Unpacking the Relationship Between Visible Light and Earth’s Warming: A Greenhouse Gas Perspective
Climate & Climate ZonesThe basics of the earth’s energy balance To understand whether visible light is warming the Earth, we must first review the basics of the planet’s energy balance. The Earth receives energy from the Sun, primarily in the form of visible light, but also in the form of ultraviolet and infrared radiation. This incoming solar radiation
Can Aquifer Replenishment Save Sinking Cities like Jakarta?
Water BodiesJakarta is one of the world’s fastest sinking cities. The city is sinking at an alarming rate of up to 25 centimeters per year, and it is predicted that 95% of North Jakarta will be under water by 2050. The sinking is caused by a combination of factors including excessive groundwater extraction, soil compaction, and
What is the Current Atmospheric Concentration of Carbon Dioxide?
Energy & ResourcesCarbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring gas in the atmosphere. However, human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have significantly increased the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere over the past century. This increase in atmospheric CO2 is a major contributor to global warming and climate change. It is therefore
The Science and Geography Behind the Sun’s Position Overhead in Barbados
Natural EnvironmentsBarbados is a small island nation in the Caribbean known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and friendly people. One of the most striking features of Barbados is the position of the sun overhead, which occurs twice a year. This phenomenon is of great interest to scientists and tourists alike, as it is a unique
Resolving the ‘UZ Column Shorter Than the Initial Water Depth’ Error in MIKE-SHE Model Runs
Modeling & PredictionMIKE-SHE is a popular integrated hydrologic model for simulating water flow and transport in watersheds. It is widely used in the geosciences for modeling hydrologic processes such as groundwater recharge and discharge, surface water runoff, and soil moisture dynamics. However, MIKE-SHE model runs can sometimes generate errors, one of which is the “UZ column shorter
The Carbon Footprint of War: Quantifying the Release of Carbon Dioxide into the Atmosphere
General Knowledge & EducationWar has been a constant presence throughout human history, with devastating consequences for both human life and the environment. One of the less discussed impacts of war is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere during armed conflict. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and the release of