The color of soil reflecting the Sun’s rays affects the Earth’s climate and water cycle. Using satellite data that senses many wavelengths improves soil reflectivity estimates, especially in deserts.
water cycle
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Climate Change Is Drying Out Earth’s Soils
Earth’s land is drying as it warms, but it is not clear how dry is too dry.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
A New Look at the Changing Water Cycle Over Land
Whether warming increases or decreases, rain over land depends on the relationship of soil moisture, evaporation, and aridity which shape rain regimes.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Greening of Loess Plateau Increases Water Yield
Vegetation restoration over the Chinese Loess Plateau can enhance atmospheric moisture convergence, increasing the precipitation enough to compensate for the vegetation water consumption.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Why Tropical Forests Are Important for Our Well-Being
Tropical forests play a critical role in supporting human well-being, food security, and the maintenance of biodiversity.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
El agua subterránea se repone mucho más rápido de lo que pensaban los científicos
Un nuevo modelo basado en el clima indica que los científicos podrían haber subestimado la importancia del agua subterránea para mantener los ríos y la vida vegetal.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Global Models Underestimated Groundwater Recharge and Discharge
A new estimate for global groundwater recharge by rainfall and snowmelt, which dictates the upper limit of sustainable groundwater use, doubles the previous estimates from global models.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
To Estimate Plant Water Use, Consider the Xylem
New research shows that chemical isotopes from plant xylem can improve representations of the forest water cycle.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Groundwater Replenishes Much Faster Than Scientists Previously Thought
A new climate-based model indicates that scientists may be underestimating groundwater’s importance in sustaining streams and plant life.