Researchers uncover how black carbon evolves from hydrophobic particles to cloud nucleation sites, eventually removing the heat-absorbing particles from the sky.

Sarah Derouin
Sarah Derouin is a freelance science journalist and editor who has been writing for Eos since 2017. She has a doctorate in geology from the University of Cincinnati and is a graduate of the Science Communication Program at University of California, Santa Cruz. Sarah has written for New Scientist, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics, Science, EARTH Magazine, and Mongabay. She was the 2018–19 Science Communication Fellow for the Geological Society of America and attended Congressional Climate Science Days. Beyond writing, Sarah was an acting associate editor for EARTH Magazine. She also worked behind the scenes as an assistant producer on Big Picture Science radio show, broadcast on more than 140 public radio stations. You can find more of her work at www.sarahderouin.com or connect with her on Twitter @Sarah_Derouin.
Is Your Home at Risk of Experiencing a Natural Disaster?
In the contiguous United States, 57% of structures are at risk of experiencing at least one natural hazard—and risk is driven by greater development in hazardous areas against a backdrop of climate change.
Roadside Ditches Are Effective at Nitrogen Removal
Researchers compared the nitrogen removal potential by microbes in ditches that drained forested, urban, and agricultural lands and discovered that roadside ditches are important areas for removing nutrients.
Detailed Geologic Mapping Helps Identify Health Hazards
A team of geologists and nursing researchers created an interactive radon hazard map for Kentucky residents—and it was possible only because of the high-resolution bedrock mapping in the state.
Modeling Volcanic Debris Clouds
How does a large volcanic cloud get into the stratosphere? Scientists model how volcanic debris injected into the lower stratosphere can be lofted high into the middle stratosphere.
Observations from Space and Ground Reveal Clues About Lightning
In a coordinated monitoring effort, scientists have uncovered the timing and triggering of high-energy lightning events in the sky.
Calculating Human Health Risks with General Weather Data
Gridded climate data sets are just as effective as weather station data at assessing human mortality risk related to heat and cold, researchers suggest.