When Noriyoshi Tsuchiya embarked on a research field trip to the Ichinokawa Mine in 2017, he was initially captivated by the sword-shaped stibnite crystals that the mine is renowned for. However, it was the unassuming sedimentary rock bundle known as breccia that ultimately captured his attention. Tsuchiya, a professor at the Graduate School of Environmental
Earth
Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Southern California has shed light on a long-debated topic in the scientific community regarding the movement of the Earth’s inner core. Contrary to previous beliefs, the USC study has provided evidence that the inner core is actually backtracking and slowing down in relation to the planet’s
The notion that earthquakes can reveal their impending occurrence well in advance through various anomalies present in the ground, atmosphere, and ionosphere has sparked interest among researchers. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Geodesy, the development of early warning systems for earthquakes could potentially save lives and prevent significant damage.
Nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, has continued to be released into the atmosphere at an alarming rate between 1980 and 2020. The recent report by the Global Carbon Project revealed that over 10 million metric tons of nitrous oxide were emitted in 2020, with farming practices being the primary source of these emissions. The
Climate models play a crucial role in predicting the impacts of climate change by simulating various climate conditions such as sea level rise, flooding, and rising temperatures. However, traditional climate models have limitations when it comes to providing this information quickly and affordably on smaller scales. In a recent study published in the Journal of
The collaboration between researchers and artists has led to a unique project called “Air of the Anthropocene,” where invisible air pollution is made visible through the technique of light painting. This innovative approach utilizes digital light painting and low-cost air pollution sensors to create photographic evidence of pollution levels in cities across Ethiopia, India, and
It is a common belief that a strong smell is the best way to detect a gas leak in your home. However, new research suggests that even people with an average sense of smell could be living with a natural gas leak and not even know it. A study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals
Urban areas around the world are facing an increasing risk of flooding due to climate change, with heavy rainfall events causing devastation. Traditional methods of displaying flood risks, such as flat maps, often fall short in providing detailed assessments that are easily understandable to residents. This has created a need for innovative solutions to visualize
The global demand for cobalt and lithium for e-car batteries is expected to increase almost 20-fold by 2050, according to a recent study published in Nature Climate Change. Additionally, the development of a fossil-free power supply will require a significant amount of copper, aluminum, and iron, with the respective demand likely to double. Rare earth
In a groundbreaking new study led by researchers from Curtin University, evidence has emerged that freshwater on Earth, a vital component for sustaining life, actually appeared much earlier than previously believed. The research, titled “Onset of the Earth’s hydrological cycle four billion years ago or earlier,” was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Geoscience.
Methane is a greenhouse gas that is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide, approximately 25 times more powerful. When methane combines with water at low temperatures and high pressure, it forms methane hydrate, a solid compound similar to ice. These methane hydrate deposits are abundant under the seafloor, storing at least 1,800 gigatons of carbon.
The history of Earth is marked by several significant events that shaped the course of life as we know it today. Among these events, the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event stands out as a pivotal moment in evolutionary history. This 30-million-year period saw an explosive burst of biodiversity, with the emergence of countless new species that
Scientists at UC Riverside have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the way water providers tackle the issue of “forever chemicals” in drinking water. These chemicals, known as PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), have been a growing concern due to their adverse health effects and contamination of groundwater. With new federal standards limiting PFAS
Freshwater mussels, known for their ability to stay in one place for decades, play a crucial role as biomonitors in indicating the cleanliness of their environment. Researchers from Penn State have conducted a study on the effects of fracking wastewater on these mussels, revealing some concerning findings. The study conducted by Penn State’s Department of
The urbanization trend in Africa is rapidly increasing, with no signs of slowing down. Research has shown that the urban population in Africa has more than doubled since the early 2000s, reaching over 600 million in 2020. Experts predict that by 2050, the urban population will double again. This rapid urban growth is accompanied by