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;



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The Aladaghlar Mountains of northwestern Iran

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 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



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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;



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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



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Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features thick haze over Thailand during the fire season. The photograph was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite on March 16, 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waves-of-smoke-and-haze">Waves of smoke and haze</h2>



"Each year in January and February, satellites begin to detect waves of smoke and fire in Southeast Asia, particularly in highland forests in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Fire activity continues to increase through March and April, reaches a peak during the height of the dry season, and then fades in May with the start of the rainy season," noted NASA.



"Individual fires are usually small and short-lived. But they are often so numerous that smoke, along with air pollution from rural and urban areas, mixes to produce thick layers of haze that blanket the landscape." 



"Such hazes contain mixtures of small airborne particles called aerosols and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone that degrade air quality and have harmful health effects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-in-thailand-nbsp">Haze in Thailand&nbsp;</h2>



An international field campaign - the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) - was recently launched to investigate the haze in Thailand.



"During the last two weeks of March 2024, NASA’s DC-8 and Gulfstream III aircraft flew several flights over Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and rural areas surrounding the cities to sample air quality with several sensors. At the same time, satellites observed the haze from above," said NASA.



James Crawford, ASIA-AQ’s principal investigator, said the team is collaborating closely with national and local government entities in Thailand.



“The goal is to take as many simultaneous measurements of pollutants as possible from the ground, air, and space,” said Crawford. The team will use the data to gain a better understanding of how the haze forms, evolves chemically over time, and moves throughout the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-and-public-health-in-thailand">Haze and public health in Thailand </h2>



According to media reports, nearly 200,000 people have been hospitalized this year due to air quality in the region, with over 1.3 million people falling ill since January.&nbsp;



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



The root causes of the haze include agricultural burning, particularly of corn fields, as part of slash-and-burn practices to prepare land for the next planting cycle. This is exacerbated by the dry season when there's little rain to wash the pollutants away. 



The situation is worsened by industrial emissions and vehicle fumes, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok​.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions-are-needed">Sustainable solutions are needed</h3>



Efforts to address the crisis have been complex, involving local and transboundary issues. Much of the agricultural burning occurs not only within Thailand but also in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos, contributing to the transboundary nature of the haze. 



Activists and local communities have called for sustainable solutions that do not exacerbate the poverty of smallholder farmers, emphasizing the need for affordable and realistic alternatives to burning​.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-measures-nbsp">Mitigation measures&nbsp;</h3>



The Thai government has implemented a no-burning rule until the end of April to combat wildfires and haze, but enforcement and effectiveness remain challenges​​. 



Some measures taken to mitigate the immediate effects of pollution in urban areas include spraying water and seeding clouds to encourage rain, although these have had limited success​​.



This ongoing environmental crisis has sparked widespread concern among citizens, who are increasingly using public interest litigation to hold companies and the government accountable for environmental commitments. 



With recent political changes, there is hope that the new administration will take more decisive action against the haze, possibly through more stringent regulations and international cooperation​​.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-haze">Health impacts of haze</h2>



Haze poses several health hazards for those exposed to it, particularly when it contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Here are some of the main health risks associated with exposure to haze:



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



Haze can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/">particles</a> can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and reducing lung function.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiovascular-issues-and-haze">Cardiovascular issues and haze</h3>



Exposure to fine particulate matter can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Particles can affect blood vessel function and promote the formation of blood clots.



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



Haze can cause eye irritation, leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or exacerbated symptoms in people with existing eye conditions.



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



For some people, exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">polluted air</a> can cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-immune-function">Reduced immune function</h3>



There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-mental-health">Impact on mental health</h3>



There are growing concerns about the impact of air pollution on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-multiple-chronic-health-conditions/">mental health</a>, with studies suggesting a link between exposure to polluted air and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-women-and-children">Pregnant women and children</h3>



Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of haze. There may be increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies, and children may experience delayed development and reduced lung function.



The health impacts of haze can be mitigated by staying indoors on days when air quality is particularly poor, using air purifiers, wearing masks designed to filter out fine particles, and following local health advisories.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

Scientists have shared remarkable findings from NASA's Juno mission to Jupiter. The solar-powered Juno spacecraft has provided new insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brilliant-new-images-of-jupiters-moon-io-captured-by-juno-spacecraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jovian moon Io</a>, Jupiter's polar cyclones, and the planet's water abundance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jaw-dropping-io-discoveries-from-the-juno-mission">Jaw-dropping Io discoveries from the Juno mission</h2>



Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator from the <a href="https://www.swri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Research Institute</a> in San Antonio, unveiled the new discoveries during a news conference at the European Geophysical Union General Assembly in Vienna. 



The team transformed data collected during two recent flybys of Io into captivating animations that showcase the moon's most dramatic features: <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/jupiter-moon-Io_Steeple-Mountain_juno-mission_color-closeup_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a mountain</a> and a nearly glass-smooth <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/jupiter-moon-Io_lava-lake_juno-mission_color-closeup_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake of cooling lava</a>.



"Io is simply littered with volcanoes, and we caught a few of them in action. We also got some great close-ups and other data on a <a href="https://youtu.be/lg2Szj_OG_Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">200-kilometer-long (127-mile-long) lava lake</a> called Loki Patera," said Bolton.



"There is amazing detail showing these crazy islands embedded in the middle of a potentially magma lake rimmed with hot lava. The specular reflection our instruments recorded of the lake suggests parts of Io's surface are as smooth as glass, reminiscent of volcanically created obsidian glass on Earth," he continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-io-s-dramatic-landscapes">Unraveling Io's dramatic landscapes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/video/the-juno-spacecraft-reveals-origin-of-zodiacal-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juno</a> made extremely close flybys of Io in December 2023 and February 2024, getting within about 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) of the surface and obtaining the first close-up images of the moon's northern latitudes. 



Maps generated with data collected by Juno's Microwave Radiometer (<a href="https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/instrument/Microwave+Radiometer?subselect=Mission:Juno:" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MWR</a>) instrument reveal that Io not only has a relatively smooth surface compared to Jupiter's other Galilean moons but also has poles that are colder than middle latitudes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-jupiter-s-enigmatic-polar-cyclones">Exploring Jupiter's enigmatic polar cyclones</h2>



As Juno's extended mission progresses, the spacecraft flies closer to Jupiter's north pole with each pass. This changing orientation allows the MWR instrument to improve its resolution of the planet's northern polar cyclones. 



The data enables multiwavelength comparisons of the poles, revealing that not all polar cyclones are created equal.



"Perhaps most striking example of this disparity can be found with the central cyclone at Jupiter's north pole. It is clearly visible in both infrared and visible light images, but its microwave signature is nowhere near as strong as other nearby storms, said Steve Levin, Juno's project scientist at NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California.



"This tells us that its subsurface structure must be very different from these other cyclones. The MWR team continues to collect more and better microwave data with every orbit, so we anticipate developing a more detailed 3D map of these intriguing polar storms," Levin continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-puzzle-of-jupiter-s-water-abundance">Solving the puzzle of Jupiter's water abundance</h2>



One of the mission's primary science goals is to collect data that could help scientists better understand Jupiter's water abundance. 



To do this, the Juno science team isn't hunting for liquid water. Instead, they are looking to quantify the presence of oxygen and hydrogen molecules (the molecules that make up water) in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-turbulent-atmosphere-includes-a-high-speed-jet-stream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter's atmosphere</a>. An accurate estimate is critical to piecing together the puzzle of our solar system's formation.



"The probe did amazing science, but its data was so far afield from our models of Jupiter's water abundance that we considered whether the location it sampled could be an outlier. But before Juno, we couldn't confirm," said Bolton. 



"Now, with recent results made with MWR data, we have nailed down that the water abundance near <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fresh-look-at-jupiter-through-an-ultraviolet-lens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter's equator</a> is roughly three to four times the solar abundance when compared to hydrogen. This definitively demonstrates that the Galileo probe's entry site was an anomalously dry, desert-like region," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogen-and-oxygen-are-key-to-jupiter-s-past">Hydrogen and oxygen are key to Jupiter's past</h2>



The results support the belief that during the formation of our solar system, water-ice material may have been the source of the heavy element enrichment (chemical elements heavier than hydrogen and helium that were accreted by Jupiter) during the gas giant's formation and/or evolution. 



However, the formation of Jupiter remains puzzling, as Juno results on the core of the gas giant suggest a very low water abundance -- a mystery that scientists are still trying to sort out.



Data collected during the remainder of Juno's extended mission may help shed additional light on the structure of Jupiter's dilute core and enable scientists to compare the planet's water abundance near the polar regions to the equatorial region. 



During <a href="https://youtu.be/Gajd3mcYnbA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juno's most recent flyby of Io</a> on April 9, the spacecraft came within about 10,250 miles (16,500 kilometers) of the moon's surface. It will execute its 61st flyby of Jupiter on May 12.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jupiter-io-and-the-juno-spacecraft">Jupiter, Io, and the Juno spacecraft</h2>



NASA's Juno mission continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of Jupiter and its moons. With each flyby, Juno gathers invaluable data that scientists eagerly analyze, uncovering new insights into the gas giant's polar cyclones, water abundance, and the enigmatic moon Io. 



As the spacecraft persists in its exploration, the scientific community anticipates more stunning discoveries that will deepen our knowledge of Jupiter and provide new details on the formation and evolution of our solar system. 



The Juno mission exemplifies the indomitable spirit of human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of scientific truth, promising to rewrite the textbooks on the largest planet in our cosmic neighborhood.



The full study was presented at the <a href="https://www.egu.eu/meetings/general-assembly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Geophysical Union General Assembly</a>.



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Fire, mountains, and polar cyclones found by the Juno spacecraft

Scientists have shared remarkable findings from NASA's Juno mission to...

Reflection,In,Frozen,Yellowstone,Lake

Warming temperatures across the region have not altered the serene expanse of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-tourism-generates-over-1-megaton-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone National Park</a>, where ice cover on the vast Yellowstone Lake, North America's largest high-elevation lake, presents a fascinating anomaly in the face of climate change.



Remarkably, the ice cover duration on Yellowstone Lake has remained consistent over the past century. This intriguing discovery comes from a comprehensive study led by <a href="https://www.uwyo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wyoming</a> scientists. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-icy-anomaly-at-yellowstone-lake-amidst">Icy anomaly at Yellowstone Lake amidst</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-levels-are-falling-as-temperatures-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rising temperatures</a> are reducing the ice cover duration of most lakes globally, making Yellowstone Lake's resistance to change a unique case.



"We show that contrary to expectation, the ice phenology of Yellowstone Lake has been uniquely resistant to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-lakes-to-their-boiling-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>," noted Lusha Tronstad, lead invertebrate zoologist at UW’s Wyoming Natural Diversity Database. 



Moreover, this resistance starkly contrasts with trends observed in similar lakes throughout the Northern Hemisphere.



Isabella Oleksy, a former UW postdoctoral researcher now affiliated with the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado-Boulder</a>, also contributed to this study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-science-temperature-trends-vs-icy-resistance">Ice science: Temperature trends vs. icy resistance</h2>



Yellowstone Lake is positioned at 7,733 feet above sea level and spans approximately 132 square miles. It freezes completely around late December or early January and thaws by late May or early June each year.



Consequently, to uncover the reasons behind the unchanged ice cover duration, researchers examined long-term records of ice-on and ice-off dates. 



They also analyzed climate data from 1927 to 2022, involving air temperatures and precipitation. These findings were then compared against data from seven similar lakes in northern Europe. 



Since 1950, the greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-supervolcano-holds-a-surprising-amount-of-magma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone ecosystem</a> has seen a 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit increase in annual temperatures. At the lake’s high elevation, this rise has been more pronounced, with temperatures increasing by 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit between 1980 and 2018. Despite these increases, the expected shifts in ice phenology were absent. 



Using local weather data, we found some evidence for increased summer, fall, and spring temperatures, primarily in the last three decades. Furthermore, they emphasized the crucial role of air temperatures in ice formation and break-up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snow-s-shielding-effect-on-yellowstone-lake-ice">Snow's shielding effect on Yellowstone Lake ice</h2>



A pivotal factor contributing to the lake’s consistent ice cover appears to be the increased snowfall. This is particularly true in spring, which can significantly delay ice break-up.



The researchers observed that cumulative spring snow, which correlates strongly with delayed ice-off dates, has nearly doubled over the last century at Yellowstone Lake. 



In contrast, the Upper Green River Basin to the south has experienced either a decline or stable high-elevation snowfall. The ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-some-lakes-resist-the-heat-of-atmospheric-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic shifts</a> suggest a future tipping point, where ice phenology at Yellowstone Lake might abruptly change.



"Our results, paired with recent analyses of climate projections, suggest a ‘tipping point’ may be coming when ice phenology abruptly changes for Yellowstone Lake," the team cautioned. This shift is expected from changing precipitation patterns, transitioning from snow to more rain in fall and spring.



Despite increased spring rainfall not yet inducing a noticeable trend toward earlier ice break-up, the balance could shift. This change may occur as temperatures continue to rise and snowfall decreases. Such changes could have profound impacts on nutrient cycling, lake productivity, fisheries, and recreation, highlighting the broader environmental consequences of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-learned-from-yellowstone-lake-ice">Lessons learned from Yellowstone Lake ice</h2>



In summary, as we marvel at Yellowstone Lake's ice and remarkable resistance to climate change, we must also recognize the critical importance of continued research and monitoring. 



This iconic lake serves as a powerful reminder that nature's responses to global warming are complex and sometimes unexpected. 



By studying the intricate relationships between temperature, precipitation, and ice cover, we can deepen our understanding of the challenges that lie ahead and develop strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. 



Yellowstone Lake's icy puzzle may hold valuable lessons for us all, underlining the urgent need for ongoing scientific investigation and conservation efforts in the face of a rapidly changing world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad3bd1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Yellowstone lake maintains ice cover despite warming climate

Warming temperatures across the region have not altered the serene...

Scientists have developed a framework for measuring plastic pollution emissions, similar to the global standard for measuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>. 



The research team, led by <a href="https://www.alicexiazhu.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alice (Xia) Zhu</a> and Assistant Professor <a href="https://eeb.utoronto.ca/profile/rochman-chelsea-m/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelsea Rochman</a> at the University of Toronto (U of T), say the approach will boost identification of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution from local to national levels. 



In addition, it should improve strategies developed to reduce plastic pollution and emissions worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantifying-plastic-waste">Quantifying plastic waste</h2>



The framework, published in the journal Environmental Science &amp; Technology, arrives ahead of international discussions in Ottawa from April 23 to 29. 



Led by the United Nations'<a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution</a>, the goal of the conference is to develop a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution.



"Assigning responsibility for the pollution to a jurisdiction with the ability to enact laws means there is no hiding where the pollution came from," said Zhu. "It presents an opportunity to identify major sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> pollution within the area and inform measures to curb these emissions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-greenhouse-gas-emissions-guidelines-for-plastic-pollution">Adapting greenhouse gas emissions guidelines for plastic pollution</h2>



Zhu and colleagues at <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U of T</a> and the Rochester Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.rit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIT</a>) took inspiration from guidelines for compiling emissions inventories of greenhouse gases established by the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>. 



They adapted the methodology for physical differences between greenhouse gases and solid pieces of plastic. This was done in three steps:



<ol>
<li>Identifying major pollution-generating activities in a particular area. </li>



<li>Calculating the amount of pollution generated by each activity within a given period. </li>



<li>Accounting for uncertainties associated with each source of pollution-generating activity.</li>
</ol>



"Our goal was to develop an accounting mechanism or tool for measuring plastic emissions that any level of government can adopt," Zhu said.



"But most importantly, we hope this tool we have introduced will allow the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-from-cigarettes-costs-over-26-billion-every-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic field</a> to follow in the footsteps of the climate field, where countries submit national emissions inventories to an international body such as the United Nations to track our progress towards reaching a globally defined target," Zhu continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-study-reveals-alarming-plastic-pollution-emissions">Case study reveals alarming plastic pollution emissions</h2>



To demonstrate the utility of the framework, the researchers built an emissions inventory of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> pollution for the City of Toronto for the year 2020 drawn from publicly available data gathered through municipal litter audits and other sources. 



They estimated that between 3,531 and 3,852 tons of plastic pollution were emitted from within the city's boundaries during the period, with littering making up the largest share at 3,099 tons and artificial turf being responsible for the most emissions of microplastics at 237 tons.



"It is not surprising that larger materials – known as macroplastics, and in this case from mismanaged waste such as littering – made up the majority of the mass. But it overshadows the small stuff, microplastics," said Rochman, a co-author of the study and Zhu's PhD supervisor. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-seabirds-have-ingested-microplastics/">Micr</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-seabirds-have-ingested-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">o</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-seabirds-have-ingested-microplastics/">plastics</a> tend to be the highest by count in terms of actual pieces. This suggests that policies relevant to microplastics, in addition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-plastic-items-found-in-deceased-sea-turtles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">macroplastics</a>, are critical to reduce plastic emissions in the City of Toronto," Rochman concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-global-application-of-the-framework">Call for global application of the framework</h2>



Zhu said emissions inventories of plastic pollution must be a foundational piece of a successful global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treaty on plastic</a>. 



In addition, the framework should be applied to other cities, provinces and states, and countries around the world to better understand what kinds of plastic pollution are being released into the environment.



"The guidelines can be applied to regions worldwide, regardless of what kinds of sources are there," Zhu said. "Each geographic region will have different characteristics and the inventory will allow for the development of solutions tailored to that specific region."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-measuring-stick-for-plastic-pollution-emissions">New measuring stick for plastic pollution emissions</h2>



In summary, the development of this crucial framework for measuring plastic pollution emissions by U of T scientists marks a significant step forward in the global fight against plastic waste. 



By adapting the well-established methodology used for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions, the researchers have created a powerful tool that can be applied worldwide to identify major sources of plastic pollution and inform targeted reduction strategies. 



As the international community prepares to negotiate a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution, the adoption of this emissions inventory approach will be crucial in establishing a foundation for setting and achieving pollution reduction targets. 



The Toronto case study serves as a compelling example of the framework's utility, highlighting the alarming levels of plastic waste leaking into the environment and the need for comprehensive policies addressing both macro and microplastics. 



As more cities, provinces, and countries embrace this methodology, tailored solutions can be developed to tackle the unique challenges faced by each region, ultimately bringing us closer to a cleaner, healthier planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c04348" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Plastic pollution emissions now measured using global standard

Scientists have developed a framework for measuring plastic pollution emissions,...

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Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite view of the Tarawa Atoll in the Republic of Kiribati.
Tarawa is a triangular coral atoll located in the central Pacific Ocean about halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
Many of the islands of Kiribati are no higher than two meters above sea level, and the nation is severely threatened by climate change. 
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