Tag Archives: Ice

Melting Ice Shelves Accelerate Critical Antarctic Glacier Retreat

Posted on by
Reply

A Giant Iceberg Threatening Pine Island’s Ice Shelf

NASA/Brooke Medley

West Antarctica’s colossal glaciers are experiencing a rapid acceleration in melting, particularly since 2017. This alarming trend signals a decline in the ice shelf’s effectiveness in stabilizing the glacier.

Pine Island Glacier, the fastest-flowing glacier in Antarctica, significantly contributes to global sea level rise. This glacier plays a crucial role in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which has the potential to raise global sea levels by 5.3 meters if it fully melts.

The Pine Island Ice Shelf, extending into the ocean, is essential for holding back inland ice and shielding it from warm waters, potentially preventing 51 centimeters of sea level rise.

The instability of Pine Island Glacier, along with the nearby Thwaites Glacier, poses a significant risk to the longevity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Sarah Wells-Moran from the University of Chicago has been tracking the Pine Island Glacier using images from the Copernicus Sentinel 1 satellite, with data extending back to the 1970s.

The glacier’s velocity surged from 2.2 kilometers per year in 1974 to 4 kilometers per year by 2008 and reached nearly 5 kilometers per year from 2017 to 2023. This represents a 20 percent increase in just six years and a 113 percent increase since 1973.

Between 1973 and 2013, the ice flow from Pine Island Glacier accelerated by over 75%.

These changes have resulted in the glacier’s grounding line—the point at which the ice shelf begins to float—receding dramatically by more than 30 kilometers.

The researchers connected their findings to computer models, concluding that the ice shelf’s thinning and fractures allow warmer waters to penetrate further. This has led to the edge of the shelf “opening up,” as noted by Wells-Moran and her team.

They concluded that ice loss from West Antarctica is worsening due to the Pine Island ice shelf’s diminishing support for the upstream ice.

Sue Cook from the University of Tasmania stated that calving events alone cannot solely explain the acceleration of the glacier. She emphasized, “The damage to the glacier’s shear margin is likely the primary cause. This study corroborates that mechanism.”

Ted Scambos from the University of Colorado noted that warm ocean water is likely reaching the edge of the ice shelf in Pine Island Bay. “The loss of ice shelves may accelerate ocean circulation within the fjord, heightening circulation intensity where the glacier meets bedrock,” Scambos explained.

Nellie Abram from the Australian Antarctic Division remarked that this research will help determine the extent and rate at which the Pine Island ice shelf is collapsing. “It’s evident that the ice loss from this area will continue to affect coastlines worldwide for decades to come,” Abram stated.

Explore Norway’s Svalbard and Tromsø: Fjords, Glaciers, and Northern Lights

Embark on an exhilarating Arctic adventure in Norway. Discover the science behind the Northern Lights, the unique Arctic ecosystem, and how humans adapt to the Northern environment.

Topics:

This revised HTML maintains the original structure while optimizing for SEO by improving alt text, incorporating relevant keywords, and enhancing readability.

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Findings Reveal Europa’s Ice Shell is Significantly Thicker Than Previously Believed

Posted on by
Reply

Recent microwave measurements from NASA’s Juno spacecraft indicate that Europa’s icy shell could extend nearly 29 kilometers (18 miles) deep, significantly altering planetary scientists’ understanding of how this intriguing moon facilitates the exchange of vital chemicals between its hidden ocean and surface.

Artist’s concept showing a cross-section of Europa’s icy shell. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / Koji Kuramura / Gerald Eichstädt.

Europa has captivated planetary scientists for over 40 years.

The question of whether Jupiter’s icy moons can support life has sparked extensive debate among researchers.

Interest in Europa’s potential habitability surged when NASA’s Galileo spacecraft revealed an ocean of saline water beneath its icy crust, complemented by surface cracks.

On September 29, 2022, NASA’s Juno spacecraft flew by Europa at an altitude of 360 km (220 miles).

During this flyby, Juno’s Microwave Radiometer (MWR), which is primarily designed to analyze Jupiter’s atmosphere, gathered brightness temperature data at various depths within Europa’s icy crust.

Juno project scientist Steve Levin and his team utilized this MWR data to conclude that the icy shell averages approximately 29 kilometers in thickness.

“The estimated thickness of 29 km pertains to the cold, dense, electrically conductive outer layer of Europa’s water ice shell,” Dr. Levin stated.

“If a slightly warmer convective layer exists beneath, the total thickness could be even greater.”

“Conversely, if the ice shell contains a moderate amount of dissolved salts, as some models suggest, the thickness could decrease by around 5 km (3 miles).”

“A thicker shell implies that oxygen and nutrients have longer distances to travel to connect Europa’s surface with its subsurface ocean, as indicated by the MWR data.”

Understanding this exchange process is crucial for future studies on Europa’s habitability.

Furthermore, MWR data shed light on the composition of Europa’s subsurface ice.

This technology uncovered “scatterers,” irregularities such as cracks, pores, and voids that scatter microwaves reflected off the ice.

These scatterers, estimated to be only a few inches in diameter, are believed to extend hundreds of feet below the surface.

The small size and shallow depth of these features suggest they are unlikely to serve as significant pathways for transporting oxygen and nutrients from the surface to the salty ocean beneath.

“The thickness of the ice shell, along with the presence of cracks and pores, adds complexity to our understanding of Europa’s potential for habitability,” remarked Scott Bolton, Ph.D., Juno’s principal investigator at the Southwest Research Institute.

“These findings provide essential context for NASA’s Europa Clipper and ESA’s Juice missions, both en route to the Jupiter system.”

“The Europa Clipper is expected to arrive in 2030, followed by Juice the next year.”

The team’s new results were published in the Journal on December 17, 2025, in Nature Astronomy.

_____

S.M. Levin et al. 2026. Characterization of Europa’s ice thickness and subsurface structure using the Juno microwave radiometer. Nat Astron 10, 84-91; doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02718-0

Source: www.sci.news

How Mars’ Gravity May Influence Earth’s Ice Age Cycles

Posted on by
Reply

Composite photo of Mars

Mars’ Significant Impact on Earth’s Climate

Credit: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

Despite Mars being smaller than Earth, it profoundly affects Earth’s climate cycle. Understanding how smaller planets influence the climates of exoplanets is crucial for assessing their potential for habitability.

According to Stephen Cain, researchers at the University of California, Riverside, discovered this phenomenon by simulating various scenarios to analyze Mars’ effect on Earth’s orbit across different masses, from 100 times its current mass to its complete removal. “Initially, I was skeptical that Mars, only one-tenth the mass of Earth, could so significantly affect Earth’s cycles. This motivated our study to manipulate Mars’ mass and observe the effects,” says Cain.

Earth’s climate is influenced by long-term cycles tied to its orbital eccentricity and axial tilt. These cycles are dictated by the gravitational forces of the Sun and other planets, determining significant climate events such as ice ages and seasonal shifts.

One crucial cycle, referred to as the Grand Cycle, spans 2.4 million years, involving the elongation and shortening of Earth’s orbital ellipse. This directly influences the amount of sunlight reaching Earth’s surface, thus controlling long-term climate changes.

The research indicates that eliminating Mars would not only remove the Grand Cycle but also another essential eccentricity cycle lasting 100,000 years. “While removing Mars wouldn’t completely halt ice ages, it would alter the frequency and climate impacts associated with them,” Cain explains.

As Mars’ simulated mass increases, the resulting climate cycles become shorter and more intense. However, a third eccentricity cycle, enduring approximately 405,000 years, remains predominantly influenced by Venus and Jupiter’s gravitational pulls, illustrating that while Mars is notably influential, it is not the only player.

Mars also affects Earth’s axial tilt, which oscillates over about 41,000 years. Cain and colleagues observed that Mars seems to stabilize these cycles—more mass leads to less frequent cycles, while a smaller Mars results in more frequent ones.

The precise impact of Mars’ absence or increased mass on Earth remains speculative, but it would undoubtedly lead to changes. The pursuit of Earth-like exoplanets with climates suitable for life continues, underscoring the need to evaluate the influence of smaller planets more thoroughly. “A comprehensive understanding of exoplanet system architectures is essential for predicting possible climate changes on these worlds,” warns Sean Raymond from the University of Bordeaux, France.

However, deciphering these structures can be challenging. “This serves as a cautionary note: small planets like Mars may wield a greater influence than we realize, making it imperative not to overlook these difficult-to-detect celestial bodies,” concludes Cain.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Melting of Northern Greenland’s Ice Dome: Past Events and Future Risks

Posted on by
Reply

Greenland drill cargo awaiting transport by ski plane at Prudhoe Dome

Researchers Working at Prudhoe Dome in Greenland

Caleb K. Wolcott-George

The ice dome located in northern Greenland has previously melted completely under temperatures expected to return this century. This significant discovery offers valuable insights into the speed at which melting ice sheets can influence global sea levels.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers drilled 500 meters into Prudhoe Dome, an extensive ice formation the size of Luxembourg situated in northwestern Greenland, gathering seven meters of sediment and rock core. Infrared dating indicated that the core’s surface sand was sun-bleached approximately 7,000 years ago—corroborating that the dome fully melted as the planet emerged from its last glacial maximum due to cyclical changes in Earth’s orbital dynamics.

During that era, summer temperatures were 3°C to 5°C warmer than today’s averages. Alarmingly, human-induced climate change could bring back similar temperatures by 2100.

“This provides direct evidence that the ice sheet is highly sensitive to even the modest warming seen during the Holocene,” stated Yarrow Axford, a Northwestern University researcher not involved in the study.

With the ongoing melting of Greenland’s ice sheet, projections indicate a potential sea level rise of tens of centimeters to a meter within this century. To refine these predictions, scientists must enhance their understanding of how quickly various sections of the ice sheet are dissipating.

The Prudhoe Dome core is the first of multiple cores analyzed by the GreenDrill project, funded by the National Science Foundation and featuring researchers from various U.S. universities. Their goal is to extract crucial climate data from beneath the ice sheets, one of Earth’s least-explored areas.

Notably, deposits excavated in 1966 from beneath the ice at Camp Century—a U.S. nuclear military facility operational for eight years during the Cold War—revealed that Greenland lacked ice around 400,000 years ago. Further, a rock core taken in 1993 from underneath Summit Station illustrated that the entire ice sheet has melted as recently as 1.1 million years ago.

However, the GreenDrill project extends its research deeper beneath the ice, collecting samples from multiple locations near Greenland’s northern coast.

“The crucial question is when did the edge of Greenland experience melting in the past?” posed Caleb Walcott-George, part of a new research team at the University of Kentucky. “This is where the initial sea level rise will transpire.”

Current ice sheet models indicate uncertainty regarding whether northern or southern Greenland will melt at a faster rate in the future. This study bolsters the evidence that warming post-last glacial maximum manifested earlier and with greater intensity in northern Greenland, according to Axford.

Potential explanations may involve feedback mechanisms, such as the loss of Arctic sea ice, which could have allowed more ocean heat to penetrate the atmosphere in the far north.

By confirming that Prudhoe Dome melted under a warming of 3°C to 5°C, this study adds credibility to ice sheet models that predict similar outcomes, asserted Edward Gasson, who was not part of the research at the University of Exeter, UK.

“This research is vital for recalibrating surface melting models: When will we really begin to lose this ice?” Gasson emphasized.

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Europa’s Thick Ice May Obstruct the Hunt for Ocean Life

Posted on by
Reply

Europa’s Ice: A Thick Shell Over a Salty Ocean

Claudio Caridi / Alamy

Europa, one of Jupiter’s intriguing moons, features a liquid ocean possibly encased beneath a thick layer of ice, estimated to be six times the depth of Antarctica’s icy crust, complicating our efforts to detect any potential lifeforms.

This moon is a leading candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life, primarily due to its significant volume of liquid water.

Previously, estimates regarding the thickness of Europa’s ice have varied dramatically—ranging from under 10 kilometers to nearly 50 kilometers. Researchers initially believed certain defects in the ice might permit nutrient exchange between the surface and the ocean below.

Now, a research team, led by Stephen Levin from the California Institute of Technology, has analyzed data collected by the Juno spacecraft, which has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016.

On September 29, 2022, Juno came within 360 kilometers of Europa, utilizing its microwave radiometer to scan the surface and perform the first direct measurements of the ice layer. Levin noted that this instrument assessed the heat emitted by Europa’s icy exterior, enabling the measurement of ice temperatures at various depths and detecting temperature fluctuations resulting from imperfections in the ice sheet.

The researchers estimate that the most accurate thickness of the ice sheet is approximately 29 kilometers, aligning with the higher range of previous estimates while presenting a possible thickness that could range from 19 kilometers to 39 kilometers.

Crucially, their findings indicate that the fissures, pores, and other imperfections likely extend only a few hundred meters beneath the surface, with pore diameters measuring only a few centimeters.

“This indicates that the observed defects in the microwave radiometers are insufficiently deep or expansive to facilitate significant nutrient transport between the ocean and the surface,” asserts Levin.

Nonetheless, this does not diminish the potential for life on Europa. Levin further explains, “Though the observed pores and cracks are too minute and shallow to transport nutrients, alternative transportation mechanisms may exist.”

There may also be unexplored regions of the moon where conditions differ, he adds.

Researchers including Ben Montet from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, express concerns that the ice thickness could hinder life’s search. “While this protection may sustain life for extended durations, it complicates our ability to penetrate the ice and study the ocean beneath,” he notes.

He argues that life could exist without a direct link between Europa’s surface and its subterranean ocean, though such a connection would enhance the chances of discovering life. Helen Maynard-Casley of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Agency emphasizes that without that transport link, “you’re essentially confined to whatever was in the ocean initially.”

NASA has plans to launch the Europa Clipper spacecraft in 2024, aiming to embark on its mission to Jupiter’s moons in 2030. This spacecraft is expected to provide clearer insights into Europa’s icy layer, according to Maynard-Casley.

Explore the Mysteries of the Universe: Cheshire, England

Join leading scientists for an engaging weekend as you unravel the mysteries of the universe alongside a tour of the legendary Lovell Telescope.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Arctic Experiences Hottest Conditions in 125 Years Amid Record Low Sea Ice, According to NOAA Report

Posted on by
Reply

The previous season marked the highest temperatures in the Arctic for the past 125 years. March, typically the month with the greatest sea ice extent, recorded the lowest levels in 47 years of satellite data. The North American tundra exhibited unprecedented greenness, showing more vegetation than ever before.

These findings, released on Tuesday in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s annual Arctic Report Card, illustrate the swift and dramatic changes taking place in the region as global temperatures rise.

“The Arctic is warming at a pace that exceeds the global average, with the last decade being some of the hottest on record,” stated Steve Sarr, NOAA’s acting principal scientist and associate administrator for ocean and atmospheric research.

Due to this warming, “over 200 watersheds in the Alaskan Arctic are turning orange as permafrost thaws, ecosystems evolve, and elements like iron are released into rivers,” Thursday indicated. The research highlighted increased acidity and higher levels of toxic metals in these discolored streams.

This is just one of many consequences of climate change affecting the region detailed in the report. This marks the 20th year that NOAA has published the Arctic report card, which originally surfaced during President Donald Trump’s second term.

The Trump administration has worked to diminish or eliminate other climate change reports, including the National Climate Assessment and the extensive climate disaster database. President Trump has labeled climate change a “swindler” and is actively trying to reduce the Environmental Protection Agency’s power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Matthew Druckenmiller, a writer of the report and researcher at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, affirmed during a Tuesday press conference that the team faced “no political interference concerning our findings.”

Independent scientists consulted by NBC News remarked that the report conveys a similarly urgent tone and message as in previous years, with a few minor distinctions.

“Frankly, we haven’t observed a significant shift in tone compared to prior Arctic report cards, which is encouraging,” commented Tom Di Liberto, a climate scientist and media director at Climate Central. “The implications of their conclusions remain consistent with earlier Arctic report cards. The Arctic acts as a warning sign.”

Di Liberto, who previously worked in NOAA’s communications office before his position was cut in March as part of staff reductions, noted that the previous year’s report emphasized reducing fossil fuel production, whereas this year’s report does not mention fossil fuels at all. Otherwise, he identified no major differences.

NOAA unveiled a report at the American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting in New Orleans, highlighting how climate change is disrupting ecosystems and threatening livelihoods in the Arctic. This event is one of the largest scientific gatherings of the year, attracting thousands of scientists.

Mark Alessi, a climate scientist and fellow at the Union of Concerned Scientists, remarked that the report card “effectively communicates the realities of what is occurring on the ground in the Arctic.”

“Anyone reading this will understand that we continue to raise the alarm,” he emphasized.

In strong language, the report’s authors point out that proposed budget cuts to scientific programs collecting data in the Arctic, including satellite programs monitoring sea ice, threaten to undermine the data collection essential for this report and related decision-making.

“Aging infrastructure, along with risks to funding and staffing, could further erode existing AONs.” [Arctic Observing Network] Gaps are forming that hinder long-term trend analysis and decision-making,” the report warned.

Specifically, the report highlights several satellites within the Defense Weather Satellite Program set to be decommissioned in 2026. The cessation of these satellites will restrict sea ice measurements. It also mentions that the tundra greenness dataset will remain unchanged due to NASA funding cuts, and other climate datasets may also be jeopardized by proposed federal budget cuts in fiscal year 2026.

The Arctic is warming two to four times quicker than the rest of the globe, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. This process alters ocean currents and the degree of sunlight absorbed by the Earth’s surface at the poles.

“This feedback loop leads to the loss of sea ice and land ice, increased absorption of sunlight, and consequently, more rapid warming,” explained Alessi.

Temperature records are categorized by the Arctic water year, with the latest data ranging from October 2024 to September 2025.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New Study Questions the Classification of Uranus and Neptune as Ice Giants

Posted on by
Reply

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Zurich indicates that the compositions of Uranus and Neptune might be less icy than previously assumed.

Uranus could be classified as an ice giant (left) or a rock giant (right), depending on the assumptions of the model. Image credit: Keck Institute for Space Studies / Chuck Carter.

“Uranus and Neptune remain poorly understood, making the designation of ice giants too simplistic,” states Dr. Luca Morf, a student at the University of Zurich.

“Models based on physical data incorporate too many assumptions, while empirical models fall short in complexity.”

“Our approach combines both methodologies to create an interior model that is unbiased, yet physically coherent.”

The research commenced with a stochastic density distribution inside the planets.

Subsequently, the team calculated the gravitational fields of the planets in alignment with observational data to infer their likely compositions.

The process was iterated to achieve the closest alignment between the model and the empirical data.

Employing a new, unbiased yet fully physical framework, scientists have revealed that the internal compositions of the solar system’s ice giants are not restricted to ice alone.

“We initially proposed this concept nearly 15 years ago, and now we possess a numerical framework to substantiate it,” remarked Professor Ravit Held of the University of Zurich.

“This expanded spectrum of internal compositions suggests both planets could be rich in water or minerals.”

The study also sheds light on the enigmatic magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune.

In contrast to Earth’s defined north and south magnetic poles, the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune exhibit greater complexity, featuring multiple poles.

“Our model introduces a so-called ‘ionized water’ layer that generates magnetic dynamos that account for the observed non-dipolar magnetic fields,” noted Professor Held.

“Moreover, we discovered that Uranus’ magnetic field has a more profound origin compared to that of Neptune.”

While the findings are promising, some ambiguities linger.

“A significant challenge is that physicists still have limited understanding of how materials behave under the extreme pressure and temperature conditions in planetary cores, which could influence our conclusions,” Morf added.

Notwithstanding the uncertainties, these new findings open avenues for possible internal composition scenarios, challenging longstanding assumptions and informing future materials science research under planetary conditions.

“Depending on model assumptions, both Uranus and Neptune have the potential to be classified as rock giants or ice giants,” Professor Held remarked.

“At present, the data is insufficient to differentiate between the two, highlighting the necessity for dedicated missions to Uranus and Neptune to uncover their true natures.”

A paper detailing this research was published in this week’s journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

_____

Luca Morf and Ravit Held, 2025. Ice or rock? Convection or stability? New interior models for Uranus and Neptune. A&A 704, A183; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202556911

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring Prehistoric Worlds: Must-See Extinct Animals of the Ice Age

Posted on by
Reply

These ‘murder koalas’, or marsupial lions, are the highlight of the show

Apple TV

In 1999, the BBC introduced Walking with Dinosaurs, pioneering a new format of wildlife “documentaries” showcasing long-extinct species. As a fan of this genre, I found Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age, a production by BBC Studios for Apple TV, to be exceptional.

The earlier series brought prehistoric planet dinosaurs to vivid life. Now, this third installment highlights the remarkable mammals that inhabited Earth until relatively recently.

The visuals are breathtaking. You could easily mistake the extinct creatures on screen for real footage, especially their incredibly lifelike eyes.

There were occasional awkward moments in the animals’ movements, but my discerning son remarked, “The only unreal thing is how stunning it looks.”

Paleontologists who previewed the trailer seem genuinely impressed. Ultimately, if you’re at all intrigued by extinct species, Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age is a must-watch.

What I particularly appreciate about this series is its breadth; it’s not solely focused on woolly mammoths fleeing saber-toothed tigers. Iconic Ice Age animals are featured, including giant sloths, woolly rhinos, giant armadillos, scimitar-toothed cats, and Columbian mammoths.

This series explores not just the icy polar regions, but also global ecosystems, showcasing many lesser-known species—including some I had never heard of. The animal deemed the “king of beasts” in Ice Age Africa came as a complete surprise.

Prehistoric Planet: Procoptodon, the giant ice age kangaroo

Apple TV

Another standout was the “murder koala” or marsupial lion (Thylacoleo). A recent study’s findings were published just this month. Koalas are our closest living relatives. The inclusion of this marsupial lion suggests the producers were aware of this finding beforehand. Other Australian creatures, such as a massive marsupial called diprotodon, also make an appearance.

Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age Woolly Mammoth

Apple TV

Additionally, there are charming moments, like a squirrel trying to eat a fruit resembling a giant cannonball, reminiscent of the animated film series Ice Age.

I found the change from David Attenborough to Tom Hiddleston as narrator to be somewhat distracting, as Loki’s voice felt out of place at times.

Interestingly, the series avoids graphic content, perhaps considering a younger audience. I’ll refrain from specifics to avoid spoilers, but I was quite surprised by this approach.

My primary critique is that the final segment discussing the science is brief. I would have preferred more insights from the featured experts, particularly regarding the evidence and rationale behind the actions depicted. Many New Scientist readers might agree with this sentiment, although it could just be my perspective.

While the initial scientific trivia outlines why Ice Ages persisted for so long, it curiously omits mentioning carbon dioxide’s role. The reduction of CO2 was crucial in initiating these Ice Ages, and CO2 feedback significantly amplified orbital variations’ effects.

Lastly, keep an eye out for direwolves. I’ve extensively covered claims of reviving the dire wolf via gene editing on the gray wolf, noting the misconceptions stemming from the fantasy portrayals in Game of Thrones. This series offers a high-quality, accurate artistic representation of a real animal.

Ultimately, this science-based depiction of extinct creatures is a remarkable achievement. The direwolves aren’t just large white wolves; this portrayal captures their distinctive head shape and brownish fur.

Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age Direwolf

Apple TV

For me, the portrayal of extinct animals on screen represents a critical approach to de-extinction. As we approach the end of a lengthy Ice Age, we face the stark reality that there’s no longer a habitat for these extraordinary species on our planet.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Undersea ‘Storm’ Melts Ice Shelf of Terminal Glacier

Posted on by
Reply

Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica

NASA/ZUMA wire/shutterstock

A submerged “storm” is eroding the ice shelf that shields Antarctica’s Thwaites “Terminal” glacier, prompting concerns that scientists may be underestimating future sea level increases.

These storm-like currents, referred to as “submesoscale” features, can extend up to 10 kilometers wide and begin to form when water with varying temperatures and densities collides in the open ocean. This process is akin to hurricanes that arise from gas mixtures in the atmosphere. Similar to hurricanes, these currents can surge toward the coast, with Antarctica predominantly consisting of ice shelves—floating extensions of glaciers that project tens of kilometers into the ocean.

“Their movements are so unpredictable that halting them is quite challenging,” states Mattia Poinelli from the University of California, Irvine. “The only course of action is for them to become trapped beneath the ice.”

Poinelli and colleagues’ modeling indicates that these submesoscale formations were responsible for one-fifth of the total ice melt in the Thwaites Mountains and nearby Pine Island over a nine-month timeframe. This research marks the first attempt to quantify the influence of these storms across the entire ice shelf.

Ice shelves play a crucial role in hindering the movement of glaciers into the sea and shielding them from wave erosion. The vulnerable Thwaites Glacier annually loses 50 billion tons of ice and could raise sea levels by 65 centimeters if it collapses.

In the Antarctic waters, hundreds of meters of cold, fresh water float above warmer, saltier, deeper water. When a storm becomes enveloped within a cavity beneath an ice shelf, its swirling motions push cold surface water away from the center of the vortex, pulling warmer, deeper water into the cavity and melting the ice shelf from below.

This triggers a feedback mechanism where the melting cold freshwater interacts with the warmer, saltier water, amplifying the rotation of the underwater storm and increasing melting.

In 2022, a deep-sea float that measured temperature, salinity, and pressure was “captured” by a large rotating eddy trapped beneath the ice tongue of Stancombe Wills at another location along the Antarctic coast. The data retrieved from the captured floats showed that Katherine Hancock from Florida State University and her team estimated that the swirl causes 0.11 meters of annual melting beneath its ice tongue.

“This highlights the importance of understanding rotating eddies beneath ice shelves,” says Hancock.

The smaller submesoscale storms from Poinelli’s research are likely causing similar effects, she adds, indicating that swirling water bodies of varying sizes are contributing to significant ice melting. “There’s a need for more precise quantification,” Hancock emphasizes.

As temperatures rise and additional fresh snowmelt escapes from Antarctica, these underwater storms may increase in intensity, possibly leading to greater sea level rise than currently anticipated.

Tiago Dot of Britain’s National Oceanography Centre stated that the “unexpected” findings necessitate further observations beneath the ice shelf.

“Considering the shifts in wind patterns and sea ice around Antarctica, how much are we genuinely overlooking by not monitoring these smaller scales?” he questions.

topic:

  • climate change/
  • Antarctica

Source: www.newscientist.com

How President Trump’s White House is Leveraging Video Game Memes for ICE Recruitment

Posted on by
Reply

JJust days after Microsoft unveiled Halo: Campaign Evolved, the anticipated installment in the renowned sci-fi franchise “White House” I posted an intriguing photo on X. The image, which seemingly originated from AI, depicts President Donald Trump clad in the armor of Halo’s legendary hero Master Chief, saluting in front of an American flag that has several stars missing. In his left hand, he holds an energy sword, a weapon associated with Halo’s alien adversaries. This was shared in response to a tweet from U.S. gaming retailer GameStop, with accompanying text reading “Power to the Players,” referencing the store’s slogan.

GameStop and the White House exchanged a few more Halo memes, and on October 27, the official Department of Homeland Security X account got involved as well. They utilized visuals from Halo showcasing soldiers from a futuristic realm to encourage enlistment in the increasingly militarized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The accompanying message, “Stop the Flood,” suggests a troubling analogy between America’s immigrant community and the parasitic aliens that Master Chief battles.

When I sought an official comment on this post, White House Deputy Press Secretary Khush Desai stated in an email: “Another war has concluded on President Trump’s watch. There’s only one leader who is dedicated to empowering his players, and that leader is Donald J. Trump.” “That’s why he enjoys significant support from the American public and gamers alike.” (Microsoft did not respond to requests for comment.)




The White House has shared an image of Donald Trump as Master Chief from the game Halo. Photo: @WhiteHouse on X

Though this string of video game imagery may seem bizarre, Trump and his associates have been integrating gamer culture for almost a decade. Since his initial election, Trump has been appealing to gamers, a constituency that includes a significant segment of disenchanted youth. Media executive Steve Bannon joined the campaign in August 2016, acting as chief strategist and senior advisor, bringing extensive insight into video game culture and the online behavior of its most ardent enthusiasts.

Bannon had previously collaborated with the Hong Kong firm Internet Gaming Entertainment to secure funding. This firm paid low wages to Chinese laborers to collect gold in the multiplayer game World of Warcraft. According to Joshua Greene’s book on Bannon: (The Devil’s Deal: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Assault on the Presidency), Bannon recognized, “These rootless white men wield immense influence.” In 2014, Bannon observed GamerGate, a murky online force in the dark recesses of the web, consistently targeting women and other marginalized individuals in the gaming industry. He noted that the movement’s actions prompted tangible events such as sustained harassment and doxxing (the public release of personal data).

Upon joining the Trump campaign, Bannon utilized his grasp of gamer culture to propel Trump into new political realms. “You can mobilize that force. They are engaging via platforms like Gamergate and transitioning into politics and Trump,” Bannon informed Greene.

Their ranks were primed for meme warfare at a moment’s notice, and indeed, they were. Throughout the campaign, Trump’s meme battalion monitored and disseminated every move of then-candidate Hillary Clinton. They circulated fabricated health-related claims using the hashtag #HillaryHealth. Pro-Trump memes were frequently produced based on internet humor and niche pop culture references. It was perhaps owing to this brigade that Trump secured victory over Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Following his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Trump turned to his social media platform, Truth Social, where he persistently critiqued Biden and the Democratic Party throughout Biden’s four-year tenure. He continued to attract gamers and the online reactionary right until he regained the presidency. The second Trump administration remains reliant on the strategies and framework established by online agitators (or trolls), but this time, there is one crucial difference: Elon Musk.




The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s X post features Halo visuals as part of an ICE recruitment campaign. Photo: @DHSgov on X

The South African entrepreneur acquired Twitter in October 2022 and swiftly reinstated Trump’s banned account alongside many others. Musk, who frequently engages with gamer culture and shares memes on his platform, has further facilitated this trend.

Since President Trump assumed office in January, the White House and various federal agencies have begun disseminating memes. Last month, both the official Department of Homeland Security X account and the official White House TikTok account released a video of an ICE raid set to Pokémon theme music, interspersed with arcs from the animated series and clips of agents making arrests, accompanied by the slogan, “We’ve got to catch them all.” Following this, The Pokémon Company International informed the BBC that “permission was not granted to use our intellectual property.” Nonetheless, the video remains available as of this writing.

The video game industry has often remained silent about the reactionary politics and ideology that are prevalent in its community. For the millions of Americans engaged in gaming, who are disheartened by an administration that discourages pregnant individuals from taking Tylenol and promotes the narrative that immigrants are parasites while suggesting that the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement produces incompetent workers, it is deeply frustrating to witness these events. As the administration increasingly embraces video game iconography and internet memes, video game companies will inevitably find themselves, whether they like it or not, linked to the polarizing and reactionary politics of the right.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ancient Ice from 6 Million Years Ago Found in Antarctica

Posted on by
Reply

Scientists have uncovered ice and air that is 6 million years old from a shallow ice core in the Arran Hills of East Antarctica. They believe this ancient ice showcases a preserved surface snowpack or permafrost due to the development of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet during the mid-Miocene to late Miocene epochs.

Ancient ice extracted from the ALHIC1902 ice core. Image credit: Shackleton et al., doi: 10.1073/pnas.2502681122.

“Ice cores function as time machines, allowing researchers to glimpse Earth’s past,” stated Dr. Sarah Shackleton, a scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

“With the Allan Hills Core, our timeline extends much further than we previously thought was possible.”

“This is a groundbreaking discovery for the NSF-funded Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX),” remarked Dr. Ed Brook, COLDEX director and paleoclimatologist at Oregon State University.

“We were aware that the ice in this area was ancient. Our initial estimates placed its age at around 3 million years, or perhaps slightly older, but this discovery has far surpassed our expectations.”

COLDEX is engaged in a friendly race with various international teams to push the ice core record beyond its historical 800,000-year threshold.

A European research team recently reported finding a continuous ice core dating back 1.2 million years deep within East Antarctica.

For months, the team operated in a remote field camp within East Antarctica’s Arran Hills, drilling 100 to 200 meters into the outskirts of several ice sheets, where ice movement and rugged mountain landscapes work together to safeguard ancient ice and bring it closer to the surface for easier retrieval.

In contrast, obtaining the oldest continuous ice cores from archaeological sites in East Antarctica necessitates drilling deeper than 2,000 meters.

“We are still exploring the specific conditions that enable such ancient ice to remain near the surface,” Dr. Shackleton explained.

“Besides the terrain, factors like intense winds and extreme cold may play a role.”

“The winds can disperse newly fallen snow, while the cold can slow down accumulation until the ice is nearly stationary.”

This makes the Arran Hills one of the premier locations globally for discovering shallow, ancient ice, while also being one of the most challenging environments for fieldwork.

The air trapped within these new ice cores enables scientists to directly ascertain the age of the ice by precisely measuring isotopes of the rare gas argon.

This direct dating method means that scientists can derive age indicators directly from the ice, instead of making assumptions based on accompanying features or deposits.

While this ancient ice record doesn’t form a continuous stretch, its age is unparalleled, the researchers noted.

“By dating multiple samples, our team has compiled a library of ‘climate snapshots’ approximately six times older than previously recorded ice core data, supplemented by more detailed younger data from other Antarctic ice cores,” Dr. Higgins stated.

Temperature records derived from oxygen isotope measurements in the ice indicate that the region underwent a gradual cooling of about 12 degrees Celsius (22 degrees Fahrenheit) over an extended timespan.

This marks the first direct assessment of the cooling extent in Antarctica over the past six million years.

Ongoing analyses of these ice cores aim to reconstruct atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and ocean heat content, which hold significant implications for understanding the drivers of natural climate change.

“The COLDEX team plans to return to the Arran Hills for additional drilling in the coming months, potentially yielding more detailed snapshots and even older ice,” Dr. Brook shared.

“In light of the unexpectedly ancient ice recovered in the Arran Hills, we are preparing a comprehensive, long-term study of the region with the goal of extending the record even further, which we hope to commence between 2026 and 2031.”

The team’s paper has been published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

_____

S. Shackleton et al. 2025. Miocene and Pliocene ice and air from the Allan Hills blue ice belt in East Antarctica. PNAS 122 (44): e2502681122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2502681122

Source: www.sci.news

Unveiling a New Ice Phase: Ice XXI

Posted on by
Reply

Researchers have shown that hypercompressed water can undergo various freeze-thaw processes to convert into ice VI at room temperature, facilitated by a previously unidentified metastable ice form known as ice XXI.

Small ice crystals XXI formed through a nucleation and slow melting process. Image credit: Lee et al., doi: 10.1038/s41563-025-02364-x.

Water consists of only two elements, yet it has numerous polymorphs ranging from Ice Ih to Ice XX, along with four amorphous phases.

The exploration of formation and migration pathways for various water phases has captivated scientists for a century, especially in high-pressure physics and the quest for extraterrestrial life on icy moons.

“Water exhibits remarkable complexity in its solid forms,” stated Dr. Lee Geun-woo from the Korea Institute of Standards and Science and the National University of Science and Technology.

“Most phases are typically found under conditions of high pressure and low temperature.”

“When water is compressed rapidly, it can remain in a liquid state even under high pressures where it would normally crystallize into ice VI.”

“Ice VI is particularly fascinating, as it is believed to exist within icy moons like Titan and Ganymede.”

“Its highly distorted structure may facilitate intricate transition pathways that lead to metastable ice forms.”

“Most ice variants can only be observed under extreme conditions; hence, we utilized a diamond anvil cell to create these high-pressure conditions.”

“In this setup, the water sample is positioned between two diamonds, which can withstand and apply immense pressure.”

“The water was subjected to pressures as high as 2 gigapascals, roughly 20,000 times greater than typical atmospheric pressure.”

“This allows for ice formation even at room temperature, with molecules packed more tightly than in conventional ice.”

To examine ice formation under varied pressure conditions, researchers initially produced high pressures of 2 gigapascals in just 10 milliseconds.

They then took 1 second to release the anvil cell and repeated this procedure.

During these cycles, the scientists utilized Europe’s XFEL’s X-ray flashes to capture images of the sample every microsecond.

With extremely high X-ray pulse rates, they could even create videos illustrating the formation of ice structures.

Using PETRA III’s P02.2 beamline, the researchers confirmed that ice XXI possesses a tetragonal crystal structure composed of unusually large repeating units known as a unit cell.

“The unique X-ray pulses from Europe’s XFEL revealed multiple crystallization pathways in rapidly compressed and depressurized water over 1,000 times using a dynamic diamond anvil cell,” Dr. Lee explained.

“In this specialized pressure cell, the sample is squeezed between the tips of two opposing diamond anvils, following a defined pressure trajectory,” said Dr. Cornelius Strom from the Deutsche Electron Synchrotron.

“The crystallization structure of liquid water is influenced by the degree of supercompression,” added Dr. Lee.

“Our results hint at the potential existence of more high-temperature metastable ice phases and the related transition pathways, offering new insights into the compositions of icy satellites,” remarked Dr. Rachel Husband, also from the Deutsche Electron Synchrotron.

These findings were published in a magazine on October 10th in Nature Materials.

_____

YH. Lee et al. Multiple freeze-thaw paths of dense ice through the ice XXI phase at room temperature. Nat. Mater. published online on October 10, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41563-025-02364-x

Source: www.sci.news

Researchers Discover That “Linear Dune Canyons” on Mars Were Formed by Sliding Carbon Dioxide Ice Blocks

Posted on by
Reply

Parallel channels known as linear dune canyons can be observed within some of Mars’ dunes. Contrary to what their name suggests, these canyons are frequently quite winding. It was previously believed that these landforms were created through debris flow processes influenced by liquid water. However, recent satellite imagery has revealed that they are active during the local spring due to processes involving carbon dioxide ice. During the Martian winter, ice accumulates on the dunes, breaking off at the top as temperatures rise in early spring. In new experiments conducted in the Mars Chamber, planetary researchers from Utrecht University, the University of Le Mans, the University of Nantes, the Grenoble Institute of Astrophysics, and the Open University have demonstrated that linear dune canyons form when blocks of carbon dioxide and ice slide or submerge into the sandy slopes of dunes, or shift downwards with considerable force, draining the nearby sand. This drilling action is triggered by a powerful gas flow generated by the sublimation of carbon dioxide ice, as it transitions into carbon dioxide gas. The movement of sliding carbon dioxide ice blocks contributes to the formation of shallow channels, while the excavation of carbon dioxide ice results in the development of deep, winding channels in Martian dunes.

Two examples of Martian dunes with linear dune gullies: (a) linear dune gullies in the dune field of Gall Crater; (b) A linear dune canyon in the dune field of an unnamed crater in the center of the Hellas Plain. Image credit: Roelofs et al., doi:10.1029/2024GL112860.

Linear dune canyons are remarkable and enigmatic formations located in the mid-latitude sand dune regions of Mars.

Despite their designation, these parallel and often meandering waterways, characterized by sharp bends, limited source areas, distinct banks, and hole-like channel terminations, have no equivalent on Earth.

They differ significantly from the conventional canyon topography found on steep slopes both on Mars and Earth, which typically features erosional alcoves, channels, and sedimentary aprons that are often larger than linear dune canyons.

“In our simulations, we observed how high gas pressures cause the sand to shift in all directions around the blocks,” stated Loneke Roelofs, a researcher at Utrecht University and lead author of the study.

“Consequently, the blocks become lodged into the slope and get trapped within cavities, surrounded by small ridges of settled sand.”

“However, the sublimation process persists, leading to continued sand displacement in all directions.”

“This phenomenon drives the block to gradually descend, resulting in a long, deep canyon flanked by small sand ridges on either side.”

“This is precisely the kind of canyon we find on Mars.”

In their research, Dr. Roelofs and colleagues merged laboratory experiments that let blocks of carbon dioxide and ice slide down sandy slopes under Martian atmospheric pressure with observations of the linear dune canyons located within the Russell Crater Giant Dunes.

“We experimented by simulating dune slopes of varying steepness.”

“We released chunks of carbon dioxide ice down a slope and observed the outcomes.”

“Once we discovered an appropriate slope, we began to see significant effects. The carbon dioxide ice chunks started to penetrate the slope and move downwards, resembling burrowing moles or dune sandworms. It was quite an unusual sight.”

“But how exactly do these ice blocks originate? They form in the desert dunes located in the midlands of Mars’ southern hemisphere.”

“During winter, a layer of carbon dioxide ice develops across the entire surface of the dunes, reaching thicknesses of up to 70 cm. As spring arrives, this ice begins to warm and sublimate.”

“The last remnants of the ice persist on the shaded side of the dune’s summit, where blocks will break off once temperatures rise sufficiently.”

“When a block reaches the base of the slope and halts its movement, sublimation continues until all carbon dioxide evaporates, leaving behind a cavity filled with sand at the dune’s base.”

This study was published in the October 8th issue of Geophysical Research Letters.

_____

Loneke Roelofs et al. 2025. Particle transport driven by explosive sublimation causes blocks of CO2 to slide and burrow, forming winding “linear dune valleys” in Martian dunes. Geophysical Research Letters 52 (19): e2024GL112860; doi: 10.1029/2024GL112860

Source: www.sci.news

Mars Volcanoes Might Have Relocated Ice to the Planet’s Equator

Posted on by
Reply

Ancient volcanic eruptions on Mars may have led to ice deposits near the planet’s equator

Ron Miller/Science Photo Library

The hottest regions on Mars conceal an unexpectedly dense layer of ice beneath their surface, and researchers might have unraveled its origins. This water could have journeyed from the planet’s interior via peculiar volcanic eruptions billions of years ago, making it a vital resource for future human expeditions.

While Mars is known for its polar ice caps, recent radar data from orbiting satellites indicates that ice also exists in equatorial zones. “There’s a frozen layer at the equator, which is curious given that it’s the warmest area of the planet,” says Saira Hamid from Arizona State University. At high noon, temperatures around the equator can soar to approximately 20°C (68°F).

Hamid and her team conducted simulations of volcanic activity on Mars, revealing that explosive eruptions could have propelled water from the interior into the atmosphere over extensive periods. In ancient times, Mars boasted a denser atmosphere conducive to freeze and snowfall, leading to the ice layers observed today. “This narrative intertwines fire and ice,” adds Hamid.

These eruptions would have differed substantially from those on Earth. Mars’ reduced gravity allows volcanic ash, water, and sulfur plumes to ascend as high as 65 kilometers (65 kilometers) above Earth’s surface, and under certain atmospheric conditions during eruptions, even reach space.

As snow accumulates, the water compresses into muddied ice layers, shielded by a blanket of volcanic ash. This covering prevents the ice from sublimating into space and has contributed to its preservation to the present day.

“The potential for such ice-laden deposits poses challenges for many,” comments Tom Watters from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. A notable source of confusion is the massive Medusa Fosse Formation near Mars’ equator. “If the water anticipated in the Medusa Fosse Formation were to melt, it could fill the Great Lakes. That’s a substantial volume of water.”

Another theory for the ice’s formation suggests that Mars’ axial tilt may have changed drastically over time, potentially shifting equatorial areas to pole-like conditions. “However, these volcanic eruptions are sufficient to generate ice without requiring shifts in axial tilt,” Hamid pointed out. “It’s the simpler explanation.”

Equatorial regions are also prime sites for landing missions to Mars because the faint atmosphere thickens in these areas, helping to decelerate landers approaching the surface. The availability of water there could be crucial for future human missions, although initial missions may not exploit this resource. Subsequent landings could benefit from the ice.

“On our inaugural trips, we intend to carry plenty of water, just in case we misinterpret our radar readings,” says Watters. “Without enough water, venturing out with only a shovel expecting to strike water is unwise. Bring a shovel, but also ensure you have sufficient water.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Cassini Discovers Organic Molecules in Newly Released Ice Grains from Enceladus’ Ocean

Posted on by
Reply

Enceladus, Saturn’s moon, constantly emits ice grains and gas plumes from its subterranean seas through fissures near the Antarctic region. A research team from the University of Stuttgart and the University of Berlin Fly utilized data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft to chemically analyze newly emitted particles originating from Enceladus’ ocean. They successfully identified intermediates of organic molecules that may have biological significance (including aliphatic and (hetero)cyclic esters/alkenes, ethers/ethyl, and tentatively, nitrogen and oxygen-containing compounds), marking the first discovery of such compounds among ice particles in extraterrestrial oceans.

Artist’s impression of NASA’s Cassini spacecraft navigating through the plumes erupting from Enceladus’ Antarctic region. These plumes resemble geysers and release a mix of water vapor, ice grains, salt, methane, and various organic molecules. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Enceladus has a diameter of approximately 500 km, and its surface is covered by ice shells that are about 25-30 km thick on average.

Cassini made the first revelation of a hidden ocean beneath Enceladus’ surface back in 2005.

A current emerges from a fissure near the moon’s Antarctic, sending ice grains into space.

Some ice particles, smaller than grains of sand, settle on the moon’s surface, while others escape, forming a ring that orbits Enceladus around Saturn.

“Cassini consistently detected samples from Enceladus while passing through Saturn’s E ring,” noted Nozail Kawaja, a researcher at the Free University of Berlin and the lead author of the study.

“Many organic molecules have already been identified within these ice grains, including precursors to amino acids.”

The ice grains in the ring may be hundreds of years old and could have undergone changes due to strong cosmic radiation.

Scientists aimed to analyze the recently released grains to enhance their understanding of the dynamics within Enceladus’ seas.

Fortunately, they already had the relevant data. In 2008, Cassini flew directly through the ice sprays. The released primitive particles were emitted just minutes before they interacted with the spacecraft’s Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) at speeds of approximately 18 km/sec. These represented not only the most recent ice grains Cassini has detected but also the fastest.

“Ice grains encompass not just frozen water, but also other molecules containing organic matter,” Dr. Kawaja stated.

“Lower impact speeds can break the ice, leading to signals from water molecule clusters that may obscure signals from certain organic molecules.”

“However, when ice grains strike the CDA at high speeds, the water molecules do not cluster, allowing previously hidden signals to emerge.”

Years of data from previous flybys were necessary to interpret this information.

This time, the authors successfully identified the molecules contained in the freshly released ice grains.

The analysis showed that certain organic molecules known to be present in the E rings were also found in the fresh ice grains, affirming their formation within Enceladus’ seas.

Furthermore, they discovered a completely new molecule that had never before been observed in Enceladus’ ice grains.

Chemical analyses revealed that the newly detected molecular fragments consisted of aliphatic, (hetero)cyclic esters/alkenes, ethers/ethyl, and potentially nitrogen and oxygen-containing compounds.

On Earth, these same compounds participate in a series of chemical reactions that ultimately yield more complex molecules essential for life.

“Numerous pathways from the organic molecules detected in Cassini’s data to potentially biologically relevant compounds exist, enhancing the possibility of habitability on the moon,” Dr. Kawaja mentioned.

“We have more data currently under review, so we anticipate further discoveries soon.”

“The molecules we identified in the newly released materials indicate that the complex organic molecules Cassini detected within Saturn’s E ring are not merely a result of prolonged exposure to space; they are readily found within Enceladus’ ocean,” added co-author Dr. Frank Postberg, also from the Free University of Berlin.

For more details, refer to the study featured in this month’s edition of Natural Astronomy.

____

N. Kawaja et al. Detection of organic compounds in newly released ice grains from the Enceladus ocean. Nat Astron Published online on October 1, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02655-y

Source: www.sci.news

Research Shows Ice Dissolves Iron Minerals More Efficiently than Liquid Water

Posted on by
Reply

Ice at 10 degrees Celsius releases iron from more abundant minerals compared to liquid water at 4 degrees Celsius, according to researchers from Umeå University, Chimiques de Rennes, and CNRS. This discovery sheds light on why many Arctic rivers are taking on a rusty orange hue as permafrost begins to thaw in warmer climates.

Schematic diagram of the iron mineral dissolution reaction of ice. Image credit: Sebaaly et al. , doi: 10.1073/pnas.2507588122.

“It may seem counterintuitive, but ice is not merely a static frozen mass,” stated Professor Jean François Boyley from Umeå University.

“Frozen states create microscopic pockets of liquid water between ice crystals.”

“These pockets function like chemical reactors, where compounds become concentrated and highly acidic.”

“This implies that even at temperatures as low as 30 degrees Celsius, they can engage with iron minerals.”

To investigate this phenomenon, Professor Boyley and his team examined goethite, a diverse array of iron oxide minerals, along with naturally occurring organic acids.

Through advanced microscopy and a series of experiments, they found that repeated freeze-thaw cycles enhance iron dissolution significantly.

When ice undergoes freezing and thawing, it releases organic compounds that were previously trapped, fostering additional chemical reactions.

Salt concentration also plays a critical role; fresh brackish waters promote iron dissolution, whereas seawater inhibits it.

The outcomes of this research are particularly relevant in acidic environments like mine drainage sites, frozen atmospheric dust, acid sulfate soils along the Baltic coast, or acidic freezing locales where iron minerals interact with organic matter.

“As global temperatures rise, the freeze-thaw cycles are becoming more frequent,” remarked Angelo Pio Severly, a doctoral candidate at Umeå University.

“Each cycle liberates iron from the soil and permafrost into the water, potentially impacting water quality and aquatic ecosystems over vast areas.”

“These findings emphasize that ice is an active participant, rather than a passive medium for storage.”

“It is crucial to recognize the growing impact of freeze and thaw processes in polar and mountainous regions on ecosystems and elemental cycling.”

The research team’s paper was published on August 26, 2025, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

____

Angelo P. Severly et al. 2025. Ice as a kinetic and mechanical driver for iron oxide dissolution of oxalate oxide. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 122 (35): E2507588122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2507588122

Source: www.sci.news

ICE Acquires Israeli-Made Spyware Capable of Hacking Phones and Encrypted Apps

Posted on by
Reply

Following the Trump administration’s decision, US immigration agents now have access to one of the most advanced hacking tools available globally, having secured a contract with Paragon Solutions, a company based in Israel, to develop spyware capable of infiltrating any phone, including encrypted applications.

The Department of Homeland Security initially established a contract with Paragon, a subsidiary of a US firm, in late 2024 during the Biden administration. However, this $2 million contract was suspended pending confirmation of an executive order that limits the application of US government spyware, as reported by Wired at that time.

According to recent updates, the suspension has been lifted. Public Procurement Documents now identify US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) as the contracting agency.

This signifies that one of the most potent stealth cyber weapons ever engineered—created outside the United States—now resides with agencies that have been repeatedly accused of violating due process rights by private sectors and human rights organizations.

This information was first highlighted by journalist Jack Paulson in the All Source Intelligence Saback Newsletter.

Neither Paragon nor ICE immediately responded to inquiries for comments.

Once effectively utilized against a target, the hacking software known as Graphite can infiltrate any phone. By essentially gaining control over the device, users (in this instance, ICE) can monitor an individual’s location, access messages, view photos, and even read data stored in encrypted applications like WhatsApp and Signal. Additionally, spyware such as Graphite can function as a listening device by activating the phone’s recorder.

An executive order signed by the Biden administration sought to implement restrictions on the use of spyware by the US government, asserting that it must refrain from operating commercial spyware that poses significant risks to intellectual property or security concerns for the US, or creates a substantial risk of inappropriate usage by foreign entities. The Biden administration even took the extraordinary step of blacklisting rival spyware manufacturer NSO Group, underlining their alleged facilitation of targeted attacks on the mobile phones of adversaries, human rights defenders, and journalists.

Paragon aims to differentiate itself from NSO Group, stating that it exclusively engages with democratic entities and has a strict policy against providing services to clients that may misuse the technology against civil society members, such as journalists. Paragon has yet to disclose its clients, claiming no insight into how its clientele may target particular individuals.

Spyware developers like Paragon and NSO assert that their technologies are intended for preventing crime and curtailing terrorist threats. Nevertheless, past incidents have showcased the software being misused to harass innocent individuals, including those perceived as opponents of the government.

John Scott Railton, a senior researcher at the University of Toronto, stated that spyware like Graphite is being exploited by governmental bodies. He remarked that such tools are “designed for dictatorship, not democracies that prioritize freedom and individual rights.”

“The invasive and secretive nature of hacking abilities is corrupting. Consequently, a growing number of democratic surveillance scandals, including those involving Paragon’s Graphite, are emerging,” he added.


Paragon severed ties with Italy after it was uncovered that 90 individuals, including journalists and civil society figures, had been targeted with spyware across multiple countries. Those targeted by the Italian government included rights advocates critical of its dealings with Libya. Several journalists were also among those targeted, yet the motivations behind these hacking campaigns remain unclear.

The US government is apprehensive about deploying spyware technology outside its borders, as the companies providing these technologies to various nations pose potential security threats.

“As long as the same commercial spyware technology is shared among multiple governments, a built-in counterintelligence risk is present. All these entities are aware of the secret surveillance technologies employed by the US and can anticipate how to detect and counteract them,” Scott Railton remarked. “We remain uncertain of the implications since we face a shortage of avenues to cancel all foreign contracts with Paragon.”

Nadine Farid Johnson, the policy director at Columbia University’s Knight First Amendment Institute, dedicated to promoting free speech, expressed concerns over the “rapid and dramatic expansion of ICE’s budget and authority,” calling for congressional restrictions on the contexts in which spyware may be employed.

“Spyware like Paragon’s Graphite represents a profound threat to free speech and privacy,” Farid Johnson stated. “It has been previously used against journalists, human rights advocates, and political dissenters. The quiet reinstatement of the suspension order raises serious questions over whether certain administrative departments are bypassing the government’s own review protocols.”

Quick Guide

Please contact us about this story

show

The best public interest journalism relies on direct accounts from knowledgeable sources.

If you have any information to share on this topic, please reach out to us confidentially using the following methods:

Secure Messaging in the Guardian App

The Guardian app features a tool for submitting tips about stories. All messages are encrypted end-to-end and are disguised within the routine operations of the Guardian mobile app, preventing observers from knowing that you’re communicating with us.

If you haven’t yet downloaded the Guardian app, please do so (iOS/Android) and navigate to the menu to select ‘Secure Messaging’.

SecureDrop, Instant Messenger, Email, Phone, Post

If you’re able to use the TOR network securely without being tracked, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian through our SecureDrop platform.

Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips provides various secure contact methods and outlines their pros and cons.

Illustration: Guardian Design / Rich Cousins

Thank you for your feedback.


Source: www.theguardian.com