EurekAlert! News by Subject: Earth Science

Earth Science

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 17-Jun-2026 11:16 ET (17-Jun-2026 15:16 GMT/UTC)

17-Jun-2026

UK rivers face rising risk of climate ‘whiplash’

University of East Anglia
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research shows that climate change could push UK rivers to dangerous extremes and see more frequent rapid swings between wet and dry conditions. Researchers analysed almost 700 river catchments across the UK to project how river flows may change at 2°C and 4°C of global warming. The results reveal stark regional contrasts and growing challenges for communities and water managers trying to plan for flood and drought risk - particularly in areas that will increasingly experience both. The team also warn of more intense river flooding during extreme rainfall events in western and northern parts of the UK and longer dry spells and lower river flows in southern and eastern England, regions that are already water‑stressed.

Journal: Earth's Future

17-Jun-2026

Scientists uncover hidden phosphorus reservoir vital for future food production

Sultan Qaboos University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers developed a simpler and more cost-effective method to measure DNA-bound phosphorus, a biologically active form of phosphorus linked to soil microbes. The study found that this hidden nutrient pool is closely associated with microbial activity and soil fertility. The findings could support more sustainable phosphorus management and agricultural production.

Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Marine Sciences [JAMS]

16-Jun-2026

How biochar helps soil carbon last longer: microbes turn dissolved organic matter into more stable forms

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A long-term field study reveals that biochar does more than add carbon to soil. Over time, it can reshape microbial activity and help transform dissolved organic matter into more humified, stable carbon pools.

Journal: Biochar

16-Jun-2026

Novel study defines “vertical marine heatwaves” in Chesapeake Bay, offers classification scheme for coastal resource management

Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study out of William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS is redefining how we visualize and track marine heatwaves in estuarine systems like the Chesapeake Bay, introducing a definition for “vertical marine heatwaves” as well as a visual classification scheme of full-column temperature conditions.

Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans

16-Jun-2026

Study finds landback returns of Indigenous lands happening across country, can lead public planning

University of Kansas
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at the Univesrity of Kansas have analyzed data from a website they built to document "lanback" returns, or returns of land to original Indigenous owners. Results show the returns have increased in frequency dramatically in recent years across the country. The returns have not been driven by law or policy, but by returns from private, non-profit, church, government and other owners deciding it is the right thing to do. These returns can help the field of public planning move beyond simple land acknowledgements in how they view land ownership and Indigenous communities, the authors argue.

Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management

16-Jun-2026

Digital twins could help melt the mystery of Alaska’s thawing permafrost

Penn State
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at Penn State have developed an artificial intelligence-powered modeling framework that uses fiber-optic sensors to monitor and predict permafrost degradation in the Arctic, offering a new tool for monitoring the stability of buildings and roads in this warming climate.

16-Jun-2026

Southeast University and Korea University study map sustainable biomass-to-energy pathways

Cactus Communications
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Biomass chemical looping is emerging as a promising route for producing renewable energy and chemicals while enabling efficient carbon management. A comprehensive review highlights advances in hydrogen, methanol, syngas, and power generation pathways, alongside the growing role of machine learning in oxygen carrier design and process optimization. The study also evaluates lifecycle and economic performance, identifying biomass chemical looping as a sustainable platform for future low-carbon energy systems.

Journal: Journal of Energy Chemistry