Highlight articles

Compounded effects of long-term warming and the exceptional 2023 marine heatwave on North Atlantic coccolithophore bloom dynamics

In 2023, an exceptional marine heatwave occurred in the North Atlantic ocean. This study evaluates changes in G.huxleyi dynamics showing bloom decline in the Celtic Sea and reaching unprecedented levels in the Barents Sea. These shifts reflect the direct impact of temperature extremes driven by human-induced climate change with major effects on ocean life and carbon cycle. Continuous monitoring is vital to understand and monitor regional adaptation of marine ecosystems.

The carbon dioxide removal potential of cement and lime kiln dust via ocean alkalinity enhancement

Cement and lime kiln dust, industrial by-products, could help remove CO₂ from the atmosphere by increasing surface ocean alkalinity. Lab experiments showed that a fraction dissolves rapidly in seawater, releasing substantial alkalinity. Most of the residual fraction may dissolve in marine sediments to drive further carbon storage. Both materials could thus aid in global CO₂ removal, but careful application strategies are required to avoid harm to marine ecosystems.

Global projections of aridity index for mid and long-term future based on CMIP6 scenarios

Our study investigates global dryland dynamics and aridification under future climate scenarios. By employing the Food and Agriculture Organisation Aridity Index and an ensemble of 13 models from the 6th Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, we provide projections for dryland distribution and aridity index across three shared socio-economic pathways (2-4.5, 3-7.0, and 5-8.5) for the near-term (2030–2059) and for the long-term (2070–2099) future.

Quantifying agricultural N₂O and CH₄ emissions in the Netherlands using an airborne eddy covariance system

Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from agriculture need to be reduced, therefore emissions must be understood to effectively mitigate them. This is the first approach to measure those emissions aircraft-based, to assess their magnitude and drivers. We identified emission hotspots and temporal changes in agricultural emissions in the Netherlands. Our approach is applicable to further greenhouse gas emitters, therefore it builds a step towards more comprehensive emission quantification.

Historical Droughts in British Colonial Belize (1771–1981)

This work presents the first documentary-derived chronology of droughts in British colonial Belize (1771-1981), integrating archival sources with extended instrumental records. Results show exceptional droughts in the 1880s, 1920s, and 1943-1955. Comparison of extreme colonial droughts with Terminal Classic Period palaeoclimate records shows a similar magnitude of precipitation reduction (29-59%) and provides a context to assess future climate projections for the region.

Review of climate simulation by Simple Climate Models

Simple Climate Models (SCMs) are widely used tools to explore how Earth's climate may change in the future. In recent decades, the number and types of SCMs have increased significantly, hindering efforts to understand cross-model differences. In this study, we provide an overview of the main principles guiding climate simulation by SCMs, as well as a description of most high-profile SCMs. This work offers a clear reference to support the informed use of these important tools.

Integrating fireline observations to characterize fire plumes during pyroconvective extreme wildfire events: implications for firefighter safety and plume modeling

Firefighter entrapments can occur when wildfires escalate suddenly due to fire-atmosphere interactions. This study presents a method to analyze this in real-time using two weather balloon measurements: ambient and in-plume conditions. Researchers launched 156 balloons during wildfire seasons in Spain, Chile, Greece, and the Netherlands. This methodology detects sudden changes in fire behavior by comparing ambient and in-plume data, ultimately enhancing research on fire-atmosphere interactions.

Bridging science and practice on multi-hazard risk drivers: stakeholder insights from five pilot studies in Europe

Disaster risk management faces growing challenges from multiple, changing hazards. Interviews with stakeholders in five European regions reveal that climate change, urban growth, and socio-economic shifts increase vulnerability and exposure. Measures to reduce one risk can worsen others, highlighting the need for better coordination. The study calls for flexible, context-specific strategies that connect scientific risk assessments with real-world decision-making.

A system for analysis of H₂ and Ne in polar ice core samples

This study describes a system for analysis of hydrogen (H₂) and neon (Ne) in polar ice core samples in the field immediately after drilling. The motivation is to reconstruct the atmospheric history of H₂ to improve understanding of global H₂ biogeochemistry and how it has varied over time. This knowledge will help inform models used to project future atmospheric levels of H₂and assess the climate impacts of widespread utilization of H₂ as an energy source.

Estimating the AMOC from Argo profiles with machine learning trained on ocean simulations

Ocean Science
DOI 10.5194/os-21-3541-2025
18 December 2025

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a large current system that helps regulating Earth's climate. Monitoring the AMOC relies on fixed instruments anchored to the seafloor. This study explores, in a high-resolution model, whether data from Argo floats, autonomous drifters collecting hydrographic profiles, can be used to monitor the AMOC cost-effectively with the help of Machine Learning. Results suggest that Argo floats can extend AMOC monitoring beyond current fixed arrays.

Publications Highlight articles

Highlight articles

Information for

External links