Possible record-setting dead zone for Gulf of Mexico

Scientists are expecting a very large “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico and a smaller than average hypoxic level in the Chesapeake Bay this year, based on several NOAA-supported forecast models.

NOAA releases draft proposal to expand Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA today released for public comment a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and proposed rule for expanding the boundaries of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron from its current 448 square miles to 4,300 square miles.

2012 ranks as 2nd costliest year with 11 billion-dollar disasters causing more than $110 billion in damages

Sandy caused approximately $65 billion and drought nearly $30 billion in damage, according to a final report by NOAA's National Climatic Data Center.

Scientists find ancient microbes in Antarctic lake

In one of the most remote lakes of Antarctica, nearly 65 feet (19.8 meters) beneath the icy surface, scientists have uncovered a community of bacteria.

Drygalski Ice Tongue, Antarctica

Take a peek at our latest Earth image of the week. If you like it, download it!

Ice sheet loss at both poles increasing, study finds

An international team of experts has produced the most comprehensive and accurate assessment to date of ice sheet losses in Greenland and Antarctica and their contributions to sea level rise.

Contribution of particulate matter from air pollution to forest decline

Air pollution is related to forest decline and also appears to attack the protecting wax on tree leaves and needles. Scientists have now discovered a responsible mechanism: particulate matter salt compounds that become deliquescent because of humidity and form a wick-like structure that removes water from leaves and promotes dehydration.

Stone Age technological and cultural innovation accelerated by climate change

Technological innovation during the Stone Age occurred in fits and starts and was climate-driven, according to new research. Abrupt changes in rainfall in South Africa 40,000 to 80,000 years ago triggered the development of technologies for finding refuge and the behavior of modern humans.

Predators affect the carbon cycle, study shows

A new study shows that the predator-prey relationship can affect the flow of carbon through an ecosystem. This previously unmeasured influence on the environment may offer a new way of looking at biodiversity management and carbon storage for climate change.