Dartmouth College researchers have adopted a novel approach to resolve the debate about whether a massive asteroid impact or volcanic activity led to the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. They removed human bias by using a computer model to analyze the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction event.
Continue reading “What really killed the dinosaurs?”Can we sustainably harvest trees from tropical forests?
The report, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Forest Service International Program, challenges the prevailing notion that logging invariably degrades tropical forests. It proposes a shift from exploitative “timber mining” to a more sustainable “managed forestry” model, emphasizing that poor logging practices are likely to persist in a significant portion of the world’s tropical forests.
Continue reading “Can we sustainably harvest trees from tropical forests?”Hunga Tonga eruption
The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in January 2022 had a profound impact on the stratosphere’s chemistry and dynamics. This event, one of the largest volcanic explosions ever recorded, injected an unprecedented 300 billion pounds of water vapor into the stratosphere, which is typically dry and home to the protective ozone layer. The eruption’s effects were felt globally, resulting in up to 7% ozone loss over large parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
Continue reading “Hunga Tonga eruption”The importance of old growth forests
Forest conservation and restoration are critical for addressing the climate crisis, as highlighted by a comprehensive study in the journal Nature. This research, involving numerous forest ecologists, emphasizes that if greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced, existing forests can sequester about 226 gigatonnes of carbon, akin to nearly 50 years of U.S. emissions as of 2022.
Continue reading “The importance of old growth forests”Plants absorb more CO2 in changing climate
A recent study published in Science Advances suggests that plants may absorb more carbon dioxide (CO₂) than previously thought, potentially impacting climate change mitigation strategies. The research found that models accounting for key plant life processes consistently predicted stronger CO₂ uptake, with the most complex model estimating up to 20% more absorption than simpler versions.
Continue reading “Plants absorb more CO2 in changing climate”Aftershocks from earthquakes in the 1800s
A groundbreaking study has brought to light a remarkable geological phenomenon: certain areas in the United States are still experiencing aftershocks from earthquakes that occurred in the 1800s.
Continue reading “Aftershocks from earthquakes in the 1800s”Greenland’s ice shelves retreating rapidly
The world’s oceans, which have absorbed 90% of the excess heat caused by human activities, are playing a crucial but complex role in climate change. This heat absorption has had a significant impact on Greenland’s ice sheet and shelves, accelerating their melting and contributing to sea-level rise.
Continue reading “Greenland’s ice shelves retreating rapidly”Seismic data show ocean waves gaining strength
Seismic waves, commonly associated with earthquakes, are also generated by the motion of ocean waves. As these waves rise and fall, they exert forces on the seafloor, producing a steady seismic signal detectable by seismographs.
Continue reading “Seismic data show ocean waves gaining strength”How heavy is the air?
The weight of Earth’s atmosphere is a fascinating concept that plays a vital role in sustaining life on our planet. It’s essential to understand atmospheric pressure, which is the force exerted by the atmosphere due to the weight of air molecules pressing down because of gravity. At sea level, this pressure is approximately 101,325 pascals or 14.7 pounds per square inch.
Continue reading “How heavy is the air?”Earth’s vital signs worsening
A recent report by an international team of scientists warns that Earth’s “vital signs” are currently worse than at any point in human history, putting life on the planet at great risk.
Continue reading “Earth’s vital signs worsening”