How does mercury accumulation vary in tropical forests?
As a global pollutant, mercury (Hg) is emitted directly into the atmosphere from geogenic and anthropogenic sources and previously deposited Hg in natural surfaces. Previous studies in subtropical evergreen forests have shown that climate, vegetation.....»»
Study shows tree species have different strategies for coping with light conditions in forest understory
Scientists at the Institute of Applied Ecology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have made a breakthrough in understanding why Korean pine trees are struggling to regenerate naturally in certain forests. These broad-leaf Korean pine forests are vita.....»»
Studies find China-based emissions of three potent climate-warming greenhouse gases have spiked in past decade
When it comes to heating up the planet, not all greenhouse gases are created equal. They vary widely in their global warming potential (GWP), a measure of how much infrared thermal radiation a greenhouse gas would absorb over a given time frame once.....»»
Of ants and trees: "Evolutionary déjà vu" in the tropical rainforest
Ants are famous for their regimented and complex social behaviors. In the tropics, they are also famous for forming mutualisms with plants. Certain species of trees have conspicuous hollow swellings that house ants, often feeding the ants with specia.....»»
Anatomical study of the mudskipper reveals their adaptations to walking on land
Okinawa's mangrove forests are home to many animal species, from crabs to kingfishers; they host a diverse ecosystem teeming with life. Among the quirkier residents living there is "Minami-Tobihaze"—the barred mudskipper......»»
Tropical plant species are as threatened by climate change as widely feared, study confirms
Brown University biologists who set out to better understand the effects of climate change on plant species in tropical mountain regions found that even small variations in temperature and moisture can have massive impacts, threatening not only plant.....»»
Logged forests can still have ecological value—if not pushed too far
Researchers have analyzed data from 127 studies to reveal 'thresholds' for when logged rainforests lose the ability to sustain themselves. The results could widen the scope of which forests are considered 'worth' conserving, but also show how much lo.....»»
Forests endure as carbon sink despite regional pressures, new research reveals
Despite facing regional threats like deforestation and wildfires, the world's forests continue to be a powerful weapon in the fight against climate change. A new study reveals these vital ecosystems have consistently absorbed carbon dioxide for the p.....»»
Sierra Leone rangers fight uphill battle against deforestation
As the rainclouds descend on Sierra Leone's tropical Kambui forest, a handful of khaki-clad rangers assemble for their daily patrol in the fight to preserve the West African country's dwindling wilderness......»»
Apple products eligible for US tax free holiday listed for eight states
The annual tax holiday prior to the start of the school year begins soon, and Apple has detailed exactly what products are eligible for tax exemption and other rules for six states.Tax holidayTax holiday perks and limitations vary from state to state.....»»
Scientists use machine learning to predict diversity of tree species in forests
A collaborative team of researchers led by Ben Weinstein of the University of Florida, Oregon, US, used machine learning to generate highly detailed maps of over 100 million individual trees from 24 sites across the U.S., and published their findings.....»»
Local dragonflies expose mercury pollution patterns
A new study has unveiled surprising findings about mercury pollution: where it comes from and how it moves through the environment vary significantly depending on the ecosystem. In drier regions, most mercury is deposited through rain and snow. In we.....»»
Foreign direct investments may fuel tropical deforestation
Foreign direct investments (FDI) in tropical countries in extractive industries like mining, logging and fossil fuels have a long, environmentally destructive track record in tropical countries. Are FDI in food systems another extractive industry?.....»»
Hurricanes Are Trapping Small Island Nations in Ever-Worsening Spirals of Debt
Damage from tropical storms like Beryl saddles islands with debt, which they have no hope of clearing before the next storm hits......»»
Study examines urban forests across the United States
In recent years, tree-planting campaigns have been underway in the United States, especially in cities, as part of climate mitigation efforts......»»
Studies unravel climate pattern impacts on the Antarctic Ice Sheet
New Monash research has untangled the influence of regional climate drivers, including the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (El Niño), on the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Snow accumulation and surface melting are two importa.....»»
Forest carbon storage has declined across much of the Western U.S., likely due to drought and fire
Forests have been embraced as a natural climate solution, due to their ability to soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, locking it up in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. But a new study confirms widespread doubts about th.....»»
Meteorological study provides enhanced understanding of tropical atmospheric waves
In a new meteorological study, an international team of researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF; Reading, UK), and the Nationa.....»»
Surfing NASA"s internet of animals: Satellites study ocean wildlife
Anchoring the boat in a sandbar, research scientist Morgan Gilmour steps into the shallows and is immediately surrounded by sharks. The warm waters around the tropical island act as a reef shark nursery, and these baby biters are curious about the ne.....»»
Study explores long-term impacts of ponderosa pine restoration treatment
In 1996, a group of researchers from NAU's Ecological Research Institute (ERI) embarked on an ambitious mission to study restoration across 5,224 acres of dense ponderosa pine forests on the Arizona Strip, a dry region of northern Arizona located bet.....»»
Flood watch as Beryl sweeps across US
A flood watch was in place Tuesday across multiple US states as tropical depression Beryl lashes the country's south with heavy rain after killing at least four people in Texas......»»