New Scientist - Earth New Scientist - Earth https://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist - Earth https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 Why supersonic, diamond-spewing volcanoes might be coming back to life https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134830-100-why-supersonic-diamond-spewing-volcanoes-might-be-coming-back-to-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000 Strange volcanoes called kimberlites bring diamonds up from Earth's depths. Scientists have always struggled to understand why they switched off millions of years ago – but perhaps they didn't mg26134830-100-why-supersonic-diamond-spewing-volcanoes-might-be-coming-back-to-life|2422556 Sulphur dioxide from Iceland volcano eruption has reached the UK https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423726-sulphur-dioxide-from-iceland-volcano-eruption-has-reached-the-uk/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:38:34 +0000 A huge plume of sulphur dioxide from the latest eruption in Iceland is drifting across Europe, but it isn't expected to cause any significant harm 2423726-sulphur-dioxide-from-iceland-volcano-eruption-has-reached-the-uk|2423726 It's time to accept that we are in the Anthropocene once and for all https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134823-200-its-time-to-accept-that-we-are-in-the-anthropocene-once-and-for-all/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Humans are drastically changing the planet and the Anthropocene is a useful tool to help us deal with that – so let's stop quibbling over definitions mg26134823-200-its-time-to-accept-that-we-are-in-the-anthropocene-once-and-for-all|2422029 Stark, haunting images show Kazakhstan's former nuclear testing ground https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134810-300-stark-haunting-images-show-kazakhstans-former-nuclear-testing-ground/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 These stunning photographs are all shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2024 mg26134810-300-stark-haunting-images-show-kazakhstans-former-nuclear-testing-ground|2420267 Surprise decision not to define the Anthropocene shocks scientists https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420732-surprise-decision-not-to-define-the-anthropocene-shocks-scientists/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 05 Mar 2024 20:28:14 +0000 A proposal to define the Anthropocene, a geologic epoch defined by human activity, has been rejected – surprising even scientists who consulted the voting group 2420732-surprise-decision-not-to-define-the-anthropocene-shocks-scientists|2420732 Eerie green sunsets after 1883 Krakatoa eruption finally explained https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420411-eerie-green-sunsets-after-1883-krakatoa-eruption-finally-explained/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:07:04 +0000 Mysterious green sunsets were reported after the massive eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 – now simulations show how they were created and just how rare they are 2420411-eerie-green-sunsets-after-1883-krakatoa-eruption-finally-explained|2420411 Stark mountain landscapes exposed in Canada as glaciers shrink https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134793-600-stark-mountain-landscapes-exposed-in-canada-as-glaciers-shrink/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Global warming means many of the world’s ancient rivers of ice will be gone within decades, threatening ecosystems that rely on their meltwater, a looming crisis that photographer Edward Burtynsky highlights in his work mg26134793-600-stark-mountain-landscapes-exposed-in-canada-as-glaciers-shrink|2417984 Largest volcanic eruption in recorded history happened 7300 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418306-largest-volcanic-eruption-in-recorded-history-happened-7300-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 21 Feb 2024 13:58:06 +0000 The Kikai-Akahoya eruption of an underwater volcano off the coast of Japan ejected enough material to fill Lake Tahoe twice, three times as much as the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 2418306-largest-volcanic-eruption-in-recorded-history-happened-7300-years-ago|2418306 Bacteria could help turn CO2 to rock under extreme conditions https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416727-bacteria-could-help-turn-co2-to-rock-under-extreme-conditions/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:57:50 +0000 Microbes that rapidly convert CO2 to rock could lock away the greenhouse gas in deep underground storage sites, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs 2416727-bacteria-could-help-turn-co2-to-rock-under-extreme-conditions|2416727 Giant magma flow in Iceland was the fastest ever recorded https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416365-giant-magma-flow-in-iceland-was-the-fastest-ever-recorded/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:00:27 +0000 As a 15-kilometre crack formed ahead of the recent eruptions, magma flowed into it at the highest rate observed anywhere in the world 2416365-giant-magma-flow-in-iceland-was-the-fastest-ever-recorded|2416365 Huge deposit of natural hydrogen gas detected deep in Albanian mine https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416060-huge-deposit-of-natural-hydrogen-gas-detected-deep-in-albanian-mine/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:00:05 +0000 Companies are searching all over the world for deposits of geologic hydrogen that could be used as clean fuel, and a mine in Albania could give them clues about where to look 2416060-huge-deposit-of-natural-hydrogen-gas-detected-deep-in-albanian-mine|2416060 Enormous underwater mountains discovered off west coast of Americas https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416333-enormous-underwater-mountains-discovered-off-west-coast-of-americas/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:00:29 +0000 An ocean research vessel has just discovered four underwater mountains, the tallest almost 3 kilometres high, that might be hotspots of deep-sea life 2416333-enormous-underwater-mountains-discovered-off-west-coast-of-americas|2416333 Ocean thunderstorms generate the most intense lightning ever observed https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415868-ocean-thunderstorms-generate-the-most-intense-lightning-ever-observed/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:00:49 +0000 An analysis of satellite observations has identified some extreme thunderstorms over the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Mexico with lightning flashes so frequent that the sky would appear continuously lit 2415868-ocean-thunderstorms-generate-the-most-intense-lightning-ever-observed|2415868 Lightning during volcanic eruptions may have sparked life on Earth https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415697-lightning-during-volcanic-eruptions-may-have-sparked-life-on-earth/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:00:41 +0000 Lightning strikes during volcanic eruptions could have provided nitrogen in a form that was needed by early life forms 2415697-lightning-during-volcanic-eruptions-may-have-sparked-life-on-earth|2415697 Lithium mining looks set to reshape Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flat https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134750-200-lithium-mining-looks-set-to-reshape-bolivias-salar-de-uyuni-salt-flat/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Photographer Matjaz Krivic has been charting the effects of lithium mining on locals in the world's largest salt flat in Bolivia since 2016 mg26134750-200-lithium-mining-looks-set-to-reshape-bolivias-salar-de-uyuni-salt-flat|2413418 Siberia’s mysterious exploding craters may be caused by hot gas https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412072-siberias-mysterious-exploding-craters-may-be-caused-by-hot-gas/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:20 +0000 Several enormous craters left by explosions have been spotted in Siberia over the past 15 years, and a new explanation links them to hot gas – and climate change 2412072-siberias-mysterious-exploding-craters-may-be-caused-by-hot-gas|2412072 World's first tunnel to a magma chamber could unleash unlimited energy https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134722-100-worlds-first-tunnel-to-a-magma-chamber-could-unleash-unlimited-energy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000 In Iceland, scientists are planning to drill two boreholes to a reservoir of liquid rock. One will give us our first direct measurements of magma – the other could supercharge geothermal power mg26134722-100-worlds-first-tunnel-to-a-magma-chamber-could-unleash-unlimited-energy|2410316 Vast submerged area near Australia may once have hosted 500,000 people https://www.newscientist.com/article/2410467-vast-submerged-area-near-australia-may-once-have-hosted-500000-people/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:13:45 +0000 An area of the seabed north of Australia has been mapped in detail for the first time, revealing that large numbers of people could have lived there until it was inundated by rising seas 2410467-vast-submerged-area-near-australia-may-once-have-hosted-500000-people|2410467 See a dazzling collection of the year's best northern lights pictures https://www.newscientist.com/article/0-see-a-dazzling-collection-of-the-years-best-northern-lights-pictures/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 27 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 This spectacular selection of images is taken from the winners of the Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition, run by Capture the Atlas 0-see-a-dazzling-collection-of-the-years-best-northern-lights-pictures|2409797 We might officially enter the Anthropocene epoch in 2024 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034712-600-we-might-officially-enter-the-anthropocene-epoch-in-2024/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 26 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Scientific bodies are due to make an official decision in the coming year about whether to declare a new geochronological unit precipitated by the impact of humans on Earth mg26034712-600-we-might-officially-enter-the-anthropocene-epoch-in-2024|2409533 China started drilling ultra-deep holes in 2023 in a hunt for oil https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405911-china-started-drilling-ultra-deep-holes-in-2023-in-a-hunt-for-oil/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:05 +0000 A drilling project in the Taklamakan desert is aiming to reach more than 11,000 metres below Earth’s surface as China explores the deep earth for resources 2405911-china-started-drilling-ultra-deep-holes-in-2023-in-a-hunt-for-oil|2405911 Dead spacecraft are seeding the upper atmosphere with metal https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408674-dead-spacecraft-are-seeding-the-upper-atmosphere-with-metal/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Fri, 22 Dec 2023 14:00:55 +0000 The stratosphere seems to be full of aluminium particles and other metals that come from spacecraft burning up in the atmosphere, and those particles could mess up polar clouds 2408674-dead-spacecraft-are-seeding-the-upper-atmosphere-with-metal|2408674 Iceland volcano: Watch the Fagradalsfjall eruption live https://www.newscientist.com/video/2409607-iceland-volcano-watch-the-fagradalsfjall-eruption-live/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:48:05 +0000 Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano, located on the country’s south-west Reykjanes peninsula, has erupted after weeks of earthquake activity 2409607-iceland-volcano-watch-the-fagradalsfjall-eruption-live|2409607 The magnificent medieval map that made cartography into a science https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034692-100-the-magnificent-medieval-map-that-made-cartography-into-a-science/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000 Some 550 years ago, a Venetian monk named Fra Mauro set out to create a world map. Rather than myth and religion, it was based on solid evidence for the first time mg26034692-100-the-magnificent-medieval-map-that-made-cartography-into-a-science|2407676 Popocatépetl: Predicting Mexico's most dangerous volcano https://www.newscientist.com/video/2405321-popocatepetl-predicting-mexicos-most-dangerous-volcano/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:00:23 +0000 Few volcanos come with more risk than Mexico's Popocatépetl, situated near Mexico City.  To mitigate danger, volcanologist Chiara Maria Petrone is trying to predict its next eruption 2405321-popocatepetl-predicting-mexicos-most-dangerous-volcano|2405321 Forget the Amazon – are these the most remarkable rivers in the world? https://www.newscientist.com/article/10-forget-the-amazon-are-these-the-most-remarkable-rivers-in-the-world/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000 When most people are asked to name a river, they often reach for the Amazon or Nile, but these aren’t the only remarkable rivers out there. Here are 10 more from around the world – and solar system 10-forget-the-amazon-are-these-the-most-remarkable-rivers-in-the-world|2402386 Iceland volcano: Current cycle of eruptions could last for decades https://www.newscientist.com/video/2403158-iceland-volcano-current-cycle-of-eruptions-could-last-for-decades/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 15 Nov 2023 13:15:46 +0000 Iceland is bracing for a volcanic eruption, as thousands of small earthquakes have shaken the southern part of the Reykjanes peninsula since October 2403158-iceland-volcano-current-cycle-of-eruptions-could-last-for-decades|2403158 Ice might be ubiquitous, but we are still discovering things about it https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402814-ice-might-be-ubiquitous-but-we-are-still-discovering-things-about-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Once seen as miraculous, these days ice is no longer extraordinary. But in a winter season when Antarctic sea ice hit a historic low, it is clear we should cherish it more, says Max Leonard 2402814-ice-might-be-ubiquitous-but-we-are-still-discovering-things-about-it|2402814 Iceland volcano: 15km magma tunnel under town threatens to erupt https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402892-iceland-volcano-15km-magma-tunnel-under-town-threatens-to-erupt/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:18:23 +0000 A 15-kilometre-long mass of lava has formed underneath the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland and could erupt at any time 2402892-iceland-volcano-15km-magma-tunnel-under-town-threatens-to-erupt|2402892 Stunning image of South America's largest lake hides a dark secret https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401149-stunning-image-of-south-americas-largest-lake-hides-a-dark-secret/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:31:34 +0000 Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, the largest lake in South America, has been captured in detail by the European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission 2401149-stunning-image-of-south-americas-largest-lake-hides-a-dark-secret|2401149 Bits of an ancient planet called Theia may be buried in Earth’s mantle https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400567-bits-of-an-ancient-planet-called-theia-may-be-buried-in-earths-mantle/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:00:57 +0000 Two strange, high-density blobs buried more than a kilometre underground may have come from the ancient world Theia, which is thought to have slammed into Earth to create the moon 2400567-bits-of-an-ancient-planet-called-theia-may-be-buried-in-earths-mantle|2400567 Sun-blocking dust from asteroid impact drove the dinosaur extinction https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400245-sun-blocking-dust-from-asteroid-impact-drove-the-dinosaur-extinction/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:00:35 +0000 The Chicxulub impact 66 million years ago filled the sky with fine silicate dust, which blocked out sunlight and lingered for 15 years 2400245-sun-blocking-dust-from-asteroid-impact-drove-the-dinosaur-extinction|2400245 Ancient river valleys discovered beneath Antarctic ice sheet https://www.newscientist.com/article/2399064-ancient-river-valleys-discovered-beneath-antarctic-ice-sheet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:00:42 +0100 A better picture of the hidden landscape beneath the frozen surface of Antarctica could help us understand how the ice will respond to climate change 2399064-ancient-river-valleys-discovered-beneath-antarctic-ice-sheet|2399064 Earth’s core is oddly squishy and we may now know why https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396983-earths-core-is-oddly-squishy-and-we-may-now-know-why/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:55 +0100 Earth’s iron-rich inner core may owe some of its surprising softness to the motion of atoms, suggest experiments with iron at high temperature and pressure coupled to AI simulations 2396983-earths-core-is-oddly-squishy-and-we-may-now-know-why|2396983 Huge earthquake shook Seattle 1100 years ago and it could happen again https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394583-huge-earthquake-shook-seattle-1100-years-ago-and-it-could-happen-again/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:00:56 +0100 Analysis of tree rings shows that two faults near Seattle, Washington ruptured at the same time or soon after each other more than 1000 years ago – a repeat today would cause a major disaster in the region 2394583-huge-earthquake-shook-seattle-1100-years-ago-and-it-could-happen-again|2394583 Nearly all mammals will go extinct in 250 million years as Earth warms https://www.newscientist.com/article/2393937-nearly-all-mammals-will-go-extinct-in-250-million-years-as-earth-warms/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:00:19 +0100 If humans still exist millions of years from now, they will face inhospitably warm conditions on a supercontinent centred at the equator. Most land mammals won't be able to survive 2393937-nearly-all-mammals-will-go-extinct-in-250-million-years-as-earth-warms|2393937 Rare Australian pink diamonds emerged when a supercontinent broke up https://www.newscientist.com/article/2392517-rare-australian-pink-diamonds-emerged-when-a-supercontinent-broke-up/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:00:47 +0100 Understanding how the world’s largest-known collection of pink diamonds came to the surface in Australia around 1.3 billion years ago could help us find hidden deposits elsewhere in the world 2392517-rare-australian-pink-diamonds-emerged-when-a-supercontinent-broke-up|2392517 NASA’s UFO task force has released its final report – it’s not aliens https://www.newscientist.com/article/2392310-nasas-ufo-task-force-has-released-its-final-report-its-not-aliens/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:25:26 +0100 An independent task force formed by NASA to look into unidentified anomalous phenomena found no evidence of alien craft, and suggests that if we want to find proof of visitors we need better data 2392310-nasas-ufo-task-force-has-released-its-final-report-its-not-aliens|2392310 Tonga volcano unleashed underwater flows that reshaped the seafloor https://www.newscientist.com/article/2391215-tonga-volcano-unleashed-underwater-flows-that-reshaped-the-seafloor/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 07 Sep 2023 20:00:42 +0100 The destruction of telecommunications cables during the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano in 2022 shows that underwater debris currents can travel at 122 kilometres per hour 2391215-tonga-volcano-unleashed-underwater-flows-that-reshaped-the-seafloor|2391215 Sea level may have been higher than it is now just 6000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2383478-sea-level-may-have-been-higher-than-it-is-now-just-6000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:00:45 +0100 Climate researchers thought that current global average sea levels were the highest in more than 100,000 years, but new models suggest oceans just 6000 years ago may have been higher than at the beginning of the industrial revolution, and possibly even higher than today 2383478-sea-level-may-have-been-higher-than-it-is-now-just-6000-years-ago|2383478 Earth is coated in ancient space dust that could be from the moon https://www.newscientist.com/article/2383756-earth-is-coated-in-ancient-space-dust-that-could-be-from-the-moon/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:00:17 +0100 A 33-million-year-old layer of Earth's crust is laced with helium-3, which is normally only found in space. Now we might have an explanation for how it got there 2383756-earth-is-coated-in-ancient-space-dust-that-could-be-from-the-moon|2383756 GPS could predict earthquakes two hours ahead, but there's a catch https://www.newscientist.com/article/2382749-gps-could-predict-earthquakes-two-hours-ahead-but-theres-a-catch/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 20 Jul 2023 20:00:59 +0100 An analysis of GPS data has revealed a slow and otherwise undetectable slip of tectonic plates that begins two hours before an earthquake - but detecting this in advance would require more accurate sensors 2382749-gps-could-predict-earthquakes-two-hours-ahead-but-theres-a-catch|2382749 Stunning image of erupting volcano reminds us of Earth’s violent past https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25934480-300-stunning-image-of-erupting-volcano-reminds-us-of-earths-violent-past/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:00:00 +0100 This photo of Tungurahua, a volcano exploding in the Ecuadorian night, comes from an illustrated book to accompany a TV series about Earth’s deep history mg25934480-300-stunning-image-of-erupting-volcano-reminds-us-of-earths-violent-past|2382779 Canadian lake selected as site to mark the start of the Anthropocene https://www.newscientist.com/article/2381867-canadian-lake-selected-as-site-to-mark-the-start-of-the-anthropocene/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 11 Jul 2023 19:00:23 +0100 Geologists hoping to declare a new epoch dominated by humanity’s influence on Earth have chosen Crawford Lake in Canada as the location where the start of the Anthropocene is defined 2381867-canadian-lake-selected-as-site-to-mark-the-start-of-the-anthropocene|2381867 Chris Packham: We're precipitating a mass extermination event https://www.newscientist.com/video/2381887-chris-packham-were-precipitating-a-mass-extermination-event/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:00:33 +0100 Chris Packham's new BBC series, Earth, looks at significant moments in Earth's history, including anthropogenic climate change and biodiversity loss, "It's not a sixth mass extinction event that we're precipitating," he says, "it's a mass extermination event" 2381887-chris-packham-were-precipitating-a-mass-extermination-event|2381887 There's a gravity 'hole' in the Indian Ocean and now we may know why https://www.newscientist.com/article/2379320-theres-a-gravity-hole-in-the-indian-ocean-and-now-we-may-know-why/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Sat, 24 Jun 2023 10:00:24 +0100 Earth appears to have less mass beneath a certain part of the Indian Ocean compared with the rest of the planet. Plumes of magma at the location could explain why 2379320-theres-a-gravity-hole-in-the-indian-ocean-and-now-we-may-know-why|2379320 Humans have pumped so much groundwater, we’ve shifted Earth’s axis https://www.newscientist.com/article/2378799-humans-have-pumped-so-much-groundwater-weve-shifted-earths-axis/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Sat, 17 Jun 2023 00:06:44 +0100 Changes in the distribution of groundwater around the planet between 1993 and 2010 were enough to make Earth's poles drift by 80 centimetres 2378799-humans-have-pumped-so-much-groundwater-weve-shifted-earths-axis|2378799 See some of the images up for the Earth Photo 2023 competition https://www.newscientist.com/article/2377739-see-some-of-the-images-up-for-the-earth-photo-2023-competition/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:00:28 +0100 From a photograph of algae choking an Indian river to a shocking depiction of the wearing away of the UK coast, these are some of the pictures in the running for the contest 2377739-see-some-of-the-images-up-for-the-earth-photo-2023-competition|2377739 Kīlauea volcano: Watch live footage of the eruption in Hawaii https://www.newscientist.com/article/2377603-kilauea-volcano-watch-live-footage-of-the-eruption-in-hawaii/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:18:42 +0100 The Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii has begun erupting, spewing volcanic gas and ash across the island 2377603-kilauea-volcano-watch-live-footage-of-the-eruption-in-hawaii|2377603 Dried-up lake may explain why California is 'overdue' major earthquake https://www.newscientist.com/article/2377262-dried-up-lake-may-explain-why-california-is-overdue-major-earthquake/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:00:17 +0100 Pressure on the San Andreas fault from a now-dried lake could have been sufficient to trigger past major earthquakes in California. The lake’s disappearance could explain why there have been no such quakes for nearly 300 years 2377262-dried-up-lake-may-explain-why-california-is-overdue-major-earthquake|2377262 Why is China drilling a hole more than 10,000 metres deep? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2376788-why-is-china-drilling-a-hole-more-than-10000-metres-deep/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:36:30 +0100 An oil company in China has started drilling a hole that would be the deepest in the country and among the deepest in the world 2376788-why-is-china-drilling-a-hole-more-than-10000-metres-deep|2376788 Tonga volcano eruption disrupted satellites halfway around the world https://www.newscientist.com/article/2374488-tonga-volcano-eruption-disrupted-satellites-halfway-around-the-world/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 22 May 2023 11:00:40 +0100 A link between volcanic activity and rising bubbles of low pressure in the ionosphere has now been proven, which may be why the colossal Tonga volcano eruption in 2022 disrupted satellite communications 2374488-tonga-volcano-eruption-disrupted-satellites-halfway-around-the-world|2374488 Prehistoric Planet 2 review: Attenborough returns to ancient Earth https://www.newscientist.com/article/2373406-prehistoric-planet-2-review-attenborough-returns-to-ancient-earth/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Sun, 14 May 2023 09:01:16 +0100 The second series of this show about Earth 66 million years ago is a joy to watch - but it inspires more than it informs. A little more science would have been nice 2373406-prehistoric-planet-2-review-attenborough-returns-to-ancient-earth|2373406 These bizarre lights in the sky hint at a way to predict earthquakes https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25834370-100-these-bizarre-lights-in-the-sky-hint-at-a-way-to-predict-earthquakes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 03 May 2023 17:00:00 +0100 Semi-mythical "earthquake lights" may be accompanied by changes to Earth's magnetic field. Now researchers say these changes could be used to forecast major tremors mg25834370-100-these-bizarre-lights-in-the-sky-hint-at-a-way-to-predict-earthquakes|2371286 World's first drilling project to seek natural hydrogen hits a snag https://www.newscientist.com/article/2369083-worlds-first-drilling-project-to-seek-natural-hydrogen-hits-a-snag/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Fri, 14 Apr 2023 21:59:25 +0100 A well in Nebraska is the first in the world to have been drilled in search of naturally occurring geologic hydrogen, but tests to determine how much of the gas it might supply are on hold because of a broken pump 2369083-worlds-first-drilling-project-to-seek-natural-hydrogen-hits-a-snag|2369083 Shiveluch volcano eruption in Russia smothers nearby villages in ash https://www.newscientist.com/article/2368480-shiveluch-volcano-eruption-in-russia-smothers-nearby-villages-in-ash/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 11 Apr 2023 15:13:49 +0100 The eruption of the Shiveluch volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia on 11 April sent plumes of volcanic ash many kilometres into the air and could affect flights 2368480-shiveluch-volcano-eruption-in-russia-smothers-nearby-villages-in-ash|2368480 Next 10,000 years of Greenland ice sheet could be decided this century https://www.newscientist.com/article/2366749-next-10000-years-of-greenland-ice-sheet-could-be-decided-this-century/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 29 Mar 2023 22:30:53 +0100 Carbon emissions within the next 50 years could lead to a tipping point where large parts of the Greenland ice sheet melt over the next 10,000 years 2366749-next-10000-years-of-greenland-ice-sheet-could-be-decided-this-century|2366749 Oxygen on early Earth may have come from quartz crushed by earthquakes https://www.newscientist.com/article/2365333-oxygen-on-early-earth-may-have-come-from-quartz-crushed-by-earthquakes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 20 Mar 2023 19:00:29 +0000 Billions of years ago, crushed quartz reacting with water could have created the conditions needed for the evolution of the photosynthetic microbes responsible for most of the oxygen now in Earth’s atmosphere 2365333-oxygen-on-early-earth-may-have-come-from-quartz-crushed-by-earthquakes|2365333 Earliest evidence of a meteorite hitting Earth found in Australia https://www.newscientist.com/article/2364671-earliest-evidence-of-a-meteorite-hitting-earth-found-in-australia/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:44:09 +0000 Tiny pieces of stone found in a rock formation in Western Australia may be the oldest evidence of a meteorite impact on Earth, dating back nearly 3.5 billion years 2364671-earliest-evidence-of-a-meteorite-hitting-earth-found-in-australia|2364671 Gold hydrogen: Is there a huge reserve of clean fuel in Earth's crust? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2363076-gold-hydrogen-is-there-a-huge-reserve-of-clean-fuel-in-earths-crust/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:39:18 +0000 Geologists think there may be vast natural stores of hidden hydrogen gas within Earth, but no one is sure how much there is or how much could be recovered for energy 2363076-gold-hydrogen-is-there-a-huge-reserve-of-clean-fuel-in-earths-crust|2363076 Some of the stunning winners of the Sony World Photography Awards https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734260-200-some-of-the-stunning-winners-of-the-sony-world-photography-awards/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 From a sea turtle and diver swimming in harmony in Malaysia to a red-eyed tree frog in its Costa Rican rainforest home, take a peek at some of the winning entries in one of the most prestigious photography competitions mg25734260-200-some-of-the-stunning-winners-of-the-sony-world-photography-awards|2359097 Magnificent photograph captures eruption of Fagradalsfjall volcano https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734250-600-magnificent-photograph-captures-eruption-of-fagradalsfjall-volcano/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Olivier Grunewald took this image of the Icelandic volcano's central crater filled with lava, forming a fiery lake of liquid rock mg25734250-600-magnificent-photograph-captures-eruption-of-fagradalsfjall-volcano|2357969 Launching a huge dust cloud from the moon could ease global warming https://www.newscientist.com/article/2358603-launching-a-huge-dust-cloud-from-the-moon-could-ease-global-warming/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:00:31 +0000 Launching a million tonnes of moon dust around Earth could dim sunlight across our planet by 1.8 per cent. This would reduce the global temperature, but whether it would be worth the resources, and the risks involved in such a strategy, are unclear 2358603-launching-a-huge-dust-cloud-from-the-moon-could-ease-global-warming|2358603 Two major earthquakes cause devastation across Turkey and Syria https://www.newscientist.com/article/2358051-two-major-earthquakes-cause-devastation-across-turkey-and-syria/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 06 Feb 2023 13:24:06 +0000 At least 1500 people have died in Turkey and Syria after a 7.8-magnitude quake followed by a 7.5-magnitude quake in the same region less than 10 hours later 2358051-two-major-earthquakes-cause-devastation-across-turkey-and-syria|2358051 Earth's 'geological thermostat' is too slow to prevent climate change https://www.newscientist.com/article/2356654-earths-geological-thermostat-is-too-slow-to-prevent-climate-change/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:00:20 +0000 Rock weathering has helped keep Earth’s climate relatively stable for millions of years, but the process isn't fast enough to keep up with human carbon emissions 2356654-earths-geological-thermostat-is-too-slow-to-prevent-climate-change|2356654 The mysterious underwater avalanches reshaping Earth https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734230-200-the-mysterious-underwater-avalanches-reshaping-earth/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:30:00 +0000 Turbidity currents are cascades of sediment that tumble down Earth’s 9000 submarine canyons carrying carbon, plastics and pharmaceuticals into the deep sea. We are finally learning just how often these dramatic events occur. mg25734230-200-the-mysterious-underwater-avalanches-reshaping-earth|2355714 Earthquakes suggest Earth's core has started spinning more slowly https://www.newscientist.com/article/2355859-earthquakes-suggest-earths-core-has-started-spinning-more-slowly/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:00:02 +0000 Measurements of seismic waves travelling through Earth’s inner core indicate that its rotation may be slowing, switching its direction relative to the rest of the planet’s spin 2355859-earthquakes-suggest-earths-core-has-started-spinning-more-slowly|2355859 Help in the hunt for neutrinos while exploring deep-sea ecosystems https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734224-700-help-in-the-hunt-for-neutrinos-while-exploring-deep-sea-ecosystems/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0000 The Deep Sea Explorers project is calling for volunteers to help remove noise from data collected by a neutrino telescope at the bottom of the sea, finds Layal Liverpool mg25734224-700-help-in-the-hunt-for-neutrinos-while-exploring-deep-sea-ecosystems|2355309 How a planet became a character in my new novel https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734221-200-how-a-planet-became-a-character-in-my-new-novel/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0000 My new novel The Terraformers explores what you might include - and leave out - if you were building an Earth-like planet. I spoke to some scientists to see what might work, says Annalee Newitz mg25734221-200-how-a-planet-became-a-character-in-my-new-novel|2354867 In 2023, we have many opportunities to build a better future https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634180-100-in-2023-we-have-many-opportunities-to-build-a-better-future/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 28 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000 The coming year will be a turning point for the Amazon rainforest, artificial intelligence and even our diets. Let's choose a more hopeful direction for humanity mg25634180-100-in-2023-we-have-many-opportunities-to-build-a-better-future|2352207 Tonga volcano eruption was the most explosive of the 21st century https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634174-600-tonga-volcano-eruption-was-the-most-explosive-of-the-21st-century/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 14 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000 The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in Tonga on 15 January 2022 created 90-metre high tsunamis and shot ash 57 kilometres into the sky mg25634174-600-tonga-volcano-eruption-was-the-most-explosive-of-the-21st-century|2351396 2022: The year of rolling polycrisis, but with a few glimmers of hope https://www.newscientist.com/article/0-2022-the-year-of-rolling-polycrisis-but-with-a-few-glimmers-of-hope/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 14 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000 This year, there were the lows of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, soaring prices and extreme weather, and the highs of an accelerating shift to green energy and space wonders from the James Webb Space Telescope 0-2022-the-year-of-rolling-polycrisis-but-with-a-few-glimmers-of-hope|2351681 Wintry scenes top Weather Photographer of the Year competition https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634170-600-wintry-scenes-top-weather-photographer-of-the-year-competition/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 14 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000 Christopher Ison's photo of Storm Eunice and Zhenhuan Zhou’s shot of Niagara Falls covered in ice have taken the top prizes in the Royal Meteorological Society’s annual competition mg25634170-600-wintry-scenes-top-weather-photographer-of-the-year-competition|2351074 How well do you know your animal poo? Find out with this picture quiz https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634172-000-how-well-do-you-know-your-animal-poo-find-out-with-this-picture-quiz/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000 Can you match these pictures of poo to the animal responsible? This quiz from naturalist Chris Packham is a bit of fun - but you will learn some fascinating faeces facts along the way mg25634172-000-how-well-do-you-know-your-animal-poo-find-out-with-this-picture-quiz|2351088 The Volcano review: Heartbreaking documentary relives Whakaari tragedy https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634161-300-the-volcano-review-heartbreaking-documentary-relives-whakaari-tragedy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000 An intense and moving documentary tells the story of tourists caught on the volcanic island of Whakaari when it erupted in 2019 mg25634161-300-the-volcano-review-heartbreaking-documentary-relives-whakaari-tragedy|2349713 Marine sciences must cast off an imperial legacy of ocean exploitation https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634160-800-marine-sciences-must-cast-off-an-imperial-legacy-of-ocean-exploitation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000 A century and a half after HMS Challenger embarked on the first global survey of the ocean, some ideas from the era still linger. They urgently need to be left behind, says Helen Scales mg25634160-800-marine-sciences-must-cast-off-an-imperial-legacy-of-ocean-exploitation|2349698 How did so many giant meat-eating dinosaurs co-exist in the Jurassic? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634161-800-how-did-so-many-giant-meat-eating-dinosaurs-co-exist-in-the-jurassic/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 05 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000 It took a lot of meat to feed even one species of large carnivorous dinosaur, so how did several survive side-by-side in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods without starving? We might finally have the answer mg25634161-800-how-did-so-many-giant-meat-eating-dinosaurs-co-exist-in-the-jurassic|2349718 Yellowstone supervolcano contains twice as much melted rock as thought https://www.newscientist.com/article/2349550-yellowstone-supervolcano-contains-twice-as-much-melted-rock-as-thought/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 01 Dec 2022 19:00:20 +0000 There is more melted rock under Yellowstone Caldera – a volcano in Wyoming – than was previously estimated, but that doesn’t change the likelihood of an eruption 2349550-yellowstone-supervolcano-contains-twice-as-much-melted-rock-as-thought|2349550 Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano is erupting for the first time since 1984 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2348871-hawaiis-mauna-loa-volcano-is-erupting-for-the-first-time-since-1984/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:26:38 +0000 For the first time in nearly 40 years, the world’s largest active volcano is erupting in Hawaii, after weeks of increased activity at the caldera 2348871-hawaiis-mauna-loa-volcano-is-erupting-for-the-first-time-since-1984|2348871 The Darkness Manifesto review: Why we need to turn out the lights https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634140-600-the-darkness-manifesto-review-why-we-need-to-turn-out-the-lights/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000 Light pollution disrupts animals and has also been linked to human ailments. Bat scientist Johan Eklöf has some useful fixes in his new book mg25634140-600-the-darkness-manifesto-review-why-we-need-to-turn-out-the-lights|2347880 Landslides can be triggered by small changes in atmospheric pressure https://www.newscientist.com/article/2347294-landslides-can-be-triggered-by-small-changes-in-atmospheric-pressure/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 16 Nov 2022 14:52:54 +0000 We knew earthquakes and heavy rain could initiate landslides, but now it seems alterations in atmospheric pressure can do it too if combined with certain conditions on the ground 2347294-landslides-can-be-triggered-by-small-changes-in-atmospheric-pressure|2347294 Tonga eruption's volcanic plume reached above the stratosphere twice https://www.newscientist.com/article/2345643-tonga-eruptions-volcanic-plume-reached-above-the-stratosphere-twice/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 03 Nov 2022 18:00:08 +0000 The plume ejected by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano in January entered the mesosphere, the layer of atmosphere above the stratosphere, twice during the eruption 2345643-tonga-eruptions-volcanic-plume-reached-above-the-stratosphere-twice|2345643 BBC Earth Podcast review: Get stuck into nature – wherever you find it https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634101-300-bbc-earth-podcast-review-get-stuck-into-nature-wherever-you-find-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 26 Oct 2022 19:00:00 +0100 A new season of the BBC Earth Podcast kicks off with Safari, an episode that encourages us to engage with nature, whether it is in the Scottish rainforests or just the scruffy green patch outside your office mg25634101-300-bbc-earth-podcast-review-get-stuck-into-nature-wherever-you-find-it|2343815 Stunning winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition https://www.newscientist.com/article/2342640-stunning-winners-of-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-competition/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Mon, 17 Oct 2022 12:50:04 +0100 From bees hunting for a mate to a giant sea star procreating, these incredible images are some of the winners in the prestigious wildlife photography competition 2342640-stunning-winners-of-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-competition|2342640 Dazzling photograph of pink-breasted galahs in Australian desert https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634070-200-dazzling-photograph-of-pink-breasted-galahs-in-australian-desert/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 05 Oct 2022 19:00:00 +0100 This image of a flock of galahs taking off from a tree was captured by artist and photographer Christian Spencer, while out driving in Australia's Strzelecki desert mg25634070-200-dazzling-photograph-of-pink-breasted-galahs-in-australian-desert|2340653 Striking photos show scale of development in sub-Saharan Africa https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25634060-800-striking-photos-show-scale-of-development-in-sub-saharan-africa/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:00:00 +0100 These arresting images of industrial developments in Senegal, South Africa and Namibia were taken by Edward Burtynsky, who spent four years capturing African landscapes using aerial photography mg25634060-800-striking-photos-show-scale-of-development-in-sub-saharan-africa|2339435 Western Arctic Ocean is acidifying four times faster than other oceans https://www.newscientist.com/article/2340425-western-arctic-ocean-is-acidifying-four-times-faster-than-other-oceans/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 29 Sep 2022 20:00:09 +0100 Melting ice has increased how fast Arctic waters are absorbing carbon dioxide, making them more acidic faster. The change could disrupt entire marine ecosystems 2340425-western-arctic-ocean-is-acidifying-four-times-faster-than-other-oceans|2340425 Frozen Planet II review: David Attenborough's sequel dazzles https://www.newscientist.com/article/2336880-frozen-planet-ii-review-david-attenboroughs-sequel-dazzles/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 08 Sep 2022 11:52:31 +0100 The spectre of climate change hangs over David Attenborough’s follow-up to Frozen Planet, while two new nature documentary series, Epic Adventures With Bertie Gregory and Super/Natural, are no match for the veteran presenter 2336880-frozen-planet-ii-review-david-attenboroughs-sequel-dazzles|2336880 Earthquakes seem to come in a more predictable pattern than we thought https://www.newscientist.com/article/2334746-earthquakes-seem-to-come-in-a-more-predictable-pattern-than-we-thought/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 23 Aug 2022 17:44:35 +0100 A machine learning algorithm can assess how likely it is that a large earthquake will hit a region over the next few years, which could one day help mitigate damage from future quakes 2334746-earthquakes-seem-to-come-in-a-more-predictable-pattern-than-we-thought|2334746 A second asteroid may have struck Earth when the dinosaurs died out https://www.newscientist.com/article/2334164-a-second-asteroid-may-have-struck-earth-when-the-dinosaurs-died-out/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 17 Aug 2022 20:00:31 +0100 A possible impact crater under the sea off West Africa might have been made by a smaller piece that broke off the asteroid that wiped out most dinosaurs 2334164-a-second-asteroid-may-have-struck-earth-when-the-dinosaurs-died-out|2334164 The hunt for hidden impact craters that could reveal Earth’s deep past https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25533981-500-the-hunt-for-hidden-impact-craters-that-could-reveal-earths-deep-past/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0100 Geologist Ludovic Ferrière travels the world in search of undiscovered impact craters left behind by asteroids and comets striking Earth. He tells us how he finds them mg25533981-500-the-hunt-for-hidden-impact-craters-that-could-reveal-earths-deep-past|2331701 Reclassification of Earth's minerals reveals 4000 more than we thought https://www.newscientist.com/article/2326920-reclassification-of-earths-minerals-reveals-4000-more-than-we-thought/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:07:59 +0100 Some scientists suggest minerals should be reorganised by the methods that make them, which would increase the known number of minerals on Earth by 75 per cent 2326920-reclassification-of-earths-minerals-reveals-4000-more-than-we-thought|2326920 More than 950 killed in magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Afghanistan https://www.newscientist.com/article/2325573-more-than-950-killed-in-magnitude-5-9-earthquake-in-afghanistan/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:26:56 +0100 An earthquake near the city of Khōst in south-east Afghanistan has killed nearly a thousand people and injured hundreds 2325573-more-than-950-killed-in-magnitude-5-9-earthquake-in-afghanistan|2325573 How long does evolution take? It happens on two different timescales https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25433910-900-how-long-does-evolution-take-it-happens-on-two-different-timescales/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:38:00 +0100 To make sense of the fact that adaptation can happen quickly and yet true evolutionary change seems to take forever, biologists suggest that evolution runs on two very different clocks mg25433910-900-how-long-does-evolution-take-it-happens-on-two-different-timescales|2324130 Emissions from rocket launches could affect Earth's weather systems https://www.newscientist.com/article/2324367-emissions-from-rocket-launches-could-affect-earths-weather-systems/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:58:59 +0100 Increasing numbers of space launches will put more black carbon high in the atmosphere, where it can trap heat from the sun 2324367-emissions-from-rocket-launches-could-affect-earths-weather-systems|2324367 Dazzling photo of a pink salt lake shortlisted for major competition https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25433900-200-dazzling-photo-of-a-pink-salt-lake-shortlisted-for-major-competition/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0100 Picture of a salt lake in southern Ukraine is shortlisted for Earth Photo 2022, a competition that aims to celebrate the environment and its inhabitants mg25433900-200-dazzling-photo-of-a-pink-salt-lake-shortlisted-for-major-competition|2323072 Vast reservoir of water discovered under the ice in Antarctica https://www.newscientist.com/article/2318951-vast-reservoir-of-water-discovered-under-the-ice-in-antarctica/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Thu, 05 May 2022 20:00:31 +0100 Ice streams in Antarctica carry ice from the continent’s centre to the ocean, and there appears to be a huge amount of water buried beneath one, which may affect its flow 2318951-vast-reservoir-of-water-discovered-under-the-ice-in-antarctica|2318951 What are the mysterious continent-sized lumps deep inside Earth? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25433852-000-what-are-the-mysterious-continent-sized-lumps-deep-inside-earth/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 04 May 2022 13:00:00 +0100 For decades, planetary scientists have been trying to understand the origins of two colossal geological anomalies inside our planet. New insights suggest they could be leftovers from a cosmic collision mg25433852-000-what-are-the-mysterious-continent-sized-lumps-deep-inside-earth|2318456 All four of the key DNA building blocks have been found in meteorites https://www.newscientist.com/article/2317479-all-four-of-the-key-dna-building-blocks-have-been-found-in-meteorites/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Tue, 26 Apr 2022 17:00:25 +0100 We have now discovered all four building blocks of DNA in meteorite samples, suggesting that space rocks may have delivered the compounds to Earth, contributing to the origin of life 2317479-all-four-of-the-key-dna-building-blocks-have-been-found-in-meteorites|2317479 30 by 30: The conservation breakthrough we need to save biodiversity https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25433820-800-30-by-30-the-conservation-breakthrough-we-need-to-save-biodiversity/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=earth Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:00:00 +0100 Negotiators are hammering out a bold plan to set aside 30 per cent of global land and sea area for nature by the end of the decade. But can they succeed – and will it work? mg25433820-800-30-by-30-the-conservation-breakthrough-we-need-to-save-biodiversity|2315834