Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Statoil investigates Gullfaks incident
STAVANGER, Norway, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Norwegian energy company Statoil said it was implementing "necessary measures" to ensure natural gas production in the North Sea is safe.
Gazprom says Nord Stream isn't a threat
ROME, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Plans for the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline to Europe won't affect gas transit through conventional Russian export routes, a Gazprom official said.
Corals Stressed, but Location, Location, Location Matters
A new study has identified a troubling change in long-term coral growth patterns on the world's second largest barrier reef. The findings suggest that corals closest to the open ocean...
NASA satellite sees Tropical Storm Bingiza hugging the western Madagascar coastline
Infrared satellite data from NASA is showing some strong thunderstorms over west-central Madagascar today as Tropical Storm Bingiza continues to hug the western coast of the island nation. The...
Worldwide sulfur emissions rose between 2000-2005, after decade of decline
A new analysis of sulfur emissions shows that after declining for a decade, worldwide emissions rose again in 2000 due largely to international shipping and a growing Chinese economy. An...
Satellite finds Saudi desert rich in archaeology
Little is known about the archaeology of Saudi Arabia, as the government has historically forbid aerial photographs of the landscape and religious sensitivities have made access tricky. But Google Earth...
Hot springs eternal in new ocean discovery
A new set of deep-sea volcanic vents have been discovered in the Southern Ocean, a research team reported.
World phosphorous use crosses critical threshold
Recalculating the global use of phosphorous, a fertiliser linchpin of modern agriculture, a team of researchers warns that the world's stocks may soon be in short supply and that overuse...
Monitoring killer mice from space
The risk of deadly hantavirus outbreaks in people can be predicted months ahead of time by using satellite images to monitor surges in vegetation that boost mouse populations, a University...
How plants near Chernobyl shrug off radiation
Scientists are reporting discovery of the biological secrets that enable plants growing near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to adapt and flourish in highly radioactive soil -- legacy of the...
Farming climbs the high Andes
A study of the impact of climate change on Andean ecosystems shows that agriculture is being forced into areas of high biodiversity.
Scientists Pleased with Obama's 2012 Budget Proposal
Obama's budget proposal for 2012 keeps much science funding intact, and, in some places, increases it.
International Arctic climate study to start
Canada and its Arctic allies will launch a major study this spring to help northern nations cope with the irreversible effects of climate change.
Chile feels aftershocks year after massive quake
With five earthquakes rattling the coast over the past four days, Chileans are still feeling the aftershocks of a huge earthquake that ruptured one year ago.
Guitar heroes: When the magic transfers from rock stars to instruments
Budding guitarists seek the magical powers of rock hero instruments, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research. "Like people from the Middle Ages who sought saints'...
Afghanistan troops tuck into new menu
Soldiers welcome new ration pack including curry, steak and veg, and beef jerkyBritish troops on the front line in Afghanistan have been given improved ration packs which include beef jerky.There are new lightweight...
Dot Earth: Fostering Progress on a Finite (and Budget Strapped) Planet
With politicians scrambling to cut budgets, it's time to focus on fostering progress from the ground up, and the Web out.
Researchers Find Active Harpy Eagle Nest in Maya Mountains of Belize
Jamie Rotenberg, UNC Wilmington assistant professor of environmental studies, along with researchers at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), is studying what is thought to be the...
South Stream confident on EDF deal
MOSCOW, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- There's no question that French energy giant EDF will join the Russian-led South Stream pipeline project, consortium head Marcel Vietor said.
Fish farms need monitoring technologies
Poor countries could use satellite sensing and other technologies to develop their aquaculture without environmental damage, says a report.
Green: Portrait of a Climate Chief
Challenges have included projecting influence at a time when economic and political power has ebbed away from Europe, and managing an unwieldy system for trading emissions.
Alberta bison bound for Russia
Thirty wood bison from Alberta are being prepped for a move to Russia to help bolster the country's herd.
Iranian gas flows after Qom explosion
QOM, Iran, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Natural gas is flowing through Iran and to its customers in Turkey following a series of explosions last week, the country's deputy oil...
Gas pipelines in Pakistan attacked
QUETTA, Pakistan, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Residents in the Pakistani province of Balochistan are without natural gas after militants destroyed a key pipeline in the area, authorities said.
Green: Gulf Suffered a Gas Surge, Study Finds
The injection of both gas and oil led to a tremendous demand for oxygen in the deep ocean, which may have caused oxygen levels to become dangerously low for marine...
Garbage floats off Greek island as landfill collapses
Waters off the Greek island of Andros were choked with garbage on Monday after a landfill was flushed into the sea in an environmental disaster indicative of Greece's chronic waste...
New map could make fishing in Mexico more sustainable
Experts have proposed five catching regions in Northwest Mexican waters, which would improve fisheries management.
San Fernando Valley neighbors of natural gas facility raise concerns about overhaul
With memories of the 2008 Sesnon fire still smoldering, residents of the northern Valley are voicing concerns about Southern California Gas Co.'s plans to overhaul a natural gas storage facility.Wes...