An interview with NASA cryospheric scientist Dr. Tom Wagner, published on August 23, 2013,

An interview with NASA cryospheric scientist Dr. Tom Wagner, published on August 23, 2013, discusses the state of Arctic sea ice.

For more information on NASA's ice research, visit ice.nasa.gov.

The continental U.S. could face an 8-degree Fahrenheit temperature increase by the end of the 21st century if carbon dioxide concentrations reach 800 parts per million. Current CO2 levels stand at

The continental U.S. could face an 8-degree Fahrenheit temperature increase by the end of the 21st century if carbon dioxide concentrations reach 800 parts per million. Current CO2 levels stand at 400 ppm and are rising faster than at any time in Earth's history.

These projections, from the draft National Climate Assessment, are vividly illustrated through computer model visualizations. Allison Leidner, a NASA scientist, emphasizes that these visualizations effectively communicate the dramatic potential changes to the nation's climate, including future temperature and precipitation scenarios.

New computer model visualizations project significant changes in U.S. precipitation patterns under varying carbon dioxide emissions scenarios. By 2100, the southwestern U.S. could become

New computer model visualizations project significant changes in U.S. precipitation patterns under varying carbon dioxide emissions scenarios. By 2100, the southwestern U.S. could become considerably drier, while the northeastern U.S. may experience increased wetness.

These visualizations offer a powerful depiction of climate change impacts, illustrating the potential transformation of our nation's climate. As Allison Leidner, Ph.D., a NASA scientist, notes, they communicate these impacts in a way words cannot. For further details, explore the National Climate Assessment: globalchange.gov/what-we-do/assessment.

Sierra Nevada snowmelt is vital for California. It provides drinking water for 30% of residents, irrigates key San Joaquin Valley crops, and powers hydroelectric plants supplying 15% of the

Sierra Nevada snowmelt is vital for California. It provides drinking water for 30% of residents, irrigates key San Joaquin Valley crops, and powers hydroelectric plants supplying 15% of the state's electricity.

Scientists Martha Conklin and Tom Harmon (UC Merced) are researching at the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory. They use wireless sensors to accurately measure snowpack and melt, enabling state water managers to make better allocation decisions for this precious resource.

Lake Erie, part of Earth's largest surface freshwater system, provides drinking water for 11 million people. Its water quality is threatened by increased fertilizer-derived

Lake Erie, part of Earth's largest surface freshwater system, provides drinking water for 11 million people. Its water quality is threatened by increased fertilizer-derived nutrients.

Researchers Anna Michalak, Tom Bridgeman, and Pete Richards are studying how farming practices and severe weather contribute to these nutrient levels, which diminish water quality and threaten the lake's ecosystem and public health. This research was published on July 12, 2013.

This video explains the Hydrologic Cycle, also known as the Water Cycle, through animation, graphics, and video clips. It illustrates key "flow" and "storage" processes, including precipitation,

This video explains the Hydrologic Cycle, also known as the Water Cycle, through animation, graphics, and video clips. It illustrates key "flow" and "storage" processes, including precipitation, interception, runoff, infiltration, percolation, groundwater discharge, evaporation, transpiration, evapotranspiration, and condensation.

Published on July 12, 2013.

For 45 years, Bernie Krause of Wild Sanctuary has recorded wild soundscapes, from wind and birds to insect larvae. His extensive work reveals how human

For 45 years, Bernie Krause of Wild Sanctuary has recorded wild soundscapes, from wind and birds to insect larvae. His extensive work reveals how human activity, even seemingly safe practices, has radically altered many natural environments.

Krause's recordings offer surprising insights into nature's symphonies, from a grunting sea anemone to a mourning beaver. This unique perspective, originally published July 15, 2013, highlights profound lessons we can learn from the natural world.

Allan Savory, President and Co-founder of the Savory Institute in Boulder, Colorado,

Allan Savory, President and Co-founder of the Savory Institute in Boulder, Colorado, addresses desertification.

He explains that desertification, the turning of land into desert, affects two-thirds of the world's grasslands. This accelerates climate change and destabilizes traditional grazing societies.

Savory has dedicated his life to combating this. His work suggests a surprising method can protect grasslands and restore degraded land.

In this video Jeff Goebel of

In this video Jeff Goebel of Email a Friend