Researchers have discovered a high concentration of bacteria in the center of hailstones, indicating that airborne microorganisms may play a role in weather events. The study suggests that biological particles, such as bacteria, can act as ice nuclei, catalyzing ice formation at temperatures near -2 degrees Celsius.
Research reveals a new freshwater source for Antarctic coastal waters, where meltwater from glaciers drives high discharge rates. Phytoplankton also affect clouds and precipitation, leading to increased cloud albedo and reduced cloud droplet radius.
Scientists use a field campaign to study convective clouds and their role in generating significant rainfall. The Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) combines data from various sources to better understand precipitation physics and improve satellite algorithms.
Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations could increase global precipitation and prevent droughts, according to Carnegie Global Ecology scientists. The team's novel explanation shows that cutting CO2 can lead to an increase in thunderstorms and rainfall.
The TRMM satellite measured record rainfall totals of over 300 mm (~11 inches) in Alabama and Mississippi, with eastern US experiencing 50 mm (~2 inches) or more. Flooding was reported from Louisiana to northern New York, with some areas receiving daily records
NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Storm Bingiza showing strong thunderstorms and a well-defined low-level circulation center. The storm is intensifying slowly and expected to meander over the next couple of days before strengthening towards central Madagascar.
A study by the University of Zaragoza found that Spain's precipitation has declined overall between March and June, reducing the length of the rainy season. The rains are heavier in October in the north west of the country.
A multi-agency project investigates the effects of air pollution on California's precipitation, with research flights documenting cloud microphysics and aerosol impacts. The goal is to improve climate projections and planning for water and energy resources.
NASA satellites reveal Cyclone Yasi's heaviest rainfall falling at a rate of about 2 inches per hour on the south and eastern sides, with frigid temperatures in its thunderstorms. The storm is expected to make landfall near Cairns in Queensland by Wednesday at a projected strength of 130 knots.
Researchers challenge climate change assumption that plants move uphill due to warmer temperatures. Instead, they found plants moved downhill an average of 260 feet, driven by increased precipitation. This finding has global relevance as many locations have seen increased precipitation in the past century.
A study by the US Forest Service and University of California, Santa Barbara found that warmer temperatures and reduced precipitation lead to lower tree fitness in southwestern US forests. This weakening of forest health has resulted in higher mortality rates from wildfires and bark beetle attacks.
A recent study by Innsbruck glaciologists and climatologists reveals regional differences in the contribution of glaciers to water supply, with high-mountain communities dependent on glacier melt but relatively low population density. The research highlights the need for a differentiated discussion on climate change's impact on water a...
Research from Tel Aviv University reveals that cloud seeding with materials like silver iodide and frozen carbon dioxide does not produce rain. Instead, changes in weather patterns are responsible for increased rainfall.
A WCS study found that higher temperatures and rainfall in Argentina result in more parasitic fly larvae, leading to increased mortality and impaired growth for chicks. The researchers also found a positive correlation between climate variables and parasite loads on nestlings.
The Amazon Basin acts as a self-contained biogeochemical reactor during the rainy season, producing organic material that serves as cloud condensation nuclei. This process allows scientists to investigate natural cloud formation and precipitation without human influence.
The remnants of Tropical Depression Five continue to bring heavy rain to Louisiana and Mississippi, with some areas experiencing localized flooding. NASA satellite imagery shows the slow-moving system stretching from Louisiana northeast into Mississippi, with some higher thunderstorms embedded in the cloud cover.
Researchers find that increasing Antarctic sea ice extent is due to stabilization of the upper ocean by increased precipitation, which reduces melting from both above and below. Climate models predict faster melting in the future, leading to a potential decrease in sea ice extent.
A NOAA study found that clouds exhibit oscillating patterns influenced by precipitation, creating regular rainfall events. The discovery highlights the impact of aerosols on large-scale cloud structure and climate change, suggesting a more complex understanding of interactions between aerosols and clouds.
The study reveals that incorporating NASA products into the BASINS model significantly improves water quality model performance. By capturing the effects of water flow during storm periods, the NASA data systems provide a more accurate representation of non-point pollution and improve estimates of water quality.
Researchers at NC State University developed a new methodology that combines multiple general climate forecast models to improve the accuracy of winter precipitation and temperature forecasts. The tool is valuable for government officials, providing key information for predicting energy consumption and water availability.
Heavy rainfall was detected in Hurricane Alex using data from NASA's TRMM satellite on June 29, 2010. The analysis revealed a heavy band of precipitation spiraling into the center of the storm, with rain falling at over 2 inches per hour in some areas.
Research found that aircraft can seed mid-level clouds, causing narrow bands of snow or rain to develop. The study also discovered that water droplets at subfreezing temperatures are key to forming these holes in the clouds.
CU-Boulder's disdrometer team will use three vehicles to measure precipitation particles in severe storms, while a UAS project aims to collect meteorological data safely navigating below clouds. The efforts aim to improve tornado forecasting and reduce fatalities.
Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters reveal changing precipitation patterns in Europe, increased gully activity on Mars indicating liquid water, and thick water ice observed in lunar craters near the Moon's north pole. These findings suggest potential impacts on flooding and climate change.
A new database reveals that precipitation in Spain has declined in quantity in March and June, but increased in October. The study analyzed monthly precipitation series over the Iberian Peninsula between 1945 and 2005, providing a detailed image of precipitation behavior.
TRMM data revealed that Cyclone Ului brought heavy rainfall to western Queensland, with estimates suggesting 5.1-7.0 inches of rain fell in some areas. The satellite's precipitation radar and microwave radiometers provided detailed insights into the cyclone's track and potential flooding.
A Purdue University researcher projects that Midwestern states like Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan will face more winter and spring flooding, as well as dry summer and fall seasons, if average temperatures rise by 2070. The study suggests a 28% increase in precipitation in these states during the same period.
Researchers discovered that soil clings to precipitation after a dry summer and holds it tightly, preventing it from mixing with other water. This challenges conventional thinking on watershed function and has implications for understanding pollutant movement and nutrient transport.
Researchers linked Southwest winter precipitation to North Atlantic temperatures, finding abrupt climate changes occurred during the last Ice Age. The study used a stalagmite from an Arizona cave to reconstruct century-by-century climate records.
Tropical cyclone Edzani has strengthened due to low wind shear and warm ocean temperatures, with heavy thunderstorms near its center. The storm is expected to continue intensifying over the next two days before hitting cooler waters.
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.
Research reveals how aerosols from pollution contribute to isolated thunderstorm clouds, improving climate scientists' understanding of the interaction between aerosols and clouds. Wind shear plays a crucial role in determining whether pollution swells or saps storms, with strong wind shear conditions hindering thunderhead formation.
Climate Wizard generates color maps of projected temperature and precipitation changes using 16 climate models, making data accessible to a wider audience. The tool allows users to explore climate change impacts on endangered species, drought-prone regions, and freshwater supplies.
Assistant professor Jessica Lundquist uses low-cost temperature sensors and tennis balls to study mountain precipitation and its impact on lower-elevation communities. The system provides accurate temperature readings for up to 11 months in remote locations, helping improve computer models and storm flooding forecasts.
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 GPM mission will provide uniformly calibrated precipitation measurements globally every 2-4 hours for scientific research and societal applications. The mission builds on the success of TRMM and includes a Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a multi-channel GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) to improve precipitation estimates.
Researchers analyzed stalagmites from a cave in the Sierra Nevada and found that past global warming coincided with centuries-long droughts in California. The study suggests that Arctic sea ice disappearance may lead to changes in precipitation patterns over California.
A three-dimensional image of Tropical Storm Neki was created using TRMM Precipitation Radar instrument data. The storm showed a small area with powerful thunderstorms at heights of up to 52,493 feet.
Small fluctuations in solar radiation have a significant impact on cloud formation and precipitation, with variations of just 0.1% affecting the Pacific Ocean's water temperature and precipitation patterns. This study demonstrates that understanding natural climatic variability is crucial for making reliable future climate scenarios.
A new MIT study forecasts an increase in extreme rainfall events, with precipitation in these events expected to rise by 6% for every one degree Celsius temperature increase. Climate models show varying results within the tropics, prompting further research to determine outcomes in tropical regions.
Rainfall in Iberian Peninsula to decline due to climate change, with increased frequency in winter and lower amounts in spring-summer. Climate models predict significant changes by middle of 21st century, with varying effects on seasonal distribution patterns.
New research by NCAR shows a key link between the solar cycle and global climate, with maximum solar activity impacting Earth similarly to La Nina and El Nino events. The study may pave the way toward better predictions of temperature and precipitation patterns.
Research by NSF-funded scientists reveals a scientifically feasible link between the 11-year solar cycle and ENSO, influencing climate variability globally. The study suggests that maximum solar activity can drive La Niña-like events with similar impacts on global temperature and precipitation patterns.
Scientists have compiled the first ever growth ring chronology from tropical Australia, revealing that tree growth depends mainly on annual precipitation. The analysis suggests that growth rings are a more suitable proxy data for registering precipitation dynamics in Australia than current methods based on ENSO and IPO.
The NASA TRMM satellite shows Cyclone Bijli's intense rainfall, peaking at 129 millimeters (5.07 inches) in Bangladesh, causing heavy flooding and tropical storm-force winds. The animation tracks the storm's development from birth to landfall on April 17, 2009.
A new study from the University of Washington found that people's understanding of rainy weather forecasts is hindered by misconceptions about probability and uncertainty. Researchers tested over 450 college students and found that many incorrectly assumed deterministic forecasts, leading to unnecessary precautions.
A Purdue University study projects a weakened summer monsoon season in South Asia, potentially causing delayed onset and reduced precipitation. The research suggests that climate change could exacerbate seasonal flood risks and impact agricultural production, water availability, and hydroelectric power generation.
Researchers found that local climate moderates the relationship between temperature, precipitation and dengue incidence. Climate patterns affect mosquito reproduction and virus development.
Climate change may lead to a significant impact on water supplies, with changes in groundwater recharge potentially exceeding those in precipitation. The research focused on a semi-arid region near Lubbock, Texas, finding that timing and duration of rainfall events play a crucial role in determining the effects.
A study found that children living in counties with higher annual precipitation had a higher risk of developing autism. The association suggests an environmental trigger for the condition, potentially related to increased indoor activities and decreased exposure to sunshine.
This issue of BioScience features studies on fungal community ecology, extreme precipitation regimes, and the developing Drosophila brain. Researchers also explore the consequences of climate change for terrestrial ecosystems and discuss the potential benefits of restoration and sustainable agriculture.
A recent study found that groundwater storage plays a crucial role in regulating watershed response and climate feedbacks. The depth of the water table is closely tied to land surface conditions, with shallow tables amplifying temperature increases and deep tables directly influencing precipitation patterns.
Scientists have discovered that aerosols can increase rainfall by providing condensation nuclei for cloud droplets. Moderate quantities of aerosols lead to more rain as they control the distribution of energy in the atmosphere and influence the formation of clouds.
A team of scientists has developed a new framework to better account for the impact of aerosols on precipitation in climate models. The study suggests that increased aerosol loading may lead to changes in precipitation patterns, affecting regional water resources and global climate systems.
A new study confirms a link between warmer climates and more powerful rainstorms, increasing the risk of flooding and societal impacts. Researchers found that tropical rainfall extremes increase during warm periods, with heavy downpours boosted by atmospheric moisture.
Research found that airborne bacteria are globally distributed and may cause freezing at warmer temperatures, leading to the formation of rain. The bacteria can multiply and form groups on plants, creating a cycle of precipitation that could help reduce drought.
Brent Christner's team found biological particles in precipitation, which can catalyze freezing at warmer temperatures, affecting precipitation patterns. The discovery has implications for understanding agricultural pathogens and their role in the global warming process.
Scientists at UEA found intense rainfall events increasing in UK's winter and spring seasons, reversing summer trend. Heavy summer rainfall returns after 1990s decrease, impacting flood risk and extreme weather events.
Researchers found that microbial communities change the rate of calcium carbonate precipitation, which can affect the chemistry and shape of crystals. This discovery could help date certain sequences of sedimentary rock and search for evidence of life on other planets.
Researchers at CU-Boulder predict wetter storms in the Arctic and mid-latitudes due to global warming, with increased precipitation over individual storms but no clear trend in net precipitation. Higher CO2 levels warm the atmosphere, leading to more water-holding capacity and increased storm moisture content.