Dormant volcanoes hide magma reservoirs

A groundbreaking study has revealed that magma reservoirs persist beneath dormant volcanoes, challenging long-held assumptions about volcanic behavior. Using seismic wave imaging, researchers discovered extensive magma reservoirs beneath multiple volcanoes in the Cascade Range, including some that have been inactive for thousands of years. This finding suggests that volcanoes may remain primed for eruption much …

Fake research undermines science and trust

The proliferation of fake research has become a global crisis, undermining the integrity of scientific literature that professionals rely on for critical decisions. Over the past decade, commercial entities known as “paper mills” have industrialized the production and sale of fraudulent academic papers, flooding the literature with fabricated data, manipulated images, and artificial intelligence-generated content. …

Large Earth Models driving geo AI advancements

Large Earth Models (LEMs) are advancing Geo AI by providing powerful tools for analyzing Earth observation data and addressing complex environmental challenges. These models are pre-trained on extensive datasets, including satellite imagery, climate records, and environmental observations, allowing them to identify patterns and generate insights across a wide range of applications. By leveraging deep learning …

Innovations in the global carbon cycle

Terrestrial ecosystems are vital to regulating Earth’s climate by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This process, known as gross primary production (GPP), represents the largest carbon flux on Earth and serves as the foundation of the global carbon cycle. However, accurately quantifying GPP has been a longstanding challenge due to uncertainties …

Robotic floats uncover phytoplankton biomass

In a groundbreaking study, scientists deployed 903 advanced robotic floats equipped with sensors to measure phytoplankton levels beneath the ocean’s surface. These microscopic organisms, while often overlooked, are critical to Earth’s health. The study estimated the global phytoplankton biomass to be around 346 million tonnes, equivalent to the weight of 250 million elephants. This discovery …

Submerged tectonic plate anomalies discovered

Geophysicists at ETH Zurich have uncovered surprising findings about the Earth’s mantle that challenge conventional plate tectonic theories. Using advanced seismic models, the researchers identified unexpected anomalies resembling submerged tectonic plates, located far from known subduction zones. These discoveries raise questions about the composition and dynamics of Earth’s interior and suggest the need to rethink …

Rising temperatures intensify the global water cycle

In 2024, Earth experienced its hottest year on record for the fourth consecutive time. Rising temperatures are drastically altering the water cycle, driving extreme weather events worldwide. The Global Water Monitor Report highlights the devastating consequences of these changes. Using data from ground stations and satellites, researchers revealed a significant increase in rainfall extremes. Record-high …

Understanding variations in Earth’s rotation over time

Earth’s day-night cycle, traditionally defined as a precise 24-hour period, is not as rigid as it seems. Due to the planet’s dynamic and complex nature—comprising a molten iron core, a fluid outer layer, and external influences like the Moon’s gravitational pull—variations in Earth’s rotation are a reality. These fluctuations, although tiny, are measurable over timescales …

Massive volcanic eruption threatens a warmer world

In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted in Indonesia, marking the most powerful volcanic event in recorded history. This cataclysmic event propelled vast quantities of sun-reflecting particles into the atmosphere, cooling the planet and triggering the infamous “year without a summer.” The resulting climatic disruptions caused global temperatures to plummet, crops to fail, and widespread famine, while …