Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a false-color image of Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.&nbsp;



"Visible as the large round dark area, Lake Abbe, also known as Lake Abhe, straddles the border of Ethiopia to the west and Djibouti to the east. The lake is 19 km wide and 17 km long and is extremely salty. It is dotted with clusters of steaming limestone chimneys and surrounded by large salt flats, visible in white, and rift volcanoes," says ESA.



"The biggest volcano in the image is Mount Dama Ali, a dormant 25-km-wide shield volcano that rises on the northwest shore of the lake."



"Lake Abbe and Lake Afambo, which is visible at the top of the image, are part of a chain of six connected salt lakes, fed by the Awash River - one of Ethiopia’s biggest rivers.'



Copernicus Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel highlights vegetation in bright red. This strategy makes it easy to spot algal blooms, such as the one that is visible in Lake Abbe. According to ESA, the light blue color on the west shore indicates sediment discharged into the lake.



"Because of its dry, desert, almost lunar landscape and the steaming, sulphuric vents, Lake Abbe is considered one of the most inaccessible areas on Earth," says ESA. "Earth observation satellites are key in these cases as they are particularly relevant for monitoring remote regions such as this."



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features an astronaut photograph of Abu Dhabi, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf.



Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second-most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE's seven emirates.&nbsp;



Abu Dhabi possesses around 9% of the world's proven oil reserves and about 5% of the world's natural gas. Consequently, oil exports have fueled its rapid development and provided substantial wealth.



"Prior to the formation of the UAE in the 1970s, Abu Dhabi was a municipality of less than 62,000 people. The region experienced a rapid population increase over the past five decades due to its role in the petroleum and financial industries, which enabled the city’s population to grow to about 1.5 million people by the early 2020s," said NASA.



The city places a strong emphasis on promoting Emirati culture and heritage. It hosts numerous events, festivals, and has several museums and cultural centers.



"The landscape of the Abu Dhabi emirate is mainly composed of wind-blown sand, mangroves, rocky outcrops, and intertidal flats. The Abu Dhabi Sabkha, visible along the coastline as brown, non-vegetated land, was produced by wind erosion of ancient dunes and the deposition of tidal sediments," said NASA.



"Sabkhas are flat coastal areas that are characteristically high in salt. The abundance of salt in the soil limits the ability of vegetation to develop on the sabkha."



"In contrast to the barren sabkha, green mangrove forests are present along the coastline as well. Mangrove forests are regions of shrubs and trees with dense root systems that protect the intertidal zones from coastal erosion."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates

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

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission view of Tutuila, a tropical island in the American Samoa archipelago.



American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of five main islands and two atolls. The largest and most populous island is Tutuila, where Pago Pago, the capital city, is situated.



The eastern part of the chain of islands forms the American Samoa, while the western part forms the independent state of Samoa.



Tutuila Island is known for its rugged terrain, lush landscapes, and deep harbors. It's the economic and political center of American Samoa, with the majority of the population residing here. The island's geography features volcanic peaks, with Mount Alava and Matafao Peak being the highest points, offering stunning views and rich biodiversity.



American Samoa as a whole has a unique blend of American and Samoan culture. The territory maintains traditional Samoan customs, making it a fascinating place for cultural studies. The economy primarily revolves around fishing and the services sector, with canned tuna being a significant export.



The National Park of American Samoa, partly located on Tutuila, helps preserve the tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and Samoan culture. This park is unique because it's one of the only national parks in the United States that's leased rather than owned by the government, reflecting the strong communal land traditions of Samoa.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Tutuila in the American Samoa archipelago 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the summit crater of Mount Erebus peeking through the clouds. Erebus is the southernmost active volcano on Earth and the second-highest volcano in Antarctica.



Mount Erebus is situated on Ross Island in the Ross Sea. It was discovered in 1841 by the British explorer Sir James Clark Ross, who named it after his ship, the Erebus.



It stands at an elevation of about 3,794 meters (12,448 feet). It's a stratovolcano, characterized by a conical shape and layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.



Mount Erebus is known for its persistent lava lake, which is visible in the image. "The lake has been active since at least 1972 and is one of only a few long-lived lava lakes on Earth. It constantly churns and occasionally spews bombs of molten rock in Strombolian eruptions," said NASA.



"Geologists want to learn why an active lava lake has persisted here for so long. Recent research suggests one reason could be the magma’s low water content, which makes it less volatile as it approaches the surface."



Due to its unique features, Mount Erebus is an important site for scientific research. Researchers study its geology, unique gas emissions, and microbial life in its extreme environment.



However, the harsh Antarctic climate and its remote location make it a challenging environment for research. Additionally, its volcanic activity poses risks.



The image was captured on November 25,2023 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mount Erebus breaks through the clouds

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

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, and its surroundings. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on February 21, 2023.



"Situated some 50 km south of the North Korean border, the metropolitan area of Seoul appears as the grey area in the center of the image," says ESA.



"The Han River runs through the city, and to the right of the image it can be seen partly covered by ice. It is one of the biggest rivers in the Korean peninsula. It flows westward through Seoul into the Yellow Sea, named so because of the yellowish sand that colours its water."



"Seoul is surrounded by forested mountains, which appear brown in this wintery image. Bukhansan National Park lies just north of the city. The park is like an island, acting as a big green lung for the surrounding urban environment."



The population of Seoul is over 9 million people, and the metropolitan area, which includes neighboring cities like Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, is one of the most populous in the world.



Seoul is a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, extensive history, and rapid economic development. The city's skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, showcasing its rich heritage.



Seoul is a hub for education, with several top-ranked universities and research institutes. The city also thrives in technology and innovation - home to global companies like Samsung and LG. Street markets like Myeongdong and Insadong offer a taste of local life and traditional crafts, while districts like Gangnam are famous for their upscale shopping and entertainment.



Seoul's green spaces, like Namsan Park and the Han River Park, provide a refuge from the urban hustle. The city's blend of history, culture, technology, and nature makes it a unique and dynamic metropolis, attracting millions of visitors each year.



Image 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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The city of Seoul, South Korea 

In an alarming development, the <a href="https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Carbon Project</a> science team has reported that global carbon emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/">fossil fuels</a> have surged to record levels in 2023.&nbsp;



The annual Global Carbon Budget, a comprehensive study involving over 120 scientists from around the world, has projected fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to be 36.8 billion tons this year, marking a 1.1 percent increase from 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insufficient-reductions-nbsp">Insufficient reductions&nbsp;</h2>



This rise in carbon emissions comes despite a decline in some regions like Europe and the United States. However, these reductions are not sufficient to offset the overall global increase.&nbsp;



The scientists warn that the pace of global action to cut fossil fuels is lagging far behind what is necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change.



The report also highlights a slight decrease in emissions from land-use changes, such as deforestation. Still yet, these reductions are not enough to be counterbalanced by current levels of reforestation and afforestation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuel-emissions-in-10-year-plateau">Fossil fuel emissions in 10-year "plateau"</h2>



Consequently, the total global CO2 emissions, including both fossil fuels and land-use changes, are projected to reach 40.9 billion tons in 2023.&nbsp;



This is about the same as 2022 levels, and part of a 10-year “plateau” - far from the steep reduction in emissions that is urgently needed to meet global climate targets, noted the experts.&nbsp;



The study was conducted by institutions including the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, the University of East Anglia (UEA), CICERO Center for International Climate Research, and Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-pace-of-action">Slow pace of action</h2>



Study lead author Professor Pierre Friedlingstein from Exeter’s Global Systems Institute expressed dismay at the slow pace of action against fossil fuel emissions.&nbsp;



“The impacts of climate change are evident all around us, but action to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels remains painfully slow,” said Professor Friedlingstein.



“It now looks inevitable we will overshoot the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement, and leaders meeting at COP28 will have to agree rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions even to keep the 2°C target alive.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-5-c-global-warming-threshold">1.5°C global warming threshold</h2>



The researchers also investigated the time remaining before the world consistently exceeds the 1.5°C global warming threshold. With the current emission levels, there's a 50% chance that this limit will be consistently breached in about seven years.&nbsp;



This forecast, however, comes with significant uncertainties, particularly due to the unknown additional warming from non-CO2 agents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasingly-serious-impacts">Increasingly serious impacts</h2>



Professor Corinne Le Quéré from UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences emphasized that the latest CO2 data clearly shows that current efforts are insufficient.&nbsp;



“The latest CO2 data shows that current efforts are not profound or widespread enough to put global emissions on a downward trajectory towards Net Zero, but some trends in emissions are beginning to budge, showing climate policies can be effective," said Professor Le Quéré.



“Global emissions at today’s level are rapidly increasing the CO2 concentration in our atmosphere, causing additional climate change and increasingly serious and growing impacts.”&nbsp;



“All countries need to decarbonize their economies faster than they are at present to avoid the worse impacts of climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-key-findings-on-fossil-fuel-carbon-emissions">Other key findings on fossil fuel carbon emissions</h2>



<ul>
<li>Regional trends vary dramatically. Emissions in 2023 are projected to increase in India (8.2%) and China (4.0%), and decline in the EU (-7.4%), the USA (-3.0%) and the rest of the world (-0.4%).</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Global emissions from coal (1.1%), oil (1.5%) and gas (0.5%) are all projected to increase.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Atmospheric CO2 levels are projected to average 419.3 parts per million in 2023, 51% above pre-industrial levels.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>About half of all CO2 emitted continues to be absorbed by land and ocean “sinks”, with the rest remaining in the atmosphere where it causes climate change.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Global CO2 emissions from fires in 2023 have been larger than the average (based on satellite records since 2003) due to an extreme wildfire season in Canada, where emissions were six to eight times higher than average.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Current levels of technology-based Carbon Dioxide Removal (ie excluding nature-based means such as reforestation) amount to about 0.01 million tonnes CO₂, more than a million times smaller than current fossil CO2 emissions.</li>
</ul>



The Global Carbon Budget report, now in its 18th annual edition, is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-5301-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Data</a>.



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Fossil fuel carbon emissions hit a record high in 2023

In an alarming development, the Global Carbon Project science team...

Psilocybe,Semilanceata,Mushrooms,Growing,On,A,Trunk,In,The,Forest.

In a remarkable advancement in the field of mycology, scientists have conducted an extensive study on the genome data of various "magic mushroom" isolates and cultivars. 



This research aims to understand the effects of domestication and cultivation on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-why-psilocybin-mushrooms-make-you-hallucinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic fungi</a>. The findings could pave the way for the development of novel cultivars with unique properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magic-mushrooms-lack-genetic-diversity">Magic mushrooms lack genetic diversity</h2>



The study primarily focuses on the mushroom <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psilocybe cubensis</a>, a species renowned for its psychoactive properties. Researchers have discovered that commercial cultivars of this mushroom exhibit a significant lack of genetic diversity. 



Their domestication for human consumption is the cause of this finding. In stark contrast, a naturalized population of these mushrooms in Australia demonstrates far greater genetic diversity. This diversity includes unique gene variants responsible for the production of psilocybin, the active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelics-could-help-us-reinvent-ourselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic compound</a> in these mushrooms.



Alistair McTaggart, a researcher from <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Queensland</a>, Australia, expressed surprise at the extreme homozygosity observed in some cultivars. According to McTaggart, this lack of diversity could be the result of targeted inbreeding.



“Some of these cultivars have been nearly stripped of any diversity except at their genes controlling sexual reproduction,” McTaggart says. “Whether this happened intentionally, by targeted inbreeding to fix traits over the last half century, or unintentionally through a lack of diversity to cross against is hard to know.” he says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-driven-research">Community-driven research</h2>



An intriguing aspect of this research is its grassroots origin. The study was propelled by an underground community passionate about magic mushrooms, many of whom are co-authors. 



Without formal financial support, these enthusiasts collected samples and contributed to the DNA sequencing of over 100 varieties, highlighting a unique community-driven approach to scientific research.



The team sequenced genomes from 38 Australian isolates and compared them to 86 commercially available cultivars. This comparison aimed to assess the impact of domestication on commercially available mushrooms and to understand the introduction and naturalization of mushrooms in Australia. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australia-is-the-first-country-to-legalize-psychedelics-for-mental-health-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian samples</a> showed a rebound in population size sufficient to maintain genetic diversity, unlike their commercially cultivated counterparts.



The study's findings suggest that the unique gene variants in Australian mushrooms could lead to differences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-mushrooms-evolve-psychedelic-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin synthesis</a>. McTaggart's start-up, <a href="https://www.funkyfungus.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Funky Fungus</a>, is already leveraging these insights to develop "designer shrooms." These cultivars could offer a variety in the production of psychedelic tryptamines, thanks to the heterozygosity of psilocybin alleles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magic-mushrooms-and-mental-health">Magic mushrooms and mental health</h2>



McTaggart underscores the potential significance of these developments for the use of psilocybin as a natural compound in treating mental health disorders. He points out that magic mushrooms could be a cost-effective source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> for natural drug development. 



“The trailblazers who domesticated magic mushrooms have set the stage for how we can advance cultivation and innovate with shrooms as we improve our understanding of psilocybin and its benefits," McTaggart points out.



The study also opens doors to understanding the production of other compounds in magic mushrooms that may influence the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-may-protect-against-opioid-use-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> experience.



In summary, this revealing study sheds light on the genetic complexities of Psilocybe cubensis, and also marks a significant step in the development of novel psychedelic substances. The collaborative nature exhibited here, bridging scientific inquiry and community involvement, sets a precedent for future studies in this field. 



As the research unfolds, it promises exciting developments in the realm of natural psychedelics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-can-treat-depression-by-restructuring-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health treatment</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01460-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Genetic diversity of ‘magic mushrooms’ leaves room for new cultivars

In a remarkable advancement in the field of mycology, scientists...

Smoke,From,The,Cameron,Peak,Fire,In,Northern,Colorado,Rolling

The devastating wildfires in the United States and Canada have left a significant impact on air quality and public health. Recent studies highlight the alarming effects of these fires, particularly in the context of efforts to combat air pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toll-of-wildfires-on-air-and-health">Toll of wildfires on air and health</h2>



A comprehensive study spanning two decades (2000-2020) has revealed a concerning increase in air pollution in the western U.S., primarily due to the growing intensity and frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. This trend has resulted in an estimated 670 additional premature deaths annually in the region. 



The researchers emphasize that these wildfires have negated the progress made through federal air quality improvement initiatives, largely driven by reductions in automobile emissions. <a href="https://engineering.uiowa.edu/people/jun-wang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jun Wang</a>, the lead corresponding author and a professor at the <a href="https://uiowa.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iowa</a>, expressed deep concern about the situation. 



"Our air is supposed to be getting cleaner, mainly due to EPA regulations on emissions. However, the fires have limited or erased these air-quality gains," he stated. 



Wang further noted the detrimental impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> in fire-prone areas and their surroundings, which effectively undermines two decades of EPA efforts to improve air quality. He expounded, “In other words, all the efforts for the past 20 years by the EPA to make our air cleaner basically have been lost in fire-prone areas and downwind regions. We are losing ground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-wildfires-and-air-quality">Studying wildfires and air quality</h2>



The research team meticulously calculated the concentration of black carbon, a harmful air pollutant linked to respiratory and heart diseases. They used a detailed grid system covering the continental U.S. to map these concentrations. 



Findings show a 55% increase in black carbon in the western U.S., predominantly due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-intensity-fires-reduce-the-risk-of-catastrophic-wildfires-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. The highest rates of premature mortality were observed in this region, exacerbated by smoke from both local and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian wildfires</a>. The researchers caution that the figure of 670 additional deaths per year is conservative, given the incomplete understanding of black carbon's health impacts.



“Wildfires have become increasingly intensive and frequent in the western U.S., resulting in a significant increase in smoke-related emissions in populated areas,” Wang and his team write. “This has likely contributed to a decline in air quality and an increase in attributable mortality.”



The study also sheds light on the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> on the Midwest, where transported smoke has minimally impacted health so far. However, Wang warns of potential worsening air quality if wildfire incidents increase. Interestingly, the eastern U.S. did not experience significant air quality declines during the study period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-from-multiple-sources">Data from multiple sources</h2>



The team used a combination of satellite data and information from 500 ground-based air quality monitoring stations. Recognizing the limitations of surface station data, especially in rural areas, they employed deep learning techniques to estimate black carbon concentrations with higher accuracy. 



The calculation of premature deaths involved a formula considering life span, black carbon exposure, and population density. "This is the first time black carbon concentrations have been examined everywhere, and at such a high resolution," Wang noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-study-and-implications">Future study and implications</h2>



<a href="https://weijing-rs.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jing Wei</a>, the study's lead author, played a pivotal role in collecting and analyzing satellite data on fine particulates and their health impacts. Now at the University of Maryland’s <a href="https://essic.umd.edu/joom2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center</a>, Wei highlights the counteractive effect of increasing wildfires against the reduction in anthropogenic emissions, exacerbating air pollution and heightening health risks.



“The increasing number and intensity of wildfires in the U.S. counteract or even overshadow the reduction in anthropogenic emissions, exacerbating air pollution and heightening the risks of both morbidity and mortality,” says Wei.



In summary, the study serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against air pollution, where natural disasters like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> pose significant challenges. It calls for a renewed focus on mitigating these environmental threats to safeguard public health and maintain air quality improvements.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00235-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Twenty years of air quality improvement erased by wildfires

The devastating wildfires in the United States and Canada have...

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<script src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
 
Flooding drastically reduced crops in South Dakota Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/">USGS</a> describes the impact of extreme spring flooding on agricultural production in the Midwest, with South Dakota taking the hardest hit.
The amount of unplanted areas across the state in 2019 is incredibly high compared to the growing season of 2018.
By August, 3.9 million acres were designated as being too flooded to plant crops in South Dakota. Major to record flooding occurred on the James, Vermillion and Big Sioux Rivers in eastern South Dakota in March 2010 following an excessively wet fall and winter. The Glacial Lakes in northeastern South Dakota also reached record high levels.
Flood water from Deer Creek, Victoria Creek, Prairie Creek, and smaller drainages emptied into Rapid Creek above Rapid City, swelling the stream to over 300 times its normal volume
&#8212;
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Video Credit: USGS