As sea ice in the Arctic continues to shrink during this century, more than two thirds of the area with sufficient snow cover for ringed seals to reproduce also will disappear, challenging their survival, scientists report in a new study. Read about this study here; ATMOS‘ Cecilia Bitz and Paul Hezel, co-authors, are quoted. 

An array of volcano-monitoring equipment on Mount Rainier is all serviced and ready for the big one, after maintenance work at high altitude. Learn more about these sensors here; Also check out this interview and photo collection by Jon Connolly, of the PNW Seismic Network, who got to work on the equipment last week. 

This Saturday hundreds of volunteers from the ranks of contractors, developers, craft workers and construction-service providers in Western Washington will upgrade and put a shine on parts of the Center for Urban Horticulture on the University of Washington campus. Learn more, and join them!   [googlemaps width=250 height=250] 

Eric Steig, professor in ESS, discussed his research through The Guardian last week, sharing his perspective on the state of Antarctic warming. Read his op-ed here.   

A team of researchers has found that otters’ love of sea urchins leads to 12 times greater CO2 sequestration by kelp than if otters aren’t around. Learn more about how this is possible, and why the effects of animals on the CO2 cycle is ripe for exploration. SAFS‘ Kristin Laidre is a co-author of this new study, to be published in October.