https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0 Made with swagger en-us 2018-01-01 22:22:34 UTC 2018-05-10 23:55:04 UTC hello@padlet.com 18hea https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/218268760 Research suggest that as sea levels rise due to global warming, so will erosion rates along California's coastal cliffs. Sudden landslides and collapses of these cliffs threaten highways, houses, businesses, parks, military bases, and power plants ; Therefore, predicting where and when these collapses will occur is critical. In a recent study, researchers used LiDAR data to create detailed elevation maps. These maps tell geologist which areas are experiencing the most erosion and are likely to collapse. This study will be particularly useful to local governments and policymakers whose job it is to identify hazardous areas and to protect our coasts.  ]]> 2018-01-01 23:36:55 UTC https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/218268760 18hea https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/223613355 Researchers at the Arctic Research Centre, presented data that shows an increased temperatures at the deep-bottom waters of north-eastern Greenland fjords. This temperature change is caused by heat that is gradually lost from the Earth's interior and is triggering the sliding of glaciers from ice sheets into the ocean. Researchers have have isolated the basin in the fjord where the most geothermal activity occurs and have estimated that the heat lost from the Earth to the fjord equivalent to  a 2 megawatt wind turbine sending electricity to a large heater at the bottom of the fjord all year round. Because these glaciers are being heated from both the top and bottom, it means they will slide more easily into the ocean. This study improves current models of ice sheets that better predict future ice sheet activity. ]]> 2018-01-23 01:48:23 UTC https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/223613355 18hea https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/224070607 A new study lead by researchers at CETEMAS-Asturias, analysed temporary changes in the chemical composition of annual growth tree rings in sub-alpine black pine forests in Spain. The study allows researchers to analyse the effects of climate change on the forest nutrient cycles, stating that forests can register chemical marks such as gas emissions from volcanic eruptions and industry. Researchers use new non-destructive methodology to study atmospheric changes in the last hundred years; the results show an increase in elements such as phosphorus, sulfur, and chlorine. the conclusion made was that the fixation of these elements in growth rings was favored by the global rise in temperature.
Furthermore, researchers conclude that trees that grow in areas with alkaline floors have increased ability to reduce global acidification in comparison to trees that grow in acid floors. ]]> 2018-01-24 02:48:37 UTC https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/224070607 18hea https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/224073700 Researchers at the University of Manchester that carried out the first ever comprehensive study of the environmental impacts of microwave appliances. According to the study, microwave appliance usage emits 7.7 million tons of carbon dioxide per year in the EU. Furthermore, microwave appliance usage across the EU consumes an estimated 9.4 TWh of electricity every year. Researchers state that efforts to reduce consumption should focus on improving consumer awareness and behavior as well as more efficient appliances. The major problem with microwaves is energy consumption. The study found that over eight years, the average user will have used 573 kWh, which is equivalent to leaving a 7 watt LED light bulb left on for nine years. In conclusion, it is necessary to develop specific regulations for microwave appliances to reduced the amount of resources used to make them as well as the wasted generated through their lifespan.]]> 2018-01-24 03:14:02 UTC https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/224073700 18hea https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/224497082 In order to keep our water sources clean, waste water from our sinks and toilets must be tracked to ensure it doesn't flow into unwanted places. However tracking wastewater can be hard to measure. Canadian researchers have found an unlikely solution, using artificial sweeteners as trackers for waste water. Artificial sweeteners have several advantages over other compounds used to track waste water including much higher concentrations as well as not breaking down as quickly making them easier to detect. Using artificial sweeteners as tracers, researchers found that in rural areas near Allison, Ontario, 30% of wells and springs contained one or more of the four sweeteners. This indicates that septic system water ended up in those sources which may contain other chemicals or bacteria. In order to fix these problems, regular inspection and maintenance of septic systems and groundwater wells should be done. ]]> 2018-01-25 02:36:50 UTC https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/224497082 18hea https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/224500053 Bio fuels and other biomass-derived products have become viable options for replacing fossil fuels. But in order to have an impact on cutting carbon emissions, bio fuels must meet certain environmental standards. A new EU regulation states that bio fuels must save 70% green house gas emissions compared to fossil fuels by 2021. However an EPFL scientist believes that we should go one step further and take into account all compounds produced at bio refineries. For example, bio fuel derived from sugar cane would include emissions from growing and harvesting the plant, transporting it to a bio refinery, and turning it into bio fuel. The problem was that until now, no computer model existed for calculating the entire life cycle of each product and coming up with an emissions figure subject to environmental requirements. However with the model, EPFL scientists hope to bring a scientific perspective to the political and economic debate on bio fuels. In conclusion, we shouldn't focus solely on green house gas emissions of bio fuels; instead, we must look more closely at emissions of each co product from bio refineries. ]]> 2018-01-25 03:00:33 UTC https://padlet.com/18hea/dnbljtzwr1l0/wish/224500053