Recent research has brought to light a feedback loop that is believed to be hastening the melting of the floating sections of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which in turn leads to a rise in global sea levels. This study, titled “Antarctic Slope Undercurrent and onshore heat transport driven by ice shelf melting” and published
Earth
In recent years, mooring observations and hydrographic data have revealed a concerning trend in the North Atlantic. According to a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation – specifically its deep water limb – has experienced a significant weakening. This weakening, estimated at around 12% over the past two decades,
It has been discovered by scientists that cancer-causing flame retardants commonly found in everyday items like plastics, furniture, fabrics, and electronics can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin within a span of 24 hours according to a study published in the journal Environment International. This study utilized a state-of-the-art 3D-printed skin model to
In February 2024, the Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that it was the warmest February on record globally. Interestingly, while this was the case for most parts of the world, North America, Asia, and certain parts of Europe experienced unprecedented cold temperatures. The extreme coldness experienced in places like China’s Mohe and Russia’s Yakutsk reached
The recent surge in wildfires across the globe has been widely attributed to the effects of climate change, particularly the hotter and drier conditions that are becoming increasingly common. However, a study conducted by researchers at UC Riverside suggests that there may be another significant factor at play: the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in
Rogue waves, known for their colossal size and destructive potential, have been a subject of interest for scientists exploring the mysteries of the ocean. A recent expedition led by the University of Melbourne uncovered groundbreaking information about the formation of rogue waves in the southernmost waters of Antarctica. The study revealed that wind plays a
Climate change is having a profound impact on the world’s weather patterns, with April showers intensifying into deluges and altering the way plants grow and thrive. A recent study led by the University of Maryland highlights the shift towards more intense but less frequent rainfall events across the globe. This change in precipitation is causing
Soil carbon is commonly associated with organic matter, known as soil organic carbon (SOC). However, the existence of soil inorganic carbon (SIC) is often overlooked. A recent study published in Science by researchers led by Prof. Huang Yuanyuan and Prof. Zhang Ganlin from the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed a staggering amount of SIC stored
The part of the San Andreas Fault located near Parkfield, California, offers scientists studying earthquakes a unique opportunity. Just north of Parkfield, two major plates creep against one another at a constant rate, while the fault is locked to the south. This unique geologic setup creates a predictable pattern for earthquakes to occur, roughly every
The movement and dispersion of mud, often overlooked, can have a significant impact on carbon storage and cycling worldwide. A recent study led by University of Florida biogeochemist Thomas S. Bianchi sheds light on the direct links between human activities and the reshaping of mud flow patterns globally. Published in Nature Geoscience, the research reveals
In a groundbreaking move to safeguard public health, the Biden administration recently unveiled the first-ever nationwide tap water standards aimed at curbing the prevalence of hazardous “forever chemicals” known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances, ubiquitous in the environment, have been linked to a plethora of severe health issues ranging from cancers to
A recent study led by the University of California, Irvine, has brought to light a significant connection between human-induced climate change and the prolonged drought currently ravaging southern Madagascar. The research, published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, indicates that the hydrological cycle in the region is being influenced by climate change, which in turn