Researchers found that future carbon accumulation rates are highly sensitive to land use changes, with afforestation and deforestation impacting rates. Forests in the region are relatively resilient to natural disturbances, but aging forests and land use transitions can slow down accumulation.
A study suggests that dry forests in the western US are more threatened by insect outbreaks and droughts than wildfires. Historically, these forests had a mix of large and small trees, providing 'bet-hedging' insurance against multiple disturbances.
University of Washington experts are using the physics behind rain-on-snow flooding to better predict risks. They found that warm, humid air surrounding raindrops is most to blame for melting snow, and that tree cover can reduce flood risk by slowing storm winds.
Researchers studied the 2013 Rim Fire in Yosemite National Park and found that extreme weather conditions, such as pyro-convective plumes, significantly influenced burn severity. Forests that experienced recent fires burned at low severity, while those with greater shrub cover burned at higher severity.
A powerful storm system, known as the Pineapple Express, brought intense precipitation to the western US, causing flash flooding, landslides, and damage. The satellite imagery captured by NOAA's GOES-West satellite showed a stream of clouds associated with the moisture from Hawaii, leading to violent rain storms in California.
A new study led by Dartmouth researcher Jodi Brandt shows that China's conservation efforts have displaced ancient community-managed protections, accelerating old-growth logging. Total forest cover increased, but biodiversity value decreased as scrub and secondary forests dominated the landscape.
A University of Utah study found that pathogens killing tree seedlings in drier forests allow more diverse tree species to thrive in the wetter Caribbean environment. This separation is crucial for conservation planning and understanding how tree species adapt to climate change.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) will cease science operations in April 2015, ending 17 years of rainfall and storm monitoring. The satellite's instruments, including the Precipitation Radar, have provided critical insights into precipitation patterns and their impact on climate, weather, and natural disasters.
The WB-57 aircraft flew over Hurricane Gonzalo on Oct. 15 carrying two HS3 mission instruments called HIWRAP and HIRAD, providing unique observations of sea surface wind speed, temperature, and rain. The data gathered will advance understanding and predictability of hurricane intensity.
A study by CTFS-ForestGEO reveals global change effects on forests in 24 countries with 59 monitored sites. Forests have warmed by over 1 degree F and experienced up to 30 percent changes in precipitation.
A Yale study finds that the conversion of forests to cropland worldwide has reduced global BVOC emissions, leading to a net cooling effect on climate temperatures. The loss of dark-colored forests and reduction in emissions of short-lived climate pollutants have offset warming caused by increased fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions.
A new study reveals that only five percent of the world's pre-agricultural primary forest cover is found in protected areas, with most forests under threat from industrial logging, mining, and agriculture. Experts call for international policies to reduce pressure on primary forests, preserving their biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Scientists have discovered that the exact chemical make-up of dusty air, including microbes found in it, is crucial to predicting rain events and understanding regional climate. The research could lead to more accurate weather forecasting and improved cloud-seeding technology.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.