Deanna Conners

Deanna Conners is an Environmental Scientist who holds a Ph.D. in Toxicology and an M.S. in Environmental Studies. Her interest in toxicology stems from having grown up near the Love Canal Superfund Site in New York. Her current work is to provide high-quality scientific information to the public and decision-makers and to help build cross-disciplinary partnerships that help solve environmental problems. She writes about Earth science and nature conservation for EarthSky.

Photo showing the eyewall of Hurricane Michael

How do hurricanes get their names?

Posted by Deanna Conners in Earth | Human World | 1 week ago

Posted by Deanna Conners

The World Meteorological Organization manages the formal system by which hurricanes receive their names. Find hurricane names for 2019 here.

Today in science: Bingham Canyon landslide

Posted by Deanna Conners in Earth | Human World | 1 month ago

Posted by Deanna Conners

On April 10, 2013, one of the largest non-volcanic landslides in the history of North America took place at the Bingham Canyon mine in Utah.

What causes landslides and mudslides?

Posted by Deanna Conners in Earth | Human World | 1 month ago

Posted by Deanna Conners

The trigger is usually water. Excessive rainfall can trigger landslides and mudslides because it’s heavy and adds extra weight to the land.

Photo showing a dramatic drop in water levels at Lake Mead.

How can US adapt to threat of water shortages?

Posted by Deanna Conners in Earth | Human World | 2 months ago

Posted by Deanna Conners

A new study suggests that reductions in water use for agriculture might be the best bet for avoiding future water shortages in the U.S.

When is the next leap year?

Posted by Deanna Conners in Earth | Human World | 3 months ago

Posted by Deanna Conners

If there were no leap years, eventually February would be a summer month for the Northern Hemisphere. 2019 isn’t a leap year, but 2020 will be.

Want cleaner roadside air? Plant hedges

Posted by Deanna Conners in Earth | Human World | 3 months ago

Posted by Deanna Conners

To improve air quality near urban roads, scientists from the Global Centre for Clean Air Research recommend planting hedges that can trap air pollutants.

2 green birds with black beaks and orange heads perched on a leafless branch.

Join the 2019 Great Backyard Bird Count

Posted by Deanna Conners in Earth | Human World | 3 months ago

Posted by Deanna Conners

During the 2018 count, bird watchers from more than 100 countries submitted more than 180,000 bird checklists. This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count happens February 15-18. It is free and easy to participate. Find out how here.