Research Spotlights Archives - Page 35 of 207

Satellite image showing the coast of Australia and dark blue ocean. Within the ocean are swirls of green from algae blooming where cold water is upwelling.

Researchers Compare Observations Versus Modeling of Coastal Carbon Cycle

by Sarah Derouin 4 March 20244 March 2024

While storing carbon dioxide, the coastal ocean also releases methane and nitrous oxide. New research shows that understanding the impact of coastal oceans on climate requires more research into these fluxes and how they counteract each other.

A grassy wetland, with grass on the left, a river in the middle winding into the distance, and a small wooden bridge on the right. There are clouds in the sky.

Research Spotlights

Measuring and Modeling Methane Emissions in Wetlands

by Aaron Sidder 1 March 20241 March 2024

Scientists zero in on a Delaware salt marsh to study what shapes methane emissions in wetland environments.

A photo of Central Park in New York City shows a lake in the foreground, trees in the midground, and skyscrapers in the background. The trees and buildings are reflected in the lake.

Research Spotlights

Urban Nature Is Often Plentiful but Inaccessible

by Sarah Stanley 28 February 202428 February 2024

A novel research framework deepens understanding of urban nature accessibility and highlights progress toward green space goals.

A researcher kneels among forest leaves with an open yellow box to measure respiration levels in the soil.

Research Spotlights

Our Breathing Earth: A Review of Soil Respiration Science

by Aaron Sidder 27 February 202427 February 2024

A new synopsis details how the past 20 years have changed our understanding of soil respiration and revealed its critical effects on the climate system.

A satellite image of a chain of islands. The ocean looks glossy and mirrorlike, with a large ripple expanding upward from between two of the landmasses.

Research Spotlights

Step Aside, Internal Tides: Supercomputer Modeling Improves Satellite Altimetry Precision

by Rebecca Owen 26 February 202426 February 2024

New supercomputer models can provide valuable information about the ocean’s layers and movements, particularly slow moving features such as eddies and currents.

A map showing the elevations of land and ocean floor around the Mariana Trench, a subduction zone in the Pacific Ocean. The trench is shown by the lowest elevations of nearly 11,000 meters (36,000 feet) deep at the southern end.

Research Spotlights

The Nature of Mantle Flow May Depend on the Type of Slab Subducting

by Sarah Derouin 23 February 202423 February 2024

Researchers tease apart the links between slabs and mantle flow near subduction zones, upending some traditional views of subduction-induced mantle flow.