Genetic determination of gender is linked to live birth and evolutionary success of ancient marine reptiles, study finds.

Most of the birds in California’s Sierra Nevada range are on the move in response to recent climate changes.

Cyclones striking the Gulf Coast in recent years have spawned more twisters that those that hit the region in the mid-20th century. (p. 11)

New glacier model helps explain how ice masses can grow even in a generally warming climate.

Quake data analyses yield an improved model of Southern California’s crust.

Food chemists reveal their secrets to juicier, tastier barbecue.

Sonar survey spots previously unknown plume in the depths off California.

The eruption in 1600 of a seemingly quiet volcano in Peru changed global climate and triggered famine as far away as Russia

The thundering roar at the base of Niagara Falls is awesome indeed. On an average summer day, about 40 million gallons of water spill over the half-mile–wide Canadian portion of the cataract each minute. After falling over a cliff taller than a 16-story building, water pummels the rocks below, incessantly eroding the base of the cliff and triggering rockfalls. Before the 20th century, when engineers weakened the Niagara River by diverting some of its flow to produce hydroelectric power, the falls marched upstream an average of more than a meter per year. Niagara Falls is one of the last ... (p. 18)

Satellite data reveals that increased irrigation pressure is rapidly depleting groundwater in northern India. (p. 5)

Airborne sensors can identify mineral outcrops and soil that may contain natural asbestos. (p. 14)

Scientists identify how a hydrocarbon commonly emitted by plants is converted to light-scattering aerosols. (p. 15)