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;



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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;



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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



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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 

Laptops are banned from checked luggage on flights for a good reason: their lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk due to the highly reactive nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-based-battery-may-ultimately-replace-lithium/">lithium</a>. This same reactivity makes lithium an excellent choice for batteries, especially those used in electric vehicles and for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind. As a crucial element in the transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/">green energy</a>, lithium's demand has surged dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-alternative-sources-of-lithium">Finding alternative sources of lithium</h2>



While a vast amount of research has already been done to understand traditional sources of lithium, such as pegmatites and volcanic clays, the quest to identify additional, economically viable, and environmentally safe sources is ongoing.&nbsp;



In this context, researchers from <a href="https://online.wvu.edu/">West Virginia University</a> are investigating alternative sources of lithium, specifically looking at whether remnants of past industrial activities, like mine tailings or drill cuttings, could be tapped without creating new waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demand-for-lithium-as-a-natural-resource-nbsp">Demand for lithium as a natural resource&nbsp;</h2>



“In order to meet the technological needs of the energy transition, batteries of all scales, particularly those that power <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/">electric vehicles</a>, have become increasingly important. Lithium-ion batteries are in wide use at present, and continued research to improve them has been a focus of energy engineering. This, in turn, has greatly increased the demand for lithium (Li) as a natural resource,” the authors wrote.&nbsp;



“While the primary ores of Li (pegmatite, salar brine, and volcanic-associated clay) are generally well-understood, it would be desirable to identify additional Li sources that could be safely and economically exploited. Using material from previous industrial operations (e.g., mine tailings or drill cuttings) as a source of additional Li would be attractive as it would generate little or no new waste material.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-between-lithium-and-sulfur-rich-pyrite">Connection between lithium and sulfur-rich pyrite</h2>



To identify alternative lithium sources, the experts analyzed 15 sedimentary rock samples from the middle-Devonian period found in the Appalachian basin. Surprisingly, these samples showed significant lithium content within pyrite minerals in shale.



This connection between lithium and sulfur-rich pyrite - colloquially known as “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predict-gold-concentrations/">fool’s gold</a>” -&nbsp; opens new avenues for research, particularly as the scientific community explores the potential of lithium-sulfur batteries as alternatives to the current lithium-ion options.&nbsp;



“I am trying to understand how lithium and pyrite could be associated with one another,” said lead author Shailee Bhattacharya, a doctoral student in sedimentary geochemistry at the <a href="https://shikhasharma.faculty.wvu.edu/isobiogem-lab">IsoBioGeM Lab</a>. This inquiry into organic-rich shale may reveal a higher potential for lithium recovery due to the unique interaction between lithium and pyrite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shale-deposits-could-serve-as-a-source-of-lithium-nbsp">Shale deposits could serve as a source of lithium&nbsp;</h2>



However, Bhattacharya cautions that while the findings are promising, they are specific to the samples studied and further research is needed to determine if these results can be generalized to other regions. Nonetheless, this research suggests that certain shale deposits could serve as a new source of lithium, potentially eliminating the need for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mining-negatively-affects-fish-populations-across-north-america/">mining</a> operations.&nbsp;



“We can talk about sustainable energy without using a lot of energy resources,” Bhattacharya said, highlighting the dual benefits of this approach in reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability in lithium sourcing.



“This study suggests the possibility that some Li may be sequestered in pyrite in organic-rich shales. As pyrite is a common mineral in the Appalachian Basin, this has implications for exploiting shale pyrite in the Devonian sequence if the Li proves economically extractable. Drill cuttings from past and current oil and gas operations are a ready material upon which to test the feasibility of this concept,” the authors concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lithium-sources">More about lithium sources</h2>



Lithium is primarily sourced from two types of deposits: spodumene-rich hard rock formations and lithium-rich brines.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hard-rock-mining">Hard rock mining</h3>



Hard rock lithium mining involves traditional mining techniques to extract spodumene, a lithium-bearing mineral.&nbsp;



This method is prevalent in countries like Australia, which is one of the largest producers of lithium through hard rock mining. The extracted spodumene is then processed to produce lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lithium-brine-extraction">Lithium brine extraction</h3>



On the other hand, lithium brine extraction occurs in salt flats where lithium-rich brine waters are pumped to the surface and left to evaporate in ponds, a process that can take several months.&nbsp;



This method is more cost-effective compared to hard rock mining and is extensively used in South America, especially in Chile and Argentina. These salt flats, often located in arid regions like the Atacama Desert, hold vast reserves of lithium in their underground pools.



Lithium can also be found in geothermal brines, hectorite clay deposits, and oilfield brines, but these sources are less common and currently less commercially viable.&nbsp;



The WVU research will be presented at the upcoming <a href="https://www.egu24.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2024</a>.



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‘Fool’s gold’ may be a valuable source of lithium

Laptops are banned from checked luggage on flights for a...

Land subsidence, often overlooked as a significant urban <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-billion-people-are-threatened-by-land-subsidence/">hazard</a>, is gaining increased attention due to compelling new research led by an international team of scientists.&nbsp;



By examining satellite data mapping land movement across China with unprecedented accuracy and consistency, the experts found that of the 82 Chinese cities analyzed, 45 percent are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-sinking-cities-land-subsidence-on-the-east-coast/">sinking</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-land-subsidence-nbsp">Predicting future land subsidence&nbsp;</h2>



While consistently measuring subsidence is highly important, this is just the starting point for more comprehensive investigations.&nbsp;



In order to predict future subsidence, models should take into consideration all drivers, including human activities and climate change, particularly focusing on how they might change over time. 



Such an approach is based on the assumption that subsidence is a complex issue influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-subsidence-across-china">Land subsidence across China</h2>



The scientists evaluated land subsidence across 82 cities from China, with a collective population of nearly 700 million people. The analysis revealed that 45% of these urban areas are sinking, with 16% experiencing a significant subsidence rate of more than 10mm per year.&nbsp;



This phenomenon has broad implications, affecting roughly 270 million urban residents, nearly 70 million of whom are subject to rapid subsidence rates. Notable hotspots for this phenomenon include the densely populated cities of Beijing and Tianjin.



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



The repercussions of land subsidence are particularly severe in coastal regions where the compounding effects of sinking land and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-sinking-cities-land-subsidence-on-the-east-coast/">sea-level rise</a> pose substantial risks. For instance, the sinking of sea defenses was a major reason why Hurricane Katrina’s flooding brought such devastation and fatalities to New Orleans in 2005.&nbsp;



Similarly, Shanghai has experienced up to three meters of subsidence over the past century and faces ongoing challenges. The researchers project that, combined with sea-level rise, the urban area in China below sea level could triple by 2120, potentially affecting between 55 to 128 million residents.



“Subsidence jeopardizes the structural integrity of buildings and critical infrastructure and exacerbates the impacts of climate change in terms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-flooding-will-soon-be-common-in-the-u-s/">flooding</a>, particularly in coastal cities where it reinforces sea-level rise,” said Robert Nicholls, a climate scientist at the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a>, who was not involved in the study. Thus, there is an urgent need for robust urban planning and infrastructure resilience strategies to mitigate these risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-profound-effect-of-human-activity">The profound effect of human activity</h2>



The primary drivers of land subsidence in China include extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/">groundwater</a> withdrawal, urban development, and the natural geological conditions that predispose certain areas to sink.&nbsp;



The profound effect of human activity is evident from historical precedents set by cities like Osaka and Tokyo, where substantial mitigation of subsidence was achieved by regulating groundwater extraction.&nbsp;



In these cities, groundwater withdrawal was stopped in the 1970s and city subsidence has greatly reduced or even ceased, proving that this is a highly effective mitigation strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-actionable-strategies-are-urgently-needed">Actionable strategies are urgently needed</h2>



In a commentary to the research article, Nicholls and Manoochehr Shirzaei, a researcher at <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> and the <a href="https://unu.edu/inweh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations University for Water, Environment, and Health</a>, Ontario call for a national, and indeed global, response to address this issue comprehensively.&nbsp;



The experts advocate for a shift from mere measurement of subsidence to the development of actionable strategies that involve city planners and policymakers to tackle the underlying causes and manage the consequences effectively.&nbsp;



This collaborative approach is crucial for enhancing the resilience of cities, particularly those in coastal and susceptible regions, to address the related challenges of subsidence and climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-land-subsidence-nbsp">Causes of land subsidence&nbsp;</h2>



The most common cause of subsidence is the removal of groundwater from aquifers. When water is pumped out, the empty spaces in the aquifer collapse, causing the ground above to sink. Here are some other causes of land subsidence:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-compaction-of-sediments">Natural compaction of sediments</h3>



Over time, sediment layers can naturally compact under their own weight, especially if the sediments are loose or contain a lot of water. This process can cause the ground to settle and lower.



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



The extraction of minerals, oil, and gas can lead to subsidence. When these resources are removed from the Earth, the voids left can cause the surface to collapse.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drainage-of-organic-soils">Drainage of organic soils</h3>



In areas with a high organic content in the soil, such as peat, drainage for agriculture or development can cause the soil to shrink and compress, leading to subsidence.



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



In polar regions, permafrost thaw can lead to subsidence. When frozen ground thaws, it loses volume and stability, causing the ground above to sink.



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



Although less common, subsidence can also occur due to geological changes such as faulting or the gradual bending of the Earth’s crust.



Each of these factors can operate individually or in combination, depending on the geographical and geological conditions of an area.



Both the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl4366" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> and the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado9986" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commentary</a> are published in the journal Science.



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Half of China's cities are sinking due to humans and climate change

Land subsidence, often overlooked as a significant urban hazard, is...

Rivers across the United States are under severe threat from extensive pollution and weakened protections, according to a a recent report led by the <a href="https://www.americanrivers.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Rivers Association</a>.



The experts found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/">rivers</a> of New Mexico, including the Rio Grande, Gila, San Juan, and Pecos - which are vital to over 85% of the state's population - stand out as the most endangered in the nation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-american-rivers-and-dangerous-pollution-nbsp">American rivers and dangerous pollution&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists attribute the vulnerability of seasonally flowing rivers to a loophole in the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/tmdl/Vision">2022 Clean Water Act</a> amendments, which fail to protect these rivers from the runoff of wastewater treatment plants, mines, and industrial sites.&nbsp;



As a result, American rivers that millions depend on for drinking water are at risk of becoming dangerously polluted, posing serious health risks and disrupting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/freshwater-ecosystems-filter-pollution/">ecosystems</a>. Among the rivers facing the gravest dangers are the Tijuana River in California and the Santa Cruz River in Arizona.&nbsp;



“All water is connected. We cannot allow pollution anywhere without risk to the rivers we rely on for our drinking water,” said Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of the American Rivers. “Our leaders must hold polluters accountable and strengthen the Clean Water Act to safeguard our health and communities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-protection-for-seasonally-flowing-rivers-nbsp">No protection for seasonally flowing rivers&nbsp;</h2>



The Supreme Court's 2022 decision removed protections for rivers that only flow seasonally, primarily during periods of higher precipitation in the fall and winter. This decision disproportionately affects arid states like New Mexico, where rivers flow primarily during the rainy season or from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spring-heatwaves-deplete-the-water-supply-in-the-western-us/">snowmelt</a>.



“These rulings fly in the face of established science and ignore the value that small streams and wetlands have to their broader watersheds, communities, and economies, particularly in places with dry climates like New Mexico,” the report authors wrote.&nbsp;



These waterways not only supply clean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/">drinking water</a> and irrigation but also support rich cultural traditions and diverse habitats essential for fish and wildlife, thus playing a critical role in both the environment and the lives of nearly 87% of New Mexicans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catastrophic-effects-of-river-pollution-nbsp">Catastrophic effects of river pollution&nbsp;</h2>



Furthermore, pollution in these endangered rivers can have broader, catastrophic effects, extending even to major rivers like the Rio Grande, which sustains around six million people and countless wildlife species. The pollution in the Tijuana River, which has been problematic for decades, exemplifies the transboundary nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-effects-of-pollutants-on-river-ecosystems/">river pollution</a>, affecting communities in both Mexico and the United States.



The situation is compounded by large-scale projects like the Yazoo Backwater Pumps in Mississippi, which threaten over 200,000 acres of waterfowl habitat by draining wetlands essential for migratory birds. Known as the 'Zombie Project,' this initiative, originally designed to control flooding, now represents a significant ecological misstep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-rollback-of-the-clean-water-act">Ongoing rollback of the Clean Water Act</h2>



Additionally, the Santa Cruz River, once a vibrant desert oasis, faces renewed threats from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-worlds-climate-driven-water-crisis/">water scarcity</a> and pollution after only recently beginning to recover.&nbsp;



The ongoing rollback of the Clean Water Act's protections poses further challenges to its revitalization, prompting American Rivers to urge the Biden administration and legislators to reinforce protections for these critical ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-of-polluted-waterways-nbsp">Human impact of polluted waterways&nbsp;</h2>



A recent survey by the <a href="https://riversarelife.com/">Rivers are Life</a> coalition highlights the human impact, with 86% of respondents indicating that polluted waterways adversely affect their health. “I believe that addressing the pollution of waterways starts with awareness and education, and encouraging people to collectively take action,” said Chris Keefer, the co-founder of Rivers are Life.



“Our hope is that in learning about just how important rivers are to our communities globally, we can all take action to protect these vital waterways and recognize them as the lifeblood of our planet.”



This widespread call to action underscores the urgency of addressing river pollution not just as an environmental issue but as a critical component of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-environmental-and-public-health-benefits-of-solar-power/">public health</a> and community sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-endangered-american-rivers-nbsp">Most endangered American rivers&nbsp;</h2>



1. Rivers of New Mexico



2. Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers, Mississippi



3. Duck River, Tennessee



4. Santa Cruz River, Arizona



5. Little Pee Dee River, South Carolina and North Carolina&nbsp;



6. Farmington River, Connecticut and Massachusetts



7. Trinity River, California



8. Kobuk River, Alaska



9. Tijuana River, California



10. Blackwater River, West Virginia&nbsp;



The full report from the American Rivers Association can be found <a href="https://www.americanrivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Report_NewMexico_Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Iconic American rivers are threatened by pollution

Rivers across the United States are under severe threat from...

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Innovations for space have benefits on Earth Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> describes how innovations for space exploration can also be very useful back on Earth. 
For example, the best temperature for wine storage is also optimal for the growth of mold and bacteria, which presents a major challenge for winemakers. 
When astronauts began to experiment with growing their own food on the International Space Station, the food was emitting a natural gas called ethylene that destroyed the plants. 
To address this problem, experts at the University of Wisconsin created an ethylene removal system that was capable of removing anything organic from the air, including mold. Innovations for space have benefits on Earth as shown above in video.
This technology led to the development of air purification systems that were ideal for use in the wine industry to eliminate mold in storage spaces. NASA nurtured many innovations, from a portable communications system to an ultrasound machine for telemedicine, that have made the leap from space to Earth. 
Two technologies with &#8220;life saving&#8221; potential are about to be induced into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. NASA nurtured many innovations, from a portable communications system to an ultrasound machine for telemedicine, that have made the leap from space to Earth.
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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
Video Credit: NASA