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Science News for January 8, 2012


Colorado mountain hail may disappear in a warmer future

A new study suggests that Colorado's Rocky Mountains will experience a near elimination of surface hail by 2070. The warmer climate could lead to more runoff and an increased risk of flash floods. Meanwhile, intense storms may produce more hail inside clouds, but it will melt quickly and fall as rain.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 8, 2012

Team finds a better way to gauge the climate costs of land use changes

A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.