Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are receiving US DOE funding to explore atmospheric processes that lead to extreme weather events. The project aims to better understand blocking patterns and their impact on climate change, ultimately informing local, state, and national leaders on how to prepare for these events.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has upgraded its Barbados Atmospheric Chemistry Observatory to collect more accurate data on Saharan dust particles affecting the Caribbean region. The observatory now includes state-of-the-art instruments to study dust's impact on clouds, climate and air quality.
Research from Leipzig University shows that reductions in aerosol pollution can cause a delayed warming effect on the climate. The findings suggest that this warming may occur 20-30 years after improvements in air quality are made, particularly in heavily polluted regions.
Researchers found long-term disruptions in Saturn's atmosphere, caused by past megastorms, which persist for hundreds of years. The study revealed that ammonia gas is being transported from the upper to lower atmosphere via precipitation and reevaporation processes.
Researchers in East Europe have recalculated the carbon sinks in the region, finding that they stored most of Europe's carbon between 2010 and 2019. However, data shows a decline in carbon absorption over time, with timber extraction having the biggest influence on the land-based carbon sink.
A new study finds changes in atmospheric circulation may play a significant role in the formation of the 'cold blob' in the North Atlantic. The North Atlantic Oscillation influences wind patterns, which can cool ocean surface temperatures, and may have contributed to the region's unusual cooling trend.
The Fengyun-4A satellite in collaboration with a machine learning model generated a detailed PV resource map for China, providing new insights into the country's solar energy potential. This advancement sets a new standard for solar resource mapping, empowering decision-makers to make informed choices for a sustainable future.
Researchers in China have developed a new theoretical framework to understand and predict air pollution, highlighting the complexity of coal combustion and vehicle exhaust interactions. The Air Pollution Complex is a holistic approach that considers multiple emission sources and chemical processes.
Using satellite data from near-real-time (NRT) sources can significantly improve the accuracy of solar wind forecasts, with a potential increase of nearly 50%.
A new study led by Yale University scientists found that urban humid heat increases the risk of heat stress in urban climates. In the Global South, this effect can lead to two to six extra dangerous heat-stress days per summer.
A new technique combining underused satellite and radar data in weather models may improve thunderstorm predictions by capturing a more accurate picture of initial conditions in the boundary layer. This technique showed promise in improving forecasts of convection initiation, several hours before the thunderstorms occurred.
A landmark study found that climate change is causing dramatic changes in forests and other habitats, leading to reduced carbon absorption. Regions with high temperatures, deforestation, and farming are most at risk of abrupt landscape changes, which could lead to permanent loss of forestland.
A new study found that powerful storms called atmospheric rivers are increasingly reaching the Arctic in winter, slowing sea ice recovery. These storms carry large amounts of water vapor and produce extreme rainfall and flooding when they make landfall.
A new study reveals that wildfire smoke interacts with local weather to create conditions that accelerate wildfire expansion and worsen air pollution. Short-term variations in humidity, wind speed, and precipitation drive extreme wildfires on the US West Coast and Southeastern Asia.
The MEDA instrument aboard the Perseverance rover has provided high-precision meteorological measurements of Mars' atmosphere, revealing seasonal and daily cycles as well as dynamic phenomena like dust devils. The analysis sheds light on the Martian climate and its potential for supporting life.
Computer modeling by Oregon State University scientists shows that Douglas-fir trees are likely to experience more stress from drier air as the climate changes. This is crucial for understanding forest sensitivity to a shifting climate, given their widespread ecological, cultural and economic significance.
Scientists developed a new method to verify typhoon track forecasts, reducing timing errors and improving accuracy. The approach analyzes a time window around each grid point, mitigating the impact of timing errors.
Scientists at the University of Vienna uncover the connection between Pacific Ocean air mass transport and climate anomalies, including droughts in the Amazon and increased precipitation in the southeastern US. They also find that El Niño warms the Atlantic Ocean by transporting large amounts of heat.
Researchers analyzed observational data from a major field campaign in 2020 and found that trade-wind clouds' contribution to climate warming has been overestimated. The study shows that the clouds are more resilient to global warming than previously thought, which can improve the accuracy of future climate projections.
Researchers used satellites with radar imaging sensors to map flooding and assess flood impacts in Queensland. The technique combines images from optical satellites with information from imaging radar satellites, providing faster update times and more accurate data.
Researchers develop a modular structure design method for a deployable space robot called Cubot to facilitate on-orbit missions. The system can perform tasks such as space debris removal and maintenance with reduced risk and increased efficiency.
Researchers analyzed data from two meteorite impacts recorded by NASA's InSight spacecraft, revealing a very uniform structure and high density of the Martian crust. The findings provide new insights into the planet's core, mantle, and crust, shedding light on the formation and evolution of Mars.
A new method for wind profiling using small drones has been tested and validated, enabling reliable wind speed measurements. The approach uses thermal anemometers, which are ideal for sUAVs due to their lightweight and inexpensive nature.
A team of researchers has developed a novel technique using high-energy muon particles to track and visualize tropical cyclones. This technique, called muography, creates X-ray-like images of large objects, including atmospheric weather systems. The resulting images reveal density variations essential to understanding how cyclones work.
A new project aims to explore the tension between managing hurricane risk and achieving equity and economic prosperity in coastal communities. Researchers will develop methods to model long-term hurricane hazards and create a framework for designing policy interventions.
Scientists have found that complex terrain enhances secondary haze formation by blocking pollutants and accelerating chemical transformation. This leads to a positive feedback loop where thick haze aloft intensifies interactions between aerosols and the planetary boundary layer, exacerbating pollution in mountainous areas.
Researchers found that convection-permitting ensemble forecast systems struggle to accurately predict extreme rainfall events like the '21•7' event in Henan province. A new neighborhood probability of precipitation method improves forecasting skills, particularly when allowing for spatial errors among ensemble members.
Researchers used convection-permitting ensemble forecast systems to investigate the predictability of a record-breaking extreme rainfall event in Henan province. They found low accuracy at city scale but improved skill with neighborhood probability of precipitation methods.
A study found that winter storms in north-west India are 31% more frequent and 45% more intense during positive NAO phases, leading to increased moisture and precipitation in the western Himalayas. This could impact crop yields and water security in states like Jammu and Kashmir.
A new 3D comprehensive observation network has been successfully established over the Tibetan Plateau, covering various landscapes and devices. The network aims to understand climate change impacts by monitoring water cycle intensity and variation.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that clouds likely prevented oceans from being completely covered by ice, allowing life to survive. The research used global climate models and an idealized energy balance model to investigate Cryogenian climatic conditions, revealing the importance of clouds in predicting climate changes.
A new study reveals that Nor'easters produce flood levels just as severe as hurricanes, but occur much more frequently in the Mid-Atlantic region. The intense storms can cause significant damage and disruption along the coastline, with some events surpassing those from tropical cyclones.
Researchers found a significant link between ultrafine particle emissions and extreme weather events, such as droughts and strong precipitation. An increase in particle numbers correlates with regionally changed precipitation patterns worldwide.
Scientists identified three atmospheric phenomena orientations near the equator that increase US severe weather event probabilities three to four weeks later. Using machine learning, they found correlations between MJO fluctuations and U.S. severe weather weeks after the event.
A CU Boulder study shows that tree fitbits can pinpoint precise timing of tree activities like spring bloom or autumn leaf change. The technology could predict agriculture needs, forecast leaves changing color, detect snow in forest canopies, and track tree damage.
Researchers predict widespread increases in flash flooding events across the US, with a predicted 10% increase in the Southwest and 8.6% in the central US. Climate change may lead to more frequent and intense flash floods, requiring improved infrastructure and early warning systems.
A University of Oklahoma research team is exploring ethical AI methods specifically in environmental sciences. They aim to develop trustworthy AI tools to help mitigate weather and climate disasters. The team's work seeks to address biased AI algorithms that favor areas with higher populations.
Researchers found a simulated annual downward trend in surface PM10 concentrations in Senegal and Cabo Verde after the 1980s. However, there was an increase in dust over the Western Sahara transported to Cabo Verde, suggesting Eastern Atlantic dust continued on toward the U.S. and Caribbean.
A $763,930 NSF CAREER Award is supporting OU meteorologist Scott Salesky's project to improve cloud representation in weather and climate models. The research aims to better understand interactions between turbulence and clouds, with potential applications for predicting precipitation and understanding Earth's climate.
Researchers from eight international groups reviewed progress and discussed issues in estimating terrestrial evapotranspiration. They identified main bottlenecks in contemporary theory and proposed potential solutions. The study highlights the need for new thinking due to large uncertainty in current estimation methods.
A study by KIT and international partners found that protecting 30-50% of the terrestrial land surface could lead to increased agricultural production, higher food prices, and reduced food consumption, resulting in a higher risk of diet-related diseases. Poorer countries would be disproportionately affected.
A field study in South Korea has provided valuable tests of photochemical models' ability to represent atmospheric chemistry, especially in polluted environments. The analysis of airborne measurements of hydroxyl radical and other chemical species showed agreement with model values when uncertainties are considered.
Climate change projections indicate a dramatic increase in extreme rainfall-surge events along the US East and Gulf coasts, with compound flooding events expected to worsen flood risks. Sea level rise and storm intensification are identified as key drivers of this phenomenon.
A new technique combining microwave data with existing computer weather forecast models reduced forecast errors for Hurricane Harvey, improving track, intensity, and rainfall forecasts. This could lead to better warnings and preparedness for tropical cyclone-associated hazards.
Researchers detected 43 trillion miniature plastic particles in Switzerland every year, with estimates suggesting up to 3,000 tonnes of nanoplastics covering the country annually. The study reveals that nanoplastics originate primarily from urban areas and global emissions, posing potential health risks when inhaled.
Researchers found that mesoscale SST anomalies near Kuroshio Extension can cause positive geopotential height anomalies with strengthened poleward shift of westerly anomaly. Large-scale SST anomalyl warming causes weak baroclinic structure and clockwise secondary circulation, distinct from mesoscale influence.
Researchers discover Amazon basin as main mechanism for precipitation in Atacama Desert, accounting for 40-80% of total precipitation. The findings reveal a new pathway of water supply for the driest region on Earth, aside from summer rain, through moist easterly winds and winter storms.
Researchers found that aerosols had a significant impact on tropical cyclone TC Lupit as it approached the Asian continent. Direct aerosol-radiation interactions (ARI) weakened convection in the eyewall, while indirect aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI) enhanced convection and intensified the typhoon.
Alternative data can improve market performance by encouraging firms to bring in more skilled people to extract unique insights. As funds acquire these skills, they can process more alternative data at a lower cost, leading to stronger performance for both the fund and the market.
A new study reveals that natural decadal variability related to the Pacific Ocean played a significant role in modulating the Pacific Walker circulation change. The research found that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) could explain 63% of the observed strengthening trend in the Walker circulation between 1980-2015.
Researchers from York University found that COVID-19 lockdowns in India had less impact on air pollution than initially thought. The study revealed that local sources of emissions, such as vehicles and fuels, had less influence on air pollutant levels than regional emissions sources.
Researchers identified 'hotspots' for flash droughts globally, including regions with high agricultural production, and found that half of the contributing factor is a lack of rainfall and hot weather conditions. This study provides a foundation to build off and explore key questions regarding future trends of flash drought occurrence.
Researchers use Juno spacecraft data to characterize Jupiter's atmospheric vortices, including the GRS. The studies find that the storm extends deeper into the planet's atmosphere than expected, with possible connections to Jupiter's interior.
Jupiter's banded pattern extends deep beneath the clouds, and the appearance of its belts and zones inverts near the base of the water clouds. The planet's microwave emissions reveal a transition zone between five and 10 bars, where the zones become bright and the belts dark.
A study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences reviews research on sea-air interactions, revealing a complex relationship between ocean currents and atmospheric circulation. The review suggests that eddies and fronts can drive changes to both weather and climate, but more investigation is needed to fully understand their impact.
A team of researchers, led by Scott T. Salesky, will conduct field work in Antarctica to study the impact of katabatic winds on snow transport and ice sheet growth. The study aims to advance understanding of katabatic flows and their effects on regional and global atmospheric and oceanic circulations.
Researchers at the University of Reading found that climate models underpredict regional temperatures and rainfall, particularly in the mid-latitudes, by neglecting extratropical wind variability. This increases uncertainty and likelihood of extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts.
A new study simulates global warming at unprecedented resolution, revealing that increasing CO2 concentrations will weaken the intensity of the ENSO temperature cycle. This could lead to fewer El Niño and La Niña events, with potential implications for rainfall extremes.
Long-term simulations show that smart land management, such as organic farming and protected refuge areas, can help stabilize threatened bumblebee species. Climate change is expected to have the strongest total effect on bumblebees, threatening many species.
A new instrument measures atmospheric ammonia with high sensitivity and fast response, allowing for accurate quantification of NH3 emissions from agricultural ecosystems. The open-path design overcomes challenges faced by close-path instruments, enabling long-term and automated measurements.