Earth
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Tech
Materials of the last century shaped modern life, but at a price
From our homes and cities to our electronics and clothing, the stuff of daily life is dramatically different from decades ago.
- Planetary Science
Machine learning points to prime places in Antarctica to find meteorites
Using data on how ice moves across Antarctica, researchers identified more than 600 spots where space rocks may gather on the southern continent.
- Earth
What the Tonga volcano’s past tells us about what to expect next
The January 15 eruption of a Tongan volcano triggered atmospheric shock waves and a rare volcanic tsunami; its history suggests it may not be done.
- 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.
- Earth
Volcanic avalanches of rock and gas may be more destructive than previously thought
Pressures within pyroclastic flows may be as much as three times as great as observations had suggested.
- 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.
- Earth
Some volcanic hot spots may have a surprisingly shallow heat source
Mysterious hot spots of volcanic activity in the interior of tectonic plates just got a little stranger.
- 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.
- Animals
50 years ago, scientists were genetically modifying mosquitoes
In 1971, scientists turned to genetics to control disease-spreading mosquitoes without DDT. Today, there are a variety of pesticide-free methods.
- Climate
How a warming climate may make winter tornadoes stronger
A climate simulation suggests that higher winter temperatures could make twisters more powerful.
