India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).

Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk.

Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies.

The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority.

"It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview.

"While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater."

Watch |&nbsp;India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-monsoon-heavy-rains-triggers-floods-7-landslides-737744/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said.

However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time.

More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-himachal-and-kerala-indias-flood-fury-turns-to-maharashtra-747359">Also read |&nbsp;After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra</a>

"Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).

India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21). Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk. Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies. The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority. "It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview. "While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater." Watch | India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides × He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said. However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time. More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said. Also read | After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra "Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian govt to spend $300mn to thwart floods, conserve water

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface.

The existence of the hydrated minerals has shifted the spotlight on the history of the asteroid which has been orbiting the sun between planets Mars and Jupiter.

Asteroid Psyche, which is 140 miles in diameter, is one of the biggest space rocks in the main asteroid belt.&nbsp;

It is a dense and mostly metallic celestial object which is suspected to be the leftover core of some planet that may have gone through a catastrophic collision.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/esas-gaia-telescope-detects-352-asteroids-hovering-around-elusive-moons-749167">ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons</a>

&nbsp;The Psyche spacecraft was launched by NASA on October 13, 2023, and will cover 2.2 billion miles and reach the asteroid in August 2029.

Planetary Science Journal paper's second author Dr Tracy Becker said, "Using telescopes at different wavelengths of infrared light, the SwRI-led research will provide different but complementary information to what the Psyche spacecraft is designed to study."

"Our understanding of solar system evolution is closely tied to interpretations of asteroid composition, particularly the M-class asteroids that contain higher concentrations of metal," said Dr. Stephanie Jarmak, the lead author of the study.

"These asteroids were initially thought to be the exposed cores of differentiated planetesimals, a hypothesis based on their spectral similarity to iron meteorites," she added.

<h2>James Webb hints at presence of water on surface of asteroid Psyche</h2>

The data collected by the James Webb telescope points to the presence of hydroxyl on the surface of Psyche and also hints at the existence of water.&nbsp;

The hydrated minerals can come from external sources, which include impactors.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA finds oceans of water on Mars, deep in Martian crust

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-finds-oceans-of-water-on-mars-deep-in-martian-crust-749924/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, if hydration is native to the asteroid then it will have a different evolutionary history in comparison to what current models suggest.

"Asteroids are leftovers from the planetary formation process, so their compositions vary depending on where they formed in the&nbsp;solar nebula," said co-author Dr. Anicia Arredondo&nbsp;

"Hydration that is endogenous could suggest that Psyche is not the remnant core of a protoplanet. Instead, it could suggest that Psyche originated beyond the 'snow line,' the minimum distance from the sun where protoplanetary disk temperatures are low enough for volatile compounds to condense into solids, before migrating to the outer main belt," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface.

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface. The existence of the hydrated minerals has shifted the spotlight on the history of the asteroid which has been orbiting the sun between planets Mars and Jupiter. Asteroid Psyche, which is 140 miles in diameter, is one of the biggest space rocks in the main asteroid belt. It is a dense and mostly metallic celestial object which is suspected to be the leftover core of some planet that may have gone through a catastrophic collision. Also Read: ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons The Psyche spacecraft was launched by NASA on October 13, 2023, and will cover 2.2 billion miles and reach the asteroid in August 2029. Planetary Science Journal paper's second author Dr Tracy Becker said, "Using telescopes at different wavelengths of infrared light, the SwRI-led research will provide different but complementary information to what the Psyche spacecraft is designed to study." "Our understanding of solar system evolution is closely tied to interpretations of asteroid composition, particularly the M-class asteroids that contain higher concentrations of metal," said Dr. Stephanie Jarmak, the lead author of the study. "These asteroids were initially thought to be the exposed cores of differentiated planetesimals, a hypothesis based on their spectral similarity to iron meteorites," she added. James Webb hints at presence of water on surface of asteroid Psyche The data collected by the James Webb telescope points to the presence of hydroxyl on the surface of Psyche and also hints at the existence of water. The hydrated minerals can come from external sources, which include impactors. Watch: NASA finds oceans of water on Mars, deep in Martian crust However, if hydration is native to the asteroid then it will have a different evolutionary history in comparison to what current models suggest. "Asteroids are leftovers from the planetary formation process, so their compositions vary depending on where they formed in the solar nebula," said co-author Dr. Anicia Arredondo "Hydration that is endogenous could suggest that Psyche is not the remnant core of a protoplanet. Instead, it could suggest that Psyche originated beyond the 'snow line,' the minimum distance from the sun where protoplanetary disk temperatures are low enough for volatile compounds to condense into solids, before migrating to the outer main belt," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Water on an asteroid? Scientists find hydration evidence on asteroid Psyche

The imprint of a different and rare kind of dinosaurs in China has left palaeontologists puzzled. The footprints frozen in time are said to belong to chicken-sized dinosaurs who used to spend time near a water source because of which the footprints were created by them unknowingly.

The imprint of a different and rare kind of dinosaurs in China has left palaeontologists puzzled. The footprints frozen in time are said to belong to chicken-sized dinosaurs who used to spend time near a water source because of which the footprints were created by them unknowingly. These footprints have emerged as key evidence that will help palaeontologists solve the puzzle of the evolution of dinosaurs to birds. All about chicken-sized dinosaurs The chicken-sized dinosaurs had three toes and were not bigger than a human's thumb. They were part of the group of tiniest dinosaurs known as Minisauripus. Also Read: This dinosaur walked on Earth when just one big supercontinent existed This tiniest group of dinosaurs were discovered only because of their fossilised footprints. For the "first time" the fossilised footprints of chicken-sized dinosaurs have been discovered by scientists in northwest China (Gansu area), as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). This discovery also explains a lot of things about the evolution of birds. The Minisauripus are not a direct ancestor of birds, however, they are an important key in the evolution process. These bipedal dinosaurs roamed on Earth in the early Cretaceous era, when there was relatively warm temperature. In this period, new dinosaur groups emerged on Earth which included Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. The China University of Geosciences researchers made the stunning discovery of five tiny, three-toed fossil footprints which were between 1 to 3 centimetres (0.39 inches to 1.18 inches) in size. Watch: Elusive artist Banksy unleashes animals on London “We estimate that the body length [of the dinosaurs] is about 25cm (9.84 inches), but the tail should account for at least half of the length,” said Xing Lida, who is a palaeontologist and associate professor at the university, while speaking to South China Morning Post. According to the researchers, this finding was important as it emphasised the diversity of the dinosaurs and also helped in understanding how dinosaurs evolved into birds. In the process of evolution of dinosaurs, miniaturisation was an important stage. Xing emphasised that the new discovery will help scientists gain insight into the evolution of birds. “The miniaturisation of dinosaurs was a key factor in their evolution into birds, and it was a very important evolutionary event,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

China once was home to rare chicken-sized dinosaurs which lived near water sources

The Red Planet, long perceived as a barren, desolate world, has unveiled a surprising secret. Scientists have unearthed compelling evidence suggesting that the Martian crust harbours enough water to potentially fill entire oceans.

Mars hides a secret: A vast underground water reservoir

A study released Monday using data from NASA's Mars InSight lander shows evidence of liquid water far below the surface of the fourth planet, advancing the search for life there and showing what might have happened to Mars' ancient oceans.

NASA finds oceans of water on Mars, deep in Martian crust

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet.&nbsp;

Similar to how atmospheric oxygen is important for animals, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in water is important for healthy aquatic ecosystems if it is marine or freshwater.&nbsp;

Since billions of people&nbsp;depend on freshwater and marine habitats for food and income, the rapid decline of oxygen in these ecosystems has become a concern for them.

It has been proposed by a team of scientists that aquatic deoxygenation should be added to the list of 'planetary boundaries'.

So far, the planetary boundaries include nine domains that impose thresholds "within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come", as per the study.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-groundwater-to-turn-undrinkable-for-half-a-billion-people-by-2100-study-740031">Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study</a>

These domains are climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, interference with the global phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, rate of biodiversity loss, global freshwater use, land-system change, aerosol loading, and chemical pollution.

<h2>Here's what depletion of aquatic oxygen will lead to&nbsp;</h2>

A team, headed by freshwater ecologist Kevin Rose from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States, has raised concerns regarding this list overlooking the most important limits of the Earth.&nbsp;

"The observed deoxygenation of the Earth's freshwater and marine ecosystems represents an additional planetary boundary process," wrote the authors, adding, "that is critical to the integrity of Earth's ecological and social systems, and both regulates and responds to ongoing changes in other planetary boundary processes."

"Relevant, critical oxygen thresholds are being approached at rates comparable to other planetary boundary processes," they added.

There are various reasons why the concentration of dissolved oxygen has decreased.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists find underground caves on moon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-find-underground-caves-on-moon-741666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Warmer waters are not able to hold as much dissolved oxygen and since&nbsp;the greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing air and water temperatures beyond their long-term averages, surface waters are failing to hold this vital element.

Aquatic life has also been blamed for the depletion of the dissolved oxygen. Algal blooms and bacterial booms lead to an influx of organic matter and nutrients in the form of sewage and industrial waste, and agricultural and domestic fertilisers which are able to soak up dissolved oxygen.

In some cases, there has been so much depletion of the oxygen that the microbes suffocated and died.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet.

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet. Similar to how atmospheric oxygen is important for animals, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in water is important for healthy aquatic ecosystems if it is marine or freshwater. Since billions of people depend on freshwater and marine habitats for food and income, the rapid decline of oxygen in these ecosystems has become a concern for them. It has been proposed by a team of scientists that aquatic deoxygenation should be added to the list of 'planetary boundaries'. So far, the planetary boundaries include nine domains that impose thresholds "within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come", as per the study. Also Read: Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study These domains are climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, interference with the global phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, rate of biodiversity loss, global freshwater use, land-system change, aerosol loading, and chemical pollution. Here's what depletion of aquatic oxygen will lead to A team, headed by freshwater ecologist Kevin Rose from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States, has raised concerns regarding this list overlooking the most important limits of the Earth. "The observed deoxygenation of the Earth's freshwater and marine ecosystems represents an additional planetary boundary process," wrote the authors, adding, "that is critical to the integrity of Earth's ecological and social systems, and both regulates and responds to ongoing changes in other planetary boundary processes." "Relevant, critical oxygen thresholds are being approached at rates comparable to other planetary boundary processes," they added. There are various reasons why the concentration of dissolved oxygen has decreased. Watch: Scientists find underground caves on moon Warmer waters are not able to hold as much dissolved oxygen and since the greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing air and water temperatures beyond their long-term averages, surface waters are failing to hold this vital element. Aquatic life has also been blamed for the depletion of the dissolved oxygen. Algal blooms and bacterial booms lead to an influx of organic matter and nutrients in the form of sewage and industrial waste, and agricultural and domestic fertilisers which are able to soak up dissolved oxygen. In some cases, there has been so much depletion of the oxygen that the microbes suffocated and died. (With inputs from agencies)

Oxygen is depleting from Earth's water. Here's how it is threatening lives on planet

Long before human civilisation existed on our planet, Earth was just a dry fireball with no water on it and appeared very similar to other exoplanets.

So how, did this burning and hellish planet get water bodies and become a hospitable place for human civilisation?&nbsp;

The researchers, while studying certain meteorite classes, found the source that led to the existence of water-rich cosmic bodies in the primordial solar system.

The scientists identified mini astronomical structures,&nbsp;known as planetesimals, as agents that made the cosmic delivery of water.

The planetesimals brought materials for planet construction, which included our Earth, which had very little water to start with.

Explaining these cosmic bodies, Director of the Klaus Tschira Laboratory for Cosmochemistry at Heidelberg University’s&nbsp;Institute of Earth Sciences, Professor Dr. Mario Trieloff said, “These small bodies did not just supply the building materials for the planets. They are, in reality, the very source of Earth’s water."&nbsp;

These planetesimals remained at cooler temperatures in the&nbsp;outer solar system. In this place, ice remained as solid-state water.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-2024-mt-1-makes-extremely-close-approach-to-earth-739111">Asteroid 2024 MT-1 makes extremely close approach to Earth</a>

These planetesimals were starkly different from other celestial bodies which were formed earlier in the history of the solar system. Those bodies were too hot and very close to the Sun, which made it impossible to create ice.&nbsp;

These bodies, which were formed at an early stage in the universe, faced intense thermal conditions which prevented the accumulation or retention of volatile substances like water.

<h2>How was the research carried out?</h2>

The international research team, which included distinguished earth scientists from Heidelberg University, meticulously analysed age data and used sophisticated computational models, to trace the thermal evolution of these planetesimals' parent bodies.

Throughout their research, they carried out the examination of isotopic compositions and conducted simulations to understand the material composition and heat dynamics of these early solar system objects.

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-say-the-earths-core-is-behaving-oddly-heres-why-739062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the research, the team found that some planetesimals&nbsp;formed extremely rapidly in a time span of less than two million years.&nbsp;

The bodies faced intense heating, melted completely, and lost all their volatile elements, which included water.

Short-lived radioactive isotopes, that release substantial amounts of heat, started decaying, which led to rapid heating.

Meanwhile, in the study, it was found that a second group of planetesimals was formed later on&nbsp;at cooler temperatures in the outer reaches of the solar system.

(With inputs from agencies)

Long before human civilisation existed on our planet, Earth was just a dry fireball with no water on it and appeared very similar to other exoplanets. So how, did this burning and hellish planet get water bodies and become a hospitable place for human civilisation?

Long before human civilisation existed on our planet, Earth was just a dry fireball with no water on it and appeared very similar to other exoplanets. So how, did this burning and hellish planet get water bodies and become a hospitable place for human civilisation? The researchers, while studying certain meteorite classes, found the source that led to the existence of water-rich cosmic bodies in the primordial solar system. The scientists identified mini astronomical structures, known as planetesimals, as agents that made the cosmic delivery of water. The planetesimals brought materials for planet construction, which included our Earth, which had very little water to start with. Explaining these cosmic bodies, Director of the Klaus Tschira Laboratory for Cosmochemistry at Heidelberg University’s Institute of Earth Sciences, Professor Dr. Mario Trieloff said, “These small bodies did not just supply the building materials for the planets. They are, in reality, the very source of Earth’s water." These planetesimals remained at cooler temperatures in the outer solar system. In this place, ice remained as solid-state water. Also Read: Asteroid 2024 MT-1 makes extremely close approach to Earth These planetesimals were starkly different from other celestial bodies which were formed earlier in the history of the solar system. Those bodies were too hot and very close to the Sun, which made it impossible to create ice. These bodies, which were formed at an early stage in the universe, faced intense thermal conditions which prevented the accumulation or retention of volatile substances like water. How was the research carried out? The international research team, which included distinguished earth scientists from Heidelberg University, meticulously analysed age data and used sophisticated computational models, to trace the thermal evolution of these planetesimals' parent bodies. Throughout their research, they carried out the examination of isotopic compositions and conducted simulations to understand the material composition and heat dynamics of these early solar system objects. Watch: Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why In the research, the team found that some planetesimals formed extremely rapidly in a time span of less than two million years. The bodies faced intense heating, melted completely, and lost all their volatile elements, which included water. Short-lived radioactive isotopes, that release substantial amounts of heat, started decaying, which led to rapid heating. Meanwhile, in the study, it was found that a second group of planetesimals was formed later on at cooler temperatures in the outer reaches of the solar system. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth received cosmic delivery of water in its early days when it was a fireball. This was the source

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars.&nbsp;

However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface.&nbsp;

Scientists are now looking at a new approach which involves marsquakes and holds the capacity to provide the breakthrough in this water hunt.

An innovative technique was proposed by researchers from&nbsp;Penn State, headed by doctoral candidate Nolan Roth and Professor Tieyuan Zhu which can revolutionise the understanding of the hydrological history of Mars.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hirise-camera-captures-image-of-phobos-mars-space-potato-moon-734199">NASA's HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars' 'space potato' Moon</a>

According to the study, analysing electromagnetic signals which are produced by marsquakes can help in detecting water which is present underground.

“We explore the possibility of detecting and characterizing subsurface water on Mars using natural signals called seismo-electric interface responses,” stated the study authors.

“These seismo-electric interface responses can be created when marsquakes interact with liquid water held in deep aquifers, so they can be used as unambiguous signs of mobile water," they noted.

<h2>What are Marsquakes?&nbsp;</h2>

Marsquakes are a type of seismic activity&nbsp;that happens on Mars and is similar to earthquakes which occur on Earth.&nbsp;

They are created by the sudden release of energy in the interior of the planet which causes ground vibrations.

Marsquakes can be formed due to various factors which include volcanic activity, the impact of meteorites or tectonic movements.

Scientists by studying the marsquakes can understand the geological activity and internal structure of Mars.&nbsp;

NASA’s InSight lander has played a major role in detecting and studying these quakes after it landed on Mars in 2018.&nbsp;

It was once believed that Mars had vast oceans but through time most of that water vanished.

“The scientific community has theories that Mars used to have oceans and that, over the course of its history, all that water went away. But there is evidence that some water is trapped somewhere in the subsurface. We just haven’t been able to find it,” said Roth.

<h2>What did the researchers propose?</h2>

A technique known as the seismoelectric method has been proposed by researchers to detect&nbsp;water&nbsp;on Mars.&nbsp;

The approach depends on the unique electromagnetic signals which are produced when&nbsp;seismic&nbsp;waves cross the underground aquifers.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | The danger posed by Chinese space debris

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-danger-posed-by-chinese-space-debris-735444/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“If we listen to the marsquakes that are moving through the subsurface, if they pass through water, they’ll create these wonderful, unique signals of electromagnetic fields. These signals would be diagnostic of current, modern-day water on Mars," said Roth.&nbsp;

The dry surface of Mars interestingly makes it easier for scientists to detect the signals compared to Earth.

“On Mars, where the near-surface is certainly desiccated, no such separation is needed. In contrast to how seismoelectric signals often appear on Earth, Mars’ surface naturally removes the noise and exposes useful data that allows us to characterize several aquifer properties,” said Professor Zhu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars. However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface.

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars. However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface. Scientists are now looking at a new approach which involves marsquakes and holds the capacity to provide the breakthrough in this water hunt. An innovative technique was proposed by researchers from Penn State, headed by doctoral candidate Nolan Roth and Professor Tieyuan Zhu which can revolutionise the understanding of the hydrological history of Mars. Also Read: NASA's HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars' 'space potato' Moon According to the study, analysing electromagnetic signals which are produced by marsquakes can help in detecting water which is present underground. “We explore the possibility of detecting and characterizing subsurface water on Mars using natural signals called seismo-electric interface responses,” stated the study authors. “These seismo-electric interface responses can be created when marsquakes interact with liquid water held in deep aquifers, so they can be used as unambiguous signs of mobile water," they noted. What are Marsquakes? Marsquakes are a type of seismic activity that happens on Mars and is similar to earthquakes which occur on Earth. They are created by the sudden release of energy in the interior of the planet which causes ground vibrations. Marsquakes can be formed due to various factors which include volcanic activity, the impact of meteorites or tectonic movements. Scientists by studying the marsquakes can understand the geological activity and internal structure of Mars. NASA’s InSight lander has played a major role in detecting and studying these quakes after it landed on Mars in 2018. It was once believed that Mars had vast oceans but through time most of that water vanished. “The scientific community has theories that Mars used to have oceans and that, over the course of its history, all that water went away. But there is evidence that some water is trapped somewhere in the subsurface. We just haven’t been able to find it,” said Roth. What did the researchers propose? A technique known as the seismoelectric method has been proposed by researchers to detect water on Mars. The approach depends on the unique electromagnetic signals which are produced when seismic waves cross the underground aquifers. Watch: Gravitas | The danger posed by Chinese space debris “If we listen to the marsquakes that are moving through the subsurface, if they pass through water, they’ll create these wonderful, unique signals of electromagnetic fields. These signals would be diagnostic of current, modern-day water on Mars," said Roth. The dry surface of Mars interestingly makes it easier for scientists to detect the signals compared to Earth. “On Mars, where the near-surface is certainly desiccated, no such separation is needed. In contrast to how seismoelectric signals often appear on Earth, Mars’ surface naturally removes the noise and exposes useful data that allows us to characterize several aquifer properties,” said Professor Zhu. (With inputs from agencies)

Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough.&nbsp;

In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes.

The scientists spotted thin and widespread layers of water frost which were spotted atop three of Tharsis volcanoes in Mars, as per a new study published in the journal&nbsp;Nature Geoscience.

The volcanoes are located on a plateau at the equator of the planet. The Tharsis volcanoes, which are a series of 12 large peaks, are the tallest volcanoes present in our solar system, as per the study.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-hole-appears-on-surface-of-mars-whats-hiding-in-there-aliens-727237">Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens?</a>

The study further emphasised that the water frost was discovered on the volcanoes Olympus, Arsia Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus.

In a press release, researchers from Brown University said, "The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tonnes of water that swap between the surface and atmosphere each day during the cold seasons. That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools."

<h2>European Space Agency's missions capture water frost</h2>

The European Space Agency's Mars Express and ExoMars missions clicked 30,000 images of the water frost while orbiting the planet and a team of international researchers then analysed the planet, as per the study.

The thin layer of frost found was approximately "one-hundredth of a millimetre thick or about the width of a human hair," as per the study. The study added that they are formed during sunrise and eventually evaporate amid daylight hours.

In a press release, lead author of study and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University Adomas Valantinas said, "We thought it was impossible for frost to form around Mars' equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks."

Speaking about the frost discovery to AFP, Paris-Saclay University's &nbsp;Frederic Schmidt said, "We saw a shiny, blue deposit there, a particular texture that we only see in the early morning and during the cold seasons."

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Is China practicing placing payload in space?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-practicing-placing-payload-in-space-730610/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What we're seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars, where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past," he added,

As per the study, the water frost is present on the calderas of the volcanoes which are huge depressions present at the top of the summit that were formed after eruptions in the past.

Speaking about the presence of water on Martian Earth ESA scientist Colin Wilson said, “Finding water on the surface of Mars is always exciting, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough. In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes.

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough. In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes. The scientists spotted thin and widespread layers of water frost which were spotted atop three of Tharsis volcanoes in Mars, as per a new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The volcanoes are located on a plateau at the equator of the planet. The Tharsis volcanoes, which are a series of 12 large peaks, are the tallest volcanoes present in our solar system, as per the study. Also Read: Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens? The study further emphasised that the water frost was discovered on the volcanoes Olympus, Arsia Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus. In a press release, researchers from Brown University said, "The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tonnes of water that swap between the surface and atmosphere each day during the cold seasons. That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools." European Space Agency's missions capture water frost The European Space Agency's Mars Express and ExoMars missions clicked 30,000 images of the water frost while orbiting the planet and a team of international researchers then analysed the planet, as per the study. The thin layer of frost found was approximately "one-hundredth of a millimetre thick or about the width of a human hair," as per the study. The study added that they are formed during sunrise and eventually evaporate amid daylight hours. In a press release, lead author of study and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University Adomas Valantinas said, "We thought it was impossible for frost to form around Mars' equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks." Speaking about the frost discovery to AFP, Paris-Saclay University's Frederic Schmidt said, "We saw a shiny, blue deposit there, a particular texture that we only see in the early morning and during the cold seasons." Watch: Gravitas: Is China practicing placing payload in space? "What we're seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars, where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past," he added, As per the study, the water frost is present on the calderas of the volcanoes which are huge depressions present at the top of the summit that were formed after eruptions in the past. Speaking about the presence of water on Martian Earth ESA scientist Colin Wilson said, “Finding water on the surface of Mars is always exciting, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration." (With inputs from agencies)

Water on Mars! Early morning frost spotted on volcanoes in breakthrough discovery

Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Saturday blamed the neighbouring state Haryana for the ongoing water crisis in the national capital as she highlighted the issue of reduced water releases from the Munak Canal.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi warns of 'potential chaos'

Pre-historic rock art discovered by archaeologists on the walls of sites located in the Atbai Desert in Eastern Sudan, builds a picture of the region that is very different from the present arid areas, and appears unbelievable.

Pre-historic rock art discovered by archaeologists on the walls of sites located in the Atbai Desert in Eastern Sudan, builds a picture of the region that is very different from the present arid areas, and appears unbelievable. Even though the region is currently arid, according to the artwork it once was filled with lush green bushes, pastures, water and also animal life. Interestingly, the artwork is only around 4,000 years old which hints that most likely this part of the Sahara Desert went through a rapid and radical change in just a few millennia. The archaeologists at Macquarie University, in a new study, have described the 16 rock art sites which were discovered in the deserts around Wadi Halfa, which is a city in northern Sudan close to the border with Egypt. In the different figures depicted in the art, the researchers discovered illustrations of humans, antelopes, elephants, and giraffes. According to the archaeologists, cattle also appeared often, which was surprising in the wake of the hyper-arid climate of the Atbai Desert. The region today receives almost no annual rainfall which has made cattle pastoralism impossible. In contrast to this, the rock art displays that cattle farming was a common theme of people living in the area in 3000 BCE. Also Read: AI deciphers sperm whale clicks, unravels underwater conversations In a statement, researcher Dr Julien Cooper said, “It was puzzling to find cattle carved on desert rock walls as they require plenty of water and acres of pasture, and would not survive in the dry and arid environment of the Sahara today." Cooper headed a team of archaeologists involved in the Atbai Survey Project in 2018 and 2019. “The presence of cattle in ancient rock art is one of the most important pieces of evidence establishing a once ‘green Sahara’,” Cooper said. Rainfall in Africa led to pastures in Sahara Dessert? Africa between 15,000 and 5,000 years ago received increased summer monsoon rainfall across the continent because of periodic variations in the orbit of Earth around the Sun. Because of the downpours, the continent became a flourishing land of grassy pasture which was filled with freshwater lakes. After the wet period came to an end, a drastic change took place in the region’s landscape along with many people and other animals who lived here. Watch: London's 'light into life' exhibition inspired by nature and science “The Atbai Desert around Wadi Halfa, where the new rock art was discovered, became almost completely depopulated. For those who remained, cattle were abandoned for sheep and goats,” Dr Cooper said. “This would have had major ramifications on all aspects of human life – from diet and limited milk supplies, migratory patterns of herding families and the identity and livelihood of those who depended on their cattle," the researcher said. (With inputs from agencies)

Has Sahara Desert always been barren? A 4,000-year-old rock art holds the answer

A barrage of severe storms battered the Midwest on Tuesday (May 7), unleashing heavy rain, strong gusts of wind, and tornadoes across the region, just a day after a deadly tornado ripped through Oklahoma town killing at least one person and injuring five.

Deadly tornadoes and severe storms strike American Midwest

India's Met Department has said that severe heatwave conditions will continue in several states through the weekend. The heatwave warning comes as voting is underway across several Indian states for the second phase of the general elections...

Heat waves soar as Indians go to vote, Red alert issued till April 28

Venus is often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of their similar size and composition, but they have some differences. Earth has abundant liquid water on its surface while Venus does not. This is because Venus is leaking.&nbsp;

The surface temperature on Venus is extremely high, reaching about 900 degrees Fahrenheit (about 475 degrees Celsius). It has a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide and other gases which makes it impossible for liquid water to exist.

However, there is evidence to suggest that Venus may have had liquid water in its distant past.

New findings from the 2021 BepiColombo mission, a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with the goal of exploring the planet Mercury, revealed that gases, including oxygen, are escaping from Venus's upper atmosphere. Published in the Nature Astronomy journal, the study underscored the importance of understanding Venus's atmospheric evolution.

Venus lacks a strong magnetic field like Earth's. Its upper atmosphere is exposed to the solar wind and a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun.&nbsp;

This interaction between the solar wind and the upper atmosphere of Venus can lead to the escape of ions, particularly hydrogen and oxygen ions, into space. These ions are stripped away from the planet's atmosphere by the solar wind.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gravitational-waves-detect-collision-of-neutron-star-with-a-mysterious-object-in-mass-gap-710785">Gravitational waves detect collision of neutron star with a mysterious object in 'mass gap'</a>

This process, known as atmospheric escape, contributes to the gradual loss of atmosphere from Venus over time.

Understanding the mechanisms of atmospheric escape on Venus can provide understanding into its evolution and the conditions that may have led to its current state.&nbsp;

<h2>Fly-by of Venus&nbsp;</h2>

During its fly-by of Venus, BepiColombo data, collected over 90 minutes, provided these insights into the chemical and physical mechanisms at play in Venus's magnetosheath. Venus lacks an intrinsic magnetic field but possesses an induced magnetosphere due to solar winds, shaping its magnetosheath.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-unearths-practice-of-women-sacrifices-across-europe-in-stone-age-710733">Study unearths practice of women sacrifices across Europe during Stone Age</a>

The study, utilising BepiColombo's Mass Spectrum Analyser and Mercury Ion Analyser, emphasises Venus's divergent evolution from Earth, leading to its extremely dry atmosphere.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chatgpt-to-go-mainstream-710787">ChatGPT to go mainstream?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chatgpt-to-go-mainstream-710787/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Therefore, studying and characterising the present escape of ions from Venus is important for understanding the evolution of its atmosphere, and in particular, the evolution of water on the surface of the planet. Such studies may also provide insights into the general climate and habitability evolution of terrestrial planets and exoplanetary systems," according to the study.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venus is often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of their similar size and composition, but they have some differences. Earth has abundant liquid water on its surface while Venus does not.

Venus is often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of their similar size and composition, but they have some differences. Earth has abundant liquid water on its surface while Venus does not. This is because Venus is leaking. The surface temperature on Venus is extremely high, reaching about 900 degrees Fahrenheit (about 475 degrees Celsius). It has a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide and other gases which makes it impossible for liquid water to exist. However, there is evidence to suggest that Venus may have had liquid water in its distant past. New findings from the 2021 BepiColombo mission, a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with the goal of exploring the planet Mercury, revealed that gases, including oxygen, are escaping from Venus's upper atmosphere. Published in the Nature Astronomy journal, the study underscored the importance of understanding Venus's atmospheric evolution. Venus lacks a strong magnetic field like Earth's. Its upper atmosphere is exposed to the solar wind and a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun. This interaction between the solar wind and the upper atmosphere of Venus can lead to the escape of ions, particularly hydrogen and oxygen ions, into space. These ions are stripped away from the planet's atmosphere by the solar wind. Also Read | Gravitational waves detect collision of neutron star with a mysterious object in 'mass gap' This process, known as atmospheric escape, contributes to the gradual loss of atmosphere from Venus over time. Understanding the mechanisms of atmospheric escape on Venus can provide understanding into its evolution and the conditions that may have led to its current state. Fly-by of Venus During its fly-by of Venus, BepiColombo data, collected over 90 minutes, provided these insights into the chemical and physical mechanisms at play in Venus's magnetosheath. Venus lacks an intrinsic magnetic field but possesses an induced magnetosphere due to solar winds, shaping its magnetosheath. Also Read | Study unearths practice of women sacrifices across Europe during Stone Age The study, utilising BepiColombo's Mass Spectrum Analyser and Mercury Ion Analyser, emphasises Venus's divergent evolution from Earth, leading to its extremely dry atmosphere. Watch | ChatGPT to go mainstream? × "Therefore, studying and characterising the present escape of ions from Venus is important for understanding the evolution of its atmosphere, and in particular, the evolution of water on the surface of the planet. Such studies may also provide insights into the general climate and habitability evolution of terrestrial planets and exoplanetary systems," according to the study. (With inputs from agencies)

Did you know Venus is leaking?  BepiColombo mission finds out why ...

On Monday the seas of the Fujian Province in east China's Pingtan island were illuminated by a natural phenomenon known as "blue tears". Watch to know more.

China: Sparkling 'blue tears' illuminate Pingtan island in Fujian

In India's Bengaluru city, thousands of people have been chasing tankers, taking fewer showers and sometimes missing work to store enough water to get through the day. Watch in for more details!

India: IT hub Bengaluru running out of water

Melting polar ice caps are redistributing a massive amount of water from the north and south poles across the world's oceans. This is causing the earth's rotation to significantly slow. The melting ice caused due to climate change is not just slowing earth's rotation, but its also affecting time. Watch this report to know more.

Melting polar ice is slowing earth's rotation

We've all grown up hearing that Earth is a blue planet, with the majority of its surface — a whopping 71 per cent or three quarters — covered with water.

But, is there any water in Earth's crust? If so, how much water lies underground?&nbsp;

<h2>Underground water</h2>

Yes, as per a 2021 study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, there is more water underground or under the earth's surface than in the planet's ice caps and glaciers.

This underground water is held in soil or in pores in rocks, and the amount there is may shock you.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/role-reversal-humans-to-blame-shocking-study-reveals-humans-infect-animals-twice-as-much-704746">We are the infectors: Humans pass on viruses to animals twice than the other way around!</a>

Talking to Live Science, Grant Ferguson, a hydrogeologist at the University of Saskatchewan and lead author of the 2021 study, revealed that the Earth's crust holds approximately 43.9 million cubic kilometres (10.5 million cubic miles) of water.

In comparison, Antarctica's ice contains about 6.5 million cubic miles (27 million cubic km) of water, Greenland's ice holds around 720,000 cubic miles (3 million cubic km). Additionally, glaciers outside Antarctica and Greenland have about 38,000 cubic miles (158,000 cubic km) of water.

Nevertheless, the oceans on Earth's surface remain the planet's largest water reservoir, holding approximately 312 million cubic miles (1.3 billion cubic km) of water.&nbsp;

Now we know that after oceans, groundwater is the Earth's largest water reservoir.

The 2021 study has expanded previous estimates by considering groundwater within the upper 6.2 miles (9.98 kilometres) of Earth's crust, including sedimentary rocks, which are more porous than crystalline rocks. With this, our previous estimates of groundwater have more than doubled from about 2 million cubic miles (8.5 million cubic km) to 4.9 million cubic miles (20.3 million cubic km).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/time-to-stop-in-2029-melting-polar-ice-slows-earths-rotation-scientists-warn-705093">Time to stop in 2029? Melting polar ice slows Earth's rotation, scientists warn...</a>

This new estimate, as per Live Science, is nearly as large as the 5.7 million cubic miles (23.6 million cubic km) calculated for shallow groundwater.&nbsp;

<h2>Why does this matters?</h2>

The deeper groundwater, which is mostly salty, is isolated from the rest of the planet's water and as per the scientists, has been trapped for extraordinarily long spans of time in some places. This, as per Ferguson, can offer valuable insights into Earth's history.

"We know very little about these waters at depths greater than a few kilometres, making it a frontier area for science," he said. Furthermore, he said that the water may support microbial ecosystems that are still active today, which can help ascertain how life evolved on Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

We've all grown up hearing that Earth is a blue planet, with the majority of its surface — a whopping 71 per cent or three quarters — covered with water. But, is there any water in Earth's crust?

We've all grown up hearing that Earth is a blue planet, with the majority of its surface — a whopping 71 per cent or three quarters — covered with water. But, is there any water in Earth's crust? If so, how much water lies underground? Underground water Yes, as per a 2021 study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, there is more water underground or under the earth's surface than in the planet's ice caps and glaciers. This underground water is held in soil or in pores in rocks, and the amount there is may shock you. Also read | We are the infectors: Humans pass on viruses to animals twice than the other way around! Talking to Live Science, Grant Ferguson, a hydrogeologist at the University of Saskatchewan and lead author of the 2021 study, revealed that the Earth's crust holds approximately 43.9 million cubic kilometres (10.5 million cubic miles) of water. In comparison, Antarctica's ice contains about 6.5 million cubic miles (27 million cubic km) of water, Greenland's ice holds around 720,000 cubic miles (3 million cubic km). Additionally, glaciers outside Antarctica and Greenland have about 38,000 cubic miles (158,000 cubic km) of water. Nevertheless, the oceans on Earth's surface remain the planet's largest water reservoir, holding approximately 312 million cubic miles (1.3 billion cubic km) of water. Now we know that after oceans, groundwater is the Earth's largest water reservoir. The 2021 study has expanded previous estimates by considering groundwater within the upper 6.2 miles (9.98 kilometres) of Earth's crust, including sedimentary rocks, which are more porous than crystalline rocks. With this, our previous estimates of groundwater have more than doubled from about 2 million cubic miles (8.5 million cubic km) to 4.9 million cubic miles (20.3 million cubic km). Also read | Time to stop in 2029? Melting polar ice slows Earth's rotation, scientists warn... This new estimate, as per Live Science, is nearly as large as the 5.7 million cubic miles (23.6 million cubic km) calculated for shallow groundwater. Why does this matters? The deeper groundwater, which is mostly salty, is isolated from the rest of the planet's water and as per the scientists, has been trapped for extraordinarily long spans of time in some places. This, as per Ferguson, can offer valuable insights into Earth's history. "We know very little about these waters at depths greater than a few kilometres, making it a frontier area for science," he said. Furthermore, he said that the water may support microbial ecosystems that are still active today, which can help ascertain how life evolved on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Delving deep: Earth's crust holds more water than its ice caps, reveals study

Water corporations' sewage discharges into England's rivers and oceans more than doubled in the previous year. The Environment Agency reports that there were 3.6 million spill hours in 2023 as opposed to 1.75 million hours in 2022.

Water UK, the industry body for sewerage companies, said it was 'unacceptable' but the record levels were due to heavy rain. 
 
These spills are not against the law but environmentalists say they should only happen in exceptional weather.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/role-reversal-humans-to-blame-shocking-study-reveals-humans-infect-animals-twice-as-much-704746">We are the infectors: Humans pass on viruses to animals twice than the other way around!</a>

The Environment Agency was quoted saying, "It is important to note that heavy rainfall does not affect water companies' responsibility to manage storm overflows in line with legal requirements."

Because the UK has integrated sewage systems, sewage and rainwater share pipes, which increases the risk of overflowing sewage treatment facilities during heavy precipitation. Sewage is spilled into waterways to prevent the system backing up.

On an average last year there were 1,271 spills a day across England, compared to 825 in 2022. 
 
The spills contained human waste, wet wipes and sanitary products, which can pose a serious risk to the local wildlife, swimmers and others who use UK waterways.

Dr. Dania Albini, a research fellow in biosciences at the University of Exeter, stated, "Sewage pollution in the UK severely impacts waterways with not a single river in England rated as healthy according to the latest Rivers Trust Rivers report."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asian-hornets-can-be-absolutely-catastrophic-for-consumers-in-uk-says-bug-expert-704365">Asian hornets can be "absolutely catastrophic" for consumers in UK, says bug expert</a>

She explained that sewage in rivers can decrease oxygen levels in the water which harms aquatic life and "causes sickness in humans due to the presence of harmful microorganisms and parasites."

In may be noted here, in when the River Thames was in flood, testing at Fulham Reach by the charity River Action revealed that there was up to 10 times the amount of E.coli bacteria that is allowed for bathing water status.

Water UK said last year that it would invest £10 billion to upgrade sewage infrastructure on behalf of all English sewerage businesses. However, these plans require approval from the regulator, Ofwat.

Water UK urged the government to move quickly on this decision and other initiatives, such as banning wet wipes, which they claimed would stop thousands of spills caused by clogged drains. Six years ago, the administration made a pledge to enact this restriction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-is-biological-key-study-confirms-703678">Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is 'biological', key study confirms</a>

Water Minister Robbie Moore said, I have been clear that sewage pollution in our waters is unacceptable. Today's data shows water companies must go further and faster to tackle storm overflows and clean up our precious waterways. We will be ensuring the Environment Agency closely scrutinise these findings and take enforcement action where necessary."

"I have been clear that sewage pollution in our waters is unacceptable," stated Robbie Moore, the minister of water resources. According to data from today, water companies need to act more quickly and thoroughly to clean up our valuable rivers and prevent storm overflows. We'll make sure the Environment Agency carefully examines these conclusions and, if required, takes appropriate enforcement action."

The most recent information was gathered from monitoring stations positioned at combined sewer overflows, or CSOs, and was made public by the Environment Agency on March 27. In order to lessen the possibility of sewage backing up in people's homes during periods of severe rainfall due to overburdened sewer systems, CSOs were created as overflow valves.

Because of the heavy rainfall in 2023—which was 20 per cent above average—and the fact that all 14,580 CSOs were equipped with monitors for the first time, it was anticipated that there would be more spills overall. Only half of spills were reported in 2019 since only 57 per cent of vehicles had monitoring installed. 
 
In the small Surrey town of Horley, just outside Gatwick Airport, residents have seen local footpaths flooded ten times in the last year as the treatment works struggled to cope with heavy rainfall.

According to locals, they have repeatedly contacted Thames Water and the Environment Agency about the issue but said all they have done is put sandbags down.

(With inputs from agencies)

Water corporations' sewage discharges into England's rivers and oceans more than doubled in the previous year. The Environment Agency reports that there were 3.6 million spill hours in 2023 as opposed to 1.

Water corporations' sewage discharges into England's rivers and oceans more than doubled in the previous year. The Environment Agency reports that there were 3.6 million spill hours in 2023 as opposed to 1.75 million hours in 2022. Water UK, the industry body for sewerage companies, said it was 'unacceptable' but the record levels were due to heavy rain. These spills are not against the law but environmentalists say they should only happen in exceptional weather. Also read: We are the infectors: Humans pass on viruses to animals twice than the other way around! The Environment Agency was quoted saying, "It is important to note that heavy rainfall does not affect water companies' responsibility to manage storm overflows in line with legal requirements." Because the UK has integrated sewage systems, sewage and rainwater share pipes, which increases the risk of overflowing sewage treatment facilities during heavy precipitation. Sewage is spilled into waterways to prevent the system backing up. On an average last year there were 1,271 spills a day across England, compared to 825 in 2022. The spills contained human waste, wet wipes and sanitary products, which can pose a serious risk to the local wildlife, swimmers and others who use UK waterways. Dr. Dania Albini, a research fellow in biosciences at the University of Exeter, stated, "Sewage pollution in the UK severely impacts waterways with not a single river in England rated as healthy according to the latest Rivers Trust Rivers report." Also read: Asian hornets can be "absolutely catastrophic" for consumers in UK, says bug expert She explained that sewage in rivers can decrease oxygen levels in the water which harms aquatic life and "causes sickness in humans due to the presence of harmful microorganisms and parasites." In may be noted here, in when the River Thames was in flood, testing at Fulham Reach by the charity River Action revealed that there was up to 10 times the amount of E.coli bacteria that is allowed for bathing water status. Water UK said last year that it would invest £10 billion to upgrade sewage infrastructure on behalf of all English sewerage businesses. However, these plans require approval from the regulator, Ofwat. Water UK urged the government to move quickly on this decision and other initiatives, such as banning wet wipes, which they claimed would stop thousands of spills caused by clogged drains. Six years ago, the administration made a pledge to enact this restriction. Also read: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is 'biological', key study confirms Water Minister Robbie Moore said, I have been clear that sewage pollution in our waters is unacceptable. Today's data shows water companies must go further and faster to tackle storm overflows and clean up our precious waterways. We will be ensuring the Environment Agency closely scrutinise these findings and take enforcement action where necessary." "I have been clear that sewage pollution in our waters is unacceptable," stated Robbie Moore, the minister of water resources. According to data from today, water companies need to act more quickly and thoroughly to clean up our valuable rivers and prevent storm overflows. We'll make sure the Environment Agency carefully examines these conclusions and, if required, takes appropriate enforcement action." The most recent information was gathered from monitoring stations positioned at combined sewer overflows, or CSOs, and was made public by the Environment Agency on March 27. In order to lessen the possibility of sewage backing up in people's homes during periods of severe rainfall due to overburdened sewer systems, CSOs were created as overflow valves. Because of the heavy rainfall in 2023—which was 20 per cent above average—and the fact that all 14,580 CSOs were equipped with monitors for the first time, it was anticipated that there would be more spills overall. Only half of spills were reported in 2019 since only 57 per cent of vehicles had monitoring installed. In the small Surrey town of Horley, just outside Gatwick Airport, residents have seen local footpaths flooded ten times in the last year as the treatment works struggled to cope with heavy rainfall. According to locals, they have repeatedly contacted Thames Water and the Environment Agency about the issue but said all they have done is put sandbags down. (With inputs from agencies)

Spills of raw sewage into England’s rivers and seas doubled in 2023

In a world grappling with an escalating water crisis, the United Nations has sounded the alarm on the critical link between water scarcity and global conflict. The latest findings from the UNESCO world water development report 2024 are troubling.

Water scarcity is threat to world peace, UN warns

A Guatemalan river known for its high percentage of contamination has become a health risk. A recent revelation has brought to light the dire conditions of a river overwhelmed by the city's waste.

Guatemalan 'waste river' causes environmental and health hazards

In the heart of Mexico's northern state of Coahuila, ancient oasis of Cuatro Cienegas finds itself on the brink of an ecological crisis. Alfalfa plants have swayed under a thin veil of mist in coahuila, a testament to the region's centuries-old agricultural tradition.

Mexico's vital oasis in crisis

According to the United Nations World Water Development Report 2023, around 2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water. It draws attention to an imminent water emergency that the world may be headed to. One man in India is creating a silent impact in this space. He has made his life’s mission to clean and rejuvenate water bodies –– one pond at a time!

Indian man's mission to rejuvenate water bodies

In the heart of mexico's northern state of coahuila, ancient oasis of cuatro cienegas finds itself on the brink of an ecological crisis. Alfalfa plants have swayed under a thin veil of mist in coahuila, a testament to the region's centuries-old agricultural tradition.

Water is disappearing from Mexico's vital desert oasis

Bengaluru water scarcity is worsening. India's Silicon Valley has been staring at water crisis for weeks. People are scrambling for water, amidst dried-up borewells & overburdened tanker services. Bengaluru’s water woes are also likely to affect its real estate market.

Bengaluru Water Crisis: Will Bengaluru property rates plummet?

Bengaluru is struggling with water crisis. Groundwater is depleting. Cauvery Basin is facing drought. Of the 14,700 borewells in Bengaluru, 6,997 have dried up, as per reports. Residents in Bengaluru are struggling with every water drop. This raises a question of whether Bengaluru is heading towards Cape Town-like 'Day Zero'.

Bengaluru water crisis: Is Bengaluru heading towards Cape Town-like day zero?

Bengaluru, India's IT hub, grapples with a severe water shortage as scant rainfall has caused&nbsp;a significant drop in the Cauvery River's water level. This scarcity not only affects irrigation but has also led to a drinking water crisis in parts of Karnataka's capital.

In response to the dire situation, a housing society in Bengaluru's Whitefield district has implemented a ₹5,000 fine for residents found misusing drinking water. A security guard has been deployed to oversee compliance with this measure amidst the city's worsening water crisis, as reported by India Today.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/world-water-day-2023-parched-the-drying-future-of-water-574715" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/world-water-day-2023-parched-the-drying-future-of-water-574715&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwil5_7N292EAxX8UGwGHandDy0QFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0RQtJ3DRYZUIeEqaMSToiN" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/world-water-day-2023-parched-the-drying-future-of-water-574715" target="_blank">World&nbsp;Water&nbsp;Day 2023: Parched! The drying future of&nbsp;water</a>

"The Palm Meadows" housing society, situated in Whitefield, issued a notice explaining that it has been without water from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board for the past four days. The society is currently relying on borewells, risking the rapid depletion of groundwater.

Whitefield, along with Yelahanka and Kanakpura, stands among the worst-affected areas in the city due to the ongoing water scarcity. The Apartment Owners Association (AOA) of "The Palm Meadows" expressed concerns about the imminent depletion of groundwater.

To address the water crisis, the Apartment Owners Association (AOA) has decided to enforce a 20 per cent reduction in water consumption for each unit. Failure to meet this target may result in an additional charge of ₹5,000, with the reduction expected to escalate to 40 per cent during peak summer months.

The AOA warns of increased penalties for repeated violations and plans to intensify patrolling with the assistance of an additional security personnel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-may-become-water-deficit-desert-due-to-climate-change-study-618822" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-may-become-water-deficit-desert-due-to-climate-change-study-618822&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwil5_7N292EAxX8UGwGHandDy0QFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YK_Ip-TA0PYJTL9luf1e6" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-may-become-water-deficit-desert-due-to-climate-change-study-618822" target="_blank">India's Punjab may become 'water&nbsp;deficit desert'</a>

Various other housing societies in Bengaluru have also cautioned residents to be mindful of their daily water usage.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar convened a crucial meeting to tackle the drinking water shortage in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar emphasised the seriousness of the issue, revealing that over 3,000 borewells have dried up in the city.

To regulate water tanker operations, Shivakumar issued a warning, stating that tankers not registered with authorities by the March 7 deadline would face government seizure. With a harsher summer anticipated, government assessments as of February 10 indicate potential drinking water crises in 7,082 villages across Karnataka and 1,193 wards, including those in Bengaluru Urban district.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru, India's IT hub, grapples with a severe water shortage as scant rainfall has caused a significant drop in the Cauvery River's water level. This scarcity not only affects irrigation but has also led to a drinking water crisis in parts of Karnataka's capital.

Bengaluru, India's IT hub, grapples with a severe water shortage as scant rainfall has caused a significant drop in the Cauvery River's water level. This scarcity not only affects irrigation but has also led to a drinking water crisis in parts of Karnataka's capital. In response to the dire situation, a housing society in Bengaluru's Whitefield district has implemented a ₹5,000 fine for residents found misusing drinking water. A security guard has been deployed to oversee compliance with this measure amidst the city's worsening water crisis, as reported by India Today. Also read: World Water Day 2023: Parched! The drying future of water "The Palm Meadows" housing society, situated in Whitefield, issued a notice explaining that it has been without water from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board for the past four days. The society is currently relying on borewells, risking the rapid depletion of groundwater. Whitefield, along with Yelahanka and Kanakpura, stands among the worst-affected areas in the city due to the ongoing water scarcity. The Apartment Owners Association (AOA) of "The Palm Meadows" expressed concerns about the imminent depletion of groundwater. To address the water crisis, the Apartment Owners Association (AOA) has decided to enforce a 20 per cent reduction in water consumption for each unit. Failure to meet this target may result in an additional charge of ₹5,000, with the reduction expected to escalate to 40 per cent during peak summer months. The AOA warns of increased penalties for repeated violations and plans to intensify patrolling with the assistance of an additional security personnel. Also read: India's Punjab may become 'water deficit desert' Various other housing societies in Bengaluru have also cautioned residents to be mindful of their daily water usage. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar convened a crucial meeting to tackle the drinking water shortage in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar emphasised the seriousness of the issue, revealing that over 3,000 borewells have dried up in the city. To regulate water tanker operations, Shivakumar issued a warning, stating that tankers not registered with authorities by the March 7 deadline would face government seizure. With a harsher summer anticipated, government assessments as of February 10 indicate potential drinking water crises in 7,082 villages across Karnataka and 1,193 wards, including those in Bengaluru Urban district. (With inputs from agencies)

Water crisis in Bengaluru: Housing society implements fine for water misuse 

Melbourne, Cairo, Bengaluru are among the cities witnessing water shortages. What is the way out of this mess? Molly Gambhir gets you the complete story.

Gravitas | The world's growing water woes, the world's thirsty cities

Italy's Sicily is known for its pictures landscapes and vibrant tourist attractions but it is grappling with a severe drought after a lack of winter rainfall.

In drought-hit Sicily, water is 'gold', severe decline of water resources up to 80%

In a never-heard climate intervention strategy, scientists are now planning to decrease the amount of water vapour present in the stratosphere. This, they think can be carried out by injecting the layer of atmosphere with ice-forming nuclei.

According to scientists, if the water content is reduced, more heat - in the form of infrared radiation - will leak out into space.&nbsp;

The strategy being explored by the scientists was mentioned in a study published in Science Advances.&nbsp;

Even though greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are the important factors driving&nbsp;human-caused climate change, water vapour is considered the most common greenhouse gas.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/january-was-worlds-warmest-on-record-eu-scientists-688348">January was world's warmest on record, EU scientists</a>

Hence, the removal of water vapour from the atmosphere will help mitigate climate change, as per the study.

<h2>How does dehydration of stratosphere help fight climate change?</h2>

The study was carried out by researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). According to the study, scientists suggest trying out "intentional stratospheric dehydration."

As per the study lead author Joshua Schwarz, who is also a research physicist at NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, this process will be carried out by seeding small particles, known as ice nuclei,&nbsp;into the stratosphere with the help of high-altitude planes.

Schwarz said that if such seeds can be added to the stratosphere, then some of the water vapour is likely to condense in ice and fall, which will eventually remove excess water vapour and dehydrate the stratosphere.

Watch:&nbsp;Antarctic sea ice depleting due to rising temperatures

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/antarctic-sea-ice-depleting-due-to-rising-temperatures-693958/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the study, the strategy can plausibly work after the experts have overcome several technical barriers. Schwarz said that right now, "we don't have a plan or the technology to do this".

He further said that it will not counteract the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) and added that it will only cool the atmosphere 1/70th which is equal to the amount of warmth being given by CO2. It will only be "a very small shift in the other direction".

He added that CO2 becomes a huge problem in our atmosphere and that the new method will have a small impact, in comparison to CO2.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a never-heard climate intervention strategy, scientists are now planning to decrease the amount of water vapour present in the stratosphere. This, they think can be carried out by injecting the layer of atmosphere with ice-forming nuclei.

In a never-heard climate intervention strategy, scientists are now planning to decrease the amount of water vapour present in the stratosphere. This, they think can be carried out by injecting the layer of atmosphere with ice-forming nuclei. According to scientists, if the water content is reduced, more heat - in the form of infrared radiation - will leak out into space. The strategy being explored by the scientists was mentioned in a study published in Science Advances. Even though greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are the important factors driving human-caused climate change, water vapour is considered the most common greenhouse gas. Also Read: January was world's warmest on record, EU scientists Hence, the removal of water vapour from the atmosphere will help mitigate climate change, as per the study. How does dehydration of stratosphere help fight climate change? The study was carried out by researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). According to the study, scientists suggest trying out "intentional stratospheric dehydration." As per the study lead author Joshua Schwarz, who is also a research physicist at NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, this process will be carried out by seeding small particles, known as ice nuclei, into the stratosphere with the help of high-altitude planes. Schwarz said that if such seeds can be added to the stratosphere, then some of the water vapour is likely to condense in ice and fall, which will eventually remove excess water vapour and dehydrate the stratosphere. Watch: Antarctic sea ice depleting due to rising temperatures According to the study, the strategy can plausibly work after the experts have overcome several technical barriers. Schwarz said that right now, "we don't have a plan or the technology to do this". He further said that it will not counteract the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) and added that it will only cool the atmosphere 1/70th which is equal to the amount of warmth being given by CO2. It will only be "a very small shift in the other direction". He added that CO2 becomes a huge problem in our atmosphere and that the new method will have a small impact, in comparison to CO2. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists plan to suck out water from Earth's atmosphere to fight climate change

Satellite images of the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea show a new floating barrier across its entrance, near where Philippine ships and China coast guard vessels have had frequent run-ins.

One of the images taken by Maxar Technologies on Feb. 22 and viewed by Reuters showed the barrier blocking the mouth of the shoal, where the Chinese coast guard last week claimed to have driven off a Philippine vessel&nbsp;"illegally intruding"&nbsp;into Beijing's waters.

The Philippines, which last week deployed a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel to patrol the shoal and transport fuel to Filipino fishermen in the area, said that China's claims were "inaccurate" and that Manila's activities there were lawful.

China claims the Scarborough Shoal, although it is inside the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. An international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said in 2016 that China's claims had no legal basis - a decision Beijing has rejected.

That makes the atoll one of Asia's most contested maritime features and a flashpoint for diplomatic flare-ups over sovereignty and fishing rights.

The satellite image bolsters a report and video distributed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday showing two Chinese coast guard inflatable boats deploying floating barriers at the shoal's entrance on Feb 22.

The PCG said that a China coast guard ship shadowed the BFAR vessel, "conducted blocking manoeuvres" about 1.3 nautical miles (2.4 km) off the shoal, and closely approached it.

"We can assume that (the barrier) is intended for Philippine government vessels because they install it every time they monitor our presence within the BDM vicinity," Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson at the Philippine Coast Guard said, referring to Bajo de Masinloc, Manila's name for the shoal.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said "Huangyan Dao", China's name for the shoal, was "China's inherent territory".

"Recently, the Philippine side has taken a series of actions to violate China's sovereignty" in the shoal's waters, she said. "China has to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

Another satellite image showed what Maxar technologies described as "possible Chinese interception of a BFAR vessel" at Scarborough Shoal.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. Its territorial claims overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

"What we are seeing at the Scarborough Shoal now is likely the beginning of Beijing's pushback against Manila's pushback," said Ian Storey, a senior fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in June 2022, the Philippines has challenged China's presence at Scarborough and its attempts to stop the resupply of Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, he said.

"China's attempts to prevent Filipino fishermen from fishing at Scarborough Shoal is absolutely illegal," Storey said. "The 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling gave fishermen from both countries the right to (fish there). Manila is merely supporting the legitimate rights of Filipino fishermen."

The shoal is coveted for its bountiful fish stocks and a stunning turquoise lagoon that provides a safe haven for vessels during storms.

The Chinese removed the barrier a few hours after the BFAR vessel left, Tarriela said. It was not clear from the photos how robust the barrier was and whether it would have posed an obstacle to larger warships.

In an article on Sunday, state-media outlet Global Times said "the Philippines has abused and unilaterally sabotaged the foundation of Beijing's goodwill to Manila" that allowed Philippine fishermen to operate nearby, by working against China's sovereignty and jurisdiction.

"If such provocations persist, China could be forced to take more effective measures to control the situation," the article said, citing experts.

&nbsp;

Satellite images of the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea show a new floating barrier across its entrance, near where Philippine ships and China coast guard vessels have had frequent run-ins.

Satellite images of the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea show a new floating barrier across its entrance, near where Philippine ships and China coast guard vessels have had frequent run-ins. One of the images taken by Maxar Technologies on Feb. 22 and viewed by Reuters showed the barrier blocking the mouth of the shoal, where the Chinese coast guard last week claimed to have driven off a Philippine vessel "illegally intruding" into Beijing's waters. The Philippines, which last week deployed a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel to patrol the shoal and transport fuel to Filipino fishermen in the area, said that China's claims were "inaccurate" and that Manila's activities there were lawful. China claims the Scarborough Shoal, although it is inside the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. An international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said in 2016 that China's claims had no legal basis - a decision Beijing has rejected. That makes the atoll one of Asia's most contested maritime features and a flashpoint for diplomatic flare-ups over sovereignty and fishing rights. The satellite image bolsters a report and video distributed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday showing two Chinese coast guard inflatable boats deploying floating barriers at the shoal's entrance on Feb 22. The PCG said that a China coast guard ship shadowed the BFAR vessel, "conducted blocking manoeuvres" about 1.3 nautical miles (2.4 km) off the shoal, and closely approached it. "We can assume that (the barrier) is intended for Philippine government vessels because they install it every time they monitor our presence within the BDM vicinity," Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson at the Philippine Coast Guard said, referring to Bajo de Masinloc, Manila's name for the shoal. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said "Huangyan Dao", China's name for the shoal, was "China's inherent territory". "Recently, the Philippine side has taken a series of actions to violate China's sovereignty" in the shoal's waters, she said. "China has to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests." Another satellite image showed what Maxar technologies described as "possible Chinese interception of a BFAR vessel" at Scarborough Shoal. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. Its territorial claims overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. "What we are seeing at the Scarborough Shoal now is likely the beginning of Beijing's pushback against Manila's pushback," said Ian Storey, a senior fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in June 2022, the Philippines has challenged China's presence at Scarborough and its attempts to stop the resupply of Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, he said. "China's attempts to prevent Filipino fishermen from fishing at Scarborough Shoal is absolutely illegal," Storey said. "The 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling gave fishermen from both countries the right to (fish there). Manila is merely supporting the legitimate rights of Filipino fishermen." The shoal is coveted for its bountiful fish stocks and a stunning turquoise lagoon that provides a safe haven for vessels during storms. The Chinese removed the barrier a few hours after the BFAR vessel left, Tarriela said. It was not clear from the photos how robust the barrier was and whether it would have posed an obstacle to larger warships. In an article on Sunday, state-media outlet Global Times said "the Philippines has abused and unilaterally sabotaged the foundation of Beijing's goodwill to Manila" that allowed Philippine fishermen to operate nearby, by working against China's sovereignty and jurisdiction. "If such provocations persist, China could be forced to take more effective measures to control the situation," the article said, citing experts.

Satellite images reveal floating barrier at mouth of disputed atoll in South China Sea

water

Water, News on Water, stories on Water, articles on Water, Water stories at Wion, Water news, Water latest news