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Earth Science

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 20-Jun-2026 09:16 ET (20-Jun-2026 13:16 GMT/UTC)

Ice may release more iron than climate models predict

Umea University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Most people think of ice as frozen and lifeless, but research at Umeå University shows the opposite. A new study published in PNAS demonstrates that ice actively speeds up the breakdown of iron minerals and may release more iron than current environmental models account for. This is crucial for predicting how nutrient cycles, carbon storage, and water quality will change in polar and mountain regions as the planet warms.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Weathering changes the long-term role of biochar in soil carbon storage and pollution control

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Biochar is often described as a stable form of carbon that can improve soils, store carbon, and help immobilize pollutants. But once biochar is applied to farmland, contaminated sites, or other soils, it does not remain unchanged. A new review published in Biochar examines how biochar weathers over time and what those changes mean for soil health, carbon sequestration, and soil remediation.

Journal: Biochar

Machine learning helps farmers use biochar more precisely to manage soil phosphorus

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Phosphorus is essential for crop growth, but using it efficiently remains one of agriculture’s long-standing challenges. Farmers often apply large amounts of phosphorus fertilizer to maintain yields, yet only a small fraction is taken up by crops. The rest can become locked in soil or escape into waterways, contributing to nutrient pollution and eutrophication.

Journal: Biochar

Study reveals unexpected freshwater hotspots in China's deep western lakes

Science China Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study in National Science Review presents the first comprehensive 3D mapping of China's lakes. Researchers found that 65% of the nation's natural lake freshwater is stored in deep lakes of the remote western interior, rather than the water-abundant east. This discovery highlights a severe geographic imbanlance with population distribution, underscoring the vital role of artificial reservoirs and the need for region-specific water governance strategies.

Journal: National Science Review

Ancient dust points to retreat of West Antarctic Ice Sheet during last warm period

Columbia Climate School
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet may have been far smaller during one of Earth’s most recent warm periods, according to a new study that traced the origin of ancient dust preserved in Antarctic ice.

Journal: Nature Geoscience

Innovative satellite network for computed tomography of clouds to improve climate predictions will be initiated in orbit

Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Business Announcement

Scientists from Israel and Germany have completed integration and testing of the first nanosatellite in the CloudCT network, an innovative space mission designed to improve climate predictions through three-dimensional imaging of clouds. The satellite is scheduled for launch from California in June 2026, with ten additional satellites planned for 2027 if the precursor mission succeeds.

Led by Prof. Ilan Koren of the Weizmann Institute of Science, Prof. Yoav Schechner of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and Prof. Klaus Schilling of Zentrum für Telematik, the project introduces a novel cloud observation method inspired by computed tomography (CT) used in medicine. The system combines simultaneous multi-angle satellite imaging, polarization-sensitive cameras, and AI-based analysis to reconstruct the internal structure and microphysical properties of clouds in unprecedented detail.

Researchers say the mission addresses major uncertainties in climate and weather modeling by capturing small cloud formations that are difficult to observe with existing remote-sensing technologies. The miniature precursor satellite weighs about 4 kilograms and must autonomously orient itself toward target clouds with extremely high precision.

The project was supported by a European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant.

Journal: Acta Astronautica

Tropical cyclones give rise to unique type of heat wave in Japan

Tokyo Metropolitan University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Tokyo, Japan – Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have categorized a unique, previously unclassified type of heat wave in Japan, so-called “moist heat waves” which are accompanied by an approaching tropical cyclone. These heat waves are accompanied by high humidity and/or heavy precipitation, and their frequency has been rising over the last thirty years, accounting for approximately a quarter of the heat wave days surveyed. They may potentially trigger multiple natural hazards at once.

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