environment

UCI, NASA JPL researchers discover a cause of rapid ice melting in Greenland

Written on May 8, 2023.

While conducting a study of Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland, researchers at the University of California, Irvine and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory uncovered a previously unseen way in which the ice and ocean interact. The glaciologists said their findings could mean that the climate community has been vastly underestimating the magnitude of future sea level rise caused by polar ice deterioration. Using satellite radar data from three European missions, the UCI/NASA team learned...

Increasing ocean temperature threatens Greenland’s ice sheet

Written on January 25, 2021.

UCI and NASA JPL scientists study impact of warm, salty water beneath glaciers January 25, 2021 — Scientists at the University of California, Irvine and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have for the first time quantified how warming coastal waters are impacting individual glaciers in Greenland’s fjords. Their work is the subject of a study published recently in Science Advances. Working under the auspices of the Oceans Melting Greenland mission for the past five years, the researchers...

James Randerson named Ralph J. & Carol M. Cicerone Chair of Earth System Science

Written on May 21, 2018.

UCI expert on climate and environment is first to hold new endowed position Irvine, Calif., May 21, 2018 – James Randerson recently became the first University of California, Irvine faculty member to receive the title of Ralph J. & Carol M. Cicerone Chair of Earth System Science. The new position and related graduate fellowship were made possible through an endowment started by Ralph Cicerone, former UCI chancellor, dean of physical sciences and chair of Earth system science; and his wife,...

Lessons from the Sea

Written on December 4, 2015.

Researchers travel to remote atoll to study nature of coral survival Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on Earth. They supply food for millions; protect coastlines from storms and erosion; provide jobs based on fishing, recreation and tourism; and serve as a source for new medicines. These precious natural resources around the world are being affected by rising sea levels, warmer temperatures and increasing acidity in our oceans. Understanding...

Plant restoration project taking root

Written on February 7, 2011.

UCI pilot program takes root on historic Irvine Ranch. Bryan Carlson, Biological Sciences External Relations The storms that showered Orange County in late 2010 have provided a healthy start to an innovative UC Irvine pilot project on how local and imported plants affect each other – and how to help restore the more delicate native plants. After December’s heavy rains, rolling hills and open-space areas are now a vibrant green. Blossoms of various hues will follow throughout spring. But...

Highlights of 2010 at UCI

Written on December 14, 2010.

Year brings scientific advances, national accolades, international outreach, student activism and – yes – anteaters University Communications, UCI Brief In the past year, UC Irvine students, staff and faculty have stepped up in the face of continuing budget challenges and fee increases with innovation, drive and talent. The result? Research breakthroughs, national honors, global outreach, sports firsts — even a Guinness world record. Here are some top UCI stories from 2010. As always, it...

Environment: Mexico’s scientist in chief

Written on October 10, 2010.

After winning a Nobel prize for helping to protect the planet, Mario Molina is tackling a much more difficult problem — trying to clean up Mexico City. Jeff Tollefson, Nature 467, 902-905 (2010) Cab drivers have heard of him. Political leaders seek his advice. Strangers often shake his hand in a mixture of congratulations and thanks. Such is the fame of Mario Molina, the 67-year-old chemist who has become something of a national icon in his hometown of Mexico City. More than four decades...

That Deathly Ozone Hole Gets Damn Huge Again

Written on September 15, 2010.

Jesus Diaz, GIZMODO This video—taken by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument onboard NASA’s Aura satellite—shows the ozone hole as it reaches its yearly maximum, 23 years after the ban of chlorofluorocarbons, once the heart of all fridges and hair spray cans worldwide. Today is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which marks the day of the ban: September 16, 1987. The effects of chlorofluorocarbons and other chlorine and bromine-containing compounds are...

Working together, we can change history

Written on August 29, 2010.

The China Post news staff, The China Post In 1973 two chemists working at the University of California, Irvine, began studying the effects of chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. These chemicals had been used for decades as agents in the production of Styrofoam and acted as the main refrigerants in air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers. CFCs were used in hair spray, perfumes and many more industrial and household items. Chemists Frank Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina found that chemicals...

UCI wins Sierra Club distinction

Written on August 18, 2010.

The campus was recognized as among the ‘greenest’ schools nationwide. Joanna Clay, Daily Pilot UC Irvine is a “cool school,” at least according to a survey by the Sierra Club. The fourth annual list recognizes the greenest schools in the nation, according to their commitment to sustainability in energy, efficiency, food, academics, waste management, administration, financial investments and other categories. “It’s an acknowledgement of many aspects...

Tag: environment