Earth Sciences Archives

Rivers release ancient carbon stored in landscapes for millennia back into atmosphere, study reveals

A new study has revealed for the first time that ancient carbon, stored in landscapes for thousands of years or more, can find its way back to the atmosphere as CO₂ is released from the […]

The atmosphere’s growing thirst is making droughts worse, even where it rains

Phys.org

Hot air holds more moisture. That’s why you can blow your hair dry even after a steamy shower. It’s also what dumps rain in the tropics and sucks water from desert soils.This post was originally […]

Study details processes that keep pollutants aloft despite a drop in emissions

Phys.org

Nitrates in the atmosphere reduce air quality and play an important role in climate change. An international team led by Hokkaido University researchers has revealed how chemical processes in the atmosphere have led to persistently […]

Scientists reveal what drove 2023’s record-smashing North Atlantic marine heat wave

Phys.org

In a UNSW-led Nature study, researchers say that an off-the-scale marine heat wave in the North Atlantic Ocean in 2023 was caused by record-breaking weak winds combined with increased solar radiation—all on the back of […]

Racing to save NJ island before it’s swallowed by rising seas

Phys.org

Lenore Tedesco doesn’t need to venture far to witness sea-level rise. She tracks its relentless advance from her window at work.This post was originally published on this site

Study projects that increasing wildfires in Canada and Siberia will actually slow global warming

Phys.org

Even if you live far from the boreal forests in Canada and Siberia, you’ve likely noticed an increase in smoke from their forest fires. During major blazes in 2023, the smoke tinted the New York […]

Biofilm distribution helps pinpoint areas where microplastics will accumulate

Phys.org

The accumulation of microplastics in the environment, and within our bodies, is an increasingly worrisome issue. But predicting where these ubiquitous particles will accumulate, and therefore where remediation efforts should be focused, has been difficult […]

Thicker sediments under Salt Lake could result in more intense ground shaking

Phys.org

The sediments underlying the Salt Lake Valley are thicker in places than previously thought, indicating that current seismic hazard models likely underestimate the amount of shaking Utah’s population center could experience in future earthquakes, according […]

Scientists call for permanent ban on high seas exploitation

Phys.org

Extractive activity in international waters—including fishing, seabed mining, and oil and gas exploitation—should be banned forever, according to top scientists.This post was originally published on this site

Five geoengineering trials the UK is funding to combat global warming

Phys.org

The UK government recently announced plans to fund five small-scale trials related to geoengineering. It’s the first time a state research funding body has put serious money into what’s known as solar radiation management, or […]

Strategic borrowing for defense spending can improve economic welfare, new study suggests

As global tensions mount, governments face tough fiscal choices. These choices have been highlighted this week by Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating his ambitions for the U.K. to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP [...]
Australia’s lowest paid workers just got a 3.5% wage increase. Their next boost could be even better

A week ago, the Australian Financial Review released this year’s “Rich List.” It reported the number of billionaires in Australia increased from 150 to 166 between 2024 and 2025.This post was originally published on this [...]
Subsidized social housing promotes economic well-being for Canadian renters, new study finds

The years following the COVID-19 pandemic were difficult for renters. The pandemic was followed by an economic recovery marked by inflation, population growth and rising interest rates. These increased the cost of financing for landlords [...]