Earth

The transition from the African humid period (AHP) to dry conditions in North Africa serves as a significant example of climate tipping points in recent geological history. These tipping points occur when small perturbations trigger a large, non-linear response in the system, leading to a shift in the climate to a different future state. This

Recently, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin conducted a study analyzing seven years of earthquake data from the Midland Basin. The findings revealed a concerning trend – seismic activity is shifting northeast towards the community of Big Spring. While past earthquakes were primarily concentrated in the southwest region near Odessa and Midland, a

Maintaining the health and vitality of intertidal areas and salt marshes is vital for the future of our coasts, according to a recent study published in Nature Geoscience by a team of Dutch-Chinese researchers. The research conducted by NIOZ researcher Tim Grandjean highlights the necessity of turbid water for the growth and preservation of these

The movement of tectonic plates is responsible for shaping the rocky features that adorn Earth’s surface. From the formation of mountain ranges to ocean trenches, the convergence and divergence of these plates play a crucial role. However, it is not solely the plates themselves that dictate Earth’s topography. The mantle layer beneath them exerts its

A recent study has shed light on the alarming increase in the number of forest fires in West and Central Africa’s wet, tropical forests. Over the course of 18 years, the frequency of active fires has doubled, with a significant rise observed in the Congo Basin. The surge in forest fires can be attributed to

Angola, located on the southern coast of Africa, presents a rare opportunity to witness a key part of Earth’s history. Ancient rocks and fossils discovered in this region provide a clear picture of the splitting of South America and Africa, and the subsequent formation of the South Atlantic Ocean. Unlike other parts of the world

Recent research published in Nature Geoscience has shed light on the sensitivity of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to climate warming in permafrost-collapsed areas. The study, which combined field warming experiments with laboratory soil sampling, highlights the potential impact of permafrost thawing on ecosystem carbon cycling in the face of rising global temperatures. Researchers led

California experienced a remarkable snow deluge in 2023, which helped to alleviate a two-decade long megadrought. However, a new study warns that such occurrences may become increasingly rare in the future due to the effects of climate change. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the significance of last

The recent commitment by China to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 has been met with enthusiasm by environmentalists. However, new research indicates that the decarbonization process may come with hidden costs and difficult environmental choices. The decarbonization of the China Southern Power Grid, which services over 300 million people, is expected to negatively impact river

A recent study led by NASA researchers has shed new light on the flow of water through Earth’s rivers, the rates at which it enters the ocean, and the fluctuations in these figures over time. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, utilized a unique methodology that combined stream-gauge measurements with computer models of approximately 3

Human activities have long been recognized for their detrimental effects on Earth’s surface, such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. However, a recent study conducted by hydrology researchers from the University of Arizona sheds light on how these activities also impact Earth’s deep subsurface, a region lying hundreds of meters to several kilometers beneath the

The Nile River has long been a source of contention among the 11 countries it flows through in East Africa. Issues surrounding water access, energy production, environmental concerns, and cultural significance have created tensions that often overshadow opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit. However, a recent study conducted by The University of Manchester, in collaboration