Climatology
Global warming accelerates CO2 emissions from soil microbes
Research
ETH Zurich WSL
When Microorganisms decompose organic material in the soil, they actively release CO2 into the atmosphere. This process is called heterotrophic respiration. A novel model shows that these emissions could surge by up to 40 percent by the end of the century – most significantly in the polar regions.
A contested resource
Research
ETH Zurich
The expansion of hydropower generation often leads to conflicts of interest, both in Switzerland and beyond. Researchers from ETH Zurich are trying to find a basis for compromise that serves the public interest.
A world in flux
Research
ETH Zurich
Heavier rain, longer droughts, melting glaciers: climate change has a dramatic impact on the global water cycle.
Why are forests turning brown in summer?
Research
ETH Zurich WSL
Increasing summer heat and drought are affecting European forests – some years, trees brown prematurely and some even start to die back. Researchers from ETH Zurich and the WSL are showing how exceptional weather conditions over several years are turning forests brown.
Following the water cycle in the forest
Research
ETH Zurich
In the Forest Laboratory "Waldlabor" on Hönggerberg, ETH Zurich researchers investigate the storage and transport processes of water in the forest. Recently they showed that forest-floor litter and deadwood have a far larger influence on the forest water balance than expected.
Volunteers collect Saharan dust
Research
WSL
When professional scientists and interested amateurs work together, it is a rewarding experience for both groups. Such cooperation can deliver important new insights, as shown by the results of a campaign to research winter Saharan dust events.
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