Earth

Genetics

Readers ponder geothermal power and more

Readers respond to stories from the May 26, 2018 issue of Science News.

Climate

Why won’t this debate about an ancient cold snap die?

Critics are still unconvinced that a comet caused a mysterious cold snap 12,800 years ago.

Earth

This volcano revealed its unique ‘voice’ after an eruption

Identifying patterns in a volcano’s low-frequency sounds could help monitor its activity.

Earth

Underwater fiber-optic cables could moonlight as earthquake sensors

The seafloor cables that ferry internet traffic across oceans may soon find another use: detecting underwater earthquakes.

Animals

Here’s what narwhals sound like underwater

Scientists eavesdropped while narwhals clicked and buzzed. The work could help pinpoint how the whales may react to more human noise in the Arctic.

Climate

Antarctica has lost about 3 trillion metric tons of ice since 1992

Antarctica’s rate of ice loss has sped up since 1992 — mostly in the last five years, raising global sea level by almost 8 millimeters on average.

Environment

Sunshine is making Deepwater Horizon oil stick around

Sunlight created oxygen-rich oil by-products that are still hanging around eight years after the Deepwater Horizon spill.

Climate

Tropical cyclones have slowed over the last 70 years

Tropical cyclones are moving 10 percent slower, on average, than they did in the mid-20th century, potentially making them more dangerous.

Environment

A big analysis of environmental data strengthens the case for plant-based diets

A new study calculates the bonus for the planet of choosing more foods from plants.

Earth

Here’s a look at the world’s deadliest volcanoes — and the ways they kill

Scientists gathered data on nearly 280,000 global volcano deaths from 1500 to 2017 and sorted fatalities by cause of death, such as lava flows or gas.

Environment

Treating roads with oil and gas wastewater may spread harmful pollution

When spread on roads, wastewater from oil and gas production can leach radium and other contaminants into the environment, a new study finds.

Climate

The first Americans could have taken a coastal route into the New World

Alaskan glaciers retreated in time for ancient coastal entries of the first Americans.