Terrestrially derived dissolved organic carbon is pervasive in the Arctic Ocean, especially within the Transpolar Drift current, and changing inputs could impact future marine carbon cycling, according to a dissolved organic carbon inventory.

Early Holocene retreat of an ice shelf in East Antarctica was linked to ocean-driven forcing enhanced by ice-sheet meltwater from adjoining regions, as unveiled through the integration of proxy records with ocean and climate modelling.

Analyses of Chang’e-6 samples from the lunar farside reveal high water contents and low δD values, with comparisons to other lunar samples suggesting that solar-wind-implanted surface water varies with latitude and regolith maturity.

High near-surface nitrogen-fixation rates that promoted the recent growth of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt were tied to greater upwelling of phosphorus from the equatorial Atlantic, according to coral-bound nitrogen isotope records from the Caribbean.

Low carbon dioxide levels during the last glacial period enhanced photorespiration in trees across North America, indicating a decline in land plant productivity, according to measurements of clumped isotopes in subfossil wood samples.

An Antarctic glacier retreated after the loss of landfast ice at a peak rate almost an order of magnitude faster than previously recorded because of buoyancy-driven ice calving, according to an analysis of geophysical data and satellite imagery.

Greater accessibility to China’s vast archive of satellite Earth observations could enhance scientific progress, disaster preparedness, and international cooperation.

The global topographic dichotomy on Mars is a fundamental feature of the planet, but its origin remains debated. The timing now seems right for a Mars orbital gravity mission that could test competing dichotomy hypotheses.

For research papers first sent for peer review from mid-August, authors will be able to choose whether to publish the reviewers’ reports and their responses with their paper.

Graphite, a mineral made of carbon atoms arranged in layers, was long overlooked. Augusto Nobre explores how isolating these layers to create graphene sparked a wave of innovation, reviving interest in graphite across the geosciences.

Climate and ice sheet processes in Antarctica increasingly reflect those observed earlier in Greenland. Applying process insights from Greenland can improve projections of future Antarctic ice and climate behaviour.

A survey of geoscience researchers from across Africa highlights key challenges in conducting impactful research. Improved access to skills training can boost research success.