In the only Arctic state in the United States, Alaskans have already been affected by health repercussions of warming. More and worse lie ahead, a new state health report says.
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Nutrient-Rich Water Around Seamounts Lures Top Predators
At an Indian Ocean marine refuge, tides drive cold water laden with nutrients onto the tops of underwater mountains, where it sustains a long food chain that culminates in sharks, tuna, and seabirds.
U.S. Scientists Safely Retrieved from Ice-Bound Antarctic Island
Argentineans came to the aid of stranded scientists.
New Maps Highlight Antarctica’s Flowing Ice
The maps focus on surface ice velocity, showing how Antarctica’s frozen surface changed over a 7-year period.
USGS Nominee Calls Scientific Integrity a High Priority
James Reilly, a former astronaut and petroleum geologist, told senators that resolving USGS budget challenges and maintaining the agency’s core mission are other top priorities.
Joseph B. Walsh (1930–2017)
This world traveler and rugby enthusiast devised theories fundamental to such diverse fields as seismology, oil and gas exploration, and hydrology. He also designed the hull of the Alvin submersible.
Some Caves Remove Methane from the Atmosphere, New Tests Reveal
Isotopic signatures pinpoint the sinks and surprising sources of methane in widespread karst caves. Researchers suggest that this type of cave globally removes more methane than it produces.
NSF’s Budget Details Provide Some Good News for the Geosciences
The budget features significant funding for polar region science, including efforts to document and understand rapid changes in the Arctic and to modernize Antarctic infrastructure.
Environmental Ratings Lowest Ever for Congressional Republicans
Senate Republicans averaged 1%, while House GOP members averaged 5%, the worst showing since the League of Conservation Voters scorecard began in 1970.
House Science Subcommittee Hearing Targets Sexual Harassment
Witnesses testified about the culture that allows sexual harassment to persist, harassment’s impact on individuals and the scientific community, and what is being done to combat it.