Topic: Geophysical Research Letters

Plastic pollution underestimated, say scientists

There's more plastic polluting the world's oceans than previously thought, according to a new study. Earlier studies failed to include the role of wind.

Saturn's frigid moon holds wisps of oxygen, scientists say

After the Cassini probe's flyby over Dione, Saturn's cratered icy moon, scientists have found strong evidence of a thin layer of oxygen in its atmosphere.

Oxygen atmosphere found on distant Saturn moon Dione (+video)

Dione's atmosphere was detected by NASA's Cassini spacecraft, which spotted an ultra-thin layer of oxygen ions so sparse that it is equivalent to conditions 300 miles above Earth.

Is Mars sucking water from its own atmosphere?

Salty soils on Mars act to collect moisture from the Red Planet's atmosphere, according to new research. The salt and the moisture combine to create a brine that may encourage nutrients.

Sky actually falling, report scientists

A study of clouds over the last 10 years has found that their altitude has been declining, perhaps offsetting some global warming. 

Massive volcanic eruptions caused Little Ice Age, froze the Thames

The research, which looked at chemical clues preserved in Arctic vegetation as well as other data, also pinpointed the start of the Little Ice Age to the end of the 13th century.

Japan's earthquake actually altered Earth's gravity, scientists find

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan in March was the fifth most powerful earthquake ever recorded. The quake also altered the distribution of the Earth's mass, affecting the pull of gravity near the epicenter.

Mysteriously swelling Yellowstone supervolcano 'not a portent of doom,' finds mostly reassuring study

For reasons that are not clear, the huge volcano under Yellowstone National Park has been rising at an unprecedented rate during the past several years. But that doesn't necessarily mean that a massive, doomsday eruption is about to happen, finds a study that manages to put everyone at ease, more or less.

Winter's freezing, so what's with Arctic sea ice?

An unusually warm January has limited the return of Arctic sea ice, whose extent set a record low for the month. The ice's ability to reflect sunlight back into space has a significant influence on climate worldwide.

Space tourism will drive climate change, study suggests

As space tourism increases, the soot and carbon dioxide emitted from rockets will contribute to climate change, new computer models predict.

Gulf oil spill plume stretches 22 miles, not breaking down much

US and Australian scientists measured the plume from the Gulf oil spill during a research cruise. The findings are published Thursday.

Huge spacequakes shaking Earth's magnetic field

A new study has found that spacequakes – tremors in the Earth's magnetosphere caused by plasma ejected from the sun – tend to pack a punch.

Alaskan glacier detaches itself from seafloor, goes rogue

The study of Columbia Glacier shows the first detailed observation of a glacier undergoing a transition from grounded to floating.

Earth's upper atmosphere collapses. Nobody knows why.

The thermosphere recently collapsed in an unexpectedly large contraction, the sheer size of which has scientists scratching their heads.

Huge Amazon storm killed half a billion trees, study finds

A violent Amazon storm in 2005 killed an estimated 441 million to 663 million trees, a new study finds, a much greater number than previously suspected.

Is the moon radioactive? Lunar map shows low amounts of uranium.

Uranium on the moon: A new moon map might dash hopes for those who want to build a lunar nuclear power plant, but may also offer clues to the moon's formation.

Massive blob of scorching magma discovered under southern Africa

A huge plume of molten rock that is linked to volcanic eruptions has been detected below southern Africa.

Saturn lightning: Superbolts recorded by Cassini spacecraft

Saturn lightning: Lightning is rarely spotted on the ringed planet. NASA's Cassini spacecraft recorded powerful lightning as it passed by.

Scientists study time of day for US summer rains

Scientists have studied the time of day when summer rains are likely to hit all regions of the US.

Hurricane season and Gulf oil pipelines. Trouble ahead?

Hurricane season is upon us and that could mean trouble for the 31,000 miles of Gulf oil pipelines that snake across the floor of the Gulf.

Active hurricane season ahead: too soon to tell oil spill's impact

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its hurricane season forecast Thursday, acknowledging that oil released by the BP Gulf oil spill could come into play if not cleaned up.

Is global warming melting the ice on Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Melting ice on Mt. Kilimanjaro is mirrored on other tropical summits around the world affected by global warming.

Of farming, methane bubbles, and Antarctic glaciers

India's vanishing groundwater

Paging Ziggy Stardust: Scientists hail 'unambiguous' evidence of Mars lake