Earth and Environment

Researchers List “Seven Chemical Separations to Change the World”

Thermally-based industrial chemical separation processes such as distillation now account for 10 to 15 percent of the world’s annual energy use. Researchers at the Georgia Institution of Technology are suggesting seven energy-intensive separation processes they believe should be the top targets for research into low-energy purification technologies. Shown are (l-r) David Sholl and Ryan Lively. (Credit: Rob Felt, Georgia Tech)

Apr 27, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

Researchers are suggesting seven energy-intensive separation processes that should be top targets for research into low-energy purification technologies.

Polluted Dust Can Impact Ocean Life Thousands of Miles Away, Study Says

May 16, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

A new modeling study conducted by researchers in Georgia Tech shows that for decades, air pollution drifting from East Asia out over the world’s largest ocean has contributed to oxygen levels falling in tropical waters thousands of miles away.

High-Resolution Model Explains Role of Soil Erosion in Carbon Budgets

Landscape of the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory in South Carolina in 1950, showing soil erosion resulting from intense agricultural practices. (Credit: U.S. Forest Service)

Jun 07, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

A high-resolution model explains how soil erosion can affect carbon cycles

Eastern U.S. Needs “Connectivity” to Help Species Escape Climate Change

Georgia Tech Research Scientist Jenny McGuire is interested in spatial questions about the ecological and evolutionary implications of climate change. In a new paper, she and collaborators quantify the concept of climate connectivity in the United States. (Credit: Rob Felt, Georgia Tech)

Jun 13, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

Improved "climate connectivity" will be needed by species in the Eastern United States.

Gravitational Waves Detected Again

This illustration shows the merger of two black holes and the gravitational waves that ripple outward as the black holes spiral toward each other. The black holes—which represent those detected by LIGO on Dec. 26, 2015—were 14 and 8 times the mass of the sun, until they merged, forming a single black hole 21 times the mass of the sun. In reality, the area near the black holes would appear highly warped, and the gravitational waves would be difficult to see directly. Image credit: LIGO/T. Pyle

Jun 15, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

Second Gravitational Wave detected by LIGO, which includes Georgia Tech researchers.

Understanding Rogue Ocean Waves May be Simple After All

A 60-foot rogue wave hits the OVERSEAS CHICAGO tanker as it was headed south from Valdez, Alaska in 1993. The ship was running in 25-foot seas when the monster wave hit it on the starboard side. (Credit: Captain Roger Wilson courtesy of NOAA)

Jun 21, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

A team of scientists has developed a relatively simple mathematical explanation for the rogue ocean waves that can develop seemingly out of nowhere.

Climate Change May Extend Ozone Season in the Southeastern U.S.

Trees in the Southeast United States emit higher levels of isoprene as they are placed under stress from dry conditions. Isoprene is a precursor for the formation of ozone in the atmosphere. This forest is shown near Atlanta, Georgia. (Credit: John Toon, Georgia Tech)

Aug 22, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

Extreme weather conditions associated with climate change may extend the ozone season in the Southeastern United States.

Optimization Technique Identifies Cost-Effective Biodiversity Corridors

Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), like this one photographed on the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, require large areas to roam and tend to favor mesic, meadow and shrub habitats where there is ample food. (Credit: U.S. Forest Service)

Sep 27, 2016 - Atlanta

A new optimization technique could help conservation biologists choose the most cost-effective ways of connecting isolated populations of rare, threatened and endangered species living in protected areas.

Addressing Environmental Challenges with Big Data and Artificial Intelligence