Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Scientists identified earthquake faults in Sichuan, China
Only last summer research published by earth scientists in the international journal Tectonics concluded that geological faults in the Sichuan Basin, China "are sufficiently long to sustain a strong ground-shaking...
Climate Changes Creating Green And Flowering Mountains
Our mountains are growing greener. At the border between woods and bare mountain, trees that require warm temperatures, such as oak, elm, maple, and black alder, have become established for...
Atmosphere Threatened By Nitrogen Pollutants Entering Ocean
A large quantity of nitrogen compounds -- emitted into the atmosphere by humans through the burning of fossil fuels and the use of nitrogen fertilizers -- enters the oceans and...
New rumbling from Chilean volcano worries experts
SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's Chaiten volcano groaned, rumbled and shuddered on Thursday, raising new concerns among authorities, as lightning bolts pierced the huge clouds of hot ash hovering ominously above...
China Quake Delivered Seismic One-Two Punch
The earthquake fault probably buckled in two stages, and the hardness of the terrain contributed to the wide reach of the damage, scientists say.
National Science Board Approves UCAR Proposal to Manage NCAR
The National Science Board has authorized the National Science Foundation to negotiate a new cooperative agreement with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) to continue to manage and operate...
UN: Mangrove loss 'intensified' Myanmar cyclone damage
According to the UN, destruction of mangroves in Myanmar contributed heavily to the damaged caused by cyclone Nargis last week.
Expert warns climate change will lead to human 'barbarisation'
Climate change will lead to a 'fortress world' in which the rich lock themselves away while the poor must fend for themselves, according to a leading environmental expert
Study; Great Lakes gulls in poor health
OTTAWA, May 15 (UPI) -- It might be assumed stocking the Great Lakes with exotic salmon and trout might be good for gulls but a Canadian study puts...
Does fishing on drifting fish aggregation devices endanger the survival of tropical tuna?
Fishermen hold empirical knowledge that tuna aggregate under floating objects, such as lengths of old rope, pieces of wood, or even large marine mammals. There is still no full explanation...
Soils Contain Huge Amounts Of Ancient Carbon: When Does This Carbon Enter The Atmosphere?
Knowing that soils are a potential climate change time-bomb is nothing new -- but now, for the first time, a group of international scientists have found a way to distinguish...
Estimated 3.2 Million Burmese Potentially Affected By Cyclone
Researchers have developed geographic risk models, which indicate that as many as 3.2 million Burmese are estimated to be affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis. Using Geographic Information...
Opinion: A cool look at global warming scepticism
Many of Professor Don Aitkin’s sceptical comments regarding global warming stem from a misunderstanding of both climate science and the IPCC’s role, argues Dr Geoff Davies.
Skin Deep: Eco-Friendly Paths to Exfoliation
In an age of global warming and high gas prices, is it any wonder that more spa-goers are gravitating to spa products that are cultivated locally?
Sea lions likely died from the heat
(AP) -- The deaths of six sea lions found in traps on the Columbia River earlier this month were likely caused by the heat, and not by gunshots as...
Biologist is Working to Limit Impact of Hydroelectric Dams in Asia
Rivers around the world are being tamed by massive hydroelectric dams. Aquatic biologist Guy Lanza is working to limit the environmental impact of these projects, which he says often deliver...
Charles urges forest logging halt
Prince Charles says the halting of logging in the rainforest is the single greatest solution to climate change.
Climate change may threaten water supply
TUCSON, May 14 (UPI) -- A leading U.S. climatologist says government support is needed for research into the effects of climate change on water supplies.
World's wildlife and environment already hit by climate change, major study shows
90% of environmental damage around the world explained by rising temperatures driven by human activity
Bluestone Boom Opens Quarries to New Allies, and to Change
Mining permits could become permanent for New York’s bluestone industry, which is one of the state’s oldest.
Myanmar Cyclone a "Catastrophe" for Wildlife
The urgent need for food and shelter resulting from the disaster could have a devastating impact on forests and wildlife, conservationists warn.
Japan's earthquake warning system fails again
But officials insist system will work for bigger quakes.
Heavy Rains Barrel Toward Cyclone-Hit Myanmar
As another potentially powerful storm heads for the devastated delta, relief agencies warn about a second wave of deaths.
Man-Made Warming Altering Nature's Clock [News]
Starving polar bears are eating one another in the Arctic. Flowers are blooming too soon and dying. The ice caps are melting so swiftly that rising water levels will threaten...
Study: Climate change is altering Earth
NEW YORK, May 14 (UPI) -- A U.S. space agency study shows human-caused climate change is altering many of Earth's natural systems, including permafrost, plants and lakes.
Fish conformity zealous but discerning
Desire to conform can be so strong in lone fish that they will follow another fish into danger, though in crowds they stay with more popular trends, research has found.
Tourists, Pandas Safe After Quake; Local Towns Leveled
Landslides have prevented rescuers from entering much of the remote, mountainous region near the Wolong National Nature Reserve where many villagers have died.
Opinion: Clock running out on irreversible climate change - Part I
Producers toy with scarcity, allowing fuel prices to soar, while the Earth edges closer to catastrophe, writes James Hansen.