An analysis of timber used to construct buildings in Europe hundreds of years ago is giving scientists and historians new insights into the region’s history from the 13th to 17th centuries.
Hazards & Disasters
A Global Perspective on Wildfires
Satellites provide global-scale data that are invaluable in efforts to understand, monitor, and respond to wildfires and emissions, which are increasingly affecting climate and putting humans at risk.
What Is Left in the Air After a Wildfire Depends on Exactly What Burned
Forecasting air quality after a wildfire is improving, thanks to more-refined models that measure the biomass going into the blaze and the emissions coming out.
Atmospheric Drag Alters Satellite Orbits
A new modeling study shows how the density of the thermosphere influences the paths of satellites in low Earth orbit.
Remote Landslide Puts Fraser River Salmon on Shaky Ground
An alliance of First Nations, provincial, and federal leaders worked with scientists, engineers, and emergency responders to rescue critical salmon stocks in western Canada.
Another Scorcher: 2019 Was the Second-Hottest Year on Record
Heat waves, massive melts, and droughts, oh my. The past decade was our hottest yet.
The World in 2050 Pursues Paths to a Sustainable Future
This initiative aims to provide fact-based knowledge to help implement and achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Taal Eruption and Ashfall Continue; Thousands Still at Risk
The Philippines’ volcanology institute warns that a hazardous eruption of Taal is imminent. In the past, Taal’s eruptions have lasted months and even years.
Modern Farming Kick-Starts Large Landslides in Peruvian Deserts
Large-scale irrigation programs have triggered giant, slow-moving landslides in arid valleys, leading to the destruction of both traditional and modern farmland.
Five Environmental Consequences of Australia’s Fires
Australia’s road to recovery may be long: Here’s a developing list of how the fires are affecting glaciers, wildlife, water supplies, and global carbon emissions.