Earth
- Oceans
Expedition finds South Pacific plastic patch bigger than India
A giant, floating ‘garbage patch’ in the South Pacific off Chile’s coast is mostly tiny bits of plastic.
- Environment
Light pollution can foil plant-insect hookups
An experiment in remote European meadows shows that light pollution at night can affect the pollination of flowers — even into sunlight hours.
- Climate
Scientists Say: Weather bomb
Weather doesn’t just affect the air. Huge storms can send waves of pressure through the Earth as well.
- Climate
Here’s why Irma caused some coastal water to temporarily go missing
The first sign of an impending storm surge — and serious danger — may be the sudden, wholesale retreat of water from coastal beaches.
- Climate
Five portraits of Hurricane Irma’s record-breaking fury
A series of remarkable images capture Hurricane Irma’s power and might — and the lessons they can teach scientists.
- Chemistry
Recycling urine may be a way to boost plant growth
A new chemical method makes nutrient-rich fertilizers from human urine.
- Climate
Picturing how many Great Salt Lakes Harvey dropped onto Texas
Harvey’s astounding rainfall shattered records. The numbers are so high that it can be tough to picture what they mean. Here we give it a try.
- Climate
Hurricane Harvey proved to be a tornado master
Harvey and other hurricanes have spawned tornadoes — sometimes by the dozens. And these tropical cyclones don’t need the typical recipe to spin those twisters loose.
- Microbes
Under Antarctic ice, microbes gobble up greenhouse gas
In a lake far beneath the Antarctic ice sheet, scientists have found bacteria that eat methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
- Climate
Hurricane Harvey’s rains set U.S. record
Here are some of the issues that made this storm such an epic rainfall-producer, and why storms like it could become more common.
- Animals
Whales feast when hatcheries release salmon
Humpback whales are visiting sites where hatcheries release juvenile salmon in Alaska. It’s a dining bonanza for the huge whales.
- Science & Society
Analyze This: Seasonal hurricane costs have been rising sharply
Scientists study past hurricanes to help them predict future risks. Better predictions can help communities prepare for monster storms.
