The tiny amount of water vapor in our atmosphere has an outsized influence on the planet as a potent greenhouse gas.
Published Oct 7, 2010
The atmosphere above the rainforest has become drier, increasing the demand for water and leaving ecosystems vulnerable to fires and drought.
Published Nov 6, 2019
Natural vegetation and irrigated farmland along the Snake River Plain in Idaho use dramatically different amounts of water during the growing season.
Published Jan 26, 2010
The Sun heats not only the air around us, but the land we walk on. Scientists are interested in the difference between the two.
Published May 2, 2012
Earth is a water planet. Three-quarters of the planet’s surface covered by ice or oceans, and the sky is filled with clouds.
Published Oct 2, 2010
In much of the world, differences in seasonal precipitation—and in how that water gets stored on land—are big enough to affect Earth’s gravity field.
Published Oct 22, 2010
Hydroxyl radicals are critical for offsetting concentrations of methane in the air.
Published Dec 8, 2018
A uniform layer of tiny “popcorn” clouds covers the Amazon Rainforest in this image from August 19, 2009. The clouds are a byproduct of photosynthesis.
Published Aug 26, 2009
About one third of Earth’s large groundwater basins are being rapidly depleted by human consumption even though we have little accurate data about how much water remains in them.
Published Jul 24, 2015
The Thermal Infrared Sensor on the newest Landsat provides insight into something invisible to human eyes: the temperature of the land surface.
Published Apr 18, 2013Image of the Day Heat Drought Human Presence Temperature Extremes
This astronaut view of blending air masses, wind fields, and light reflections is a combination of beauty and of insight about the environment.
Published Jul 22, 2013
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