Phys.org: Earth science

The vast Antarctic Ice Sheet holds more than half of Earth's freshwater. In several places around the continent, the ice extends over the ocean, where it forms large floating shelves. Observations suggest many of these ice shelves are thinning as they melt from below, with implications for ocean dynamics, global sea level, and Earth's climate.

Minerals underground may be part of the solution to global climate change. The most famous greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), can react with some minerals found deep underground to form stable carbonates—permanently storing the CO2. This storage mechanism has helped naturally regulate CO2 throughout Earth's history.

Marine and coastal geoscience play a critical role in understanding ancient and modern geological history, offshore and coastal hazards, and climate change. Deep-water environments prevent scientists from directly visiting field sites, so unique methods must be employed for researching the ocean floor.

To transition to a green economy, we require more critical metals such as copper, rare earth elements and cobalt than are currently available. Therefore, we need to find new resources formed in different ways in areas that have not yet been explored.

A new study has unraveled the hidden mechanics of how earthquakes ignite, shedding light on the mysterious transition from quiet, creeping motion to the violent ruptures that shake the Earth.

A trio of Earth and atmospheric scientists at the University of Houston, working with a geoscientist from the University of Arizona, has found evidence that a geographic hotspot laid the groundwork for the formation of the Great Lakes.

The summer of 2023 saw a surprising increase in global temperatures, even within the context of the ongoing greenhouse gas-driven warming trend. Many scientists were flummoxed. Their simulations didn't show this kind of spike.

Since the establishment of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara (IKN), hydroclimate extremes have emerged as a significant environmental concern. One of the most notable events was the devastating flash flood on March 15–16, 2022, which was triggered by 4–6 hours of prolonged heavy rainfall, causing severe damage and substantial economic loss.