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Geothermal heat flow, a driver of tectonic processes, must be inferred by indirect means in Antarctica. This Review probes variations in Antarctic heat flow maps, discusses the corresponding tectonic insights and provides recommendations for the use of such maps in ice sheet modelling.
Greenhouse gas forcing has increased ocean heat content, with large impacts on the Earth system. This Review outlines observed and projected global and regional changes, revealing an observed 0–2,000 m global increase of 351.4 ± 59.8 ZJ from 1958 to 2019, and a projected increase of 1,874 [1,637–2,109] ZJ by 2100 under SSP5-8.5.
Megadroughts can be defined as persistent, multi-year droughts that are exceptional compared with other regional events during the Common Era. This Review discusses palaeo reconstructions of megadroughts over the past 2,000 years, and outlines the impact of anthropogenic forcing on the severity and frequency of observed and projected events.
Warming and human activities are affecting biogeochemical cycling on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. This Review examines the impacts on carbon and nitrogen cycling, detailing current stocks and changing fluxes.
Asian Monsoon initiation is thought to be related to Tibetan Plateau uplift, but the timings and mechanisms are debated. This Review discusses a two-stage development of the Asian Monsoon: northward expansion ~41 million years ago (Ma), and attainment of a modern-like pattern at ~26 Ma.
Iron oxide–apatite ore deposits are a key source of iron and contain a number of critical technology metals needed for the sustainable energy transition. This Review explores the hydrothermal, magmatic and tectonic conditions required to efficiently enrich iron-rich minerals in the upper crust.
Climate change and anthropogenic activities are altering grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. This Review examines vegetation and soil changes, and the role of various drivers in affecting them.
The scale and tragedy of the giant tsunamis in 2004, 2010 and 2011 led to a revolution in tsunami monitoring. This Review assesses the advances in tsunami observation, monitoring and hazard assessment, which have allowed near-real-time early warning systems to be developed.
The Quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) describes alterations in the direction of tropical stratospheric winds and their downward propagation. This Review outlines the drivers, impacts and projected changes of the QBO, noting a likely weakening amplitude under anthropogenic warming.
Soil hydrology impacts ecosystem functioning and is being altered by global change and anthropogenic activities. This Review discusses the drivers of soil hydrological processes, their feedbacks within the broader Earth and the emerging tools illuminating these linkages.
The geodynamic mechanisms and timing of Tibetan Plateau formation are debated, but are critical to understanding tectonic–climatic links. This Review discusses the stages of Tibetan Plateau evolution, and highlights that inherited weaknesses from pre-Cenozoic tectonic events influenced its variable surface uplift history.
Warming temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns and human activities on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau are impacting phenology, including advancing the start and delaying the end of the growing season. This Review examines the drivers, patterns and impacts of changing vegetation phenology across this region.
Phase transitions in the mantle transition zone could affect material and heat exchange between the upper and lower mantle. This Review discusses how compositional heterogeneity affects mantle convection based on seismic observations, plausible mantle compositions and model predictions.
The Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) underwent dramatic changes over the Holocene, impacting global sea levels. In this Review, Jones et al. discuss changes in this ice sheet during the pre-industrial Holocene. The drivers behind these past changes are explored, as well as their relevance for current and future changes in the AIS.
Black carbon is produced by wildfire and fossil fuel burning, and persists in the environment over centuries to millennia. This Review describes black carbon sources and budgets, discusses its transport along the land-to-ocean continuum and highlights its enigmatic cycling in the ocean.
Biochar is a promising negative carbon emission technology with applications in wastewater pollution control. This Review assesses the performance of engineered biochar in various industrial, municipal and stormwater treatments, and discusses the partnerships required for biochar commercialization.
Clay minerals can retain metal ions, concentrate rare earth elements and be exploited for industrial waste disposal. This Review discusses the molecular-level mechanisms of metal ion retention in clay minerals and their importance for environmental and industrial applications.
Atmospheric warming has imbalanced the Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalayan system (the Asian water tower (AWT)). Yao et al. review observed changes in atmospheric water and freshwater AWT constituents, focusing on their future consequences for freshwater resources and vulnerable societies across downstream basins.
Atmospheric aerosols alter Earth’s radiation balance and serve as cloud condensation nuclei, but their climate forcing potential is poorly understood. This Review describes the occurrence of aerosols in the atmosphere, assesses the known impact on climate and proposes approaches to further constrain their climate effects.
Tropical peatlands hold around 105 gigatonnes of carbon but are increasingly affected by anthropogenic activities. This Review describes the biogeochemistry of these systems and how deforestation, fire, drainage and agriculture are disturbing them.
