Earth

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

Rivers are dynamic natural features that shape the landscape through their movement. A recent study conducted by researchers at UC Santa Barbara delves into the factors that drive the migration rates of meandering rivers. Lead author Evan Greenberg and senior author Vamsi Ganti compiled a global dataset of meandering rivers to analyze how vegetation and

The increasing frequency of wildfires in Siberia has raised concerns about the significant impacts on climate, air quality, health, and economies not only in East Asia but also across the entire northern hemisphere. A recent study conducted by researchers at Hokkaido University, the University of Tokyo, and Kyushu University has shed light on the potential

Natural gas extracted from shale formations has been deemed a crucial energy resource due to its lower carbon footprint in comparison to other fossil fuels. However, concerns have been raised regarding increased methane emissions associated with this process. While the drilling and operation of shale wells are known for significant methane emissions, a new study

Research has recently shed light on a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to the melt of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The collapse of the ice sheet in the Ross Sea region can be avoided if we are able to adhere to a low-emissions pathway. Within the West Antarctic Ice Sheet lies

Oases play a crucial role in sustaining life in dryland regions, providing water sources for human populations, plants, and animals. Despite covering only about 1.5% of the world’s land area, oases support 10% of the global population. These wet refuges have been under threat from climate change and human activities, which have led to significant

Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown great potential in revolutionizing weather forecasting, as demonstrated by a recent study conducted by the University of Reading. This study focused on the accuracy and efficiency of AI in predicting the path and intensity of major storms, using November 2023’s Storm Ciarán as a case study. The findings of this

Submarine slides are common triggers for tsunamis, especially when caused by factors such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, or sediment flux. Megaslides, however, are extreme versions of these underwater events that can have significant impacts on the surrounding areas. One such megaslide occurred in the Surveyor Fan in the Gulf of Alaska about 1.2 million years