Scientists have developed a real-time operational forecast system using satellite data, providing accurate 3D ocean conditions and helping Coast Guard rescuers determine the direction of stranded individuals. The system uses multiple satellite measurements and sensor data to generate forecasts several days ahead.
A long-term ocean pattern, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), influences West Coast temperatures and precipitation up to a year in advance. The study reveals correlations between PDO patterns and temperature and precipitation trends on the West Coast.
NASA satellites provide daily, high-quality data on crop productivity, surface temperature and snow cover to support decision-making for FAS analysts. The data helps monitor natural disasters' impact on crops and assess water levels in lakes and reservoirs.
The SeaWinds scatterometer on NASA's QuikSCAT satellite provides ocean surface wind speed and direction measurements, leading to improved storm predictions at sea. This increased accuracy brings economic savings and reduces weather-related loss of life, especially in global shipping.
The system uses computer models to predict impacts of cities on regional and global land and atmospheric processes. By incorporating local energy and water cycles, predictions can be applied to climate and weather forecasting, agricultural management, and hazard mitigation.
A study by NASA researchers found that tropical cyclones with 'hot towers' in their eyewall are twice as likely to intensify within six hours. The researchers used TRMM satellite data to compile global statistics on hot tower occurrence and define a nine-mile high threshold for classification.
Researchers from NASA and universities worldwide found that El Nino events led to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions from fires globally. The majority of the increase occurred in Southeast Asia, with other regions like Central and South America also experiencing increased emissions.
New research from NASA scientists suggests emissions of black soot alter the way sunlight reflects off snow, contributing to climate change. The study found that soot in areas with snow and ice may play a significant role in warming the world's climate, especially when it becomes more concentrated on melting surfaces.
Research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Montana observes earlier spring thawing trends across northern high latitudes. This regional change may promote more carbon uptake by vegetation than release into the atmosphere, potentially affecting Earth's climate.
The ICESat mission is measuring the surface elevations of large ice sheets covering Antarctica and Greenland, determining how they are changing. The satellite's data are helping scientists understand how life on Earth is affected by changing climate, and providing critical observations of atmospheric particles.
New evidence reveals urban areas are altering rainfall patterns and daily precipitation trends, with higher rates during summer months downwind of large cities like Houston and Atlanta. Cities tend to be warmer than surrounding suburbs and rural areas due to urban heat islands.
A NASA-funded study analyzed urban growth among 30 mid-sized cities using Landsat satellite data, revealing three common spatial patterns of land development. The research provides current global assessments of urbanization, including growth in Africa, and highlights the need for updated maps to inform climate modeling and social scien...
Researchers are working on a method to accurately estimate coral reef health from sensors on airplanes and satellites. By analyzing light reflectance from corals, scientists can detect early signs of disease and stress, providing valuable insights into marine ecosystem health.
Researchers use climate models to analyze past solar energy changes and test regional climate predictions under global warming scenarios. The study reveals smaller background trends in solar energy are in better agreement with long-term climate records, providing insights into Earth's changing climate.
The study reveals a 20% faster rate of Arctic sea ice loss over the last two decades compared to the previous three decades. In contrast, Antarctica experienced a dramatic loss followed by a gradual expansion of its sea ice cover since the mid-1970s.
A recent study found that the Arctic warmed significantly over the last decade, with the largest temperature increases occurring in North America. The study's results have direct connections to other NASA-funded research on declining sea ice extent, which could lead to positive feedbacks and further climate change.
The study found a strong association between Adelie Penguin populations and the productivity of plankton in coastal polynyas. These 'oases' provide ideal conditions for phytoplankton blooms, which feed krill that are then eaten by penguins.
ICESat is providing new insights into polar ice sheets and their mass-balance. The satellite detects features such as ice streams, cloud heights and aerosol distributions, enabling a better understanding of the Earth's climate.
Researchers developed a new technique to detect melt pond coverage on Arctic sea ice using NASA's Landsat 7 satellite. This method improves the understanding of the Arctic heat balance and its impact on global climate.
A massive Antarctic iceberg, C-19, blocked the movement of sea ice in the Ross Sea region, resulting in unusually high sea-ice cover and a significant reduction in primary production. This study used satellite imagery and chlorophyll data to quantify the effects of the iceberg on phytoplankton growth.
Ocean phytoplankton's net primary productivity has declined by over 6% globally since the 1980s, mainly due to increased temperatures and decreased iron deposition. This decline affects the global carbon cycle, as phytoplankton absorbs half of the Earth's CO2 through photosynthesis.
NASA satellites sample critical 'ingredients' to predict hurricane formation, including sea surface temperature of at least 82 F, rotating winds, air temperature, and humidity. The data helps forecasters determine storm strength, location, and tracks.
Scientists using NASA's Global Climate Model found that oceans are storing more heat due to rising atmospheric temperatures. The study predicts significant ocean warming in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and increased precipitation over the North Atlantic, with potential biological consequences for ocean life.
A study of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, found that replacing tropical forests with crops can increase daytime temperatures and decrease nighttime temperatures. This occurs because crops are less efficient at cooling the air through transpiration, a process where water evaporates from leaves during photosynthesis.
Researchers found steady, light rain in central Pacific during El Niño, which differs from thunderstorms. This type of rain affects air movement and jet stream patterns, leading to improved rainfall forecasts worldwide.
The study improved forecast accuracy for a major winter snowstorm in Washington, D.C. and demonstrated the potential to enhance storm tracking and predict snowfall amounts.
Researchers used satellite data and a computer model to study ozone formation, finding that lightning strikes in tropical Atlantic may be a major contributor. The study combined data from multiple NASA satellites and a Canadian computer model to make the surprising discovery.
NASA has created high-resolution world maps showing the frequency of lightning strikes worldwide, providing unique insights into climate information. The data indicates uneven distribution of lightning strikes globally, with increased activity in certain regions during El Nino events.
A comprehensive NASA study found that climatic changes have led to increased plant growth globally over the last two decades. The research, published in Science magazine, attributes the increases primarily to climate change, with lesser contributions from carbon dioxide fertilization and forest regrowth.
A NASA study found that urban heat islands in coastal cities like Houston cause warmer air to rise, interact with sea breezes, and create heavier rainfall. The study also suggests that this effect may be more pronounced near coasts.
New NASA research reveals that soot particles in the atmosphere absorb twice as much sunlight as previously estimated, contributing significantly to global warming. The study's findings are based on analysis of global atmospheric measurements and computer models.
A NASA study tracked a dust storm that traveled from China to the French Alps in just two weeks, crossing multiple continents along the way. The research used computer models and meteorological data to recreate the dust's journey and understand its composition and origin.
TRMM allows researchers to daily map areas of potential flooding using precipitation radar data and high-resolution measurements of cloud water content. The satellite provides updated records on a global scale, enabling scientists to track storms, monitor El Nino conditions, and assess crop health in remote regions.
Researchers Scott Curtis and Bob Adler found a significant pattern of alternating rainfall for El Niño since 1979. This discovery may help scientists improve rainfall forecasts around the globe during an El Niño event.
A research paper analyzed ice crystals from Hurricane Nora's cirrus clouds, revealing the presence of sea salt and plankton. The study found that hurricane winds transported marine life particles to high altitudes, affecting ice crystal growth and shape.
Scientists create composite maps of the world's 'net primary production' every 8 days, revealing how much carbon dioxide is taken in by vegetation during photosynthesis. The new measurement provides a global perspective on the Earth's carbon cycle and has implications for climate change, agriculture, and ocean productivity.
A 2002 NASA study found a significant decline in coral cover and species diversity after the 'black water' event, which was caused by a bloom of microscopic marine plants. The dark water reduced sunlight absorption, affecting the ecosystem.
A NASA study found that El Nino events, such as the 1997-1998 event, lead to unusually high biomass burning globally, producing more pollution than fossil fuel combustion. The study assessed smoke pollution from biomass burning in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America during these droughts.
Research shows that fire frequency impacts the ability of forests to store carbon, with younger stands storing less carbon than older ones. Forests dominated by rapidly growing aspen trees tend to store more carbon than those with slower-growing black spruce and jack pine trees.
A NASA study has found a significant increase in solar radiation over the past 24 years, which could contribute to global climate change. The trend is comparable to one previously reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and may have been present throughout the 20th century.
A NASA study clarifies the effect of strong volcanic eruptions on climate, particularly in the Arctic region. The research finds that tropospheric temperature change plays a significant role in strengthening the Arctic Oscillation.
Climate change projections indicate an increase in heavy precipitation and extreme events in California's Sierra Nevada region, with a 37% rise in wet days per year. This could lead to more flooding due to the shift from snowfall to rainfall, reducing the buffering effects of snow.
Researchers used computer climate models and over 45 years of data to understand the connection between El Niño events and Western US snowfall. They found that ENSO affects atmospheric wind patterns, moist air transport, and Western U.S. precipitation and snow accumulation.
Changes in atmospheric pressure and wind patterns cause forces that act on the solid Earth, leading to slight slowdowns in Earth's rotation during El Niño years. This effect is tied to the law of conservation of angular momentum, which connects the Earth's rotation rate with its overall mass.
Scientists used NASA's Terra satellite to study the effects of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in India, detecting dewatering and surface water far from the epicenter. The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument provided compelling evidence of surface water in remote locations inaccessible to teams on the ground.
NASA's Aqua satellite and a P-3 Orion aircraft are conducting a joint research effort to gather data on snowfall and rainfall in Wakasa Bay, Japan. The study aims to improve the accuracy of global hydrologic cycle data and better understand precipitation patterns in the north Pacific.
Scientists studying the western Pacific Ocean find regional changes in saltiness correspond to changes in upper ocean heat content before an El Nino event. Observing salinity improves predictions, suggesting a lag time of six to 12 months for modifications in ocean layers.
A NASA study found that lightning strikes in multiple locations, with 35% of recorded flashes striking the ground in two or more places. On average, each cloud-to-ground flash struck the ground in 1.45 separate places, increasing the risk of being struck by 45%.
Researchers gather data from an unusual storm over the Amazon rainforest to analyze the storm's inner workings, revealing a two-phase process where both precipitation forms at lower altitudes and higher in the atmosphere. The study provides new insight into storm intensity and hazards, which should be avoided by aircraft.
Researchers found that mid-season drainage of rice paddies in China led to significant reductions in methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. The study, which used NASA data and modeling, estimates that this practice saved around 5 million metric tons of methane per year.