Tree throw from extreme wind events plays an important role in the movement of sediment and erosion on forested hillslopes. A new theory offers a novel way to measure its impact.
Research Spotlights
Research spotlights are plain-language summaries of recent articles published in AGU’s suite of 24 journals.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Cosmic Dust May Be Key Source of Phosphorus for Life on Earth
When tiny particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, a newly described series of chemical reactions may lead to production of phosphorus-containing molecules that are essential for biological processes.
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Current History: Exploring the Past of the Tasman Leakage
A new study sheds light on an important Pacific-to-Atlantic connecting current, including the global changes that led to its flowing that ushered in near-modern ocean circulation.
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Cyanobacteria Blooms Exceed WHO Thresholds in Midwest Lakes
A study of 369 lakes across the Midwest finds that many of them, especially those close to agriculture, have high concentrations of harmful algal bloom-causing cyanobacteria.
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Stratospheric Balloons Listen In on Ground Activity
Solar-powered hot-air balloons, floating 2.5 times as high as Mount Everest, detected a buried explosion more clearly than ground-based sensors did.
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Cyclone “Seed” Survival Affects Hurricane Season Intensity
Understanding how seed storms grow into full-blown hurricanes and typhoons could help predict hurricane season intensity in a changing climate.
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A Transition Zone Below Jupiter’s Clouds
The microwave radiometer aboard NASA’s Juno spacecraft reveals the hidden atmospheric circulations at work deep below Jupiter’s colorful clouds.
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Exploring Methane Emissions from Africa’s Tropical Forests
Global methane budgets suffer from a lack of field studies in African forests, but new research sheds light on methane emissions and uptake from upland forests in the Congo Basin.
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Unearthing the Cause of Slow Seismic Waves in Subduction Zones
Researchers look to the fossil rock record to unearth the driving forces for variable seismic speed through subduction zones.
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Seismology: A Promising Tool for Monitoring Permafrost
Passive seismic data from a station atop Germany’s highest peak reveal a 15-year record of permafrost degradation, suggesting that this technique could be used for long-term environmental monitoring.