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Categories: Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published On ancient Earth, it never rained but it poured
(via sciencedaily.com) In a new study, researchers found that during epochs of extreme heat -- 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than today -- Earth may have experienced cycles of dryness followed by massive rain storms hundreds of miles wide that could dump more than a foot of rain in a matter of hours. The research not only sheds light on Earth's distant past and far-flung future but may also help to understand the climates of exoplanets orbiting distant stars.
Published Hungry caterpillars an underappreciated driver of carbon emissions
(via sciencedaily.com) A study has found that periodic mass outbreaks of leaf-munching caterpillars can improve the water quality of nearby lakes - but may also increase the lakes' carbon dioxide emissions.
Published How quickly does the climate recover?
(via sciencedaily.com) It took the climate 20,000 to 50,000 years to stabilize after the rise in global temperatures of five to eight degrees Celsius 56 million years ago. Climate change today is causing temperatures to rise and is also increasing the likelihood of storms, heavy rain, and flooding -- the recent flood disaster in the Ahr valley in Germany is just one such example. What we need to ask ourselves in this connection is how quickly the climate can recover from the warming caused by an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Published Smoke from nuclear war would devastate ozone layer, alter climate
(via sciencedaily.com) The massive columns of smoke generated by a nuclear war would alter the world's climate for years and devastate the ozone layer, endangering both human health and food supplies, new research shows. The international study draws on newly developed computer climate modeling techniques to paint an even grimmer picture of a global nuclear war's aftermath than previous analyses.
Published Ocean life helps produce clouds, but existing clouds keep new ones at bay
(via sciencedaily.com) New findings significantly alter the prevailing understanding of how marine life influences clouds and may change the way scientists predict how cloud formation responds to changes in the oceans.
Published Anticipated spill from deteriorating Red Sea oil tanker threatens public health
(via sciencedaily.com) A massive prospective spill from a deserted oil tanker in the Red Sea could lead to catastrophic public health effects in war-torn Yemen and neighboring countries unless urgent action is taken, according to a new study.
Published Protecting the ozone layer is delivering vast health benefits
(via sciencedaily.com) An international agreement to protect the ozone layer is expected to prevent 443 million cases of skin cancer and 63 million cataract cases for people born in the United States through the end of this century, according to new research. The research team developed a computer modeling approach that revealed the effect of the Montreal Protocol and subsequent amendments on stratospheric ozone, the associated reductions in ultraviolet radiation, and the resulting health benefits.
Published Tissue abnormalities found in oysters years after Deepwater Horizon oil spill
(via sciencedaily.com) Tissue abnormalities found in economically and ecologically important Eastern oysters along the Gulf Coast years after Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Published Unrealistic experiments mean true impact of nitrogen pollution on the environment is unknown
(via sciencedaily.com) Unrealistic and flawed scientific experiments mean the true impact of nitrogen pollution on the environment is unknownremains poorly understood, a new study warns.
Published High-rate magnesium rechargeable batteries move one step closer to realization
(via sciencedaily.com) Magnesium rechargeable batteries show immense promise for a greener future because of their energy density, safety, and cost. But the lack of high-performance cathode materials has impeded their development. Now, a research team has developed liquid-sulfur/sulfide composite cathodes that enable high-rate magnesium batteries.
Published Under the northern lights: Mesospheric ozone layer depletion explained
(via sciencedaily.com) The same phenomenon that causes aurorae -- the magical curtains of green light often visible from the polar regions of the Earth -- causes mesospheric ozone layer depletion, which could have significance for global climate change. Now, a group of scientists has observed, analyzed, and provided greater insight into this phenomenon.
Published Scientists reveal how landmark CFC ban gave planet fighting chance against global warming
(via sciencedaily.com) New modelling by the international team of scientists paints a dramatic vision of a scorched planet Earth without the Montreal Protocol, what they call the 'World Avoided'. This study draws a new stark link between two major environmental concerns -- the hole in the ozone layer and global warming. The research team reveals that if ozone-destroying chemicals, which most notoriously include CFCs, had been left unchecked then their continued and increased use would have contributed to global air temperatures rising by an additional 2.5°C by the end of this century.
Published Wildfire smoke may lead to less rain in the western US
(via sciencedaily.com) As wildfires and heatwaves stress the western United States, concern over drought is rising: Dry landscapes burn more readily, and rain can help quell fires already raging. But wildfire smoke may keep that essential rain from falling.
Published Marine bacteria in Canadian Arctic capable of biodegrading diesel and oil
(via sciencedaily.com) Marine bacteria in the frigid waters of the Canadian Arctic are capable of biodegrading oil and diesel fuel, according to a new study.
Published Residential proximity to oil and gas drilling linked to lower birthweights in newborns
(via sciencedaily.com) A new study has found that infants born within three kilometers of oil and natural gas drilling facilities in Texas had slightly lower birthweights than those born before drilling began in their vicinity.
Published Elevated warming, ozone have detrimental effects on plant roots, promote soil carbon loss
(via sciencedaily.com) Two factors that play a key role in climate change - increased climate warming and elevated ozone levels - appear to have detrimental effects on soybean plant roots, their relationship with symbiotic microorganisms in the soil and the ways the plants sequester carbon.
Published Atmospheric acidity impacts oceanic ecology
(via sciencedaily.com) Increased acidity in the atmosphere is disrupting the ecological balance of the oceans, according to new research. The study looks at acidity's impact on nutrient transport to the ocean and demonstrates that the way nutrients are delivered affects the productivity of the ocean and its ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
Published Oil spill in Canadian Arctic could be devastating for environment and indigenous peoples, study finds
(via sciencedaily.com) As melting sea ice brings more ships through the Northwest Passage, new research shows that Canada must prepare for the costs and consequences of an Arctic oil spill.
Published Gulf Coast ready to develop carbon storage hub
(via sciencedaily.com) The stage is set for a new carbon storage economy to emerge along the Gulf Coast, according to a new study, with the region offering ample opportunities to capture and store carbon, and recent state and federal incentives giving an added push to get started.
Published Artificial intelligence breakthrough gives longer advance warning of ozone issues
(via sciencedaily.com) Ozone levels in the earth's troposphere (the lowest level of our atmosphere) can now be forecasted with accuracy up to two weeks in advance, a remarkable improvement over current systems that can accurately predict ozone levels only three days ahead. The new artificial intelligence system could lead to improved ways to control high ozone problems and even contribute to solutions for climate change issues.