Imagine an entire county run out of water…

That’s exactly what happened to Pacific island countries of Tuvalu and it’s neighbor Tokelau.  Saltwater intrusions have rendered their groundwater undrinkable and the strong La Niña has reduced the amount of precipitation to these countries. Rising sea levels and climate change are at least partially to blame.

Filed under environment, global warming, sustainability, water resources | Tags: climate change, groundwater, sustainability, water resources | Comment (1)

Clues to Earth’s long history from diamonds

Guest post by Stefan Koester

Scientists at the University of Bristol in England are finding clues to the earth’s carbon cycle by studying diamonds that were once 435 miles below the  earth’s surface. By examining the microscopic impurities within the diamonds, scientists are unlocking the many mysteries that remain regarding the carbon cycle and its many interrelated earth cycles. The worlds oceans are large carbon sinks that could be help answer solve some environmental questions. The discovery will also help researchers improve on the theory of plate tectonics. “The mantle is the biggest reservoir of carbon, and we know very little about it,” Dr. Michael Walter said.  The scientists say that while the presence of this deep carbon will not influence climate, but there is a potential long-term sink for carbon in the lower mantle.

Filed under geology, global warming, minerals, plate tectonics | Tags: carbon cycle, diamonds, earth, plate tectonics | Comment (0)