The potential for offshore wind is expected to increase in many regions with each degree of climate warming. In Europe, offshore wind potential could increase as much as 26% if the climate warms by 4 degrees Celsius. Credit: Wikimedia commons/ Kim Hansen/ CC BY-SA 3.0
Featured Research
Warmer climates could mean more wind power
The potential for offshore wind power generation could increase substantially under climate change, new research suggests. Researchers modeled potential wind energy increases under different temperature regimes (1.5-4 degrees Celsius) and found that potential wind energy could increase approximately 9% globally. Notably, Europe could experience a 26% increase in offshore wind power potential under 4 degrees Celsius of warming. [Geophysical Research Letters research]
It’s just not that deep: shallow waters are very productive
Wetlands, shallow lakes and ponds have higher rates of oxygen production and consumption than larger lakes, according to a new study. Researchers sampled 26 shallow water bodies across Europe and North America and found high gross primary productivity, respiration and variable ecosystem-wide production, especially in the shallowest water bodies. [Geophysical Research Letters research]
Cold temperatures increased COVID-19 transmission and deaths
Outbreaks of COVID-19 in several Chinese cities were amplified by cold weather, new research suggests. Cold weather increased the number of COVID-19 cases in Beijing by 28% during the winter of 2022, and could have increased the number of deaths by up to 17%. [Geophysical Research Letters research]
More disruptive sunspots on the horizon
Solar Cycle 25 began in late 2019, marking the beginning of the Sun’s next 11-year cycle. New research using a machine learning model predicts that the Earth could receive 48% more solar shocks this cycle than it did in Solar Cycle 24, but less than in Solar Cycle 23. [Space Weather research]
Climate change has depleted groundwater in North India
In North India, a major agricultural area, summer monsoons have become drier and winter temperatures have warmed due to climate change. This hydrological change has led to rapid groundwater depletion (approximately 1.5 centimeters per year), and the downward trend is expected to accelerate as the climate continues to warm. [Earth’s Future research]
Snow droughts have increased across the Pacific Northwest
Snowfall deficits, known as “snow droughts,” contribute to water shortages in summer months as more winter precipitation falls as rain instead of snow. New research finds that snow droughts increased 10-15% over the last 30 years across the Pacific Northwest, particularly in early winter. [Water Resources Research research]
Tiny particles from explosions may help create clouds
Large explosions can release tiny soot particles, which may then make their way into the upper atmosphere. Once there, the particles could freeze and become the first building block in the process of cloud formation, a new study finds. [JGR Atmospheres research]
Ancient pines could reveal the heat of thousands of past seasons
A novel 3D CT scan approach unlocks temperature records preserved in the gnarled wood of bristlecone pines. [Eos research spotlight] [Geophysical Research Letters research]
As the river flows the colors sparkle
Diving into the science behind river color and its relationship with flow. [Eos editors’ highlights] [JGR Biogeosciences research]
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