Craters on Titan’s north pole may be caused by underground methane or nitrogen gas explosions, a new JGR Planets study finds. Credit: NASA
AGU News
AGU24 press registration
Press registration for AGU’s Annual Meeting is open! AGU24 will be held in Washington, D.C. from 9-13 December. Complimentary registration is available for journalists, journalism students, press officers, and institutional writers covering the meeting. Discounted housing is available through 11 November. [register here][eligibility][AGU24 press center][hotel information]
AGU launches framework for ethical geoengineering research
Last week, AGU announced the Ethical Framework for Climate Intervention. The report, prepared over two years under the guidance of more than 40 experts from around the world, highlights the need to center communities and ethics when undertaking research on large-scale climate interventions (geoengineering) — the consequences of which remain largely unknown. The report proposes five key principles that research, funding, and policies should consider.
Contact news@agu.org for interview requests. [Ethical Framework report][press kit][read the full press release here]
Featured Research
Titan’s craters may be caused by underground gas explosions
The northern polar region of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is dotted with craters that appear to have been created by explosions. A new study finds that belowground nitrogen and methane gases may have caused the explosions, either from gas vaporization or from the breakdown of methane hydrates. [JGR Planets study]
Global heatwave risk quintupled over the last century
The global risk of heatwaves increased fivefold since the early 20th century, according to new research. Heatwaves have also become more intense over that period, with humid areas experiencing more intense heatwaves while dry areas tended to have more. [Earth’s Future study]
Grasses and shrubs are critical to moisture recycling across Africa
Many African ecosystems rely on trees and grasses for moisture recycling. New research finds that while trees individually supply more water for precipitation than shrubs and grasses, Africa’s extensive grass and shrubland ecosystems contribute equally to the continent’s moisture cycle. [Geophysical Research Letters study]
Growing risk of “record-shattering” droughts along the Yangtze River
A severe drought struck the middle and lower sections of China’s Yangtze River in 2019, which led to major economic and agricultural losses. A new study finds that the likelihood of such a drought each year will increase from 2% (1961-2020) to 18% (2041-2100). [JGR Atmospheres study]
Subtle coastal sinking raises storm surge risks
New detection of millimeter-scale subsidence along vulnerable coastlines means flood risk predictions may be inaccurate. [Eos research spotlight] [JGR Earth Surface study]
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