Earth
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Climate
Wetter permafrost clings to carbon better
In 12-year lab study, moist soil samples released less greenhouse gas as they warmed.
- Environment
Atomic ant sand
Robb Hermes asked for sand ants to get samples of Trinitite, a material created in the test blasts of the first atomic bomb.
- Earth
Millions of years ago, frozen ice sheet in East Antarctica melted
Warming may have caused ice sheet collapse and huge increase in sea level.
- Earth
Huge quakes may foretell smaller, human-caused ones
Distant powerful temblors triggered ominous activity at wastewater injection sites.
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- Earth
Every six years, Earth spins slightly faster and then slower
Changes in day length linked to workings of Earth's core.
- Earth
Faults can reseal months after quakes
Measurements in southern China find quick healing of fractured rock.
- Chemistry
High methane in drinking water near fracking sites
Well construction and geology may both play a role in pollution.
- Earth
Cleaner air may have brought more storms
Pollution during the 20th century appears to have suppressed North Atlantic hurricanes.
- Earth
Satellite captures Earth’s greenery
Orbiting camera detects reflected light to determine the extent of the planet's vegetation.
- Life
Primitive fish could nod but not shake its head
Ancient fossils reveal surprises about early vertebrate necks, abdominal muscles.
- Climate
Southwest’s monsoon season may heat up with the climate
Warmer temperatures may bring stronger rainy seasons over the long term, study finds.
