Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features sediment swirling in the Gulf of Alaska on December 29, 2023.



"After an unusually snowy start to winter, southern Alaska’s coastline remained under a blanket of white in late December," said NASA.



"Meanwhile, greens and tans swirled in the dark blue water offshore. The dullness of the hues near shore suggests that the water is mostly colored by sediment. It is likely that phytoplankton - microscopic plant-like organisms - contributed to some of the hues farther from the coast."



According to NASA, much of the sediment in this region comes from “glacial flour” carried into the gulf by the Copper River.&nbsp;



"Glacial flour forms as glaciers move over bedrock and grind it into a fine silt. When suspended in water, glacial flour can make the water appear an opaque turquoise color - similar to phytoplankton blooms. The sediment carries iron and other nutrients that can spur the growth of these tiny marine organisms," explained NASA.



Aimee Neeley, a biological oceanographer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that there are always phytoplankton in the water, but usually at lower levels in the wintertime at these latitudes.



The Gulf of Alaska is a vast and biologically rich body of water that lies at the northernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, encircled by Alaska.&nbsp;



The gulf extends approximately 1,500 miles from the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands in the west to the Alexander Archipelago in the east.



Characterized by a subarctic climate, it's known for heavy rain and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/">snowfall</a>. The region is also prone to frequent storms and is a significant pathway for colder northern weather patterns moving into the United States.



The Gulf of Alaska is home to a diverse marine ecosystem. It supports many species of fish, such as salmon and halibut, and is also a habitat for marine mammals like whales, sea lions, and seals.



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Sediment swirling in the Gulf of Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Aladaghlar Mountains of northwestern Iran

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a large sediment plume from the Yangtze River that extends hundreds of kilometers off the coast of China.



"Brown, sediment-laden water is visible along this shallow, turbid stretch of coast year-round, but a vast plume like the one visible here is a characteristic feature of winter. Scientists have proposed several causes of this seasonal phenomenon," said NASA.



"The ebb and flow of tides contain enough energy to stir up sediments from the seafloor, a 2017 study found. While there are also tides in the summer, the models used in the study showed that sediment only rises to the surface in the winter. That’s when temperatures and salinities at the sea surface and bottom are similar, allowing for vertical mixing to occur and for sediment to churn higher into the water column."



Additional studies have suggested that the summer monsoon’s influence on currents impedes the eastward flow of sediment out of the estuaries, noted NASA.



"Despite what looks like a glut of suspended sediment in the water, the overall amount of it flowing from the Yangtze River has declined steadily over the past several decades. The construction of dams, including the Three Gorges Dam, has been the primary driver of this trend."



It is important for scientists to track the movement of suspended sediment. This material can cause direct harm to marine life, as well as indirect harm by blocking sunlight.



The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, following the Nile and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-river-dolphins-are-at-great-risk-of-extinction-due-to-human-activities/">Amazon</a>. It flows for over 6,300 kilometers (about 3,917 miles) from the glaciers of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in western China to the East China Sea at Shanghai.&nbsp;



The Yangtze River basin is a key region for China's agriculture, industry, and hydroelectric power production. The river's waters are used for irrigation, navigation, and as a source of freshwater. The basin is home to diverse wildlife, including the critically endangered Yangtze river dolphin or Baiji, which may now be extinct.



The image was captured on February 12, 2024 by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite sensor on the NOAA-20 satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Sediment flows offshore from the Yangtze River 

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

We often think of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-unnoticed-and-underappreciated-world-of-ecosystem-services/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> in terms of what we can see – the plants, the animals, the landscape. But there's a hidden dimension to our natural world: sound. From the calls of birds to the whisper of wind through the trees, soundscapes are a vital part of healthy ecosystems. New research reveals a surprising truth: invasive plants are altering the soundscapes, and the consequences could be far-reaching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-soundscapes">Environment soundscapes</h2>



The soundtrack of an environment is referred to as its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changing-ocean-soundscapes-impact-animals-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soundscape</a>. Imagine it as the collective voice of a specific area, comprising all the sounds you can hear: the calls of animals, the rustle of leaves, the pattering of rain, and even the distant, almost imperceptible hum of human activity. 



A soundscape does more than fill the background; it forms a dynamic communication network that threads through the ecosystem. Each component of the soundscape plays a crucial role. 



Animal calls, for instance, are not just mere sounds but are vital for the survival and reproductive success of species. They can signal territory boundaries, warn of predators, or even lead mates to each other. 



Plant sounds can indicate the presence of animal activity or changes in wind patterns. They offer cues about weather conditions or environmental disturbances.



Similarly, the sound of water — from raindrops hitting the ground to streams flowing over rocks — adds another layer of information. It reflects the health and dynamics of the hydrological aspects of the ecosystem. Even the subtle sounds generated by human activities can influence animal behaviors and ecological processes.



Together, these sounds create a rich, ever-changing symphony that reveals the ecological narrative of an area. By listening to and analyzing these soundscapes, researchers can gain insights into the unseen interactions and health of ecosystems. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-for-ecosystem-clues">Listening for ecosystem clues</h2>



A team of researchers at Virginia Tech, led by Grace O'Malley and Gabrielle Ripa, is listening closely to these sonic signatures to better understand hidden changes within our environments. 



Their innovative approach is part of a growing field called soundscape ecology, where scientists study the relationships between <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/top-5-strangest-animal-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sounds</a> and the overall health of an ecosystem.



"It's kind of a new way of thinking, in terms of thinking about the ecosystem as a whole instead of about this frog species or this bird species," said O’Malley. "Think about it across all taxonomic levels."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-plants-alter-ecosystem-sounds">Invasive plants alter ecosystem sounds</h2>



Invasive plants don't simply change what we see; they can dramatically alter the acoustic environment of an ecosystem. To understand this impact, the researchers ventured into areas heavily affected by invasive plants. They strategically placed recording devices and then compared the soundscapes to locations where native habitats were being restored.



The results were striking. "I was surprised that we were able to observe differences between the two habitats in such a short amount of time," said O'Malley. "The invasive plants may actually be changing the soundscape."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-invasive-plants-change-the-soundtrack">How invasive plants change the soundtrack</h2>



The research team is currently exploring precisely how invasive species disrupt the acoustic world. Here are a few key mechanisms they're investigating:



<ul>
<li>Altering sound travel:&nbsp;Dense thickets formed by invasive plants can physically change the way sound waves move through an environment. This could interfere with essential communications between animals.</li>



<li>Muffling native voices:&nbsp;Invasive plants often outcompete and displace native species. This means the calls, chirps, and other sounds of these native animals disappear from the soundscape, reducing its complexity and potential information flow.</li>



<li>Introducing new noises:&nbsp;Some invasive plants produce their own distinct sounds, whether through the way their leaves rustle in the wind or other unique auditory signatures. These add unfamiliar and potentially disruptive sounds to the acoustic mix.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research">Ongoing research </h2>



This fascinating research is still in its early stages. "It’s a call to other scientists that this is something that we think could be going on," said Ripa. "We offer suggestions as to what we think could be reasons why invasive plants might be impacting soundscapes and some potential mechanisms that maybe we should be looking into.”



While a lot remains to be explored, the researchers believe that soundscapes could become a kind of early warning system for spotting ecological change – all we need to do is listen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-to-invasive-plants-and-soundscape">Contributing to invasive plants and soundscape</h2>



<ol>
<li>Notice the soundscapes around you: The next time you go for a walk, close your eyes for a moment and tune in to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-plants-emit-sounds-when-they-are-stressed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sounds</a> you hear. This can be as simple as noticing the different birdsong patterns in your own neighborhood.</li>



<li>Join a citizen science project: Apps and websites like eBird (for bird calls) allow you to record and share data, helping scientists track changes over time and geography.</li>



<li>Support invasive plant control: Look for volunteer opportunities in your local parks, or make sure your own garden is full of native species.</li>
</ol>



"This project has been exciting, inspiring, and above all else, fun," said study co-author Professor Meryl Mims. "Sound is an integral part of how we and other organisms experience and understand our surroundings."



By deciphering the sonic code of nature, we may have a powerful new tool for protecting biodiversity and keeping our wild places healthy. The next time you hear rustling leaves or a bird's song, remember that you are tapping into a vast symphony of life – one that's constantly changing and worth listening to.



The study is published in <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2729" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</a>.



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Invasive plants alter the soundscape of ecosystems

We often think of ecosystems in terms of what we...

The North Pacific Ocean serves as a vast, natural laboratory for understanding the complex ecology of salmon, a crucial species both ecologically and economically. Recent research from the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a> has greatly enhanced our understanding of salmon migration behavior at sea.



This study integrates decades of international research on salmon, offering new insights into their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-migrating-towards-poles-escape-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> patterns and temperature preferences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supermap-for-salmon-migration">Supermap for salmon migration</h2>



Since the 1950s, various countries and agencies have conducted high seas salmon surveys. However, never before have these individual studies been amalgamated into a single, comprehensive database.



This large-scale integration allows for an unprecedented overview of the marine stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-hatchery-salmon-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon life</a> cycles. 



"This is a portion of the salmon life cycle that arguably gets overlooked, at least in terms of the grand investment in salmon research," said Curry Cunningham, an assistant professor at UAF's College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. 



Professor Cunningham also shared his personal connection to the subject. "As someone who always wondered where all these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-commercial-fish-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> went when they left Bristol Bay, seeing that pattern come to life was so satisfying."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-hotspots-and-migration">Salmon hotspots and migration</h2>



The compiled data includes over 44,000 gear hauls across the North Pacific, capturing more than 14 million salmon. This ocean-based data contrasts sharply with the more commonly studied river habitats, providing a broader perspective on salmon ecology.



Through detailed mapping, the researchers have pinpointed key areas where different salmon species congregate.



Notably, the maps reveal a gathering hotspot for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-chinook-salmon-almost-extinct-due-to-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinook salmon</a> in the Bering Sea. They also track the migration routes of maturing sockeye from the North Pacific and Gulf of Alaska towards the Alaska Peninsula, navigating through passes into the Bering Sea throughout the spring and summer months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-tolerance-and-migration">Temperature tolerance and migration</h2>



"It’s not as if all these salmon are going to some party in the middle of the Pacific. This gives us a broad look at where they go," explained Joe Langan, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral fellow at UAF during the project.



This comprehensive mapping of salmon not only clarifies migration paths but also sheds light on the varying temperature tolerances among species. 



For instance, sockeye and chum salmon thrive in temperatures just a few degrees above freezing, whereas coho and steelhead avoid the coldest waters. Chinook and pink salmon occupy the middle range of these temperature extremes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-salmon-in-a-warming-world">Future of salmon in a warming world</h2>



These findings hold particular significance in the current context of climate change, highlighting the critical role of temperature tolerances in shaping how different salmon species might adapt to increasingly warming waters. 



As global temperatures rise, aquatic ecosystems experience significant shifts, which in turn affect the habitat ranges and migration patterns of marine species. Salmon, with their varied migration and temperature preferences, serve as a prime example of how climatic changes can drive evolutionary and migratory adaptations.



Understanding the specific temperature ranges that different salmon species can tolerate provides essential insights into predicting their responses to environmental changes. 



For instance, species thriving in cooler waters may face challenges as these areas warm, potentially pushing them to seek colder, deeper, or more northern waters, altering their traditional migration routes and times. 



Conversely, species with higher temperature tolerances might expand their range, encountering new competitors and predators, which could impact their survival and reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



The research involved meticulous examination of historical data, some of which dated back to the 1950s. This required the retrieval of long-forgotten reports from various sources. Additionally, it involved their standardization and integration into a coherent dataset.



Skip McKinnell, a retired expert from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and a veteran of early high seas surveys, described the process as "more of a search and rescue mission rather than convincing anyone to provide their data."



The collective efforts of these researchers have transformed the once scattered and isolated studies into a robust resource that enhances our understanding of salmon migration and overall ecology on a global scale.



Moreover, this research documents the fascinating life cycle of these important fish. It equips scientists and policymakers with the knowledge necessary to better protect them in a rapidly changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/faf.12825" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish and Fisheries</a>.



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Salmon migration routes discovered using historical data

The North Pacific Ocean serves as a vast, natural laboratory...

Laptops are banned from checked luggage on flights for a good reason: their lithium-ion batteries, acting as the device's power source, pose a significant fire risk due to the highly reactive nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-based-battery-may-ultimately-replace-lithium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lithium</a>. 



This same reactivity makes lithium an excellent choice for batteries, especially those used in electric vehicles and for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind. As a crucial element in the transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green energy</a>, lithium's demand has surged dramatically.



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



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



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



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



“In order to meet the technological needs of the energy transition, batteries of all scales, particularly those that power <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric vehicles</a>, have become increasingly important. 



Lithium-ion batteries are in wide use at present, and continued research to improve them has been a focus of energy engineering. This, in turn, has greatly increased the demand for lithium (Li) as a natural resource,” the authors wrote. 



While the primary ores of Li (pegmatite, salar brine, and volcanic-associated clay) are generally well-understood, it would be desirable to identify additional Li sources that could be safely and economically exploited. 



Using material from previous industrial operations (e.g., mine tailings or drill cuttings) as a source of additional Li would be attractive as it would generate little or no new waste material.



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



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



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



“I am trying to understand how lithium and pyrite could be associated with one another,” said lead author Shailee Bhattacharya, a doctoral student in sedimentary geochemistry at the <a href="https://shikhasharma.faculty.wvu.edu/isobiogem-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IsoBioGeM Lab</a>. 



This inquiry into organic-rich shale may reveal a higher potential for lithium recovery due to the unique interaction between lithium and pyrite.



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



However, Bhattacharya cautions that while the findings are promising, they are specific to the samples studied and further research is needed to determine if these results can be generalized to other regions. 



Nonetheless, this research suggests that certain shale deposits could serve as a new source of lithium, potentially eliminating the need for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mining-negatively-affects-fish-populations-across-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mining</a> operations. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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"Fool’s gold" may actually be valuable as an energy source for tech devices

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

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Today’s Video of the Day comes from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency’s</a> (ESA) Earth from Space series and features a look at the Republic of Cabo Verde.
Cabo Verde consists of 10 volcanic islands in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-summers-europe/">Atlantic Ocean</a> located 350 miles west of the Cape Verde Peninsula in West Africa.
These images were captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-3A satellite and also reveal a considerable amount of dust being kicked up by the wind and carried over the ocean.
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By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Video Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a>

The Republic of Cabo Verde in the Atlantic Ocean