Polarity reversals in the solar wind magnetic field disconnect the magnetic field trailing behind Venus, allowing ions from the atmosphere to escape.
Research Spotlights
Research spotlights are plain-language summaries of recent articles published in AGU’s suite of 24 journals.
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Shift in Pacific Sea Level Trends Will Affect the West Coast
The first study on the shift toward higher sea levels in the eastern Pacific Ocean over the past 5 years indicates it will continue, leading to much higher seas on the western coasts of the Americas.
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Japan's Volcanic History, Hidden Under the Sea
Scientists investigate marine tephra layers for clues to Japan's volcanic past.
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Measuring Progress Toward Sustainable Goals
Grouping targets that need to be hit into composite goals may help countries evaluate their progress toward sustainable development targets laid out by the United Nations.
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A (Dust) Devil of a Time—on Mars
New computer simulations of Martian dust devils could aid Red Planet weather forecasts.
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Patches of Low Electron Density Help to Heat the Ionosphere
Simulations show how changes in electron density can trap electromagnetic waves and heat electrons in the ionosphere.
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Traces of Ancient Buried Subduction Zone Found in China
A combination of observations and modeling reveals evidence of a late Paleozoic intraoceanic subduction zone in the western Junggar region of northwest China.
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How Accurate Are Ionospheric Models?
A new study puts the latest version of a venerable model of Earth's ionosphere to the test, with some unexpected results.
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When Thunderstorms Have Wings
A new study uncovers the origin of a gull wing–shaped cirrus cloud above an Argentinian thunderstorm captured in satellite images.
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Predicting Temperature Shifts off the U.S. East Coast
New research reveals the relative importance of oceanic and atmospheric processes in year-to-year changes in ocean temperature along the Middle Atlantic Bight.