NASA maps Typhoon Matmo's Taiwan deluge
Typhoon Matmo brought heavy rainfall to eastern Taiwan, with TMPA analysis showing totals greater than 400 mm. The storm also contributed to a deadly airplane crash in the Penghu Islands.
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NASA's TRMM satellite measures up Super Typhoon Rammasun
The TRMM satellite measured Super Typhoon Rammasun's rainfall rates of up to 100 mm/h along the China/Vietnam border. The storm's heavy rain bands wrapped around its cyclonic circulation, indicating a powerful storm that made landfall on the southern coast of China.
Filter bed substrates, plant types recommended for rain gardens
Researchers from North Carolina State University assessed the effectiveness of three filter bed substrates (sand, soil, and slate) in reducing pollutants and supporting plant growth in rain gardens. The study found that all three substrates functioned in reducing pollutant quantity, but with varying levels of success.
NHAES research: New England lakes recovering rapidly from acid rain
Research funded by NH Agricultural Experiment Station indicates lakes in New England are accelerating in their recovery from the past effects of acid rain. Sulfate concentration in rain and snow declined by more than 40% in the 2000s, while nitrate concentration decreased by over 50%.
Saving trees in tropics could cut emissions by one-fifth, study shows
Reducing tropical deforestation significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to one-fifth. Tropical forests absorb almost two billion tonnes of carbon annually, but human activities like logging and biofuel production lead to equivalent losses.
For forests, an earlier spring than ever
Harvard researchers found forests in the Eastern US are showing signs of spring growth earlier than ever, enabling them to store up to 26 million metric tons more CO2. However, continued climate change may lead to more dramatic negative consequences, such as changes in precipitation patterns and reduced water availability for forests.
Environmental 'one-two punch' imperils Amazonian forests
Research reveals Amazonian forests are being altered by multiple environmental factors, creating greater perils for the world's largest rainforest. The study found that fragmented forests change rapidly, with trees dying and vines proliferating, while nearby undisturbed forests also experience changes.
A new look at old forests
A new study by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists has determined that as forests age, their ability to grow decreases due to reduced carbon dioxide uptake and respiration. This finding suggests the future growth of US forests will decline, potentially impacting the country's role as a carbon sink.
SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2014
Vines choke a forest's ability to capture carbon, Smithsonian scientists report
Tropical forest carbon accumulation is reduced by nearly 20% due to invasive vines. Lianas block sunlight for tree growth and don't compensate for displaced carbon.
New research shows humans have more impact on tropical nitrogen levels
A new study finds that human activities have more than doubled tropical nitrogen inputs, contradicting previous assumptions. This shift highlights the need for immediate action to preserve human and ecosystem health in response to growing environmental concerns.
SourceThe University of Montana·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2014
NASA begins field campaign to measure rain in southern Appalachians
The Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment field campaign aims to better understand mountain weather patterns and improve precipitation measurement. Researchers will combine ground-based measurements with airborne sensors and satellite data to gain insights into the complex processes of mountain rainfall.
Five anthropogenic factors that will radically alter northern forests in 50 years
A US Forest Service study reveals that five anthropogenic factors, including urbanization, invasive species, and lack of forest management, will significantly alter northern forests over the next 50 years. The report highlights the need for proactive conservation efforts to ensure resilient and healthy forests.
Nutrient-rich forests absorb more carbon
A new study found that forests growing in fertile soils with ample nutrients can sequester up to 30% of the carbon they take up during photosynthesis. In contrast, nutrient-poor forests retain only 6% of that carbon, which is released back into the atmosphere as respiration.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 14, 2014
Forests crucial to green growth
A new report promotes REDD+ and Green Economy as a pathway to sustainable development, benefiting all nations. Forests are the foundation of sustainable societies, storing carbon, supporting biodiversity, regulating water flows, and reducing soil erosion.
Biodiversity in production forests can be improved without large costs
Researchers found that certain management practices can increase habitat availability for species and reduce economic losses for forest owners. The study suggests using compensatory funding to support these efforts and reconcile alternative uses of forests.
NASA study points to infrared-herring in apparent Amazon green-up
Scientists discovered that Amazon forest canopy greening during the dry season is not caused by biophysical changes, but rather by shadowing within the canopy and satellite observation artifacts. Correcting for this issue reveals a relatively constant greenness and canopy structure throughout the dry season.
Ancient forests stabilized Earth's CO2 and climate
Researchers found that low atmospheric CO2 concentrations acted as a 'carbon starvation' brake, slowing down weathering rates and reducing forests' ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This mechanism helped maintain stable CO2 levels and climate over millions of years.
Tropical forests mitigate extreme weather events
Research suggests that tropical forests play a crucial role in regulating water flow, with forested land releasing more water than grasslands during the late dry season. The study's findings support the sponge effect phenomenon, which aims to minimize flood damage and maximize water availability in the tropics.
Young tropical forests contribute little to biodiversity conservation
New research suggests that young tropical forests may not be effective in conserving tree species due to low reproductive rates. The study found that even 30-year-old forests have a limited number of reproductive trees essential for long-term species survival.
Pine plantations provide optimum conditions for natural forests to develop underneath them
Native forests have been found to recolonize pine plantations without human intervention, thanks to the natural process of ecological succession. This research suggests that pine plantations can be used as a tool for encouraging native forest development in certain areas, particularly when the plantations are older.
Using moving cars to measure rainfall
The project utilizes GPS-equipped cars with varying wiper systems to measure rainfall intensity, offering a promising alternative to traditional rain gauges. By analyzing sensor readings, researchers can create a more extensive network of measurement points, leading to improved flood prediction and prevention.
Rain as acidic as lemon juice may have contributed to ancient mass extinction
Researchers found that sulfur emissions from massive volcanic eruptions could have created widespread acid rain in the Northern Hemisphere, contributing to plant and organism extinctions. The acidity levels reached as low as pH 2 — comparable to undiluted lemon juice — potentially disfiguring plants and stunting their growth.
NASA's TRMM satellite sees Super-typhoon Haiyan strike Philippines
The NASA TRMM satellite captured detailed data on Super-typhoon Haiyan before it struck the Philippines, revealing sustained winds of up to 195 mph. The storm's extreme power was showcased in the satellite imagery, with a well-defined eye surrounded by moderate rain and multiple rainbands.
Carbon storage recovers faster than plant biodiversity in re-growing tropical forests
A new study reveals that carbon storage in re-growing tropical forests recovers faster than plant biodiversity following major disturbances. Despite this, even after 80 years, these forests tend to have less carbon than old-growth forests due to the dominance of small, fast-growing trees.
Melting Arctic sea ice could increase summer rainfall in northwest Europe suggests new study
A new study suggests that melting Arctic sea ice causes a shift in the jet stream, leading to increased rain in northwest Europe during summers. The research also finds that Mediterranean regions will receive less rain, with potential effects on weather patterns as far as North America.
Global ocean currents explain why Northern Hemisphere is the soggier one
A new study reveals that global ocean currents, rather than Earth's geometry, explain why the Northern Hemisphere receives more tropical rain. Icy waters from the poles influence seasonal rains crucial for crops in Africa and India.
Climate change creates complicated consequences for North America's forests
A comprehensive review of climate change's impacts on forest pests, diseases, and ecosystems reveals complex consequences. Warmer temperatures alter pest distribution, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, while also boosting forest health and acreage in some areas.
Death of a spruce tree
Researchers discovered a five-year delay between slow tree growth and increased mortality in a Black Spruce forest, suggesting that older forests may be storing more carbon than previously estimated. This finding has important implications for understanding the impact of climate change on forest health and carbon sequestration.
HS3 mission identifies area of strong winds, rain in Hurricane Ingrid
The HIRAD instrument aboard NASA Global Hawk 871 detected an area of heavy rains and likely strong winds in Hurricane Ingrid. The storm made landfall in northeastern Mexico on Monday, September 16, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
Uphill for the trees of the world
A study by Aarhus University researchers found that global forests are being cleared and restricted to steep terrain, leading to reduced biodiversity. The shift is driven by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and efficient land use practices.
Wind and rain belts to shift north as planet warms, says study
A new study predicts a northward shift of Earth's wind and rain belts, making the Middle East, American West, and Amazonia drier. This redistribution is based on historical climate patterns during the last ice age, when warming led to changes in ocean currents and temperature contrasts between hemispheres.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2013
Got calcium? Mineral is key to restoring acid rain-damaged forests
A 15-year study in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest found that trees in a calcium-treated watershed produced 21% more wood and 11% more leaves than their counterparts. The addition of calcium helped reverse decades-long decline caused by acid rain, with sugar maple trees responding most strongly.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 19, 2013
Tropical forest carbon absorption may hinge on an odd couple
A Princeton University study found that tropical forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is crucially linked to tree diversity and the presence of legume trees. Legumes, a diverse group of nitrogen-fixing plants, play a vital role in rapid forest growth and carbon storage.
400-year study finds Northeast forests resilient, changing
A 400-year study by Harvard University researchers found that Northeastern forests have changed significantly after centuries of intensive land use. Maples have exploded across the region, while other tree types like beeches, oaks, and chestnuts show a pronounced decline. Pine numbers have shifted more than any other tree type.
Northeastern US forests transformed by human activity over 400 years
Research published in PLOS ONE found that logging, agriculture, and natural reforestation have changed forest composition across nine states in the northeastern US. Beech trees decreased significantly, while fir, cherry, and maple trees increased in abundance.
Changing atmosphere affects how much water trees need
Forests across the globe are losing less water and becoming more efficient in using it for growth as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise. Scientists found that forests are storing more carbon due to higher growth rates.
Efficiency in the forest
A Harvard study found that forests across the globe are becoming more efficient in using water, contrary to expectations. The research team used long-term data from over 20 years of eddy covariance measurements to show that forests are storing more carbon and growing faster due to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Temperature increases causing tropical forests to blossom, according to study
A recent study by Florida State University researcher Stephanie Pau found that tropical forests produce more flowers in response to only slight increases in temperature. This is the first study to combine long-term flower production data with direct estimates of cloud cover based on satellite information.
UCSB's NCEAS find tropical forest blossoms are sensitive to changing climate
A new study by UC Santa Barbara's NCEAS found that tropical forests are sensitive to small changes in temperature, producing more flowers. The study analyzed global data and satellite information, indicating that clouds mainly affect short-term growth, while longer-term changes are due to temperature.
NASA sees Tropical Storm Andrea cover half the East Coast
Tropical Storm Andrea's extensive cloud cover blanketed half of the East Coast, with most rain occurring ahead of the storm's center. The storm is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2-4 inches along the eastern seaboard into coastal Maine.
Pollution in Northern Hemisphere helped cause 1980s African drought
Researchers found that aerosol pollution from the Northern Hemisphere cooled the region, shifting tropical rain bands and leading to drought in central Africa. The study used decades of historical observations and climate models to determine this global impact. The discovery highlights the remote climate effects of air pollution.
'Watering the forest for the trees' emerging as priority for forest management
A new analysis by the USDA Forest Service emphasizes managing forests as consumers of water, reducing risk of water stress. This shift in thinking helps maintain resilience and health in a changing climate.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 3, 2013
As climate changes, boreal forests to shift north and relinquish more carbon than expected
New research predicts boreal forests will shift north, releasing more trapped carbon than current climate models predict. The approach considers random events like fire and drought that impact forest health, providing a more accurate forecast.
Less rainfall expected for the Hawaiian Islands
Scientists at the University of Hawaii predict that Hawaii's rainfall trend will continue, with less rain and fewer heavy-rain days. A statistical model developed by researchers estimates a significant decrease in heavy rain events during the rainy season from November to April.
Without birds, will Guam's forests look like Swiss cheese?
Researchers are studying how bird loss affects Guam's forests by examining the distribution of 16 tree species. Without birds to move seeds to open gaps, pioneer trees may struggle to germinate or grow.
Study: Environmental policies matter for growing megacities
A new study by Purdue University researchers shows that clean-air regulations have reduced acid rain in the US, Europe, and Japan over the past 30 years, but the opposite is true in fast-growing East Asian megacities due to lax antipollution rules or lack of enforcement. The effects of acid rain can propagate through aquatic ecosystems...
New research will help shed light on role of Amazon forests in global carbon cycle
A new tool devised by Berkeley Lab scientists detects forest mortality patterns and trends using satellite images, simulation modeling, and fieldwork. The study found that 9.1 to 16.9 percent of tree mortality was missing from conventional analyses, equating to over half a million dead trees per year.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013
Pics, shoots and leaves: Ecologists turn digital cameras into climate change tools
A team of ecologists has developed a method to calculate how much CO2 deciduous trees soak up using seasonal changes in forest colour captured in digital photographs. The results showed that digital cameras can be an important aid in monitoring forests and tracking climate change effects.
NASA sees heaviest rainfall near Typhoon Prapiroon's center
Typhoon Prapiroon brought light-to-moderate rainfall throughout, with a small area of heavy rain near the storm's center. The satellite detected rain rates between .78 to 1.57 inches/20 to 40 mm per hour in this region.
Demographic miracle in the deserts
Some desert plant species adapt well to climate change, benefiting from fluctuating weather conditions. This is contrary to predictions by climate models, which forecast unfavorable effects on ecosystems. Researchers found that these plants have a unique physiology allowing them to thrive in arid regions.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 8, 2012
Climate change could cripple southwestern forests
The study reveals that southwestern forests face significant challenges due to climate change, including increased drought stress and mortality. The researchers developed a Forest Drought-Stress Index that shows a strong correlation with tree growth, death from drought, and area burned by forest fires.
Summer rain more likely over drier soils
Research using satellite data found convective precipitation is more common over dry regions, suggesting a different mechanism than previously thought. The study's findings challenge existing computer models and highlight the need for further research to understand this phenomenon.
Study ties forest 'greenness' in western US to snowpack extent
A new study links forest greenness in the western United States to fluctuating year-to-year snowpack extent, with mid-elevation mountain ecosystems found to be most sensitive to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt. The research provides important insights into the tipping point between water-limited forests an...
CU-Boulder-led mountain forest study shows vulnerability to climate change
A new study by CU-Boulder researchers finds mid-elevation mountain ecosystems sensitive to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt. The 'tipping point' where these forests switch from moisture-dependent to sunlight-temperature dependent is crucial for understanding climate change's impact.
Loss of tropical forests reduces rain
A study by the University of Leeds finds that tropical forests produce significantly more rain than vegetation, with the Amazon and Congo forests maintaining rainfall over surrounding areas. This could have catastrophic consequences for people living thousands of kilometres away if these forests are destroyed.
Warming causes more extreme shifts of the Southern Hemisphere's largest rain band
A new study finds that the frequency of extreme shifts in the South Pacific rain band will almost double in the next 100 years, resulting in increased floods and droughts. The warming atmosphere and oceans will also intensify these events, causing massive droughts, severe food shortages, and coral reef mortality.
NASA sees very heavy rainfall within Tropical Storm Ernesto
TRMM satellite data reveals areas of intense rainfall, with powerful convective thunderstorms dropping rain at a rate greater than 50mm/h, potentially intensifying the storm. Heavy rainfall is expected to cause flash floods and mudslides in affected regions, with up to 15 inches of rain predicted in some areas.
Georgia forests, 2011
A study by the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station found that Georgia's forest land area remained stable over the past 50 years, while timber inventory more than doubled. The majority of commercial timberland is privately owned, with individual or family forests making up a significant portion.
Washington's forests will lose stored carbon as area burned by wildfire increases
By 2040, parts of Washington State could lose up to a third of their carbon stores due to increasing wildfire risk. This would significantly impact the region's ability to act as carbon sinks and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 23, 2012
NASA analyzes twin hurricanes in the eastern Pacific
Two hurricanes, Daniel and Emilia, are being tracked by NASA's TRMM satellite, which showed intense rainfall in Emilia's northwestern quadrant. Hurricane-force winds extend only 25 miles from the center of both storms, with Emilia expected to intensify further