Latest news with #Adélie
Time of India
7 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Penguins may help in counteracting climate change! Researchers reveal how
Imagine living in one of the farthest and remotest corners of the whole world, and becoming kind of instrumental in reviving the same! Penguins are proving to have that sort of superpower! What's happening? Antarctica is warming quickly due to human-caused climate change. However, where there's a problem, there must be a will to solve it as well. A new study suggests that penguin droppings, or guano, could help keep the continent cooler. The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment , shows that ammonia released from penguin guano helps form extra clouds above coastal Antarctica. These clouds block sunlight and may lower temperatures. Can penguin poop save the world? According to the paper, penguins are a key species in Antarctica, are "major emitters" of ammonia. When the ammonia reacts with gases that contain sulfur emitted from phytoplankton in the ocean, it increases the creation of aerosols, which give water vapor a surface to condense upon and lead to cloud formation. As per Matthew Boyer, a researcher at the University of Helsinki's Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research and lead author of the paper, "They have a synergistic role for the formation of particles in the atmosphere." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo According to the paper, the clouds can then act as an insulation in the atmosphere, helping to reduce surface temperatures, which in turn prevents the sea ice from melting. Insight into the study: Boyer noted that past lab studies indicated ammonia can aid in cloud formation. However, measuring this in Antarctica had not been done before. Antarctica serves as a unique natural laboratory. With very little human pollution and few plants to produce cloud-forming gases, penguin colonies serve as the main source of ammonia. However, penguins face threats due to shrinking sea ice, which disrupts their nesting, feeding, and routines to avoid predators. Understanding their ecological role is crucial. Along with other seabirds like Imperial Shags, penguins release large amounts of ammonia through their droppings. When this ammonia mixes with sulfur gases from phytoplankton—tiny algae in the ocean—it helps create aerosol particles that form clouds. To study this, Boyer and his team set up instruments at Argentina's Marambio Base on Seymour Island, near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. During those summer months, when penguin colonies thrive and phytoplankton bloom, they monitored wind, ammonia levels, and aerosols. When wind blew from a nearby colony of 60,000 Adélie penguins, ammonia levels rose to 13.5 parts per billion—about a thousand times higher than normal. Even a month after the penguins had migrated, ammonia concentrations remained about 100 times higher, thanks to the guano-soaked ground. As air moved from the penguin colony, particle counters showed an increase in cloud-forming aerosols, sometimes thick enough to create fog. Chemical analysis pointed to ammonia from the penguins. Boyer describes this as a "synergistic process" where penguins and phytoplankton work together to increase aerosol production in the area. He warns that declining penguin numbers could worsen climate warming in the Antarctic summer, although this idea is still a hypothesis and not proven. Clouds usually cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight, and the team believes a similar process occurs in Antarctica. However, the effect depends on what lies beneath the clouds. Ice and glaciers reflect a lot of sunlight, but clouds can also trap heat, so the overall impact depends on where clouds form. Yet another reminder: The findings highlight how interconnected Antarctic ecosystems are with Earth's climate systems. As ice melts and habitats shift due to global warming , it's not just wildlife like penguins that are at risk, but also the natural processes they support. These findings also show how closely life and the atmosphere are linked, from the ancient rise of oxygen due to microbes to penguins affecting current cloud cover. As per Boyer, "This highlights the deep connection between ecosystems and atmospheric processes, and why we should care about biodiversity and conservation." The Antarctic plays a vital role in stabilising global temperatures, acting as a heat buffer, a carbon sink, and the engine behind ocean currents, according to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. Unfortunately, it's also one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth. Linking fossil climate proxies to living bacteria helps climate prediction
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Penguin poop is creating more clouds. Here's how
There is no shortage of penguin poop in Antarctica. In fact, you can see it from space, if you know where to look. Researchers often use satellite observations to study Adélie penguin populations and changes in their diet. The most widespread penguin species, there are currently an estimated 10 million Adélie penguins, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. The penguins themselves are too small to see from above, but their excrement is not. Also known as guano, the old bird poop builds up on rocky and icy surfaces over time. It can be seen in shades of white, red, and pink. The color that is expelled depends on what these flightless birds eat. With a krill diet, for example, turns it out pinker. Whereas, a largely fishy diet turns their poop whiter. But, the color isn't the only magic associated with Adélie penguin poop. Researchers say that ammonia released from the guano could help to protect them from the increasingly dangerous effects of human-caused climate change. The sea ice Adélie penguins rely on to survive is dwindling, as it is increasingly threatened by climate change. However, ammonia released from their poop may be contributing to increased regional cloud formation that halts ice loss and protects their habitat. 'There are connections between things that happen on our natural planet that we just don't necessarily expect,' Matthew Boyer, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Helsinki, told The Washington Post. 'And this is one of them.' Boyer was the lead author of the related research, which was recently published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. Ammonia, which is a naturally occurring chemical compound often used in disinfecting products, can ramp up cloud formation when it chemically interacts with gases that contain the smelly element sulphur. This reaction increases the creation of particles in the air that give water vapor — water in its gaseous form — a surface to condense upon: changing it into a liquid. That's how clouds are formed. Ammonia clouds have been found on Jupiter, and over Southeast Asia. The resulting clouds can serve as insulating layers in the atmosphere, as well as help to reduce surface temperatures and keep the surrounding sea ice from melting. Last year, the sea ice extent in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica was the second smallest on record. This March saw Antarctic sea ice plunge, as well. The sea ice, which is more reflective than water, plays a significant role in keeping polar regions cool. 'We can hypothesize that there will be a cooling effect from the clouds because, in general, that is the most prominent effect of clouds in the atmosphere,' Boyer explained. To reach their conclusions, Boyer and his colleagues measured the concentration of ammonia in the air at a site near Marambio Base in the winter of 2023. They were downwind of the colony of 60,000 Adélie penguins, and their poop. When the wind blew from that direction, they found the concentration of ammonia in the air increased to more than 1,000 times higher than the baseline level. Furthermore, it was still more than 100 times higher than the baseline after the penguins had migrated from the area by the end of February. To confirm that this was the direct result of the guano's ammonia, they took several additional atmospheric measurements on a single day, finding that the number and size of particles at the site sharply increased when the wind blew from the colony. Just three hours later, they observed a period of fog that they say was likely the result of the increased particles. Although the specific interaction between penguins and the Antarctic climate is currently poorly understood, Antarctic ecosystems are facing significant pressures because of human-driven climate change that is driving sea ice loss as global warming continues. Warmer waters may mean less of the phytoplankton that krill and fish eat, reducing the penguins' food supply. The researchers say that their conclusions emphasize the importance of protecting penguins, which play a vital role in balancing their ecosystems. Although these birds may only be just over two feet tall, their contribution may be massive. 'The oceans and the penguins are influencing the atmosphere and actually influencing the local climate in Antarctica,' said Boyer. 'The local changes in Antarctica will have an impact on global climate.'
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Penguin poo plays a surprising role in Antarctic climate cooling: Study
This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only. In an unexpected discovery, scientists have found that penguin droppings or guano may be helping cool Antarctica by triggering cloud formation that reflects sunlight away from Earth. The new study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, shows that ammonia released from penguin colonies significantly boosts the formation of cloud-seeding aerosols over coastal Antarctica. Researchers led by atmospheric scientist Matthew Boyer from the University of Helsinki found that guano from Adélie penguins emits ammonia gas, which combines with sulfur-based compounds from phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean to create particles that form low-lying clouds. 'To actually quantify this process and to see its influence in Antarctica hasn't been done,' Boyer told AFP. 'This really does show that there is a deep connection between ecosystem processes and the climate,' he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Best Luxury Hotel Prices Expertinspector Learn More Undo Measurements taken between January and March 2023 near Argentina's Marambio Base showed ammonia concentrations spiking up to 13.5 parts per billion, 1,000 times higher than background levels, when the wind came from a nearby colony of 60,000 Adélie penguins. 'The ammonia enhances the formation rate of particles... we're talking up to four orders of magnitude faster because of the guano,' Boyer explained. Even a month after the penguins had migrated, the ammonia levels in the air remained roughly 100 times above normal, suggesting the guano-laden soil acts like a slow-release chemical source. This lingering effect "boosted particle formation rates by up to 10,000 times in the region." The study highlights a 'synergistic process' between penguins and phytoplankton that is vital to aerosol production, with Boyer telling that the penguin-plankton relationship could be disrupted by declining penguin populations, potentially weakening this natural cooling feedback. However, the impact of such clouds isn't entirely straightforward. Boyer noted that while clouds over the ocean cool the surface, those over ice, being less reflective than snow, could actually lead to localised warming. Despite these nuances, the findings illustrate the complexity of climate systems and how even seemingly small actors like penguins can influence global processes. 'This is just another example of this deep connection between the ecosystem and atmospheric processes, and why we should care about biodiversity and conservation,' Boyer said. Still, penguins face serious threats from climate change. As Rose Foster-Dyer, a marine ecologist at the University of Canterbury, was quoted as saying by Inside Climate News, some species like the emperor penguin may be more adaptable than assumed, having lived through many natural climate cycles. Yet, the pace of human-driven warming poses new challenges. 'Everything's changing at such a fast rate, it's really hard to say much about anything,' she added. With about 20 million breeding pairs scattered across the continent, and individual colonies producing hundreds of tons of guano annually, penguins are more than just Antarctic icons, they're accidental climate engineers.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Penguin poo creates clouds that help cool the planet, study finds
Antarctica's number one cutest animal might be saving the planet with its number two. A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment finds that ammonia released from penguin guano – yes, their poo – may help form clouds that insulate the Earth and prevent sea ice from melting. Researchers from the University of Helsinki spent two months on the Antarctic Peninsula measuring the air near a colony of 60,000 Adélie penguins. When winds blew from the direction of the colony, ammonia levels in the atmosphere surged more than 1,000 times above baseline levels. Ammonia from the guano reacts with sulfur-containing gases emitted by marine phytoplankton, forming aerosol particles that seed clouds. These clouds reflect sunlight and help cool the surface below, a process that could slow glacial melt and sea ice retreat. Related 'Crazy young penguin' travels to Australia from Antarctica. Is climate change to blame? Satellite imagery reveals previously unknown colonies of emperor penguins in Antarctica The penguins act as 'major emitters' of this ammonia, lead author Matthew Boyer explains. 'There is a deep connection between ecosystem processes – being the ocean phytoplankton activity as well as penguins – and atmospheric processes that can have an impact on the local climate,' he told ABC News. Even after the penguins migrate, the lingering guano continues to emit ammonia. In one case, researchers observed a fog bank that lasted for three hours after a spike in aerosol concentration. The findings highlight how interconnected Antarctic ecosystems are with Earth's climate systems. As ice melts and habitats shift due to global warming, it's not just wildlife like penguins that are at risk, but also the natural processes they support. The Antarctic plays a vital role in stabilising global temperatures, acting as a heat buffer, a carbon sink and the engine behind ocean currents, according to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. But it's also one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth. Related Why climate models miss the mark on Arctic warming – and how scientists are improving their accuracy Arctic winter ends with lowest sea ice cover in recorded history The Thwaites Glacier – dubbed the 'Doomsday Glacier' – alone could raise sea levels by up to three metres if it collapses. Understanding how local processes affect global climate systems is now more critical than ever. Penguin poop isn't the only unexpected ally in the fight against climate change and ecological destruction. In Kenya and other parts of East Africa, beehive fences are proving to be a natural solution to human-wildlife conflict. Elephants avoid the fences because they fear bees. That protects crops, farmers and elephants alike. In the UK, engineers have developed electric wallpaper to cut home heating emissions, one of the biggest sources of carbon in colder climates. A French company called New World Wind has also created 'wind trees' – artificial trees equipped with tiny, silent turbines that capture energy from light breezes in urban areas. The compact trees can generate electricity year-round in spaces too tight for traditional wind turbines, powering everything from streetlights to small buildings. Whether it's penguin poo or warming wallpaper, novel insights and solutions like these could help shape future climate change and conservation strategies.
Euronews
23-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Penguin guano could be slowing climate change in Antarctica
Antarctica's number one cutest animal might be saving the planet with its number two. A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment finds that ammonia released from penguin guano – yes, their poo – may help form clouds that insulate the Earth and prevent sea ice from melting. Researchers from the University of Helsinki spent two months on the Antarctic Peninsula measuring the air near a colony of 60,000 Adélie penguins. When winds blew from the direction of the colony, ammonia levels in the atmosphere surged more than 1,000 times above baseline levels. Ammonia from the guano reacts with sulfur-containing gases emitted by marine phytoplankton, forming aerosol particles that seed clouds. These clouds reflect sunlight and help cool the surface below, a process that could slow glacial melt and sea ice retreat. The penguins act as 'major emitters' of this ammonia, lead author Matthew Boyer explains. 'There is a deep connection between ecosystem processes – being the ocean phytoplankton activity as well as penguins – and atmospheric processes that can have an impact on the local climate,' he told ABC News. Even after the penguins migrate, the lingering guano continues to emit ammonia. In one case, researchers observed a fog bank that lasted for three hours after a spike in aerosol concentration. The findings highlight how interconnected Antarctic ecosystems are with Earth's climate systems. As ice melts and habitats shift due to global warming, it's not just wildlife like penguins that are at risk, but also the natural processes they support. The Antarctic plays a vital role in stabilising global temperatures, acting as a heat buffer, a carbon sink and the engine behind ocean currents, according to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. But it's also one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth. TheThwaites Glacier – dubbed the 'Doomsday Glacier' – alone could raise sea levels by up to three metres if it collapses. Understanding how local processes affect global climate systems is now more critical than ever. Penguin poop isn't the only unexpected ally in the fight against climate change and ecological destruction. In Kenya and other parts of East Africa,beehive fences are proving to be a natural solution to human-wildlife conflict. Elephants avoid the fences because they fear bees. That protects crops, farmers and elephants alike. In the UK, engineers have developedelectric wallpaper to cut home heating emissions, one of the biggest sources of carbon in colder climates. A French company called New World Wind has also created 'wind trees' – artificial trees equipped with tiny, silent turbines that capture energy from light breezes in urban areas. The compact trees can generate electricity year-round in spaces too tight for traditional wind turbines, powering everything from streetlights to small buildings. Whether it's penguin poo or warming wallpaper, novel insights and solutions like these could help shape future climate change and conservation strategies. With warmer than normal ocean waters, forecasters are expecting yet another unusually busy hurricane season for the Atlantic. But they don't think it will be as chaotic as 2024, the third-costliest season on record as it spawned killer storms Beryl, Helene and Milton. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday unveiled its outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season that begins 1 June and stretches through the end of November, with a 60 per cent chance it will above normal, 30 per cent chance near normal and just 10 per cent chance it will be quieter than average. The forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms with six to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to five reaching major status with winds of more than 177 kph. A normal season has 14 named storms, seven of which strengthen to hurricanes and three power up further to major hurricanes. Ocean warmth is not quite as high as last year's off-the-charts heat. But it's sufficient to be the top reason for the busy forecast, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said. 'Everything is in place for an above average season," he said. 'With a warming climate, forecasting above the long-term mean is always a safe bet,' said Kristen Corbosiero, a University at Albany tropical meteorology professor who was not part of the NOAA research. Human-caused climate change has generally made storms more intense, wetter and slower-moving so they drop more rain, Corbosiero and other experts said. 'The main fuel source for hurricanes is warm ocean waters," Corbosiero said. 'Warmer ocean water, warmer atmosphere above it can hold more moisture, more fuel for storms.' Corbosiero said there are three main factors: Water temperature, the El Nino/La Nina cycle of natural ocean warming and cooling, and 'seeds' of storms coming off Africa as thunderstorms. The warmer-than-normal water pushes toward a busy season, the El Nino cycle is neutral and it's too early to know what's coming off Africa, she and other hurricane experts said. With climate change, hurricanes are powering up from almost nothing to intense storms more quickly, giving people less notice for whopper storms, meteorologists said. Every Category 5 hurricane that hit the United States was a tropical storm or weaker just three days earlier, Graham said. Despite massive job cuts at NOAA from the Department of Government Efficiency, 'our ability to serve this country has never been better and it will be this year as well,' Graham said at a news conference Thursday in Gretna, Louisiana, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. 'The hurricane centre is fully staffed up and we're ready to go,' acting NOAA administrator Laura Grimm said. 'We are making this a top priority for this administration.' Since 1995, 21 of the 30 Atlantic hurricane seasons have been officially classified as above normal, with nearly half of those considered 'hyperactive,' according to NOAA. It classifies seasons based on their Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index, which takes into account the number and strength of storms and how long they last. In the last 10 years, only 2015 was below normal and 2022 was near normal. Last year started with a record early Category 5 hurricane in Beryl but then had a lull during the early part of peak storm season from mid-August to mid-October. But then six storms, including Helene and Milton, formed in just two weeks. With 18 named storms, 11 of those becoming hurricanes and five major hurricanes, 2024 was considered a hyperactive season in the Atlantic. And it was the third such in the last 10 years. Several other groups besides NOAA - private, public and academic - have already made forecasts for the upcoming season and they average out to a busy, but not hyperactive year with 16 named storms, eight of which become hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Phil Klotzbach, who coordinates Colorado State's pioneering forecast program, is calling for a bit more than other forecasters - 17 named storms, nine hurricanes and four majors - heavily based on the warm waters and past trends. Still, it should not quite be like last year, he said. 'At least we're not looking at a crazy hot Atlantic like we did last year at this time,' Klotzbach said. 'We're still pretty toasty out there. So I don't have the warm fuzzies about 2025.' Even if it's a quiet year, Corbosiero said just one storm can change everything, recalling an ultra quiet 1992, when that one storm was the devastating Hurricane Andrew. 'We don't need a hyperactive season to have devastation in the US or the Caribbean or anywhere,' Corbosiero said.
