http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/water/ Learn about Earth's water resources. Read current research on the water cycle, water pollution, groundwater depletion and lake protection. en-us Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:05:01 EDT Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/water/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008151104.htm New research suggests that the edge of the Tibetan plateau might have been preserved for thousands of years by ice and glacial debris at the mouth of many tributaries to the Tsangpo River. Those deposits appear to have acted as dams that prevented the rapidly traveling Tsangpo from carving upstream into the plateau. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008151104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008114516.htm A new study finds that pollution from livestock facilities is associated with an increase in infant mortality. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008114516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008150522.htm An anticipated increased incidence of climate-related extreme rainfall events in the Great Lakes region may raise the public health risk for the 40 million people who depend on the lakes for their drinking water, according to a new study. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008150522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929093754.htm The sudden thinning in 1997 of Jakobshavn Isbræ, one of Greenland's largest glaciers, was caused by subsurface ocean warming, according to research in the journal Nature Geoscience. The research team traces these oceanic shifts back to changes in the atmospheric circulation in the North Atlantic region. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929093754.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081010135039.htm Researchers are developing wireless soil sensors that could one day help farmers maximize their production while minimizing environmental impacts. The prototype sensors are designed to collect and send data about soil moisture -- and eventually soil temperature and nutrient content -- while working completely underground. Farmers and their equipment could work right over the top of them. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081010135039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081009072718.htm German and American researchers have for the first time identified complete gene sequences and function of two proteins in mussels that play a key defensive role against environmental toxicants. These proteins form part of an active, physiological barrier in mussel gills that protects them against environmental toxicants. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081009072718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008091123.htm Alternative sources of fossil fuels such as oil sands and coal-to-liquids have significant economic promise, but the environmental consequences must also be considered, according to a new study. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008091123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008091133.htm Miles below us, deep within Earth's crust, life is astir. Organisms there are not the large creatures typically envisioned when thinking of life. Instead, thriving there are microbes, the smallest and oldest form of life on Earth. Researchers are using a novel approach to uncover the source of organic compounds found deep within Earth's crust; in the process, new ideas will be tested about how petroleum forms from deeply buried organic matter. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008091133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007132552.htm Scientists filming in one of the world's deepest ocean trenches have found groups of highly sociable snailfish swarming over their bait, nearly five miles beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean. This is the first time cameras have been sent to this depth. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007132552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008151106.htm A growing international consensus to formally recognize and protect people uprooted by environmental problems is expected to accelerate at a major conference. Featured at the conference: early results of the first comprehensive empirical study gauging the extent to which environment problems influence migration decisions. Experts warn human trafficking could worsen in step with environmental problems. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008151106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008095708.htm When reef fish get a mouthful of sand, coral reefs can drown. "We've known for a while that having a lot of sediment in the water is bad for corals and can smother them. What we didn't realize is how permanent this state of affairs can become, to the point where it may prevent the corals ever re-establishing." Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008095708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930081357.htm New North African climate reconstructions reveal three ‘green Sahara’ episodes during which the present-day Sahara Desert was almost completely covered with extensive grasslands, lakes and ponds over the course of the last 120.000 years. Reconstructing the climate of the past is an important tool for scientists to better understand and predict future climate changes that are the result of the present-day global warming. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930081357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926100636.htm A new experiment to find out how British plant ecosystems may be affected by future changes to climate and biodiversity is underway at Imperial College London. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926100636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929095708.htm Now it is time to invent sustainable solutions to avoid environmental damage. As a result of the Haber-Bosch process for the synthesis of ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen, billions of people have been fed, millions have died in armed conflict and a cascade of environmental changes has been set in motion, suggests a new article. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929095708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006155929.htm Scientists have found lichens can give insight into nitrogen air pollution effects on Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino mountain ecosystems, and protecting them provides safeguards for less sensitive species. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006155929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122551.htm Scientists in Spain have discovered and characterized a new type of atmospheric aerosols named "iberulites," which could be useful for the study of relevant atmospheric reactions from Earth. The researchers have been carrying out weekly samples collecting atmospheric dust since 1999, and they have determined through satellite images the route followed by these particles in their atmospheric journey. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122551.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003191417.htm Biologist are working to grow and harvest blue crabs from freshwater ponds, instead of from the sea. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003191417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001145202.htm Eye color and hair color play a role in human partner choice, but visual stimuli can also determine mating preferences in the animal kingdom. In many species, the male's fortunes in the mating stakes are decided by a conspicuous breeding dress. A study of brightly colored fish has now demonstrated that this has less to do with aesthetics than with the sensitivity of female eyes, which varies as a result of adaptation to the environment. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001145202.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930144214.htm DNA test could be used to detect harmful algal blooms across the globe, an article the International Journal of Environment and Pollution. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930144214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930135307.htm The United Nations estimates that 1.1 billion people across the globe lack access to sustainable, clean drinking water. How can science help provide more drinkable water for a growing population on an Earth with limited fresh surface-water and groundwater resources? One researcher shows that desalinization -- removing salt from ocean water to create fresh water -- is a practical way to meet the growing human need. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930135307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924085543.htm Extreme flood events in floodplain grasslands affect carabid beetles and molluscs more than plants. Biologists did several years of observations before and after the Elbe floods of August 2002 in this study. Flow variations are known to be most important drivers in structuring riverine communities. However, until now, the effects of extreme flood events on the flora and fauna of floodplains have been largely unknown, despite the fact that such events are likely to become more frequent as a result of climate change. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924085543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002094842.htm Scientists have tested an 'invisibility cloak' that could reduce the risk of large water waves overtopping coastal defenses. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002094842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002172607.htm In his State of the Union Address on Jan. 23, 2007, President Bush stated that, in order to substantially lower foreign oil imports, "We must increase the supply of alternative fuels, by setting a mandatory fuels standard to require 35 billion gallons of renewable and alternative fuels in 2017." Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002172607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002172438.htm As the United States and other nations commit to the path of biofuels production, 23 scientists call for sustainable practices in an industry that will, as one of them says, "reshape the Earth's landscape in a significant way." Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002172438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002091915.htm A group has filed a scientific petition with the federal government seeking endangered species protection for the Atlantic wolffish, a fish threatened with extinction due to years of overharvesting and habitat loss due to modern fishing gear. If the petition is successful, this will be the first listing of a marine fish as an endangered in New England. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002091915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929104607.htm Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been promoted as inexpensive, low-technology approaches to treating agricultural, industrial and municipal wastewater to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. CWs, or marshes built to treat contaminated water, incorporate soil and drainage materials, water, plants and microorganisms. "Surface-flow" constructed wetlands resemble shallow freshwater marshes and generally require a large land area for wastewater treatment. More effective for greenhouse and nursery operations with limited production space and expensive land are a type of constructed wetland called "subsurface flow." Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929104607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926194615.htm Until recently, scientists couldn't create gold nanoparticles without producing synthetic chemicals that had negative impacts on the environment. A new method not only eliminates any negative environmental impact, but also has resulted in national and international recognition for the lead scientist. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926194615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929133725.htm Recent modeling results show that the depth of the water table, which results from lateral water flow at the surface and subsurface, determines the relative susceptibility of regions to changes in temperature and precipitation. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929133725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001125956.htm Sediment in rivers comes from erosion of the landscape as well as the erosion and collapse of the banks themselves. Just how much each source contributes to a river -- and how it affects the flow and path of that river -- is the subject of new research. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001125956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929144116.htm It is common knowledge that the world's oceans and atmosphere are warming as humans release more and more carbon dioxide into the Earth's atmosphere. However, fewer people realize that the chemistry of the oceans is also changing -- seawater is becoming more acidic as carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in the oceans. These changes in ocean temperature and chemistry will have an unexpected side effect -- sounds will travel farther underwater. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929144116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924185742.htm Small white stalagmites lining caves in the Midwest may help scientists chronicle the history of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) -- and even predict when the next big earthquake may strike, say researchers. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924185742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924190637.htm Counting on wetlands restoration projects to protect storm buffeted infrastructure along the Louisiana Coast is likely to be a "losing battle" that provides "false hope" and prevents endangered communities from clearly planning for their future, says a researcher from Western Carolina University (WCU). Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924190637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926100642.htm New research shows that there is an organic-rich bed of sediment in the floor of the Eastern Mediterranean. This bed formed over a period of about 4,000 years under oxygen-free bottom-water conditions. A wet climatic period was responsible for the phenomenon. According to climate scenarios, the climate may become wetter in this area, potentially giving rise again to a period of oxygen-free bottom-water. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926100642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926184626.htm Rather than building stronger ocean-based structures to withstand tsunamis, it might be easier to simply make the structures disappear. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926184626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924111147.htm By killing large swaths of forests in the Rocky Mountains, mountain pine beetles may be altering local weather patterns and air quality. Scientists are exploring how the loss of trees and other vegetation influences rainfall, temperatures, smog, and other aspects of the atmosphere. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924111147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922155904.htm Earth scientists have reported movement of warmed sea water through the flat, Pacific Ocean floor off Costa Rica. The movement is greater than that off midocean volcanic ridges. The finding suggests possible marine life in a part of the ocean once considered barren. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922155904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080925144824.htm By better managing environmental issues during deployments, US Army units can gain tactical and strategic advantages that will help in combat and post-conflict operations, and boost overall mission success, according to a new RAND Corporation study. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080925144824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923181112.htm The deep interior of Neptune, Uranus and Earth may contain some solid ice. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923181112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164714.htm River floods and storms that send water surging through swamps and marshes near rivers and coastal areas might cut in half the average greenhouse gas emissions from those affected wetlands, according to recent research. A study suggests that pulses of water through wetlands result in lower average emissions of greenhouse gases over the course of the year compared to the emissions from wetlands that receive a steady flow of water. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922090847.htm A researcher from the University of Alberta has proposed an experimental electrical heating process to draw oil from largely untapped deposits, which could yield major rewards for oil production and be more environmentally sound than current extractions processes. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922090847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922155914.htm How much carbon dioxide is too much? According to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere need to be stabilized at levels low enough to "prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system." But scientists have come to realize that an even more acute danger than climate change is lurking in the world's oceans -- one that is likely to be triggered by CO₂ levels that are modest by climate standards. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922155914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918170628.htm A water treatment plant from Canada's second biggest city, Montreal, is dumping 90 times the critical amount of certain estrogen products into the river. It only takes one nanogram (ng) of steroids per liter of water to disrupt the endocrinal system of fish and decrease their fertility. Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918170628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911150057.htm Scientists have proposed a new link to rainfall and temperature patterns in southeast Africa. Examining data from African lake core sediments covering the past 60,000 years, the researchers report in this week's Science Express that the region's climate does not march in lockstep with a circulatory system known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone, as previously believed. The finding could help scientists understand how tropical Africa will respond to global warming. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911150057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918171148.htm Research suggests synthetic carbon molecules called fullerenes, or buckyballs, have a high potential of being accumulated in animal tissue, but the molecules also appear to break down in sunlight, perhaps reducing their possible environmental dangers. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918171148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915083723.htm Snails, crabs, insect larvae - the shores of rivers and lakes are populated by thousands of small animals that play an important role in the food chain of the freshwater ecosystem. They eat the leaves which fall into the water, among other things, and help keep the waters clean. Scientists are now studying the impact that ship-induced waves can have on these small animals. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915083723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918091331.htm The only scientific team to successfully brave Hurricane Ike's knock-down winds and swells in Galveston was the DOW, the Doppler on Wheels mobile weather radar operated by the Center for Severe Weather Research in Boulder, Colo. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918091331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917145141.htm A nationwide study of nitrate trends in the ground water of the United States was recently completed by scientists at the US Geological Survey. Nitrate is the most common chemical contaminant found in ground water, and is related to infant health and possible cancer risks. The study focused on 24 well networks in the US from 1988 to 2004, of which seven well networks showed statistically significant increases in concentrations of nitrate during this period. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917145141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916143856.htm New research could help breeders to develop pea varieties able to withstand drought stress and climate change. The research also shows that the composition of crops is likely to change with the climate. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916143856.htm