Extensive arsenic contamination in high-pH unconfined aquifers in the Indus Valley
8-24-17
Aquifers within the Indus Plain in the Middle East have been found to be contaminated with arsenic. Arsenic is a hazardous element, which is poisonous to humans and is usually discovered in groundwater. These specific aquifers will likely affect around 150 million people, and approximately 50-60 million people rely on the severely impacted water sources, showing the need for more water testing in the area.
The issue of contaminated ground water is relevant to everyone, because this source of water is used in our every day lives in the form of drinking water, agricultural resources, daily activities, etc. The extreme impacts of the arsenic many not impact everyone, or close to everyone in the world, however the people that this situation will affect demonstrates the ways in which it could impact anyone.
The issue of contaminated ground water is relevant to everyone, because this source of water is used in our every day lives in the form of drinking water, agricultural resources, daily activities, etc. The extreme impacts of the arsenic many not impact everyone, or close to everyone in the world, however the people that this situation will affect demonstrates the ways in which it could impact anyone.
Coral Reef Fish Are More Resilient Than We Thought, Study Finds
8-31-17
Scientists have found that coral reef fish are not as vulnerable to ocean acidification as previously thought. Although the toxic CO2 emissions, which disperse and concentrate in ocean waters, do impact the behavior and capabilities of coral reef fish, they are not completely susceptible to the chemical fluctuations in their habitats. Typically the amount microatmospheres of carbon dioxide in the waters increases during the night, but slows during the day, allowing for a recuperation time. This break from the toxins can be just enough to mitigate their effects altogether on the fish (how they interact with each other, their reaction abilities, and responses to predators). However, not all coral reef fish see this "break time" from the carbon pollutants.
Coral reef fish make up a beautiful and unique part of ocean ecosystems, and without them, we humans are deprived of the peculiar beauty that the thousands of species offer. Additionally, they make up parts of various ecosystems, and there are many drastic impacts that their depletion could cause on other parts of the oceans, whether those have cultural or economic ties to the human populations.
Coral reef fish make up a beautiful and unique part of ocean ecosystems, and without them, we humans are deprived of the peculiar beauty that the thousands of species offer. Additionally, they make up parts of various ecosystems, and there are many drastic impacts that their depletion could cause on other parts of the oceans, whether those have cultural or economic ties to the human populations.
The World's Parasites Are Going Extinct. Here's Why That's a Bad Thing
9-7-17
Approximately half of all species on Earth, which there are 7.7 billion of, are parasitic, meaning that they play a massive role in the ecosystem. However, up to 1/3 of all parasites could go extinct by 2070 due to climate change. At the very least, 10% of parasitic species will be extinct by 2070.
Even though it may seem good to have parasites like malaria disappear, in reality there are infinite severe consequences worth considering. As parasites go extinct, they no longer affect their "prey," impacting the survival and evolution of many other species, creating a massive domino effect. Additionally, they leave niches in the ecosystems, allowing other parasites to take their place and develop into an unpredictable and possibly threatening species.
Even though it may seem good to have parasites like malaria disappear, in reality there are infinite severe consequences worth considering. As parasites go extinct, they no longer affect their "prey," impacting the survival and evolution of many other species, creating a massive domino effect. Additionally, they leave niches in the ecosystems, allowing other parasites to take their place and develop into an unpredictable and possibly threatening species.
Scientists say damage to Florida's coral reef has made the state more vulnerable to storm surges
9-14-17
Florida's coral reef, one of the largest in the world, has been destroyed/killed due to bleaching, dyeing, and global warming, leaving only approximately 10%. The reef serves as a barrier between land and waves, and can subside up to 97% of incoming waves. It is not as effective against ocean storms, however it can still greatly reduce their effects on the mainland, and now without it, storms/tsunamis/rising waters will be even more destructive.
This directly impacts the residents of Florida, devaluing their properties and making Florida a more dangerous place to live. It also impacts people who value the coral reefs, because they are being reduced so rapidly.
This directly impacts the residents of Florida, devaluing their properties and making Florida a more dangerous place to live. It also impacts people who value the coral reefs, because they are being reduced so rapidly.
Plant-eating dinosaurs may have dined on crustaceans on special occasions, study says
9-21-17
Recent dinosaur feces fossils have shown that apparently, previously thought herbivore dinosaurs, also sometimes ate crustaceans. Many dinosaurs, such as the hadrosaur primarily ate plants such as decomposing tree trunks, however the consumption of additional crustaceans is surprising.
The significance of the dinosaur's dietary discoveries is that they change the previously conceived ideas about ancient ecological relationships, and more importantly shows what the study of fossils can produce. This entire element of dinosaur survival was beforehand unknown, however with research, a large chunk of missing information has been restored.
The significance of the dinosaur's dietary discoveries is that they change the previously conceived ideas about ancient ecological relationships, and more importantly shows what the study of fossils can produce. This entire element of dinosaur survival was beforehand unknown, however with research, a large chunk of missing information has been restored.
GIANT ICE STRUCTURES ON PLUTO ARE EVIDENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE THERE
9-28-17
The large, spiky ice formations on Pluto, gathered around the equator and in areas of higher terrain, are similar to Earth's penitentes, meaning that Pluto is likely experiencing similar atmospheric changes to those on Earth. When sunlight concentrates in both atmospheres, it causes dips to form in ice structures, creating positive feedback where the uneven parts absorb more sunlight and continue to melt. This creates the dips between spikes.
The connection between ice structures and their specific shapes on Pluto and Earth offers more proof to the impacts of global warming on Earth. By seeing the same impacts in relation to atmospheric temperatures on the geology of another planet that highly resembles Earth helps to validate global warming because it is a separate planet, yet has the common factor of global warming and ice melt.
The connection between ice structures and their specific shapes on Pluto and Earth offers more proof to the impacts of global warming on Earth. By seeing the same impacts in relation to atmospheric temperatures on the geology of another planet that highly resembles Earth helps to validate global warming because it is a separate planet, yet has the common factor of global warming and ice melt.
Australia’s cats kill more than 1 million birds every single day
10-5-17
Feral and house cats kill approximately 377 million birds per year in Australia. 99% percent of those birds are native species to the area. Feral cats are mostly responsible, however domestic cats also are responsible for almost 70 million of these deaths. The cat/bird attacks also range over the course of 338 different species of birds.
The reason this is an issue is that 71 of these species are endangered, meaning that the massive cat population in Australia will likely lead to extinction of some species. Of course, cats cannot choose which birds to kill and which ones to leave alone, so the most viable solution to this problem is reducing the amount of cats in Australia.
The reason this is an issue is that 71 of these species are endangered, meaning that the massive cat population in Australia will likely lead to extinction of some species. Of course, cats cannot choose which birds to kill and which ones to leave alone, so the most viable solution to this problem is reducing the amount of cats in Australia.
California’s Wildfires: Why Have They Been So Destructive?
10-12-17
In California, massive wildfires are on the move, destroying all in their pathway. Especially in NorCal, in Napa Valley wine country, the fires are pushing through communities and have even killed 21 people at this point. This is prime wildfire time because of the heavy rainfall of the winter/spring (generated much plant growth), the intense and unprecedented summer heat (dried out plants, leaving ideal fuel for fire) and the Diablo winds which are blowing through California.
The fumes released from the fires are impacting much of California's air quality, and the fires will likely expand due to their ferocity and size. People and industry are being heavily impacted directly by the fires, but more importantly, the consequences of wildfires show what can and might happen soon to other areas as weather grows more extreme.
The fumes released from the fires are impacting much of California's air quality, and the fires will likely expand due to their ferocity and size. People and industry are being heavily impacted directly by the fires, but more importantly, the consequences of wildfires show what can and might happen soon to other areas as weather grows more extreme.
Here's What We Know About Fiery Oil Rig Explosion
10-19-17
A massive oil rig explosion occurred near Kenner, Louisiana, about 20 miles away from New Orleans. Seven crew members were injured, showing severe burns and trauma from the blast, and there is still an eighth member yet to be found. It is probable that the fire was started by chemicals in cleaning materials, however more important are the environmental impacts on Lake Pontchartrain. The water will soon be tested, however at a major oil drilling site, chances of ecological harm are highly likely.
The events of this oil rig explosion have direct implications on Pontchartrain's ecosystem, as well as oil rig workers. Working at drilling sites is extremely dangerous, as mentioned by National Geographic. Additionally, the degradation that oil drilling, spilling, and exploiting has on wildlife should be considered before proceeding on risky and immoral projects.
The events of this oil rig explosion have direct implications on Pontchartrain's ecosystem, as well as oil rig workers. Working at drilling sites is extremely dangerous, as mentioned by National Geographic. Additionally, the degradation that oil drilling, spilling, and exploiting has on wildlife should be considered before proceeding on risky and immoral projects.
A Satellite Chunk Could Fall on Your Head at Any Moment. Get Used to It.
10-26-17
The TIangong 1 is a Chinese satellite which will crash into Earth sometime in 2017. Created by inexperienced astronauts, it was scheduled to make a controlled landing on Earth in 2013, however the scientists made the decision to keep it running for a few more years. Now it's landing will be uncontrolled, and where it will land is unknown.
The impact of this satellite on Earth will not be massive or extremely destructive, however there is a 1/152 chance that it will hit a human, according to NASA. It is unlikely that it will hurt anyone, however this sets a precedent about how we should handle space exploration and satellites in the future, because the more activity in space = increased likelihood of similar circumstances.
The impact of this satellite on Earth will not be massive or extremely destructive, however there is a 1/152 chance that it will hit a human, according to NASA. It is unlikely that it will hurt anyone, however this sets a precedent about how we should handle space exploration and satellites in the future, because the more activity in space = increased likelihood of similar circumstances.
New great ape species identified in Indonesia
11-2-17
In Sumatra valley another ape species has been discovered. With only 7 other species, to find a new group is a pretty big deal. By studying their DNA, tracing their evolution, and analyzing their behavior (such as mating calls) has led to the realization that there is another entire ape species.
Unfortunately, the problem is that they are endangered, with only a small population of 800 individuals left. If preservation efforts are not made soon then this new and exciting species will disappear just after having been discovered.
Unfortunately, the problem is that they are endangered, with only a small population of 800 individuals left. If preservation efforts are not made soon then this new and exciting species will disappear just after having been discovered.
How to See the 2017 Leonid Meteor Shower
11-9-17
The Leonid meteor shower will occur in between November 17th and 18th and will be especially visible because of the new moon phase. In order to see 10 to 25 meteors, getting out of the urban lights and to an clear sky is ideal. Discovered in 1865, the comet Temple-Tuttle formed the debris that makes up the Leonid meteors. When the comets approach the sun, their ice melts away and then clumps of dust is released into the orbital pathway of Earth. When Earth reaches the same stage each year, as the dust collides with our atmosphere it burns brightly due to the chemical reactions, creating the celestial figures that we can see in the sky.
What makes the Leonid meteor shower noteworthy is that another shower on a similarly grand scale will not meet Earth again until 2099. This is a rare opportunity to see something interesting and beautiful in our sky.
What makes the Leonid meteor shower noteworthy is that another shower on a similarly grand scale will not meet Earth again until 2099. This is a rare opportunity to see something interesting and beautiful in our sky.
16,000 scientists sign dire warning to humanity over health of planet
11-16-17
From 184 individual countries, 16,000 scientists have joined forces to sign a published warning to humanity about the consequences of their actions on the environment and how that will devastate our future. The central thesis of the distraught letter is that if people do not come together and change the behaviors of the world as a whole, immense, irreversible damage will be done to our home. The signatures want to force us to open our eyes to how our actions and decisions are not "removed" from ourselves and there will be personal, awful implications of our behavior soon. Our temperatures are becoming hotter, our species going extinct, our sea levels are rising, and every aspect of the environment is interconnected with infinite parts of our complex and beautiful ecosystems.
This is important. This is the most important. This is so important that it should be the priority of absolutely everyone. We (primarily residents of industrialized countries) are responsible for everything that is happening. This impacts literally everyone, but the saddest part is that it disproportionately affects the poor, who don't have the money to protect themselves from the grotesque disregarding actions of the wealthy. Regardless of who holds the most responsibility for the depressing situation of climate change, we must all do everything in our power to reverse the harm that we have been doing to Earth. Especially during a time when our government is incompetent and the president is as pathetic as to treat global warming as nonexistent and unimportant, apparently the responsibility to fix the human habit lands on the people.
This is important. This is the most important. This is so important that it should be the priority of absolutely everyone. We (primarily residents of industrialized countries) are responsible for everything that is happening. This impacts literally everyone, but the saddest part is that it disproportionately affects the poor, who don't have the money to protect themselves from the grotesque disregarding actions of the wealthy. Regardless of who holds the most responsibility for the depressing situation of climate change, we must all do everything in our power to reverse the harm that we have been doing to Earth. Especially during a time when our government is incompetent and the president is as pathetic as to treat global warming as nonexistent and unimportant, apparently the responsibility to fix the human habit lands on the people.
Pilfered artifacts, three suicides and the struggle over federal land in Utah
It's not any surprise that the POTUS is trying to exploit one of the most sacred and beautiful parts of Earth to make an extra buck or two for his oil BFFs. He intends on privatizing the largest amount of national monument land to which Navajo Nation has obvious rights to. However, Navajo Nation is not included in any planning or discussing of their heritage because Trump is unwilling to confer with them or even visit the monuments that he is destroying. The land will be used for mining/ag primarily because of its oil content.
As someone who loves to hike and spend their time in the magnificent outdoors, this offense make the top of my list of reasons why I hate Trump with all of my heart. I am baffled every day by his disgraceful actions and hurtful words, wondering how it is even possible that he was elected, and then I partially console myself with the fact that at least he didn't win the popular vote. Trump is committing political georape; what a sad excuse for a human.
As someone who loves to hike and spend their time in the magnificent outdoors, this offense make the top of my list of reasons why I hate Trump with all of my heart. I am baffled every day by his disgraceful actions and hurtful words, wondering how it is even possible that he was elected, and then I partially console myself with the fact that at least he didn't win the popular vote. Trump is committing political georape; what a sad excuse for a human.
This Duck-Like Dinosaur Could Swim. That Isn’t the Strangest Thing About it.
After studying this fossil, paleontologists described it as having "a neck like a swan, a snout like a goose and forelimbs like flippers." This odd combination of elements of different species even called for the authenticity of the fossil to be investigated. However, it has been determined that it is a member of the velociraptor dinosaur group and is likely the second known dinosaur species to swim. The fossil was unearthed in Mongolia.
This particular story of speculation and surprise simply shows how little we probably know about prehistoric ages on Earth. Such research should be continued, especiallt considering how often such monumental discoveries are made.
This particular story of speculation and surprise simply shows how little we probably know about prehistoric ages on Earth. Such research should be continued, especiallt considering how often such monumental discoveries are made.
Greenland's ice sheet is driving global sea level rise. One section is melting 80% faster.
12-14-17
Arctic ice is declining at the fastest rate of the past 1500 years. In 2003 specifically, the ice sheets started to melt at an even more accelerated pace. If all of it were to melt, sea levels would rise by an entire 25 feet. By studying the hydroelectricity of this runoff, scientists have been able to track the 80% increased rate and connect it to climate change and worldwide sea levels.
It always seems to feel as if we know about climate change but will never face any personal consequences, however the impacts across the world of rising sea levels will be profoundly felt. 25 feet is a massive amount of water rise, and when flooding the wealthiest, most populated urban areas of the coast people will no longer be able to ignore climate change. Hopefully people will start to wake up before we reach the tipping point of no return.
It always seems to feel as if we know about climate change but will never face any personal consequences, however the impacts across the world of rising sea levels will be profoundly felt. 25 feet is a massive amount of water rise, and when flooding the wealthiest, most populated urban areas of the coast people will no longer be able to ignore climate change. Hopefully people will start to wake up before we reach the tipping point of no return.