atmospheric composition. Carbon dioxide levels were much lower than today, dropping to around 190 parts per million (ppm) compared to the current level of over 400 ppm. 



This decrease in greenhouse gases contributed to the cooler global temperatures and amplified the effects of the expanding ice sheets.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Influence on ecosystems and biodiversity</h3>



The harsh conditions of the LGM had a profound impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. Tundra and steppe environments expanded, while forests retreated to smaller refugia. 



Many plant and animal species adapted to the colder climate, with some megafauna, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/end-of-an-era-woolly-mammoth-remains-tell-an-intriguing-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woolly mammoths</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossilized-tooth-diet-giant-ground-sloth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant ground sloths</a>, thriving during this period. 



However, the LGM also led to the extinction of some species that were unable to cope with the changing environmental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-future-climate-warming-estimates-from-ice-age-data">Refining future climate warming estimates from ice age data</h2>



By analyzing data from the Last Glacial Maximum, the study's results show significant deviations from current warming projections. 



The best-case, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most likely estimates</a>, for warming due to doubling CO2 levels remain unchanged at about 2 and 3 degrees Celsius, respectively. 



However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worst-case scenario</a> has been reduced by a full degree, from 5 to 4 degrees Celsius.



"This paper allows us to produce more confident predictions because it really brings down the upper end of future warming, and says that the most extreme scenario is less likely," Armour enthused. 



"It doesn't really change the lower end, or the average estimate, which remain consistent with all the other lines of evidence," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-recent-climate-trends">Limitations of recent climate trends</h2>



The authors caution that recent decades are not a reliable predictor of future global warming trends. 



Shorter-term climate cycles and the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric pollution</a> are just some of the reasons why recent patterns cannot be relied upon to forecast the rest of the century.



"The spatial pattern of global warming in the most recent 40 years doesn't look like the long-term pattern we expect in the future -- the recent past is a bad analog for future global warming," emphasized Armour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-paleoclimate-records-and-computer-models">Combining paleoclimate records and computer models</h2>



By combining prehistoric climate records from the Last Glacial Maximum, such as ocean sediments, ice cores, and preserved pollen, with computer models of the Earth's climate, Vince Cooper and his team were able to simulate the weather conditions of this ancient period.



"The paleoclimate record includes long periods that were on average much warmer or colder than the current climate, and we know that there were big climate forcings from ice sheets and greenhouse gases during those periods," explained Cooper. 



"If we know roughly what the past temperature changes were and what caused them, then we know what to expect in the future," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-ice-sheets-and-clouds">Role of ice sheets and clouds</h2>



The study revealed that the ice sheet covering much of North America during the Last Glacial Maximum had a more significant cooling effect than previously thought. 



In addition to reflecting summer sunlight off the continents, the ice sheet also altered wind patterns and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a>, causing the northern Pacific and Atlantic oceans to become especially cold and cloudy. 



These cloud changes over the oceans compounded the glacier's global cooling effects by reflecting even more sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-climate-with-help-from-earth-s-last-ice-age">Predicting future climate with help from Earth's last ice age</h2>



In summary, as we continue to face the challenges posed by climate change, studies like this one provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between CO2 and global warming. 



By refining our understanding of climate sensitivity and improving our ability to make future warming projections, researchers are helping to inform policymakers and the public about the potential impacts of rising greenhouse gas levels.



While the study's findings offer some reassurance that the most extreme warming scenarios are less likely, it is crucial to remember that even moderate increases in global temperature can have significant consequences for our planet and its inhabitants. 



As we work towards a more sustainable future, it is essential that we continue to support and invest in climate change research to better understand and mitigate the risks posed by a warming world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk9461" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Ice age data analysis offers good news for Earth’s current climate woes

A team of brilliant climate scientists has taken a deep...

<div class="vdb_player vdb_591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49"><script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b/vid=592d9c842ba1881da398dfe8/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js"></script></div>
In this week&#8221;s episode we&#8221;ll test drive a new smart headlight that&#8221;s easy on the eyes. Discover the source of gas contamination in drinking water from wells&#8211;and finally we&#8221;ll learn how one breath could possibly save your life. 
Credit: NSF

Contaminated Drinking Water From Gas Drilling