Earth

Earth

Volcanic avalanches of rock and gas may be more destructive than previously thought

Pressures within pyroclastic flows may be as much as three times as great as observations had suggested.

Climate

Climate change communication should focus less on specific numbers

Even if nations don’t meet goals to curb global climate change, any progress is better than none.

Earth

Some volcanic hot spots may have a surprisingly shallow heat source

Mysterious hot spots of volcanic activity in the interior of tectonic plates just got a little stranger.

Climate

Africa’s ‘Great Green Wall’ could have far-reaching climate effects

The “Great Green Wall,” a tree-planting project to stop desertification in northern Africa, could alter climate patterns in the region and beyond.

Climate

How electric vehicles offered hope as climate challenges grew

Amid daunting climate change challenges, electric vehicles swerved into the spotlight this year.

Climate

Vikings may have fled Greenland to escape rising seas

Vikings abandoned Greenland in the 15th century. Lower temperatures, an expanding ice sheet and rising sea levels may have played a role in their departure.

Animals

50 years ago, scientists were genetically modifying mosquitoes

In 1971, scientists turned to genetics to control disease-spreading mosquitoes without DDT. Today, there are a variety of pesticide-free methods.

Climate

How a warming climate may make winter tornadoes stronger

A climate simulation suggests that higher winter temperatures could make twisters more powerful.

Climate

Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier ice shelf could collapse within five years

The loss of Thwaites’ buttressing ice shelf could hasten the demise of the “Doomsday Glacier” and raise the risk of dramatic sea level rise.

Climate

Wildfire smoke may ramp up toxic ozone production in cities

A new study reveals how wildfire smoke produces toxic ozone and how urban air pollution could exacerbate the problem.

Plants

Invasive grasses are taking over the American West’s sea of sagebrush

Cheatgrass and other invasive plants are expanding rapidly in the western United States, putting more places at risk for wildfires.

Climate

Climate change could make Virginia’s Tangier Island uninhabitable by 2051

Tangier Island could be lost to rising seas sooner than previously realized. Whether to save the island or move its residents remains undecided.