A new study suggests that reforestation on abandoned agricultural land can have a significant cooling effect on the climate. By considering historical patterns of land-use conversion, researchers found that farmers generally chose to use more productive and snow-free lands, which can absorb more carbon dioxide and reduce global warming.
The MIT model takes basic meteorological data and computes how tall a tree is likely to grow under those conditions. The team's results have been published in PLoS One and match up well with actual measurements from the US Forest Service, except for two geographic regions: the arid Southwest and parts of New England.
Researchers discovered herbicide volatilization consistently results in losses exceeding those from surface runoff, with a significant impact on groundwater contamination. The study highlights the importance of considering soil moisture levels and air temperatures in models of pesticide volatilization.
Decreasing autumn and winter rainfall over southern Australia is attributed to a 50-year decrease in storm intensity. The trend is linked to reductions in the strength of the mid-latitude jet stream and changes in atmospheric temperatures.
The CSIRO website provides easy access to greenhouse gas data measured in the Southern Hemisphere atmosphere for the past 35 years. Key findings include a record-high level of carbon dioxide, increasing at about 0.5% each year, and an almost 40% increase over the past century largely due to human activities.
A newly constructed, 2,000-year history of sea level elevations will help scientists refine models used to predict climate-change-induced sea level rise. The record shows the past century had the fastest recorded rate of sea level rise.
Gina Hodges, a University of Oklahoma graduate student, has been awarded $30,000 annually for three years to research flash flood prediction using next-generation radar observations and stormscale rainfall forecasts. Her goal is to improve current methods to protect public lives and property.
OU School of Meteorology faculty are leading predictability research initiatives, exploring various weather phenomena and their impacts. The team aims to improve forecasting for severe weather events like landslides, tornadoes, and thunderstorms by advancing tools like the SEGMENT modeling system.
Researchers developed a method to use passive microwave satellite imagery to monitor hurricane structure and intensity changes, revealing patterns in storm dynamics. This allows for a 30-hour window before a storm hits its maximum strength, enabling forecasters to issue earlier warnings and evacuate areas at risk.
The new miniature sensors, developed by University of Southampton researchers, can measure ocean temperature and salinity with high precision. The sensors will be tested on an expedition from Australia to Mauritius, providing valuable information about climate change.
Tropical Storm Errol has strengthened overnight and developed into a well-defined center of circulation, with strong thunderstorms and cold cloud tops. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, rough surf, and gusty winds along the northern coast of Western Australia.
A recent study published in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology found that US forests can sequester up to 40% of the nation's fossil fuel carbon emissions. However, widespread droughts can cut this amount by about 20%.
The University of Oklahoma has acquired a new mobile radar to better understand tornadoes and their formation. The radar's dual-polarization capabilities will enable researchers to distinguish between raindrops and hail, and determine the size and shape of storm elements.
A $2 million DOE grant supports collaboration between researchers and modelers to improve climate change policy analysis. The program aims to bridge the gap between empirical analysts and modelers, leveraging joint research and workshops to foster communication and cross-fertilization of ideas.
A George Mason University study reveals that 'Climategate' led to skepticism among US TV meteorologists about global warming, with men and conservatives more likely to doubt its existence. The poll found that nearly all respondents followed the story, but many became skeptical of climate science as a result.
A UC Santa Cruz scientist is tracking bat populations using mobile storm-chasing radars, revealing insights into their behavior and population changes. The emerging field of aeroecology combines ecology, meteorology, and physics to study the interactions between organisms in the lower atmosphere.
Researchers are using radar technology to monitor and study airborne organisms, requiring collaboration between disciplines like ecology, computer science, and engineering. This advancement offers insights into animal migration patterns, invasive species, and ecosystem sustainability.
Tropical Storms Carlos and Dianne are bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Western and Northern Australia, respectively. The storms' cloud tops have reached temperatures as low as -52C, indicating strong convection.
NASA utilized its TRMM satellite to gather data on the rainfall rates of Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it moved through inland Queensland. The storm dropped moderate to heavy rainfall over an area southeast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, posing flash flooding and damaging winds risks.
Cyclone Yasi made landfall in Queensland, Australia, bringing heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge. The satellite imagery captured a clear eye of the cyclone before it made landfall.
NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Cyclone Yasi on Jan. 30 at 23:20 UTC, revealing a well-formed storm that appears to be strengthening. The cyclone is forecast to continue intensifying over the next 36 hours and make landfall just south of Cairns as a large system.
A new study reveals that deforestation has been the largest contributor to global CO2 buildup, with forests re-growing during wars and plagues having a limited impact. The Mongol invasions, however, led to significant carbon absorption due to forest regrowth.
Tropical Storm Vania brought heavy rainfall to southeastern New Caledonia, affecting residents of Norfolk Island with gusty winds and moderate to heavy rains. The storm's center was located near Noumea on January 14, before weakening and dissipating in the South Pacific Ocean.
A tropical cyclone system, System 98S, is bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the northwestern coast of Western Australia. The NASA TRMM satellite has captured images of moderate to heavy rainfall in the system, with areas near Kununurra experiencing light to moderate rainfall.
System 91S made landfall in Western Australia on Dec 16 with a large area of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The remnants of the low continued to bring rain to inland areas until Sunday December 18, causing flash flooding and rising streams.
Researchers found that wind turbines increase airflow over nearby crops, keeping them cooler during hot days and warmer at night. This could lead to improved crop yields, reduced moisture levels and increased carbon dioxide absorption.
Kieran T. Bhatia, a meteorology and physical oceanography doctoral student, has been awarded the 12th annual Alumni Fellow at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School. The fellowship provides tuition and stipend support for his graduate career. Bhatia is working on research related to hurricane dynamics and development.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that satellite data can significantly improve forecast accuracy for thunderstorms, which can bring intense rain, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. By incorporating upper atmosphere conditions into storm prediction models, scientists can better anticipate severe weather events.
The ESA GlobSnow project uses satellites to map snow cover and volume globally, especially in the northern hemisphere. This provides almost real-time data on snow cover and depth, aiding in flood forecasting and climate research.
A new study finds that rising ocean temperatures are causing the threshold sea surface temperature for hurricanes and tropical thunderstorms to rise, potentially leading to more frequent hurricanes. The study's findings support climate model simulations and provide strong evidence of tropical atmosphere warming.
The new IMOS ocean-observing array will use advanced technologies like autonomous floats, marine mammals with satellite tags, and underwater gliders to study the open ocean. This data will help scientists understand how the ocean's physical properties influence the marine ecosystem.
The NASA GRIP experiment gathered valuable data on Atlantic hurricanes Earl and Karl, capturing rapid intensification and storm development. Scientists analyzed the data to gain a better understanding of what causes hurricanes to form and strengthen.
A new report examines current capabilities for making climate predictions and identifies opportunities for improvement. Improvements in observational capabilities, statistical models, and data assimilation systems are needed to better understand key processes that could help improve forecasts.
The new model incorporates data on the carbon cycle, including ocean and forest absorption and release of CO2, to simulate future changes in global climate and carbon dioxide emissions. By reducing emissions by 56% by 2050, global warming would remain under the two-degree threshold until 2100.
Researchers developed a Hurricane Risk Calculator to estimate extreme wind speeds at specific locations in Florida. The calculator found that cities like Miami are more vulnerable to strong winds due to their geography and location.
Scientists from KIT have successfully measured the chlorine compound ClOOCl in the ozone layer, confirming its role in stratospheric ozone destruction. This discovery disproves doubts on polar ozone chemistry expressed by American researchers.
A NASA-funded research scientist has developed a supercomputer model that can replicate the formation of tropical cyclones five days in advance. This breakthrough could lead to greater accuracy and earlier warnings for life-threatening storms.
UK researchers have discovered electrically charged ash in the plume of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano. The finding contradicts models and adds a new dimension to understanding volcanic plumes' impact on air travel. Detailed measurements reveal self-renewing charge within the plume, which affects particle behavior and growth.
The OU-PRIME research weather radar captured fine details of the storms never seen before with any radar. Researchers believe this unique data set will reveal new discoveries about tornado genesis and severe storms for years to come.
This interdisciplinary study explores the role of the Bering Glacier system in the northeast Pacific Ocean and global sea level. The book includes contributions from researchers on various disciplines, including glaciology, geology, and ecology.
University of Arizona researchers presented new findings on improving hurricane predictions and understanding the effects of tropical cyclones on the U.S. Southwest. Cloud clusters with higher symmetry are more likely to become hurricanes, and tropical storms in the eastern Pacific are linked to the Caribbean Low-Level Jet.
A rare weather station has recorded daily temperatures for 114 years, confirming a warming climate. The Mohonk Preserve's consistent temperature records show a rise of 2.63 degrees Fahrenheit, matching global measurements and tracking the expected land trend closely.
The University of Oklahoma National Weather Center has opened its Experimental Green Roof to the public, featuring a 1,280 square-foot system that intercepts solar radiation and reduces stormwater runoff. The project aims to improve energy efficiency, water quality, and urban development in Oklahoma.
Researchers at ESRF found that a five-fold coordinated surface triggers supercooling, which is then confirmed through experiments with a gold-silicon alloy. This discovery resolves long-standing debates and has implications for hail prevention, technological processes, and semiconductor nanostructure growth.
Researchers from the University of Delaware and Stony Brook University proposed a new grid design that can minimize the impacts of local weather on power fluctuations, making offshore wind power more consistent. The study found that connecting wind power generators with a shared power line can smooth out power output, allowing sufficie...
The TRMM satellite measured heavy rainfall totals from ex-tropical storm Paul, which left up to 11 inches of rain in northern Australia. The data confirmed significant flooding, with areas receiving between 100-200mm of rainfall and some reaching up to 300mm.
Cyclone Paul has moved back toward the Gulf of Carpentaria, with a cyclone watch in effect for coastal communities. TRMM satellite data shows light to moderate rainfall over land and isolated heavy rain over the Gulf.
Tropical cyclone 20P has strengthened into a tropical storm in the South Pacific Ocean, with a large cluster of high, cold thunderstorms around its center. The storm is moving west at 7 mph and has maximum sustained winds near 52 mph.
Scientists discover a disused SCUBA tank filled with air in 1968, extending the longest record of greenhouse gases in the Southern Hemisphere. The find uses archived data to analyze propellants, refrigerants and aluminium smelter emissions not widely used in Melbourne at that time.
Researchers found that La Vanguardia newspaper devoted more headlines to forest fires and droughts than floods, despite floods being more frequent and damaging. The study created a database of natural hazards allowing users to search for meteorological phenomena.
Australians in New South Wales Territory face heavy rainfall and potential flooding due to Tropical Cyclone Olga's remnants. The region is expected to experience widespread moderate to heavy rainfall over the next couple of days.
NASA and JAXA satellite data combined with ground weather station information aid in forecasting tropical cyclone tracks. Olga's center is expected to remain over land, but Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecasts its reemergence into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Cyclone Magda made landfall in northern Australia, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing a clear image of the storm. The heaviest rain is located on the western half of the system, but those thunderstorms are weakening.
Tropical Storm Magda is expected to bring gusty winds of up to 93 mph and heavy rainfall to coastal areas in North Western Australia. The storm's center is predicted to make landfall on January 22, with the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
Meteorology Professor Evgeni Fedorovich has been recognized with the Humboldt Research Award for his contributions to fundamental discoveries in atmospheric flow dynamics. He will conduct research on numerical algorithms for simulating turbulent flows in Germany.
Tropical Cyclone Laurence made landfall in northern West Australia as a Category 2 hurricane, but its winds are waning, and it is expected to weaken further. The storm's maximum sustained winds near 103 mph (90 knots) were revealed by TRMM's Precipitation Radar instrument.
A new study found that university students who use interactive animations in their studies retain a better understanding of scientific concepts than those who don't. The animations, which can be manipulated to adjust real-world variables, demonstrate complex physics phenomena such as precipitation formation.
The report highlights concerns such as ocean warming, acidification, changes in current strengths, productivity, and species distribution. It offers adaptation responses to inform policymakers, scientists, and the community.
Researchers reconstructed spatial patterns of ocean and land surface temperature over the past 1500 years using diverse climate proxies. They found dynamic connections between natural phenomena like El Niño and regional temperature changes.
Researchers analyzed literature to find that aerosol particles interact with clouds in a complex way, affecting precipitation patterns. They suggest focusing on specific cloud systems and rethinking aerosol research to better understand the dust particles' role in climate change.