42,000-year-old sub-fossil trees allow more accurate analysis of the last reversal of the Earth's magnetic field
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 18 February 2021
Earth’s last magnetic reversal 42,000 years ago weakened the magnetic field, increasing cosmic radiation and atmospheric changes. Kauri tree data now allows precise dating and insight into its environmental impacts.
Keywords: magnetic field, Laschamps event, kauri tree, cosmic radiation, atmosphere
‘Missing Ice Problem’ Finally Solved
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 23 February 2021
New calculations resolve the “missing ice problem” by aligning glacier mass and sea-level drop 20,000 years ago. This improves models of Earth’s climate history and challenges older isotope-based estimates.
Keywords: glaciers, sea level, isotope method, ice sheet
Microplastics in the Elbe River
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 10 March 2021
Researchers found 200–2100 microplastic particles/m³ in Elbe water. Most were under 100 µm. High measurement uncertainty (25–200%) was due to uneven distribution. Study sets new standard using BIPM guidelines.
Keywords: microplastics, Elbe, BIPM, uncertainty, water sampling
