Is Earth safe from nearby exploding stars?
Scientists used an Earth system model to test how radiation from a nearby supernova would affect life on our planet. They found that the…
Category: Earth Systems
These articles summarize studies that are all about how the planet Earth works!
Melting glaciers release methane
Geologists studied gas fluxes from groundwater springs uncovered by melting Arctic glaciers. They estimated that these springs release over…
Volcanism warmed past Earth
Geologists dated a global warming event about 180 million years ago. They found it lasted between 169,000 and 417,000 years and was linked…
New way to find geothermal energy
Scientists used an exploration approach developed by the oil industry to track down geothermal energy sources.
Methane-munching microbes modify the seafloor
Researchers showed that methane-eating bacteria acidify their surroundings and dissolve carbonate rocks on the seafloor.
Most river water comes from the ground
Hydrologists incorporated ground and surface water flow data into Earth System models. They used these models to estimate that nearly 60% of…
Microbes make different greenhouse gases during wetland drainage
Researchers found that soil microbes release less methane but more carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide in draining peatlands.
How complex plants reshaped the oceans
Researchers found that when complex plants evolved, they increased ocean oxygen and massively restructured the marine ecosystem.
Rising soil temperatures could stop forests spreading
Researchers found higher soil surface temperatures prevented seedling survival and forest expansion in low-elevation forests.
Geologists identify a new way copper ore forms
Researchers found that massive copper ore deposits in central Arizona formed from melted crust rather than melted mantle.