It has long been believed that the thawing of permafrost in the Arctic would lead to runaway greenhouse gas emissions. However, extensive analysis of data from satellites and field sensors has found no sign of this. On the contrary, permafrost areas in the far north have to date actually absorbed more carbon than they have released.
Continue reading “Permafrost carbon sinks”The turbulent Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is well known for its violent seas, with waves that can top 12 meters and powerful converging currents, some flowing as fast as 150 million cubic meters per second. Cold water from the Southern Ocean and warmer water from the north collide here, producing powerful and energetic eddies.
Continue reading “The turbulent Drake Passage”Methane’s unexpected cooling impact
New research shows that although methane traps large amounts of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, it also creates cooling clouds that offset 30% of the heat.
Continue reading “Methane’s unexpected cooling impact”Duel mass extinctions
Long before the dinosaurs there existed many other types of animals including buffalo sized reptiles. Many died out in a mass extinction during the Capitanian Age roughly 260 million years ago. A new study suggests that this mass extinction was actually not one event but two, separated by nearly 3 millions years. Both were caused by massive volcanic eruptions.
Continue reading “Duel mass extinctions”Residual carbon emissions
The Earth is not on track to avoid the worst effects of climate change according to a new study. “Our plans are not adequate to meet the goal of limiting the Earth’s temperature increase to no more than 1.5℃ by 2050,” said lead author Holly Jean Buck of the University of Buffalo.
Continue reading “Residual carbon emissions”Greenland Ice Sheet tipping point
The Greenland Ice Sheet covers roughly 1.7 million square kilometers in the Arctic. If the ice sheet melts entirely, global sea level would rise about 7 meters, but scientists don’t know how quickly it could melt.
Continue reading “Greenland Ice Sheet tipping point”Antarctic current headed for collapse
According to scientists, the deep ocean circulation that forms around Antarctica could be headed for collapse. A decline of this ocean circulation will stagnate the bottom of the oceans and affect climate and marine ecosystems for centuries to come.
Continue reading “Antarctic current headed for collapse”Paleoclimate record database
Tipping points (TPs) in Earth’s climate system have been the topic of increasing interest and concern in recent years given the risk that greenhouse gas emissions could cause abrupt, potentially irreversible, climate transitions. Paleoclimate records are essential for identifying past TPs.
Continue reading “Paleoclimate record database”Deep ocean heat waves
The 2013-2016 marine heat wave known as “The Blob” warmed a vast area of surface waters across the northeastern Pacific, disrupting West Coast marine ecosystems, distressing salmon returns and damaging commercial fisheries.
Continue reading “Deep ocean heat waves”Heat flow affects Earth’s magnetic field
The magnetic field radiates around the Earth and far into space, but it is set by processes that happen deep within its core, where temperatures exceed 5,000 degrees Celsius.
Continue reading “Heat flow affects Earth’s magnetic field”