Scientists leverage long-term environmental measurements, emerging satellite observations, and recent modeling advances to examine changes in ecosystem carbon and water cycling.
Science Updates
Ancient Rivers and Critical Minerals in Eastern Alaska
Fieldwork is revealing a history of landscape evolution over the past 5 million years that links climate change and river capture to critical mineral resources across the Alaska-Yukon border.
Eyes in the Sky Improve Pollen Tracking
Physicians, public health officials, and experts in remote sensing and ecology recently met to identify ways that satellites, webcams, and crowdsourced science could help them manage asthma and allergies.
Earth Observations Inform Cities’ Operations and Planning
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Chicago, Ill., are using NASA Earth observations to map, monitor, and forecast water and air quality, urban heat island effects, landslide risks, and more.
Mapping Vegetation Health Around the World
A new spaceborne sensor monitors Earth’s surface temperature at a resolution higher than ever before, providing information on ecosystem responses to changes in water availability and climate stressors.
Big Questions, Few Answers About What Happens Under Lake Ice
Scientists long eschewed studying lakes in winter, expecting that cold temperatures and ice cover limited activity below the surface. Recent findings to the contrary are changing limnologists’ views.
A New Vision of Sustainability in Earth Science Education
Following the culmination of an ambitious Earth science education initiative, scientists and educators met to prioritize ways in which education about Earth can foster sustainable societies.
Evolution of the Asian Monsoon
Climate and topography change the characteristics of the Asian monsoon over millions of years. These changes affect the region’s climate and topography, and the cycle continues.
Clearing the Haze Around Aerosol Assessments
An international gathering of scientists discussed the state of the art in assessments of how aerosol particles in the atmosphere affect Earth’s climate.
How COVID-19 Is Affecting Undergraduate Research Experiences
Limitations on summer research internships imposed by the pandemic are impeding students’ engagement in geoscience education and preparation for careers. The community is acting quickly to adapt.