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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have developed a smart headlight system that reduces glare caused by rain and snow. The system uses a camera to track raindrops and adjusts the light projection accordingly, eliminating 70-80% of visible rain during heavy storms.
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
TRMM satellite data shows Debby's heaviest rains were falling at a rate of over 2 inches per hour, with numerous reports of 6-10 inches of rain already reported. The storm is expected to bring very heavy rains to northern and central Florida.
A new study reveals that restoring floodplain forests helps migratory songbirds survive the winter, providing vital habitat for birds from Alaska and Canada. The research also found that restored forests are equally preferred to existing older forests by some species, including Lincoln's and White-crowned Sparrows.
Researchers discovered a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants, where heavy rain acts as a springboard to catch insects. The unique mechanism involves a thin film of water on the wettable rim, causing insects to slip and fall into the digestive fluid.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that mosquitoes can fly through rain due to their strong exoskeleton and low mass. The insect's ability to absorb impact forces from raindrops allows it to survive collisions, with the help of its legs and wings.
A new study finds that preserving forests can curb climate change more effectively than harvesting wood as fuel. The research suggests that managing forests for maximal carbon storage can yield significant, predictable benefits within the coming century.
Tropical Depression 03W is expected to strengthen as it approaches Guam, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting a hot tower at 15 kilometers high. The storm will bring rain and gusty winds to the island over the next couple of days.
A new study reveals that the amount of greenhouse gas released when a forest is cleared depends on how the trees are used and where they're grown. Carbon stored in temperate forests is more likely to remain intact, while tropical forests have nearly all their carbon released into the atmosphere.
A new University of Florida study suggests that selective logging of tropical forests can be a viable conservation option, as long as the forest is given adequate time to recover. The research found that biodiversity and carbon retention take a hit from logging but can be reversed over time.
A new study found that rising temperatures and reduced rainfall in European Alpine spruce forests led to more frequent and severe bark beetle attacks. The study suggests that sustainable forest management strategies are necessary to mitigate the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.
Data from UD researchers in Lewes, Del., shows a 60% decrease in precipitation acidity since the 1990s, a significant improvement attributed to pollution controls. However, fish populations and vegetation have been slow to respond, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.
Scientists from NASA's Precipitation Measurement Missions discovered that light rain makes up 50-60% of total precipitation in the region, contributing to freshwater resources. The study used satellite data and ground-based instruments to validate measurements and make new discoveries.
Scientists have measured the carbon content of Sri Lanka's natural forests, finding that nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions originate from deforestation. The study suggests alternative ecosystems can bind carbon while providing food and protection for local populations.
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that removing the invasive Tamaligi tree greatly improves the health of its diverse native forests in American Samoa. Native tree species quickly recover and persist after control efforts, while biomass levels are restored to equivalent pre-invasion levels.
The Northern Forests Futures Project reports a 28% increase in forest coverage in the northern US, benefiting from carbon emissions collection and forestry jobs. However, threats to forests in the coming decades could undermine these gains due to invasive plants and diseases.
A recent study found that urban heat islands cause trees to turn green earlier in the spring and stay green later into autumn in Mid-Atlantic suburbs. This results in an extended growing season, affecting forests and potentially increasing carbon dioxide uptake.
A recent study reveals a direct link between the presence of invasive European earthworms and reduced numbers of ovenbirds in mixed sugar maple and basswood forests. The worm's consumption of leaf litter leads to a decline in nesting sites, increased predation, and a shift in plant species composition.
Researchers found that older forests with specific fungi are essential for orchid survival and recovery. The study suggests that planting new forests may not be enough to save endangered orchids without the right fungal conditions.
A team of scientists has discovered that high levels of nitrogen in tropical forests are caused by natural interactions between the forest and nutrient cycles. The study found evidence of large losses of bioavailable nitrogen from plant-soil interactions, not directly from atmospheric deposition.
A new study reveals that acid rain's impact on Great Lakes sugar maples goes beyond soil acidification. Excess nitrogen from acid rain slows microbial decay of dead leaves, creating a physical barrier for seedlings. This mechanism is expected to worsen as nitrogen deposition increases by the end of the century.
A new study using Landsat satellite data shows that Kirtland's warblers prefer young forests and forests that have been on fire. The researchers found that the age of the forest correlates strongly with its height, and that old forests with grazed underbrush provide suitable habitat for the warblers.
TRMM data revealed a narrow line of moderate to very heavy rainfall associated with the cold front, accompanied by tornadoes and strong winds. The analysis showed the area of heavy rain was confined to a specific region, highlighting the severity of the storm.
A study published in Nature found that forests are warmer than open areas north of 45 degrees latitude due to higher nighttime temperatures and sunlight absorption, but cooler south of 35 degrees latitude. Forests also have climatic benefits for maintaining or increasing forest cover in southern latitudes.
A recent report provides new ideas on the carbon and energy benefits of forests and forest products. Sustainably managed forests can store and substitute carbon, while forest biomass-based energy uses less stored carbon, reducing fossil fuel emissions.
A comprehensive study found that biofuels produced from West Coast forests would release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than current forest management practices. The study examined various forest types and management approaches, concluding that even optimal efficiency levels would increase emissions by up to 14%.
Researchers will examine how humans have responded to changes in surrounding forests over multiple centuries, focusing on New Mexico's Jemez Mountains and the intersection of climate change, drought, and forest fires. The team aims to understand how humans can live sustainably within fire-adapted ecosystems.
A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...
Restoring forests and planting trees on farms can greatly improve food security by providing a source of income, food, and fuel for households. In dryland areas like the Horn of Africa, forests serve as a crucial defense against poverty and provide critical sources of moisture and nutrients in the soil.
A comprehensive assessment of tropical forests found primary forests sustain the highest levels of biodiversity and are vital to many species. Human activities like logging and agricultural expansion have transformed most remaining primary forests, leaving little unaltered.
A recent study published in the Journal of Forestry reveals that US national forests can help Americans meet guidelines for regular physical activity. The study found that activities such as hiking, walking, and fishing account for about two-thirds of all visits to national forests, resulting in annual energy expenditures equivalent to...
The Asian longhorned beetle has already spread to nearby forests in Worcester, Mass., posing a threat to the region's forests. The beetle disproportionately attacks large maple trees, including red and sugar maples, which are vital to New England's iconic landscape.
The TRMM satellite captured detailed images of Hurricane Irene, revealing a lack of eye formation and organized circulation. Rainbands indicated low-pressure circulation, with areas of intense rain near the center, suggesting potential for strengthening.
A team of ecologists led by Ohio State University researchers found that younger, more diverse tree species are replacing aging aspens in the region's forests. These newer trees have higher light-use efficiency and can continue to store carbon, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
New research reveals that established forests remove 2.4 billion tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually, equivalent to one third of current annual fossil fuel emissions. This is a significant breakthrough demonstrating how forests impact atmospheric CO2 levels through tree growth and expansion.
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.
A team of ecologists models climate change effects on fire occurrence and composition of Yellowstone forests, finding a tipping element that may alter the flora, fauna, and ecosystem quality. The researchers predict frequent fires will become the norm in parts of the landscape by 2050.
Researchers developed a model that mimics three predator-prey modes to understand cloud-rain interactions, finding that aerosols affect cloud formation and precipitation. The study provides new insights into the complex relationships between clouds, rain, and aerosols, shedding light on climate patterns and human-induced changes.
Scientists report that the world's forests store approximately 2.4 gigatons of carbon per year, with boreal forests accounting for nearly 22% of total stored carbon. A warming climate may reduce the capacity of forests to sequester carbon, highlighting the importance of understanding their role in the global carbon cycle.
Researchers evaluate the U.S. National Fire Plan's effectiveness in restoring western U.S. forests and its impact on native lizard populations, including the return of the eastern collared lizard to the Ozarks. The study also examines historical fire records and sediment cores to better understand the Arctic Tundra's fire regime.
A new report by US and European researchers found that world forests are becoming larger carbon sinks due to increased density, with no significant expansion of forest area. This increase in density helped maintain regional carbon levels despite deforestation, offering a way to mitigate carbon emissions through managed forestry.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute offer new insights on reforestation in Latin America, highlighting the importance of native species, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation. The research provides a framework for land managers to weigh environmental and economic factors in their decision-making.
A recent study found that mangroves store up to four times more carbon per hectare than most tropical forests. The high-carbon storage capacity of mangroves can be attributed to their deep organic-rich soils and complex root systems.
A new study finds that biodiversity can be conserved while resources are used to support local household livelihoods, especially when managed under systems that involve local forest users. The research suggests formalizing the rights of local people to contribute to forest management and governance can promote dual success.
Lianas, found in most tropical lowland forests, are outcompeting trees for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This intense competition is limiting tree growth and survival in these ecosystems.
Researchers found that forests managed by local users are more likely to have higher biodiversity and provide greater economic benefits. The study analyzed over 80 forest sites in six tropical countries and found that formal recognition of local user rights is crucial for sustainable management.
The Cassini spacecraft has observed methane rain on Titan's equatorial deserts, revealing the first current evidence of rain soaking Titan's surface at low latitudes. This finding suggests that recent weather on Titan is similar to Earth's tropical regions.
A $20 million grant will study the effects of climate change on southern pine forests, a major economic engine in the US economy. The research aims to improve forest health, productivity, and sustainability while providing tools for landowners to adapt to climate change.
Research finds vines are outcompeting trees in tropical forests across the Americas, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. This shift has significant implications for climate models, business models relying on tree growth data, and human communities dependent on these forests.