Groundwater-dependent ecosystem map exposes global dryland protection needs.

Groundwater is the most ubiquitous source of liquid freshwater globally, yet its role in supporting diverse ecosystems is rarely acknowledged. However, the location and extent of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are unknown in many geographies, and protection measures are lacking. Here, we map GDEs at high-resolution (roughly 30 m) and find them present on more than one-third of global drylands analysed, including important global biodiversity hotspots.

Identifying ENSO-related interannual and decadal variability on terrestrial water storage.

We apply two statistical techniques to satellite measurements to identify a relationship between terrestrial water storage (TWS) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). First, we modified and used the least-squares regression of a previous study using longer records. Second, we applied a cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function analysis (CSEOF).

A 10 per cent increase in global land evapotranspiration from 2003 to 2019.

Accurate quantification of global land evapotranspiration is necessary for understanding variability in the global water cycle, which is expected to intensify under climate change. Current global evapotranspiration products are derived from a variety of sources, including models, remote sensing and in situ observations. However, existing approaches contain extensive uncertainties; for example, relating to model structure or the upscaling of observations to a global level.

Understanding of Contemporary Regional Sea-Level Change and the Implications for the Future.

Global sea level provides an important indicator of the state of the warming climate, but changes in regional sea level are most relevant for coastal communities around the world. With improvements to the sea-level observing system, the knowledge of regional sea-level change has advanced dramatically in recent years. Satellite measurements coupled with in situ observations have allowed for comprehensive study and improved understanding of the diverse set of drivers that lead to variations in sea level in space and time.