By modeling toxic diatoms and coastal processes, scientists have discovered the degree to which nutrients from Southern California’s densely populated coast affect these blooms.
California
Posted inNews
California’s Drought Irreversibly Damaged Sacramento Valley Aquifers
Satellite data have revealed an abrupt drop in aquifers’ ability to recharge after the 2020–2022 drought. More real-time monitoring could spot the issue before it arises again.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Redesigning Farmland Through Community Collaboration in California
A community-led project in California shows how collaboration can reshape farmland to improve water resources, restore native plants, and create recreational space.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Extensive Sand Dune Loss Threatens California Coast
Aerial photos combined with lidar data show the extent of the problem.
Posted inOpinions
Archetypes Could Accelerate Agricultural Adaptation to Less Snowpack
Measurable characteristics can be used to develop archetypes of complex agricultural systems, helping stakeholders to assess where different adaptation strategies are more likely to succeed.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Recycled Rocks Reveal Subduction Zone Dynamics Off Baja California
High-pressure rocks on Cedros Island were exhumed, eroded, and redeposited into the subduction trench multiple times, reshaping interpretations of ancient plate boundary processes.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Keeping Humans in the Loop Improves Flood Forecasting
Artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve flood predictions—but human expertise still matters for accurate warnings, new research says.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
How Much Will Western Wildfires Worsen Under Warming?
A new study reevaluates the use of vapor pressure deficit, or VPD, in climate models to predict increases in area burned by wildfire across the U.S. West.
Posted inNews
Low Snow in Eurasia Linked to Wildfires in California
Scientists found that low autumn snow levels in western Eurasia are associated with dry, warm winters in California, increasing the Golden State’s wildfire risk.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Want to Predict Wildfire Severity? Look to the State of Vegetation
A new study connects satellite data on vegetation condition, topography, and weather conditions to examine the predicted versus actual burn severity of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.