Earth Science

Get Ready: A Huge Cicada Swarm is Coming to the US

Credit: DepositphotosFollowing North America's recent solar eclipse, another significant natural phenomenon is approaching. Between late April and June 2024, the largest group of 13-year cicadas, known as Brood XIX, will emerge alongside a midwestern group of 17-year cicadas, Brood XIII.This phenomenon will impact 17 states, stretching from Maryland to Iowa and extending southward into...

Wine Growers at Africa’s Tip Adapt to Climate Change

Replanting is done in phases, with old vines notably Chenin keeping up production while the new ones grow.On a South African wine estate, piles of dry, uprooted grapevines lie at the base of a barren, hilly terrain.Vineyards are replanting to adapt to climate change, anticipating infrequent but intense rainfall in the wine region.From Australia...

Researchers Push for Animal Inclusion in Carbon Cycle Models

Credit: DepositphotosGlobal carbon cycle models usually consider plants, microbes, soil, and the atmosphere but often overlook animals. From earthworms to elephants, these creatures can play a crucial, yet understudied, role in carbon capture and storage within ecosystems.In a new theoretical framework published in the Journal of Geophysical Research:Biogeosciences by Matteo Rizzuto and colleagues, a...

Unraveling Earth’s Cleanest Air Mystery

Credit: PixabayThe Southern Ocean is celebrated for its pristine air quality, long an enigma until recent findings shed light on the mystery.The cleanliness isn't solely due to limited human activity. While the region sees minimal industrial chemical use and fossil fuel burning, natural sources like sea salt from spray or wind-driven dust also contribute.Aerosols,...

Ant Colonies in Colorado are Relocating due to Climate Change

Credit: PixabayNew research published in the journal Ecology on April 9 reveals that certain ant species have been compelled to vacate their original habitats in Gregory Canyon near Boulder, Colorado, over the last six decades due to their inability to withstand rising temperatures driven by climate change.According to Anna Paraskevopoulos, a Ph.D. student at...

Sulfur Injection into Atmosphere, Potential Hazards

Credit: PixabayAs climate indicators worsen, demands for radical technological solutions intensify. Yet, numerous studies consistently reveal that embracing forced geoengineering involves significant perilous consequences.Fresh research cautions against the potential consequences of injecting sulfate particles into the atmosphere as a means to replicate the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions by reflecting sunlight. If these particles...

Countries in Crisis May Unilaterally Hack the Global Climate

Credit: PixabayThe landmark Paris climate accord sparked a rallying cry among developing nations: "1.5 to survive." This signifies the global goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.8 Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels. However, it's anticipated that this threshold will be exceeded within the next decade, with global warming showing minimal signs of...

Planting Trees in Wrong Places Worsens Global Warming

Credit: DepositphotosOn Tuesday, scientists revealed that planting trees in unsuitable locations can exacerbate global warming. However, a newly developed map pinpoints optimal areas for reforestation, which can help in cooling the planet.Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, and efforts to restore degraded woodlands or expand forested areas are important strategies in...

The Most Remote Location on Earth

Credit: CanvasEscapeLooking for the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life? Want to disconnect from the rest of the world and experience true isolation? Look no further than Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth.Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Point Nemo is the farthest point from any landmass...

Scientists Found a New use for Leftover Coffee Grounds

Credit: PixabayOur fondness for coffee results in millions of tons of discarded coffee grounds annually. Scientists have been exploring methods to utilize them, and we now have another addition to the list: research demonstrates that old coffee grounds can absorb bentazone, an agricultural herbicide.If the technology can be advanced, it would address two environmental...