Climate

Physics

Freshwater ice can melt into scallops and spikes

Ice submerged in liquid water can melt into three different shapes, depending on the water’s temperature.

Climate

Satellites have located the world’s methane ‘ultra-emitters’

Plugging leaks from methane ultra-emitters would make a dent in greenhouse gas emissions — and be cost-effective for those countries, scientists say.

Oceans

The past’s extreme ocean heat waves are now the new normal

Marine heat waves that were rare more than a century ago now routinely occur in more than half of global ocean, suggesting we’ve hit a “point of no return.”

Climate

Intense drought or flash floods can shock the global economy

Rainfall extremes have powerful impacts on the global economy, affecting the manufacturing and services sectors more than agriculture.

Climate

Climate change communication should focus less on specific numbers

Even if nations don’t meet goals to curb global climate change, any progress is better than none.

Climate

Africa’s ‘Great Green Wall’ could have far-reaching climate effects

The “Great Green Wall,” a tree-planting project to stop desertification in northern Africa, could alter climate patterns in the region and beyond.

Climate

How electric vehicles offered hope as climate challenges grew

Amid daunting climate change challenges, electric vehicles swerved into the spotlight this year.

Climate

Vikings may have fled Greenland to escape rising seas

Vikings abandoned Greenland in the 15th century. Lower temperatures, an expanding ice sheet and rising sea levels may have played a role in their departure.

Climate

How a warming climate may make winter tornadoes stronger

A climate simulation suggests that higher winter temperatures could make twisters more powerful.

Climate

Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier ice shelf could collapse within five years

The loss of Thwaites’ buttressing ice shelf could hasten the demise of the “Doomsday Glacier” and raise the risk of dramatic sea level rise.

Climate

Wildfire smoke may ramp up toxic ozone production in cities

A new study reveals how wildfire smoke produces toxic ozone and how urban air pollution could exacerbate the problem.

Climate

Climate change could make Virginia’s Tangier Island uninhabitable by 2051

Tangier Island could be lost to rising seas sooner than previously realized. Whether to save the island or move its residents remains undecided.