Aerosols from pollution particles reduce ice crystal sizes in thunderstorms, leading to less precipitation over land. Aerosol levels are highest over Northern Africa, with smaller ice crystals found in clouds above the eastern Pacific and southern Indian Oceans.
Researchers predict that El Niño could lead to increased precipitation in the Southwest, alleviating water shortages and reducing wildfire danger. The region has been experiencing severe drought conditions, with reservoirs struggling to meet demand.
A new NASA study warns of increased winter flooding in California as global warming alters streamflow patterns. The study projects a drier growing season, with snowmelt-driven watersheds experiencing early streamflow increases and higher flood risks.
A new method significantly improves U.S. seasonal forecast accuracy by analyzing changes in sea surface temperatures across various ocean basins. The approach raises the bar for seasonal and inter-annual climate forecasts, with increases in predictability noted during spring and summer months.
Penn State meteorologists have combined weather data from airports, weather stations and sensors to create a more detailed picture of weather conditions in the state. The project aims to provide real-time displays of observations and user-specific products for various industries, including agribusiness and the power industry.
Research found that heavy rainfall precedes most waterborne disease outbreaks in the US, with extreme precipitation levels increasing outbreak risk. The study analyzed data from 1948-1994 and found a significant association between precipitation and waterborne disease outbreaks.
A new study suggests that increased solar activity can lead to an increase in cloud cover over the United States, particularly during times of high solar maximum. The jet stream plays a crucial role in linking solar variability with cloudiness, precipitation, and storm formation in the US.
A recent study published in Science found that tallgrass prairies have more variable plant growth than deserts, despite having less rainfall variability. This suggests that these ecosystems can respond to changes in precipitation patterns and may serve as an early warning system for climate change.
A new study on Lake Titicaca reveals dramatic changes in the lake's water level and precipitation patterns over the past 25,000 years. The research suggests that natural climate variability, including changes in Earth's orbit around the sun, may be influencing global climate change.
A team of scientists analyzed sediment core samples from Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Peru, revealing a 25,000-year precipitation record that suggests tropical South America was wet during the last Ice Age. The findings challenge traditional views that the region was dry during this time period.
A 21-year global record of precipitation suggests a decrease in rainfall over the Indian Ocean may signal an approaching strong El Niño. This finding could provide nations most affected by El Niños with earlier warning systems to better prepare for devastating climate changes.
Researchers found that El Niño events result in wetter oceans and drier land areas, with droughts more common than floods. Global precipitation patterns show an increase in rain over the Indian monsoon region and a decrease over central Africa during these events.
New satellite-generated rain maps provide more accurate tropical rainfall measurements, helping manage water resources and understand El Niño-La Niña patterns. The TRMM satellite's high-resolution data also enables better weather forecasting and climate projections.
Scientists have found that 'raining' electrons from Earth's magnetosphere destroy ozone in the upper atmosphere, creating a new aspect of natural ozone destruction. The degree of electron precipitation is directly related to the 11-year solar cycle.
A new study published in Nature magazine suggests that warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are affecting the growth rates of white spruce trees in Alaska. The researchers found that drought-like conditions are inhibiting tree growth, leading to a reduced capacity for these trees to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
Researchers studied microbes living in Yellowstone National Park's hot springs to better interpret samples from Mars for signs of life. They developed a systematic model for travertine deposition, which could aid in identifying ancient microbial life.
A recent study published in Science reveals that urban and industrial air pollution can suppress rainfall and snowfall by creating clouds with abnormally small water droplets. This phenomenon occurs when pollution particles act as 'seeding' sites, preventing cloud moisture from condensing into raindrops and ice crystals.
New research suggests that aerosol pollutants in the atmosphere are likely masking global warming. Aerosols can modify clouds, suppress precipitation, and reflect light, cooling the Earth. This effect may be as large as the warming caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded a $10,000 prize to a web site that teaches students the science behind the weather. The 'Web Weather for Kids' site allows children in grades five through eight to predict precipitation and temperatures, with scores compared to those of local meteorologist Mike Nelson.
Researchers have found that smoke from forest fires practically shuts off the 'warm rain' processes that create rain in tropical clouds. The cloud tops must grow above the freezing level for an alternative mechanism to start producing rain. This study, based on TRMM data, provides direct evidence of the impact of smoke on rainfall.
Researchers will collect snow samples from Illimani and Sajama mountains to understand the impact of El Nino and La Nina on precipitation patterns. The team's goal is to analyze climate conditions over the past two years using sophisticated chemical analyses of snow samples.
Researchers at Penn State found a correlation between jet stream strength and precipitation in the Sahel region, which has been experiencing drought since the 1970s. The Tropical Easterly Jet was mostly weaker during dry periods, while the African Easterly Jet showed slightly stronger patterns in very dry years.
Researchers find significant changes in Arctic oscillation have influenced temperature and precipitation patterns in the Northern Hemisphere over the last 30 years. The shift could be caused by human-induced climate change and is linked to ozone depletion and greenhouse gas buildup.
Climate models project a 23-30% decline in mountain snowpack by 2025, and up to 61% by 2095. This could drastically alter hydrology and water resource management in the region.
The regional climate change model suggests a 50% decrease in snow cover over Washington state and warmer temperatures, while also increasing winter precipitation. The impacts on water resources could be significant, with less snow melt in the spring and reduced stream flow for irrigation.
A new computer model predicts that climate events like El Nino can affect Aedes aegypti mosquito populations, potentially leading to outbreaks of dengue disease. The model takes into account climatic variables such as precipitation, temperature, and humidity to forecast population booms and peaks.
A computer model predicts reliably the severity and timing of drought episodes six months in advance, helping farmers choose drought-tolerant crops and minimizing economic losses. The researchers also highlight the need to maintain adequate river levels to prevent barge traffic disruptions and ensure water supply.
A study by Penn State economists suggests that climate change could lead to an increase in waterborne diseases like Cryptosporidiosis, which can be fatal among immunocompromised individuals. The researchers estimate that doubling the frequency of 100-year floods could add up to $70 per person in costs.
Scientists will present evidence that global change exacerbates wildfires in the Mediterranean region by increasing air temperature, reducing precipitation, and altering landscape patterns. The study finds that water stress increases plant flammability, making conditions more favorable for wildfires in regions like Valencia, Spain.
A new coupled hydrologic model system simulates storm events and river basin response by linking atmospheric and hydrological models. The model was tested on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River basin, showing improved results with historic meteorological data compared to atmospheric predictions.
A University of Colorado researcher proposes that ancient Aboriginals' systematic burning of vegetation may have altered the Australian monsoon, leading to the continent's arid interior desertification. The study suggests that human activity had a significant impact on the climate and ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found a correlation between Pacific Ocean sea-surface temperatures and precipitation rates in the Great Plains. Warmer ocean temperatures lead to increased storm activity, resulting in wetter weather.
A new RFF issues brief highlights the potential impacts of climate change on water supplies, including increased precipitation, evapotranspiration, and extreme weather events. The report emphasizes the need for more efficient water management and use to mitigate these effects.
A recent analysis suggests that developed countries will win while underdeveloped countries lose $82 billion and $40 billion annually respectively due to global climate change. Countries such as Canada, the US, and China are expected to benefit from a shift in climate conditions.
A new weather-forecasting system using a powerful Sun Microsystems computer is providing the Pacific Northwest region with highly accurate temperature and wind forecasts. The system helps predict weather patterns such as snow, rain, and precipitation, enabling agencies to prepare for extreme weather events and issue air-quality alerts.
Researchers investigated urbanized watersheds in four US regions over 50 years, comparing stream flow data with population growth. They found that higher population densities led to increased stream flow despite lower precipitation levels.
Researchers found the ancient Sahara was much wetter 12,000 to 5,000 years ago, with stronger summer monsoons producing more vegetation and increased water content in the soil. The vegetation and soil changes enhanced the effects of orbital shifts, leading to a 10% increase in annual precipitation.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a correlation between lightning frequency and rainfall, which could lead to a new method for tracking precipitation in remote regions. The connection is thought to be due to ice particles that transfer electric charge when colliding in clouds.
Experts argue that global change research should focus on predicting rainfall patterns rather than temperature changes. Changes in rainfall can have significant effects on human activities and structures, such as road design and agriculture. By prioritizing rainfall prediction, researchers can help mitigate severe floods and droughts.
Researchers analyzed ancient methane levels in ice cores, revealing patterns of climate change over the past 110,000 years. The study confirms high methane levels during warm periods and suggests a link between global warming and changes in terrestrial climate.