The University of Oklahoma Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms has been awarded three separate grants worth nearly $3 million to enhance severe weather prediction, improve wildfire management and predict tropical cyclones. The grants will focus on next-generation supercomputing, improved model resolution and advanced data assi...
Zachary Flamig, a senior at the University of Oklahoma's School of Meteorology, has been selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. He will be recognized during an awards luncheon on September 25 for his exceptional performance and initiative in meteorology.
A recent study suggests that global warming conditions will increase the incidence of central Pacific El Niño, potentially reducing its protective effects on Atlantic hurricanes. This could lead to more severe droughts in regions like Australia and India.
Research reveals subtle links between solar cycles, stratospheres, and tropical Pacific Oceans, driving periodic weather patterns globally. The study predicts the intensity of climate phenomena like Indian monsoon and tropical Pacific rainfall years in advance.
A new analysis of 30 years of on-ground and satellite observations reveals the onset of water scarcity in southeast Australia around 1993-1996. This finding underscores the importance of good water information for water resource planning and highlights the impact of climate change on the country's current water resources.
New research suggests that pollution from Asia, Europe and North America may contribute to recent Australian rainfall changes. Human-generated aerosols from the northern hemisphere are thought to drive changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation, leading to increased rainfall in north-western and central Australia.
Researchers reconstruct past hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean, indicating a high period of hurricane activity during the Medieval Climate Anomaly around AD 900-1100. The current low hurricane activity may be related to an emerging El Niño event, which can lead to more wind shear and fewer hurricanes.
Scientists predict a significant rise in wildfires across the western United States due to climate warming, leading to decreased air quality and negative impacts on human health. The predicted area burned by wildfires could increase by 50% by the 2050s, with the greatest increases occurring in the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains.
A new study reveals that low-level stratiform clouds appear to dissipate as the ocean warms, indicating that changes in these clouds may enhance global warming. The research also suggests a critical role for weakening trade winds in reducing cloudiness.
Dr. David Yap receives prestigious Amethyst Award from Ontario Public Service for his work combating air pollution in Canada and the United States. The award recognizes his contributions to developing air quality management programs, including the Air Quality Index and Smog Alert Programs.
A new study by Florida State University researchers found that low river flow can lead to a decrease in phytoplankton concentration on the continental shelf, affecting food availability for young fish larvae. This could have significant implications for offshore fisheries.
The VORTEX2 project, a collaborative international study, aims to gain a better understanding of tornado formation and damage patterns. By deploying advanced weather-sensing tools, researchers hope to identify the characteristics of severe thunderstorms that produce tornadoes, ultimately leading to more accurate tornado warnings.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has awarded funding to Drs. Paquita Zuidema and Lisa Beal, who will use their grants to improve communication skills among scientists from underrepresented groups. Dr. Beal's workshop aims to foster international collaboration in the Southwest Indian Ocean community.
Researchers identify aerosols as a crucial factor in shaping Australian rainfall patterns, with potential impacts on future climate change. Aerosol pollution from Asia may be responsible for changes in rainfall patterns in northern Australia.
The Springer textbook has been recognized for its comprehensiveness and uniqueness in covering stratosphere-troposphere interactions. It provides information on various physical processes involved in the coupling between the two layers of the atmosphere.
Kristine C. Harper's 2008 book, 'Weather by the Numbers: The Genesis of Modern Meteorology,' has received international acclaim from atmospheric science librarians. The book explores the transformation of meteorology from an art to a scientific discipline, highlighting the development of numerical weather prediction and its impact on w...
The Nonhydrostatic ICosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM) successfully simulated the lifecycles of two real tropical cyclones. The model's realistic representation of clouds and atmospheric conditions allowed it to reproduce the birth, path, and evolution of the observed cyclones.
University of Miami Rosenstiel School Ph.D. student Rafael Schiller earns a coveted 'Best Poster' award for his research on improving coastal simulations using GODAE and satellite products, supporting the Northern Gulf of Mexico Cooperative Institute.
Researchers from Penn State and University of Maryland studied Chesapeake Bay's salinity changes due to sea-level rise. They found an increasing trend in salinity, supporting the hypothesis that climate change is impacting the Bay's ecosystem.
The International Council for Science has launched a 10-year research program to address the gaps in knowledge and methods preventing effective application of science to mitigate disasters. The program aims to provide enhanced global capacity to address hazards and make better decisions to reduce their impacts.
A new forecasting method published by UGA scientist could help pilots chart new courses around clear air turbulence, reducing the risk of injury claims. The method uses gravity waves and a single, consistent theory to predict turbulence location.
Researchers develop novel weather and climate modeling strategy to isolate interactions between weather and climate, applying it to the NCAR's Community Climate System Model. This project aims to advance Earth system science, improve weather and climate predictions, and inform environmental policies.
Researchers confirm that surface temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere were warmer over the last 10 years than any time during the last 1300 years. The study uses a variety of proxy data, including tree rings, marine and lake sediment cores, ice cores, and coral cores, to derive a long-term temperature record.
A new study suggests that global warming may lead to fewer hurricanes forming, but those that do could intensify. The research uses more accurate computer models to simulate hurricane formation and finds that warmer ocean temperatures suppress formation rather than encouraging it.
Five University of Miami students received top honors with prestigious American Meteorological Society (AMS) awards, bolstering the university's reputation for academic rigor in meteorology. The Rosenstiel School's undergraduate program, one of only 70 nationwide, has seen notable success with these scholarships and fellowships.
Projected California warming promises a cycle of more heat waves and increased electricity demand for the state, raising the risk of power shortages during extreme heat events. The study predicts that widespread climate warming could strain the electricity grid, making brownouts or rolling blackouts more frequent.
Junior at University of Miami double majoring in Meteorology and Applied Mathematics wins prestigious SOARS mentorship. He will conduct original research on improving weather forecasting and present his findings at a colloquium.
A new study by University of Utah meteorologists finds that current climate models are accurate and can be valuable tools for reversing global warming trends. The study shows that coupled models can simulate present-day climate with accuracy approaching conventional observations.
Florida State University has been awarded a two-year $2.5 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture to provide climate forecasting for farmers in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The research will help farmers make informed decisions on planting crops such as peanuts, cotton, and strawberries.
A University of Utah study reveals that polar explorers saw an aerosol 'dry haze' in the late 1800s, likely generated by smelting and coal combustion. The haze was found to contain metallic particles, including vanadium and cobalt, consistent with heavy oil and coal combustion.
Research into giant perturbations on Jupiter reveals that jet streams go deep into the planet's atmosphere, with storms forming among deepest clouds. The team used a combination of telescopes to observe the phenomenon, finding surprising similarities with previous cases.
A new research project funded by the National Science Foundation aims to improve weather models and analysis for industries such as food, clothing, and energy. The goal is to educate meteorologists on how to apply weather forecasts to real-world business decisions.
The Greenland ice sheet is experiencing rapid acceleration of melting, with record years in 2005, 2007, and a 30% increase in western part from 1979 to 2006. The melting is driven by warming temperatures, primarily due to greenhouse gas buildup.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have published two articles in Nature on their findings about the atmosphere, climate and weather patterns of Venus. The studies revealed the presence of a double vortex at the South Pole, which is similar to those found on Earth's polar regions.
A statistical model based on climate factors indicates that the estimated undercount of historic tropical storms in the Atlantic is only slightly below actual numbers. The researchers found that the average undercount bias from 1870 to 1944 was approximately one tropical storm per year.
Scientists at Stanford University found that connecting wind farms can reduce the variability of wind energy, making it suitable for baseload power. On average, 33% of yearly-averaged wind power from interconnected farms can be used as reliable, baseload electric power.
New projections for Australia's changing climate indicate rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns. By 2030, temperatures are expected to increase by about 1ºC, with a 10-20% chance of exceeding this threshold in coastal areas.
Researchers can now investigate the relationship between eyewall lightning outbreaks and hurricane strength using highly-sensitive sensors thousands of miles from the storm. The study, supported by NASA and the U.S. Office of Naval Research, uses data from a network of new sensors to improve hurricane forecasts and potentially save lives.
BLUElink provides broad-scale information on ocean currents, temperature, and salinity for the first time, improving forecasting capabilities. The system relies on access to accurate oceanic observations, including satellite data and robotic profilers.
Scientists found that isoprene emission from plants protects against heat stress and improves photosynthesis efficiency. The study used genetic engineering techniques to reduce isoprene emission in transgenic Grey poplar trees, which showed increased tolerance to heat shock.
Scientists analyze data from the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Moon's surface to predict tropical cyclone development, assess ocean temperature and salinity changes, develop new tsunami forecasting methods, and understand lunar surface composition. These findings shed light on the impacts of climate change on extreme weather e...
Computer simulations of Hurricane Bonnie's movement show that pockets of warm humid air flowing from the hurricane's eye to its ring of thunderstorms boost energy, increasing storm strength. This 'turbocharger' effect helps hurricanes remain intense despite weakening influences like cooler ocean temperatures and wind shear.
A new report suggests that ocean warming may cause changes to the planet's rotation, potentially shortening the length of day by approximately 0.12 milliseconds. Additionally, researchers have found a link between seasonal seismicity in the Himalayas and fluid infiltration, which could modulate earthquake generation.
A new high-resolution computer model has been developed to better understand how air-sea interactions affect hurricane intensity. The model uses detailed data from the Coupled Boundary Layer Air-Sea Transfer (CBLAST) field program, which provided unprecedented information about ocean and sea surface conditions near hurricanes.
Climate model simulations indicate a robust increase in wind shear in the tropical Atlantic, which could counteract global warming's effects on hurricane intensity. The study suggests that increased wind shear may inhibit both hurricane development and intensification.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed emission control strategies to meet air quality goals for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The modeling study, funded by the EPA, suggests that regional pollutants and ozone build up over several days due to meteorology and topography.
Researchers have discovered that rapid hurricane intensity changes can be attributed to clouds outside the eye forming a new eyewall. This finding has significant implications for hurricane forecasting, as it may enable forecasters to predict when a storm will change intensity and how strong it will become.
Climate scientists reviewed observations of carbon dioxide, temperature, and sea level from 1990-2006 and found that actual changes closely followed projected scenarios. Sea levels have risen faster than previously estimated, with some uncertainties remaining about the contribution of ice-sheet melts.
The COSMIC satellite system provides unprecedented information on the atmosphere's temperature and water vapor structure, enabling more accurate long-range weather forecasts and climate change analysis. The system's unique global coverage and ability to gather data above hard-to-reach locations enhance global-scale monitoring.
A team of researchers found a significant link between ozone levels in Mexico City and US cities like Houston, highlighting the global impact of air pollution. The study used ozonesondes to measure ozone and other atmospheric variables, revealing that pollution from Asia can also affect the Pacific Northwest.
Scientists recreated Tropical Storm Gert's life cycle using computer models and data from the 2005 Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes mission. The study identified convection, wind shear, and ocean surface temperature as crucial factors in Gert's origination and strengthening.
Michael Hernandez, a junior at University of Miami, won Outstanding Student Poster in geosciences category at SACNAS national conference. His research compared CHAMP radio occultations with global model forecasts during the 2005 hurricane season.
Scientists project that most of the world will face enhanced risks of heat waves, intense precipitation, and weather extremes by 2080-2099. The study used advanced climate models to analyze how weather extremes could change in the next century.
UCF, UCLA astronomers have made the first direct observation of distinct day and night temperatures on a planet orbiting another star. The team used NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to measure infrared light emitted by the planet upsilon Andromedae b at five points around its orbit.
Pollutants from Central American biomass burning influence air quality and climate in the United States, particularly visibility and surface air temperatures. The smoke plumes also trap aerosols in the lower atmosphere, worsening air quality.
Teachers from Alaska, Canada, France, Germany, Russia, Sweden, and England participate in a 33-day polar research expedition to collect data on atmospheric measurements, ice cores, and ocean systems. The expedition aims to better understand the impact of anomalous warm Atlantic water on Arctic Ocean temperatures.
University of Utah meteorologist Ed Zipser leads a NASA mission to study African weather disturbances that intensify into hurricanes. The study aims to improve hurricane prediction and understanding of extreme events like category 5 storms.
Florida State University will use a $6.2 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to build a more accurate hurricane prediction model. The new model, developed using FSU's supercomputer, aims to improve long-range hurricane forecasts and estimate the number of tropical storms in a season.
Researchers find that tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature is driving increase in hurricane numbers, with human-caused cooling from pollutants tempering the effect. The study suggests global warming as a primary cause of increased hurricane activity.
Researchers found a 2-degree widening of the tropics, with subtropical deserts expanding into midlatitude regions. Midlatitude temperatures warmed by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit over 26 years, suggesting a change in jet stream positions.