Cave deposits show surprising shift in permafrost over the last 400,000 years
Study finds Earth’s frozen surfaces became less susceptible to thawing, potentially locking in more carbon than expected.
How to get salt out of water: Make it self-eject
Crystallizing salts can grow “legs,” then tip over and fall away, potentially helping to prevent fouling of metal surfaces, researchers find.
Navigating beneath the Arctic ice
A team of MIT engineers has developed a navigational method for autonomous vehicles to navigate accurately in the Arctic Ocean without GPS.
Ancient atmospheric oxygen sleuthing with ocean chromium
Findings show how the trace metal is chemically altered in the anoxic, modern ocean and provide the basis for investigating paleorecords of atmosphere composition shifts.
Study reveals uncertainty in how much carbon the ocean absorbs over time
Climate projections could be off by five years, researchers find.
Study predicts the oceans will start emitting ozone-depleting CFCs
As atmospheric concentrations of CFC-11 drop, the global ocean should become a source of the chemical by the middle of next century.
3 Questions: Claude Grunitzky MBA '12 on launching TRUE Africa University
CIS research affiliate describes his goals in creating a webinar series exploring sustainable development in Africa.
Reductions in CFC-11 emissions put ozone recovery back on track
Scientists observe reduction in emissions of banned ozone-depleting chemical after unexpected spike.
Geologists produce new timeline of Earth’s Paleozoic climate changes
The record shows ancient temperature variations coinciding with shifts in the planet’s biodiversity.
3 Questions: Ernest Moniz on the future of climate and energy under the Biden-Harris administration
Former US energy secretary discusses opportunities and challenges with MITEI Director Robert Armstrong.
Boosting the efficiency of carbon capture and conversion systems
New design could speed reaction rates in electrochemical systems for pulling carbon out of power plant emissions.
Rock magnetism uncrumples the Himalayas’ complex collision zone
MIT EAPS researchers find the impressive mountain range formed over a series of impacts, not a single event, as previously thought.
Aerosols from pollution, desert storms, and forest fires may intensify thunderstorms
Researchers identify a mechanism by which small particles in the atmosphere can generate more frequent thunderstorms.
MIT oceanographers have an explanation for the Arctic’s puzzling ocean turbulence
New study suggests waters will become more turbulent as Arctic loses summertime ice.
Case studies show climate variation linked to rise and fall of medieval nomadic empires
Recent virtual lecture explores how paleoclimatology provides important context for examining the activities of past human societies.