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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



—--



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

The Aladaghlar Mountains of northwestern Iran

Today's Image of the Day from 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



-----



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



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



-----

Sediment flows offshore from the Yangtze River 

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

The Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



-----



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



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



-----

Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

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



-----



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



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



-----



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

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

Astronomers have employed a novel approach with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to uncover a largely unseen population of smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecules-discovered-on-an-asteroid-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> in our solar system. 



By sifting through a vast archive of images captured by Hubble over a span of 19 years, the researchers have identified an impressive 1,701 asteroid trails, with 1,031 of these asteroids being previously uncatalogued.



The study was led by Pablo García Martín of the <a href="https://www.uam.es/uam/en/inicio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Autonomous University of Madrid</a>, Spain, and co-authored by Bruno Merín of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESAC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Astronomy Centre</a>, also in Madrid, Spain. Together, they have uncovered new data on the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citizen-scientists-hunting-asteroids-with-ai">Citizen scientists hunting asteroids with AI</h2>



This cosmic treasure hunt was made possible by the collaborative efforts of professional scientists and a dedicated group of volunteers from around the world, known as "citizen scientists." 



The researchers combined the volunteers' identifications with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-and-machine-learning-enhance-airplane-performance-and-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> algorithm to efficiently detect the asteroids in the Hubble images.



"We are getting deeper into seeing the smaller population of main belt asteroids. We were surprised with seeing such a large number of candidate objects," said lead author Pablo García Martín. 



"There was some hint of this population existing, but now we are confirming it with a random asteroid population sample obtained using the whole Hubble archive. This is important for providing insights into the evolutionary models of our solar system," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-asteroid-formation-and-evolution">Insights into asteroid formation and evolution</h2>



The large, random sample of asteroids discovered in this study offers new insights into the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt. 



The abundance of small asteroids supports the idea that they are fragments of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psyche-asteroid-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-and-nasa-is-sending-a-space-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger asteroids</a> that have collided and broken apart over billions of years, like smashed pottery. 



This finding challenges an alternative theory suggesting that these smaller fragments formed as such billions of years ago.



"Collisions would have a certain signature that we can use to test the current main belt population," said co-author Bruno Merín.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-s-unique-vantage-point-for-asteroid-hunting">Hubble's unique vantage point for asteroid hunting</h2>



Hubble's fast orbit around the Earth allows it to capture <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-lucy-discovers-two-asteroids-instead-of-one-during-dinkinesh-flyby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wandering asteroids</a> through their telltale trails in the telescope's exposures. 



As viewed from an Earth-based telescope, an asteroid leaves a streak across the picture. Asteroids essentially "photobomb" Hubble exposures by appearing as unmistakable, curved trails in the photographs.



By knowing the position of Hubble during the observation and measuring the curvature of the streaks, scientists can determine the distances to the asteroids and estimate the shapes of their orbits. 



The faintest asteroids in the survey are roughly one forty-millionth the brightness of the faintest star that can be seen by the human eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-cosmic-exploration">Collaborative cosmic exploration</h2>



The Hubble Asteroid Hunter, a citizen-science project launched in 2019, was a collaborative effort between researchers, engineers, and the Zooniverse platform. 



A total of 11,482 citizen-science volunteers provided nearly 2 million identifications, which were then used to train an automated algorithm based on artificial intelligence to identify asteroids. This pioneering approach may be effectively applied to other datasets in the future.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-new-quasi-moon-will-stick-around-for-hundreds-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asteroid positions</a> change with time, and therefore you cannot find them just by entering coordinates, because at different times, they might not be there," said Merín. "As astronomers we don't have time to go looking through all the asteroid images. So we got the idea to collaborate with over 10,000 citizen-science volunteers to peruse the huge Hubble archives."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-and-the-future-of-asteroid-discovery">Hubble and the future of asteroid discovery</h2>



The project will next explore the streaks of previously unknown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-sheds-new-light-on-mysterious-asteroid-phaethon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> to characterize their orbits and study their properties, such as rotation periods. 



However, because most of these asteroid streaks were captured by Hubble many years ago, it is not possible to follow them up now to determine their orbits.



In summary, the fascinating study led by Pablo García Martín and Bruno Merín demonstrates the immense potential of collaborative efforts between professional scientists, citizen scientists, and advanced technologies in uncovering new insights into our solar system. 



By harnessing the power of the <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>'s vast archive, the dedication of thousands of volunteers, and the efficiency of machine learning algorithms, the researchers have unveiled a hidden population of asteroids, providing new data on the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt. 



This innovative approach paves the way for future discoveries and highlights the importance of continued exploration and collaboration in our quest to understand the cosmic landscape that surrounds us.



The full study was published in the&nbsp;journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aanda.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Beautiful photo of galaxy UGC 12158 gets photobombed by an asteroid

Astronomers have employed a novel approach with NASA's Hubble Space...

Researchers from the University of Vienna recently discovered that complex leaf vein networks, a feature prevalent in modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-true-survivors-flowering-plants-lived-through-the-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a>, actually originated much earlier than previously believed. 



The research, published in the journal New Phytologist, highlights the fossilized plant Furcula granulifer. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/pteridophytes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seed fern</a>, from the Late Triassic period around 201 million years ago, exhibited advanced venation patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rediscovery-of-a-triassic-plant-revolutionizes-understanding">Rediscovery of a triassic plant revolutionizes understanding</h2>



The team, led by palaeobotanists Mario Coiro and Leyla Seyfullah, utilized novel methods and concepts to re-examine historical collections at the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>. 



Subsequently, they collaborated with colleagues from the <a href="https://www.nrm.se/en/16.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish Museum of Natural History</a> in Stockholm and the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University</a> in Jerusalem.



Mario Coiro explains the significance of their findings, saying, "Within old collections, using new techniques, we identified a plant that displayed a unique set of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-leaf-diversity-shape-plant-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaf</a> characteristics, akin to those of flowering plants, but without their evolutionary success."



Consequently, this plant, Furcula granulifer, once thought to be an early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-investigate-the-mysterious-origin-of-flowering-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plant</a>, belongs instead to the now-extinct group of seed ferns



"The fossil leaves of Furcula granulifer show a net-like hierarchical veining typical of most plants today. This discovery indicates that such efficient photosynthetic structures have evolved multiple times throughout Earth's history," adds Leyla Seyfullah.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-leaf-vein-networks">Significance of leaf vein networks</h2>



The presence of intricate leaf veins in plants is crucial for efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-finally-decoded-the-process-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> and carbon dioxide fixation. 



Consequently, flowering plants, or angiosperms, which dominate today's ecosystems, evolved this feature between 145 and 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. 



This development significantly contributed to the diversification and success of other life forms, including mammals, insects, and birds.



The study suggests that Furcula granulifer exhibited similar venation patterns to <a href="https://www.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/angiosperms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">angiosperms</a>. However, it had less vein density, which limited its photosynthetic efficiency compared to later flowering plants.



The team employed a combination of traditional microscopy and cutting-edge Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy to analyze both old and newly collected material. They concluded that Furcula's similarities to angiosperms are a result of convergent evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-evolutionary-failures">Understanding evolutionary failures</h2>



The research further identifies that Furcula granulifer and its relatives represent an evolutionary dead end. They went extinct during the Jurassic period without achieving the diversity seen in angiosperms.



Another group, the Gigantopteridales, also represents a similar failed evolutionary attempt during the Permian period.



"These natural experiments offer us a window into understanding the real reasons behind the success of flowering plants, which likely stems from the evolution of multiple traits rather than a single key innovation," Seyfullah explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-modern-science-discovered-ancient-leaf-vein-networks">How modern science discovered ancient leaf vein networks</h2>



In summary, this research led by palaeontologists from the University of Vienna has transformed our understanding of leaf evolution. 



By combining traditional and novel methods, they have unraveled a century-old mystery, revealing that the net-like leaf veining characteristic of modern flowering plants evolved much earlier than previously thought in the now-extinct seed fern Furcula granulifer. 



This discovery highlights the complexity of plant evolution and the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-family-tree-explains-evolution-of-flower-symmetry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">convergent evolution</a> in shaping the world we see today. 



The study also identifies failed attempts at efficient leaf design during the Triassic and Permian periods, suggesting that the success of flowering plants lies in the evolution of multiple traits rather than a single key innovation. 



As we continue to explore the mysteries of nature's design, this research serves as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the endless wonders waiting to be discovered in the fossil record.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.19726" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Plants had complex leaf vein networks 200 million years ago

Researchers from the University of Vienna recently discovered that complex...

Major transformations are occurring within Arctic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal</a> ecosystems, which are warming at a faster rate than the rest of the planet. 



Recent findings from the <a href="https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/">University of California, Irvine</a>, detailed in three pivotal studies, underscore the significant environmental shifts prompted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-forests-are-being-transformed-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. 



The research, led by PhD candidate Jinhyuk Kim and Professor James Randerson, suggests that ecosystems at high latitudes are becoming increasingly unstable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-ignite-change-across-ecosystems">Wildfires ignite change across ecosystems</h2>



The study was focused on the forests of Canada and Alaska. The researchers found that wildfires are intensifying photosynthesis rates. This phenomenon arises as fast-growing deciduous plants like willow and aspen replace the slower-growing black spruce forests destroyed by fire. 



"We’re seeing higher levels of photosynthesis that persist for decades after fire,” explained Kim. “Instead of the evergreen conifer forest coming back right away, in some regions, we see a long-term replacement of these forests with faster-growing species."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-consequences-of-wildfires">Complex consequences of wildfires</h2>



While increased photosynthesis might suggest a greater removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the reality is much more complex. 



“But because you’ve combusted the carbon stored in the plants and their organic soils, even the increase in photosynthesis we observe doesn’t necessarily translate into more carbon storage in the long run," explained Kim. 



"The increasing trends in wildfire have significant implications for forest species composition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ecosystems-are-endangered-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> function but likely negatively affect the land carbon sink." 



"This is why it’s important to study how the changing landscape from wildfire and warming influences different aspects of land carbon cycling."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-changes-in-arctic-and-boreal-ecosystems">Tracking changes in Arctic and boreal ecosystems </h2>



To track changes in photosynthesis, Kim’s team utilized data from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 satellites. These satellites measure plant fluorescence - a novel method that provides a global view of photosynthesis rates.



“We also have this long land cover time series from Landsat, and we can look at how fires are changing the land plant cover and then tie it to changes in the solar-induced fluorescence signal," said Kim.



"We find that wildfires are changing the land cover, which, in turn, can enhance the seasonality of carbon fluxes at large spatial scales.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-shrubbery-signals-warmer-winters">Shifting shrubbery signals warmer winters</h2>



In another study led by Allison Welch, a PhD candidate in the lab of Professor Claudia Czimczik, researchers explored plant expansion across the Arctic ecosystem. 



"With increasing temperatures and wildfire activity, we’re seeing increased growth of bigger, deciduous shrubs,” noted Welch. 



Her team found that alder shrubs, in particular, are thriving, significantly boosting vegetation productivity at their study sites. Moreover, these changes come with critical implications for permafrost. 



"We reported a decrease in the thickness of the organic layer at our tundra sites," said Welch. "Shallower organic layers mean less insulation for the underlying Arctic permafrost, which carries vast reserves of frozen organic matter that, if thawed, may release planet-warming gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-clues-about-ecosystem-changes">Chemical clues about ecosystem changes </h2>



Under the guidance of Professor Alex Guenther, PhD candidate Hui Wang conducted a third study. The research was focused on an unexpected rise in emissions of isoprene - an important molecule that influences local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-climate-change-alter-alaskas-boreal-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> through its effects on ozone, aerosols, and methane levels.



“This change will indirectly change the climate,” said Wang. He noted that rising temperatures have prompted plants to release more isoprene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-changing-arctic-ecosystem">Rapidly changing Arctic ecosystem </h2>



These studies collectively highlight a rapidly changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-geese-have-a-large-impact-on-arctic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> ecosystem that is transforming at a faster rate than previously anticipated. Claudia Czimczik, a co-author on Welch’s paper, emphasized the urgent need for attention.



"These three studies are examples of how the Arctic is changing more rapidly than previously expected. Increasing wildfire activity, via its effect on vegetation composition, has the potential to accelerate permafrost thaw beyond the rates we expected from changing climate," said Czimczik.



Kim concluded with a reflection on the broader implications of the research. "We can see the environment is unstable, and that there are complex interactions from not only the changing plant communities but the responses of those plants to the rapidly changing climate." 



"These have consequences for the environment and the overall Earth system, so it’s something important that we need to understand better.”



The research is published in the journal Global Change Biology.



-----



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



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



-----

Arctic and boreal ecosystems are becoming increasingly unstable

Major transformations are occurring within Arctic and boreal ecosystems, which...

<div id="58e3ebce955a315103d39bd1" class="vdb_player vdb_58e3ebce955a315103d39bd158d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49" data-placeholder="//img.vidible.tv/prod/2019-02/21/5c6e5e25e880db6decf68dd3/5c6e5e7e4fe68d000196b3dc_1280x720_FES_v1.jpg?w=5760&amp;h=3600&amp;q=60">
<script src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
 
Monitoring the Van Allen Belts Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the Van Allen Belts, which are donut-shaped clouds of radiation that surround the Earth.
The clouds are made of helium, oxygen, and wild protons and electrons. When these particles move at a fast pace, radiation is formed that can interfere with our technology and communication. Monitoring the Van Allen Belts Can you see the Van Allen radiation belt? Although images of the Van Allen radiation belts make them look visible and colorful, this is actually just a representation. 
The radiation belts themselves are so dilute that astronauts don’t even see or feel them when they are outside in their spacesuits. Explorer 1 and Explorer 3 confirmed the existence of the belt in early 1958 under James Van Allen at the University of Iowa. The trapped radiation was first mapped by Explorer 4, Pioneer 3, and Luna 1 . The term Van Allen belts refers specifically to the radiation belts surrounding Earth; however, similar radiation belts have been discovered. 
In 2012, NASA launched the Van Allen Probes to study how these radiation belts change in intensity and size.
&#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: NASA Goddard