<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the Columbia Glacier, a tidewater glacier located in Prince William Sound on the south coast of Alaska. It is one of the most rapidly changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> in the world and has been closely studied for the insights it provides into glacial mechanics and climate change impacts. </p>



<p>"Since the early 1980s, the Columbia Glacier has retreated more than 20 km and lost about half of its total volume. This one glacier accounts for nearly half of the ice lost in the Chugach Mountains," noted ESA.</p>



<p>"The changing climate is thought to have caused its retreat. Until 1980, when its rapid and constant retreat began, the glacier’s terminus was observed at the northern edge of Heather Island, which lies near the end of Columbia Bay, the inlet into which the glacier currently flows before draining into Prince William Sound."</p>



<p>"This satellite image, acquired in September 2023, shows instead the deep mostly ice-free Columbia Bay dotted with numerous icebergs and fragmented sea-ice."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-calving-events">Dramatic calving events</h2>



<p>The Columbia Glacier is known for its dramatic calving events, where large chunks of ice break off from the glacier's terminus and fall into the sea, becoming icebergs. This process has been particularly active as the glacier has retreated, contributing to hazards for shipping in Prince William Sound.</p>



<p>The glacier has been the focus of extensive scientific research, serving as a case study for understanding the dynamics of tidewater glaciers and their responses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-ocean-acidification-a-silent-killer-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. Studies have used satellite imagery, field observations, and modeling to track its changes over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impact-on-the-columbia-glacier">Climate impact on the Columbia Glacier</h2>



<p>"Columbia is just one of the many glaciers suffering from the effects of climate change. Most of the glaciers around the world are losing mass. However, before the advent of satellites, measuring their retreat and studying their vulnerability to climate change was difficult considering their size, remoteness and rugged terrain they occupy," said ESA.</p>



<p>"Different satellite instruments now can gather information systematically and over large areas, providing an effective means to monitor change, keep track of all calving stages and quantify the melting rate and their contribution to sea-level rise."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about Columbia Glacier&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Columbia Glacier flows from the Chugach Mountains into Columbia Bay. It was once one of the largest contributors to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> due to its significant ice loss. </p>



<p>The glacier's dynamics are influenced by its interaction with water, where the terminus meets the ocean. As the glacier flows into the sea, large chunks of ice calve off the front, leading to dramatic scenes of ice crashing into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shelf-sediment-ocean-composition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. This process has been intensifying due to warmer temperatures and changes in water circulation, which undermine the ice from below.</p>



<p>Columbia Glacier's retreat has significant implications for marine navigation and local ecosystems. The increase in icebergs calving into the bay poses hazards to ships, while the fresh meltwater impacts local water temperatures and salinity, affecting the habitat of fish and other marine life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Melting glaciers and ocean composition&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Glaciers, which are large masses of accumulated snow and ice, store about 69 percent of the world's fresh water. As the climate warms, these glaciers increasingly melt and release freshwater into nearby seas and the ocean at large.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Influx of freshwater</h3>



<p>This influx of freshwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> alters the salinity (salt concentration) of the ocean water. Since freshwater is less dense than saltwater, its addition can lead to stratification in which lighter, less salty water layers on top of denser, saltier water. </p>



<p>This stratification can disrupt ocean currents, which are driven in part by differences in water density and temperature. These currents are crucial for regulating global climate by distributing heat and nutrients around the planet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Changes in salinity&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Furthermore, changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> can affect marine life, which often has narrow salinity tolerance ranges. For example, shifts in salinity can impact breeding cycles, migration patterns, and the availability of nutrients. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Global carbon cycle</h3>



<p>As the ocean's composition changes, its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere could also be altered, affecting the global carbon cycle and, by extension, climate change feedback mechanisms.</p>



<p>The melting of glaciers contributes to more pronounced changes in ocean conditions, impacting everything from global climate systems to local ecosystems in marine environments.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</p>



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Columbia Glacier on the south coast of Alaska

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

<p>Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tibetan Plateau</a>. The image was captured on January 25, 2024 by a crew member aboard the International Space Station. </p>



<p>“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted NASA. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green.</p>



<p>Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”</p>



<p>“Several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.</p>



<p>“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.</p>



<p>Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered Black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the Brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the Himalayas, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters. One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.</p>



<p>This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, despite its considerable size, it's relatively shallow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films, most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China. Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



<p>High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.</p>



<p>The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.</p>



<p>Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.</p>



<p>These lakes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.</p>



<p>High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.</p>



<p>In a groundbreaking study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam-and-infrared-observations">The power of NIRCam and infrared observations</h2>



<p>The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas veiling the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>. </p>



<p>"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”</p>



<p>Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image-shows-the-power-of-webb-nbsp">Messier 82 image shows the power of Webb&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study second author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.</p>



<p>One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the image, the dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



<p>The study also focused on understanding how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. The NIRCam images showed clumpy tendrils of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.</p>



<p>A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h3>



<p>The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment. </p>



<p>These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early galaxies, which were common in the young universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



<p>Study co-author Torsten Böker of the European Space Agency (ESA) emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”</p>



<p>The study not only illuminates the specific mechanics of star formation in M82 but also enhances our general understanding of galactic evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA</p>



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the spiral galaxy IC 5332, which is located over 29 million light-years away from Earth and spans approximately 66,000 light-years in diameter. This makes it notably smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, which is about a third larger.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-look-at-ic-5332">Unprecedented look at IC 5332</h2>



<p>In a stunning photo release by NASA and ESA in 2022, the spiral galaxy IC 5332 was presented in an unprecedented level of detail in images captured by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-incredible-new-image-of-uranus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.</p>



<p>This feat was made possible through the use of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which captures images in the mid-infrared spectrum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-perspective-from-earth">Unique perspective from Earth</h2>



<p>One of the most striking features of IC 5332, as revealed by these observations, is its almost perfect face-on orientation relative to Earth. </p>



<p>This unique perspective allows astronomers to clearly observe and admire the symmetrical arrangement of its spiral arms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-unveils-ic-5332-in-new-light">Webb unveils IC 5332 in new light</h2>



<p>The clarity of these images represents a significant advancement over previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope, which imaged IC 5332 in ultraviolet and visible light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While Hubble’s images revealed the galaxy’s symmetrical spiral arms, James Webb’s MIRI has unveiled these structures as a complex web of gas that emits infrared light at various temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-miri-instrument-on-james-webb-nbsp">The MIRI instrument on James Webb&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Capturing this range of infrared light is no simple task. It requires highly specialized instruments that must be maintained at extremely cold temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The MIRI instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope is specifically designed for this purpose and performs exceptionally well. Its capabilities allow astronomers to see aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that are otherwise hidden in other wavelengths.</p>



<p>The detailed images provided by MIRI offer more than just a visual spectacle; they provide valuable data about the composition and temperature of the gases that make up the spiral arms of IC 5332. This can help scientists understand the processes of star formation within the galaxy and how these processes compare to those in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-finds-hidden-features-of-the-universe-nbsp">Webb finds hidden features of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, the images of IC 5332 serve as a critical test of the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities in observing the universe in infrared light. As astronomers continue to deploy Webb’s full suite of instruments to explore the cosmos, it is expected that many more hidden features of the universe will be revealed.</p>



<p>The information provided by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-discovers-second-most-distant-galaxy-in-pandoras-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also enhances our appreciation for the complex and beautiful structures that exist in our universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We can anticipate many more insights from Webb that will deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes governing galaxies and the broader universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-spiral-galaxies-like-ic-5332">More about spiral galaxies like IC 5332</h2>



<p>Spiral galaxies are some of the most visually striking objects in the universe, characterized by their rotating arms that extend from a central nucleus, giving them a distinct spiral appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These galaxies are primarily made up of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. These are often surrounded by a much fainter halo of stars, many of which reside in globular clusters.</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies differ from other galaxy types, such as elliptical and irregular galaxies, in their structure and content. The spiral arms are sites of ongoing star formation and are brighter than the rest of the disk because of the young, hot stars that are typically found there. The arms appear distinct because of their density waves, which compress the gas and dust, leading to star formation.</p>



<p>The rotation of the spiral arms also contributes to the galaxy's flat shape due to the centrifugal forces acting on the disk. The central bulge can vary in size and often contains older, red stars.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Barred spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Some spiral galaxies have a bar-shaped structure that extends from the central bulge, making them barred spirals. This bar affects the motion of stars and gas within the galaxy and can influence star formation activity.</p>



<p>The Milky Way, where our solar system resides, is an example of a barred spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are an important focus of study because they contain a significant amount of visible matter and play a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their distinct features also make them particularly useful for studying the laws of physics under extreme conditions, such as high densities and velocities.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST and PHANGS-HST Teams</p>



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Webb unveiled spiral galaxy IC 5332 in new light

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.</p>



<p>Collectively, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine glaciers</a> of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-archives-of-past-climate">Natural archives of past climate </h2>



<p>"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said NASA.</p>



<p>"In just over two decades, Corbassière has shrunk in area and surface mass. The glacier was darker in 2023 due to lack of snow, and the glacier’s tongue had retreated."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-from-the-corbassiere-glacier">Ice cores from the Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>To reconstruct past concentrations of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-aerosols-impact-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, a team of scientists analyzed ice cores that were collected from the Corbassière glacier in 2018 and 2020. </p>



<p>Aerosols are tiny airborne particles that are deposited in the ice. "Such information from glaciers around the world can provide clues about past environmental conditions thousands of years ago," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Ice cores contain ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions - signatures of aerosols lacing the snow that’s deposited on glaciers year after year. Ion concentrations are lower in winter than in summer because less polluted air can rise from the valley when the air is cold."</p>



<p>When the researchers analyzed the ice core from 2018, they found seasonal fluctuations in the amount of ion deposits - which is what they expected to find.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But when we went to core the glacier in 2020, we noticed melting on the surface right away,” said Margit Schwikowski, an environmental chemist at <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> in Switzerland.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-surface-melting-on-corbassiere-glacier">Rapid surface melting on Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. "This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.</p>



<p>Schwikowski has joined a team of other experts in an effort to preserve cores from the last remaining glaciers. Led by the <a href="https://www.ice-memory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Memory Foundation</a>, the goal of the project is to obtain ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers around the world in 20 years and collect them in a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-has-a-history-of-rapid-and-unexpected-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate archive</a>.</p>



<p>“Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and we may find similar issues at other sites,” said Schwikowski. She added that even at the highest altitudes in the Alps, "glaciers are on the verge of becoming unsuitable as natural paleo-archives."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



<p>The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. This glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.</p>



<p>A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. </p>



<p>This bridge not only enhances the experience for visitors but also serves as a crucial observation point for scientists studying glacier dynamics and the effects of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Swiss Alps&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Swiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a> are a majestic and expansive mountain range that stretches across the southern part of Switzerland, forming a part of the greater Alpine region that spreads across several countries in Europe. </p>



<p>Renowned for their stunning beauty and formidable peaks, the Swiss Alps are not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural symbol of Switzerland, epitomizing its identity as a nation of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure.</p>



<p>The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. Among these peaks are some of the highest in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa massif, which is the highest point in Switzerland. </p>



<p>The Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss mountains, is celebrated for its unique, pyramid-like shape and is a magnet for climbers and tourists alike.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Corbassière glacier: Earth's climate archives are melting away

<p>A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> (CU Boulder) has found why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-hellish-planet-venus-can-help-us-find-alien-life/">Venus</a>, Earth's nearest planetary neighbor, is so devoid of moisture. The experts delved deep into what they term “the water story on Venus,” revealing that Venus loses about twice as much water into space each day than previously thought.</p>



<p>The phenomenon occurs through a process known as “dissociative recombination,” in which hydrogen atoms from Venus’s atmosphere are lost to space.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-retention-and-loss-across-planets">Water retention and loss across planets</h2>



<p>By using computer simulations, the experts hope to shed light on water retention and loss across many planets in the galaxy, enhancing our understanding of planetary climates and their capability to support life.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-finds-a-water-rich-planet-with-a-steamy-atmosphere-named-gj-9827d/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water</a> is really important for life,” said co-lead author Eryn Cangi, a research scientist at the <a href="https://lasp.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics</a> (LASP) at CU Boulder. “We need to understand the conditions that support liquid water in the universe, and that may have produced the very dry state of Venus today.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-versus-venus">Earth versus Venus</h2>



<p>Contrasting Venus with Earth highlights the stark differences in water abundance. “Venus has 100,000 times less water than the Earth, even though it’s basically the same size and mass,” explained co-lead author Michael Chaffin, a research scientist at LASP.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If Earth's water were evenly distributed across its surface, it would form a layer about three kilometers deep. In contrast, Venus would have a shallow pool of just three centimeters deep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-water-loss-from-venus-nbsp">Rapid water loss from Venus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team utilized advanced computer models to simulate the complex chemical processes occurring in Venus's dense and turbulent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-is-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>. </p>



<p>The research pointed to a molecule known as HCO+, an ion consisting of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, as a key player in the rapid loss of water from Venus. This molecule forms high in the atmosphere and facilitates the escape of hydrogen atoms into space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-changes-and-their-outcomes-nbsp">Planetary changes and their outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For Cangi, who completed her doctorate in astrophysical and planetary sciences at CU Boulder in 2023, the study not only fills a significant gap in our understanding of Venus's climate history but also illustrates how minor planetary changes can lead to dramatic environmental outcomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re trying to figure out what little changes occurred on each planet to drive them into these vastly different states,” she said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-water-loss-on-venus">Ancient water loss on Venus</h2>



<p>Reflecting on Venus’s past, the researchers suggest that it once harbored as much water as Earth. However, a catastrophic escalation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-greenhouse-effect-could-turn-earth-into-an-uninhabitable-hell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gasses</a> led to runaway temperatures, vaporizing all its water, which then was lost to space. </p>



<p>This ancient water loss does not fully account for Venus's current dryness, which led the scientists to explore ongoing atmospheric processes.</p>



<p>“As an analogy, say I dumped out the water in my water bottle. There would still be a few droplets left,” Chaffin said. On Venus, even those residual droplets have disappeared, a mystery that the study attributes to the elusive HCO+ molecule.</p>



<p>Chaffin and Cangi pointed out that while many missions have explored Mars, Venus has seen fewer scientific visitors, which has limited our understanding of its atmospheric composition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“One of the surprising conclusions of this work is that HCO+ should actually be among the most abundant ions in the Venus atmosphere,” Chaffin remarked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-missions-to-venus">Future missions to Venus</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the researchers are enthusiastic about upcoming missions to Venus, such as <a href="https://ssed.gsfc.nasa.gov/davinci/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gasses, Chemistry, and Imaging</a> (DAVINCI) mission, which will probe the planet's atmosphere down to the surface. Although DAVINCI won't detect HCO+ directly, it represents a step forward in collecting data that could confirm their findings and enhance our understanding of Venus.</p>



<p>“There haven’t been many missions to Venus. But newly planned missions will leverage decades of collective experience and a flourishing interest in Venus to explore the extremes of planetary atmospheres, evolution, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-habitability-of-a-planet-is-affected-by-the-location-of-its-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitability</a>,” Cangi concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07261-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Venus has lost almost all of its water, but why did it disappear?

A team of researchers led by the University of Colorado...

<p>In the mid-20th century, the ocean off the Los Angeles coast became a disposal site for significant quantities of the pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), due to the activities of the largest DDT manufacturer in the nation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This chemical, notorious for its persistent toxicity, continues to impact the marine environment of L.A. more than 50 years later. Although legal at the time, the full scale of this pollution at an offshore dump site near Catalina Island, 15 miles offshore, only came to broader public attention in 2020, raising substantial concern among scientists and the public alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-chemicals-in-deep-sea-fish">DDT chemicals in deep-sea fish</h2>



<p>Recent findings from researchers at UC San Diego’s <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> and <a href="https://www.sdsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Diego State University</a> (SDSU) have shown that deep-sea fish and sediments near the Catalina Island dump site are still laden with DDT-related chemicals, indicating that DDT-related chemicals discarded into the ocean decades ago continue to influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-restructures-marine-food-webs-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food webs</a>.</p>



<p>Since the rediscovery of this dump site near Catalina Island, scientists have endeavored to determine the current scope and severity of the contamination. It remains a critical concern whether these old chemicals, now settled on the ocean floor, are confined to the seabed or are circulating through marine ecosystems, potentially endangering wildlife and human health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-contamination-in-marine-food-webs">DDT contamination in marine food webs</h2>



<p>“These are deep-sea organisms that don’t spend much time at the surface and they are contaminated with these DDT-related chemicals,” said co-author Lihini Aluwihare, a professor of ocean chemistry at Scripps.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Establishing the current distribution of DDT contamination in deep-sea food webs lays the groundwork for thinking about whether those contaminants are also moving up through deep-ocean food webs into species that might be consumed by people.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-montrose-chemical-corporation">Montrose Chemical Corporation</h2>



<p>From 1948 to at least 1961, barges hired by Montrose Chemical Corporation would journey from the Port of Los Angeles towards Catalina, discharging waste containing sulfuric acid and up to 2% pure DDT directly into the Pacific.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This practice, which was legal until 1972, largely went unnoticed, overshadowed by another disposal method used by Montrose: discharging a more dilute acidic slurry that also contained DDT into the ocean off Palos Verdes through L.A. County sewers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Palos Verdes Shelf, where an estimated 100 tons of DDT accumulated in sediments, was declared an underwater Superfund Site by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> in 1996, and in 2000, Montrose was ordered to pay $140 million for environmental restoration.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Research has linked DDT pollution in this area to health issues in local sea lions, dolphins, bottom-feeding fish, and even coastal California <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-condors-are-threatened-by-organic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condors</a>, likely affected by consuming contaminated marine animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-legacy-of-offshore-dumping-nbsp">Toxic legacy of offshore dumping&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The rediscovery of Montrose’s offshore dumping near Catalina, now known as Dumpsite 2, was made by <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> researcher David Valentine using an undersea robot. This discovery gained significant public exposure in 2020 through a series of investigative reports by the Los Angeles Times, highlighting the toxic legacy of offshore dumping in the region.</p>



<p>Valentine and Scripps researchers have since mapped extensive DDT contamination across an area of the seafloor larger than San Francisco. The ongoing challenge is to determine whether this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-pollution-threatens-the-health-of-more-than-three-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> remains localized or if it is migrating through the marine environment in ways that could harm aquatic life or humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extent-of-the-ddt-contamination-nbsp">Extent of the DDT contamination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2021, Aluwihare, SDSU’s Eunha Hoh, and their team began addressing two crucial questions: Are the DDT-related chemicals on the seafloor near Dumpsite 2 entering the food chain? Can they develop a unique chemical fingerprint for the contamination from Dumpsite 2 to distinguish it from pollution emanating from the Palos Verdes Shelf?</p>



<p>Sediment and deep-sea animal samples collected near Dumpsite 2 revealed the presence of an extensive array of DDT-related chemicals, previously identified in the blubber of dolphins off Southern California’s coast. This broader spectrum of DDT compounds, known as DDT+, is critical for understanding the full extent of contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-related-compounds-in-fish">DDT-related compounds in fish</h2>



<p>Analysis of these samples showed that 215 fish across three species near Dumpsite 2 contained 10 DDT-related compounds, all present in the sediment samples.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Two fish species were collected from depths between 546 meters (1,791 feet) and 784 meters (2,572 feet), and a third species ranged from these depths up to the surface. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish</a> from shallower waters had lower contaminant levels and lacked two of the DDT-related compounds found in deeper-dwelling fish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-were-the-fish-exposed-to-ddt">How were the fish exposed to DDT?</h2>



<p>“None of these fish species are known to feed in the sediment of the seafloor. There must be another mechanism that is exposing them to these contaminants,” said co-author Anela Choy, a biological oceanographer at Scripps.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“One possibility is that physical or biological processes are resuspending sediments around Dumpsite 2 and allowing these contaminants to enter deeper water food webs.”</p>



<p>While it’s not yet possible to definitively exclude the Palos Verdes Superfund Site as a contamination source, the study’s findings - including the specific contaminants identified and their distribution across different species and depths - suggest that pollution from the seafloor could be infiltrating the marine food chain.</p>



<p>“This is evidence that DDT compounds are making their way into the deep ocean food web,” said lead author Margaret Stack, an environmental chemist at SDSU. “That is cause for concern because it’s not a big leap for it to end up in marine mammals or even humans.”</p>



<p>This “will help us figure out what to do as far as mitigation and what not to do in terms of offshore development that could make this problem worse by stirring up these contaminants,” Hoh added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



<p>Aluwihare highlighted the need for further research to identify the source of the DDT contaminants found in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-deep-sea-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea fish</a> and to determine whether similar contamination affects larger, open-ocean fish species consumed by people.</p>



<p>As the investigation continues, the researchers are analyzing samples from fish species targeted by recreational anglers and commercial fisheries, including basses and sanddabs. Comparing these findings with sediment samples from the Palos Verdes Shelf and Dumpsite 2 may help pinpoint the source of the toxins.</p>



<p>“We are still seeing this DDT contamination in deep-sea organisms and ocean sediments more than 50 years after they were dumped there. I’m not sure if that company expected the consequences of their pollution to last this long, but they have,” Hoh concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Toxic legacy: Decades-old DDT found in deep sea fish

In the mid-20th century, the ocean off the Los Angeles...

Algae,Research,In,Laboratories,,Biotechnology,Science,Concept

<p>Approximately 550 million years ago, the first terrestrial plants evolved from algae and began to transform the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/terrestrial-plants-changed-how-earth-regulates-its-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's landscape</a>, drastically altering the planet's surface and atmosphere..</p>



<p>A significant breakthrough in understanding these origins has been achieved through the collaborative efforts of an international research team, which includes a computational biologist from the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska–Lincoln</a>. </p>



<p>This team has successfully decoded the genomic sequence of Zygnema algae, the closest living relatives to these pioneering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-algae-genes-chlorophyll-boost-crop-yields-land-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land plants</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-genomic-code">Cracking the genomic code</h2>



<p>The recent research published in <em>Nature Genetics</em> brought together approximately 50 scientists from eight different countries. This collaboration led to a significant achievement: the first complete genomic sequencing of four different strains of Zygnema algae. </p>



<p>By accomplishing this, the team has provided crucial insights into the evolutionary adaptations that enabled aquatic plants to transition and thrive on land, marking a pivotal development in our understanding of plant evolution.</p>



<p>“This is an evolutionary story,” explained Yanbin Yin, the lead researcher from Nebraska. “It answers the fundamental question of how the earliest land plants evolved from aquatic freshwater algae.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-zygnema-algae-in-plant-evolution">Significance of Zygnema algae in plant evolution</h2>



<p>Zygnema algae are not just another type of plant; they represent a crucial link between aquatic and terrestrial life. The four strains studied -- two from a culture collection in the United States and two from Germany -- have revealed significant insights into the genomic adaptations necessary for life on land.</p>



<p>Furthermore, advanced DNA sequencing technologies allowed the team to map out the entire genomes, achieving a level of detail previously unattainable for this group. A standout feature identified through this genomic research is the thick, sticky mucilage layer outside the cell walls of the algae.</p>



<p>"It is fascinating that the genetic building blocks, whose origins predate land plants by millions of years, duplicated and diversified in the ancestors of plants and algae, enabling the evolution of more specialized molecular machinery," noted Iker Irisarri, co-first author of the paper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-genome-insights-from-zygnema-algae">Plant genome insights from Zygnema algae</h2>



<p>The findings from this study do not just expand our understanding of plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-species-holds-valuable-evidence-of-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>; they also provide a robust resource for the scientific community at large. </p>



<p>Researchers can now delve into these genomic data to explore further connections between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/these-plants-have-maintained-genetic-stability-for-350-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant genetics</a> and environmental responses.</p>



<p>“The entire plant scientific community now has a valuable, high-quality resource to explore these genome data. Our analyses uncovered intricate connections between environmental responses,” said Jan de Vries, another co-leader of the research team.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundation-for-future-discoveries">Foundation for future discoveries</h2>



<p>The research aligns with the National Science Foundation’s "<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/big_ideas/life.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Understanding the Rules of Life</a>" initiative, which aims to tackle societal challenges such as climate resilience and clean water. </p>



<p>The gene network analyses from this study reveal that co-expression of genes related to cell wall synthesis and modifications played a crucial role in the evolutionary success of these organisms.</p>



<p>“Our gene network analyses reveal co-expression of genes, especially those for cell wall synthesis and remodifications that were expanded and gained in the last common ancestor of land plants and Zygnematophyceae,” Yin remarked. “We shed light on the deep evolutionary roots of the mechanism for balancing environmental responses and multicellular cell growth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-advances-propel-plant-science-forward">Genomic advances propel plant science forward</h2>



<p>This research on Zygnema algae marks a significant advance in our genomic understanding of plant life’s origins on land. </p>



<p>The collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in scientific research, uniting diverse expertise to unravel complex biological puzzles. </p>



<p>The genomic insights gained extend beyond academia, impacting fields such as bioenergy, water sustainability, and carbon sequestration. </p>



<p>This work not only deepens our comprehension of our planet's ecological history but also equips us with the knowledge to better tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-024-01737-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Genetics</a></em>.</p>



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Plants emerged from 'star algae' to conquer Earth's landmass

Approximately 550 million years ago, the first terrestrial plants evolved...

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<p><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;"> One year of photos from the International Space Station Today’s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> comes from </span><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and features a look at the best photos taken from the International Space Station in 2017.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Astronauts on board the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/billowing-clouds/">International Space Station</a> get to witness some of the most breathtaking views of planet Earth and capture photos on a daily basis. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The team at the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">has assembled the very best of these photos taken last year in 4K. Some amateur astronomers also use telescopic lenses to photograph the ISS while it transits the Sun, sometimes doing so during an eclipse. </span></p>
<p>In November, we celebrated the 20th year of continuous human presence aboard the space station, which so far has hosted 242 people and more than 3,000 science experiments. During the past year, research has ranged from growing radishes in microgravity to capturing 360-degree footage of life aboard station to monitoring our planet.</p>
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<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rory Arnold</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earth.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staff Writer</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video Credit: </span></i><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA</span></i></a></p>


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