Environmental Science

The environment is truly a thing of beauty and should be protected whenever possible. What can we do to save the environment, and what new technology is available to help us?

Topics to Explore

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Mountain Heights Are Always Changing

If geology has taught us anything about Earth's history, it's that nothing is permanent. And that goes for mountain ranges, all of which are constantly rising and falling.

By Mark Mancini Dec 12, 2017 Geology / Geologic Processes

Most Scientists Agree Another Pangaea Is Certain, Disagree How It Will Look

Geologists agree that the world's landmasses were once all one supercontinent. Is it likely to happen again?

By Mark Mancini Dec 6, 2017 Geology / Geologic Processes

Tesla Installs World's Largest Battery in Australia

Tesla has built the world's largest lithium-ion battery storage system in Australia.

By Patrick J. Kiger Nov 30, 2017 Environmental Science / Energy Production

Scientists Identify Third-Largest Eruption in Earth’s History

The beautiful scenery in Washington state hides a darker history. It was formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption that cooled the planet.

By Laurie L. Dove Nov 16, 2017 Geology / Geologic Processes

Our World Is Rich With Places to See Real Dinosaur Tracks

Where on the planet can you visit to see with your own eyes the tracks left by dinosaurs? Fossilized dino footprints might be just outside your back door, but here are good places to start.

By Jesslyn Shields Nov 10, 2017 Geology / Paleontology

Protecting Tropical Forests Has Side Benefit: Slowing Climate Change

If you think climate change is bad now, two scientists estimate what it would be like without our protected forests.

By Jamie Allen Nov 2, 2017 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Just 10 River Systems Contribute Up to 95 Percent of Plastic in Oceans

Environmental researchers found that large river systems with lots of surrounding residents are the sources of plastic debris in the oceans.

By Mark Mancini Oct 25, 2017 Earth Science / Oceanography

How Evaporation from Lakes and Reservoirs Could Sustainably Power a Nation

Researchers have found a way to use evaporation from lakes and reservoirs to generate electricity, and say that could become a major renewable energy source.

By Patrick J. Kiger Oct 4, 2017 Environmental Science / Energy Production

Saber-tooth Kittens Were Big-boned

Researchers discovered that everyone's favorite prehistoric cat had some seriously big bones — even as a youngster.

By Robert Lamb Sep 29, 2017 Geology / Paleontology

Has Online Shopping Changed How Much Cardboard We Use?

Will Amazon's age of home delivery bury the environment in extra boxes? You might be surprised by the answer.

By Laurie L. Dove Sep 27, 2017 Environmental Science / Green Science

Scientists Seek Citizen Help to Map Nov. 5 King Tide Sea Levels

As sea levels rise, understanding the 'new normal' for coastal regions prone to flooding will be essential. There's an app for that.

By Laurie L. Dove Sep 25, 2017 Environmental Science / Green Science

Organic Farms Could Help Fight Climate Change

A study of more than 1,000 soil samples found that organic farming methods help soil retain carbon significantly more than traditional methods.

By Shaun Chavis Sep 25, 2017 Conservation / Conservation Issues

5 Things You Didn't Know About the Autumnal Equinox

The autumnal equinox is the day Earth is perfectly angled to the sun, so the day and night are of equal length. Well, almost.

By Kathryn Whitbourne Sep 21, 2017 Earth Science / Geophysics

Why Throw Out Packaging When You Could Just Eat It?

People are developing all kinds of packaging products that are tasty alternatives to landfill waste.

By Alia Hoyt Sep 12, 2017 Environmental Science / Green Science

Roman Ruins Discovered Underwater in Tunisia

Archaeologists discovered what they believe to be ruins of the Roman city of Neapolis — underwater near Tunisia.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Sep 11, 2017 Earth Science / Archaeology

Wasted Orange Peels Turn Barren Landscape Into Dense Forest

It isn't often that trash comes to the environment's rescue, but one company's wasted orange peels have transformed a barren plot of land into a lush forest.

By Laurie L. Dove Sep 8, 2017 Environmental Science / Green Science

The Caspian Sea Is Evaporating Due to Rising Average Temperatures

The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world, but it's gradually shrinking thanks to a changing climate.

By Jesslyn Shields Sep 8, 2017 Earth Science / Geophysics

Pop-up Wetlands Helping Migrating Shorebirds

A new study on The Nature Conservancy's pilot BirdReturns program finds that renting rice fields from farmers for migrating birds works.

By Tracy Staedter Aug 31, 2017 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Kodiak Bears Skipping Salmon as Climate Changes

Alaska's Kodiak bears are gorging on berries instead of salmon because of warming temperatures, which could have a ripple effect on the island's ecology.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Aug 30, 2017 Environmental Science / Green Science

Robotic Sorting Could Be the Efficient Future of Recycling

In Colorado, a recycling robot uses artificial intelligence to sort through discarded cartons more efficiently.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jul 31, 2017 Green Technology / Sustainable Technologies

There's a Second Huge Plastic Garbage Patch in the Pacific

Scientist and oceanographer Charles Moore confirmed the existence of a second huge plastic garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean.

By John Perritano Jul 27, 2017 Earth Science / Oceanography

What Happens Next to A-68, Antarctica's New Gigantic Iceberg?

Scientists are tracking the massive iceberg A-68, which recently calved from Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf, to see where it drifts and whether it breaks up.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jul 24, 2017 Earth Science / Oceanography

How Do Scientists Track Sea Level?

Measuring sea level has changed almost as much as the tides during the 200 or so years scientists have been tracking it. Find out how it's tracked today.

By John Perritano Jul 19, 2017 Earth Science / Oceanography