Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Melting Glaciers Nourishing Oceans With Ancient Carbon
Alaska's marine animals have an unexpected nutrient in their diets: ancient carbon from glacier melt, a new study says.
"Blue Moon" to Shine on New Year's Eve
Howling at the full "blue moon" this New Year's Eve might be the most appropriate response: The popular definition is rooted in an editorial error, experts say.
ESPO eases transit burdens, Putin says
MOSCOW, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The inauguration of the East Siberia-Pacific Ocean oil pipeline eases the dependence on transit nations, the Russian prime minister said Tuesday.
125 pilot whales die on New Zealand beaches
Some 125 pilot whales died in New Zealand after getting stranded on beaches over the weekend, and vacationers and conservation workers managed to coax 43 others back out to sea.
Japanese researcher unveils 'hummingbird robot'
Japanese researchers said Monday they had developed a "hummingbird robot" that can flutter around freely in mid-air with rapid wing movements.
As the World Churns
(PhysOrg.com) -- "Terra firma." It's Latin for "solid Earth." Most of the time, at least from our perspective here on the ground, Earth seems to be just that: solid. Yet...
Scientists argue for a new type of climate target
In order to avoid dangerous consequences for the earth's ecosystems, global emissions must peak around 2015, and they need to be cut by half between the peak and 2030, according...
Video: A New Green Idea
One of the country's biggest electric utilities has received federal stimulus money for a pioneering project aimed at cutting harmful gas emissions before they pollute the planet. Cynthia Bowers has...
NASA study: Lakes warming quickly
PASADENA, Calif., Dec. 27 (UPI) -- New U.S. scientific findings suggest that climate change may be affecting aquatic environments faster and sooner than the atmosphere.
Glider robot a sleek ocean explorer
The sea was heaving, the skies gray. The captain of the research ship was worried about the weather. About 120 miles off the coast of Spain, three Rutgers University scientists...
China adopts law to boost renewable energy industry
China's national assembly Saturday signalled the country's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting a law supporting its renewable energy industry.
Politics: Air Quality Guidelines Face Unexpected Critics
California’s battle against greenhouse gases is likely to come to the Bay Area soon, but some fear that a new set of guidelines may have unintended consequences.
Tugboat Spills Fuel Oil After Hitting Same Reef as Exxon Valdez in ’89 Accident
The tugboat was working to prevent another oil spill in Prince William Sound in Alaska.
Earth-Friendly Elements, Mined Destructively
Some renewable energy technologies rely on a group of elements that mainly come from harmful Chinese mines.
James Hansen | Copenhagen has given us the chance to face climate change with honesty
A carbon-use dividend for everybody must replace the old, ineffectual 'cap-and-trade' schemeLast weekend's minimalist Copenhagen global climate accord provides a great opportunity. The old deceitful, ineffectual approach is severely wounded and must die. Now...
Refurbished computers aid Kenyan farmers
KATUMANI, Kenya, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Refurbished computers are changing the fortunes of farmers in central Kenya by accurately and instantly predicting the weather, officials said.
The science of catastrophe: tsunamis and how they work
Five years ago, 200,000 lives were wiped out. Experts expect another a huge quake under Indonesia. The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, caused by a major earthquake under the seafloor north of Aceh...
Tourists in Antarctica cause of major concern
The 40,000 'eco-tourists' who visit the South Pole every year cause enormous greenhouse gas emissions. The visitors to the snow-covered landmass are endangering not just the Antarctic region by their...
S.Korea issues warning against 'yellow dust'
South Korea's weather service Friday issued a warning against airborne pollution known as "yellow dust", advising residents in western areas to avoid outdoor activities.
Vietnam seeks more investment in Iran
HANOI, Vietnam, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Vietnam is seeking to increase its investments in Iran's oil and natural gas industries.
Argentine firm eyes Falklands oil deal
BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The Argentine subsidiary of Spanish oil major Repsol is set to begin exploration for oil and gas in the Falkland Islands, business representatives...
Indian bureaucracy stifles coal projects
NEW DELHI, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- An Indian parliamentary panel is "shocked" to find that bureaucratic delays are setting back implementation of the country's coal production targets.
Stratovolcanoes
Perhaps one of the most notable eruptions in modern history of an oceanic stratovolcano--also known as composite volcano--is the eruption of Krakatau--more commonly but incorrectly known as Krakatoa—on August...
Redevelopment agency acquires old Utah Theater
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City has taken a step toward revitalizing downtown by acquiring the old Utah Theater....
Sun and moon trigger deep tremors on San Andreas Fault
The faint tug of the sun and moon on the San Andreas Fault stimulates tremors deep underground, suggesting that the rock 15 miles below is lubricated with highly pressurised water...
Consumers 'Key Part Of Solution' To Global Warming
Consumers can have a major impact on the world's efforts to reduce global warming, a major report has concluded. The research estimates that if consumers are responsible for 75% of...
Velocity of Climate Change Varies from Mountain to Marsh
Reports of maples on the march northward and butterflies flitting far afield are already flooding in, and climate scientists predict that with escalating temperature changes more species will...
Copenhagen Consternation
Climate Change: Nonbinding deal lets countries make their own pledges on greenhouse gas limits.