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Revising climate models with new aerosol field data

Aerosol particles play a significant role in heat absorption and deflection by the atmosphere. Researchers have now detected the rate at which these tiny particles leave the atmosphere, revealing a much narrower range of lifetimes than previously suggested. This new understanding can improve climate models and air quality forecasting.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2020

UM researchers help study largest estimated Greenland ice loss

A multiorganizational collaboration of climate modelers, ice core scientists, and paleoclimate researchers contributed to a study forecasting significant ice loss in Greenland. The team used ice sheet modeling to reconstruct the ancient climate and projected the ice sheet's future into 2100.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2020

Researchers advancing decadal predictions

Researchers are advancing decadal predictions by applying a multivariate statistical framework to climate models. They aim to improve understanding of climate variability and predictability.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateSep 25, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Sea ice triggered the Little Ice Age, finds a new study

A new study reconstructed sea ice transported from the Arctic Ocean through the Fram Strait and into the North Atlantic Ocean over the last 1400 years. The reconstruction suggests that the Little Ice Age was triggered by an exceptionally large outflow of sea ice from the Arctic Ocean in the 1300s.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 17, 2020

Model comparison

International model comparison reveals Greenland Ice Sheet will contribute 9cm to global sea-level rise by 2100, while Antarctic predictions vary between -7.8 to 30cm. However, ice-sheet models for Greenland underestimate the current changes in the ice sheet due to climate change.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateSep 17, 2020

Arctic transitioning to a new climate state

The Arctic has transitioned into a new climate state due to rapid warming, with sea ice extent dropping by 31% since the 1970s. The study found that even unusually cold years will no longer have the same amount of summer sea ice as in the mid-20th century.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 14, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

UCF researchers are developing models to predict storm surges

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed models to predict periods of relatively higher flood risk due to storm surges. The models link large-scale climate variability events like El Niño to storm surge activity, allowing for more accurate predictions and improved coastal preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateSep 8, 2020

New study warns: We have underestimated the pace at which the Arctic is melting

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that Arctic sea ice is melting at a rate one to three times faster than previously estimated. The research team compared current temperature changes in the Arctic with climate fluctuations from the last ice age, finding that temperatures are increasing rapidly.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 26, 2020

Past evidence supports complete loss of Arctic sea-ice by 2035

Researchers used a high-resolution climate model to compare Arctic sea ice conditions during the last interglacial with present-day data. The findings suggest that intense springtime sunshine led to the formation of melt ponds, which contributed to sea ice melt.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How to improve climate modeling and prediction

Climate models struggle with reducing uncertainty in global temperature predictions and predicting tipping points, which pose a major threat to modern societies. A new review outlines a more effective approach to perform better climate simulations and extract more information from models.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateJul 31, 2020

North Atlantic climate far more predictable following major scientific breakthrough

Scientists have made a major breakthrough in predicting North Atlantic pressure patterns, which drive European and eastern North American winter weather. The study suggests that decadal variations in atmospheric pressure are highly predictable, enabling advanced warnings of extreme weather events.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature·DateJul 30, 2020

How Salt Lake's buildings affect its climate future

University of Utah researchers found that Salt Lake City's buildings will require less natural gas for heating and more electricity for cooling as temperatures rise. The study suggests that local building policy can impact energy use in the future, with multi-family apartment buildings expected to grow in number.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalWorld·DateJul 28, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Pristine environments offer a window to our cloudy past

A new study uses satellite data to understand global cloud composition during the industrial revolution, finding that early-industrial aerosol concentrations were much higher than estimated by climate models. This could mean human-generated atmospheric aerosols are not having as strong a cooling effect as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Wetter than wet: Global warming means more rain for Asian monsoon regions

A high-resolution climate simulation reveals significantly increased precipitation over the monsoon trough due to global warming, driven by tropical disturbances and enhanced water vapor. The study also found distinct trends in water vapor and a stronger effect of global sea surface temperature increases on precipitation.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 25, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Improving wind and solar energy modeling

Researchers developed a deep learning method that enhances global climate models' ability to predict wind velocity and solar irradiance data, leading to more accurate renewable energy prospects. The approach results in high-resolution modeling under various climate scenarios.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Increased warming in latest generation of climate models likely caused by clouds

A new study suggests that challenges simulating clouds are causing some climate models to be more sensitive to carbon dioxide, potentially leading to a warmer future. The updated models have shown a greater range of responses than previous generations, with some models showing higher sensitivity and others lower.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2020

New opportunities for ocean and climate modelling

The new FOCI system allows for high-resolution ocean and climate modelling over centuries to millennia, enabling researchers to study natural climate fluctuations and anthropogenic climate change. With its modular design, FOCI can be configured to investigate various research questions and improve the accuracy of model simulations.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateJun 23, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Much improved climate predictions from statistical mechanics

A new study using statistical mechanics improves climate prediction accuracy for IPCC-class models, bridging gap between scenarios and models. This approach enables real-time scenario construction and facilitates the assessment of tipping points, a crucial aspect of understanding climate change.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020

Antarctic sea-ice models improve for the next IPCC report

Researchers evaluated 40 climate models focusing on Antarctic sea ice, finding improvements in projections compared to previous models. The study sheds light on dynamics in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, essential for understanding global climate changes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 10, 2020

Future of the western North Pacific Subtropical High: Weaker or stronger?

New research from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics suggests a future intensification of the WNPSH under RCP 8.5, leading to stronger East Asian summer monsoon and increased rainfall but reduced typhoon landfalls over East Asia. However, this may also imply increased risk of heatwaves in southern and eastern China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020

Philippine volcanic eruption could prompt El Niño warming next winter

Researchers warn that a violent Philippine volcanic eruption could lead to an El Niño event, intense polar vortex, and Eurasian warming. The Taal volcano's ongoing eruption has the potential to produce hazardous consequences for the Earth's climate.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 2, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study: Reflecting sunlight to cool the planet will cause other global changes

Researchers found that solar geoengineering schemes could weaken extratropical storm tracks in both hemispheres, leading to less powerful winter storms but also stagnant conditions and reduced wind. The study's results have significant implications for understanding the potential effects of climate engineering on global weather patterns.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 2, 2020

Climate could cause abrupt British vegetation changes

Research by the University of Exeter suggests that climate change could lead to sudden changes in British vegetation, particularly in regions with warmer and wetter conditions. This increase in plant growth is expected due to factors such as CO2 fertilization, but soil drying out can also cause rapid decreases in vegetation productivity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 28, 2020

Ocean acidification prediction now possible years in advance

CU Boulder researchers developed a method to predict ocean acidity up to five years in advance, providing crucial information for fisheries and communities. The new approach leverages historical climate model forecasts to improve prediction accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

A Europe covered in grasslands or forests: innovation and research on climate models

A new study investigates the biogeophysical impacts of forestation on European climate, revealing that a continent covered in trees would generate up to one degree of extra seasonal heating in winter. The research used a multi-model ensemble approach and compared two ideal scenarios: a forested Europe and a grassland-covered Europe.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateApr 23, 2020

Climate change could cause sudden biodiversity losses worldwide

A new study predicts that climate change risks to biodiversity will surge suddenly, with up to 15% of ecosystems facing irreversible damage by 2100. This is due to a 'series of cliff edges' where species face conditions they've never experienced before, leading to extinction.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2020

Parsing extreme precipitation

A new theoretical model breaks down vertical atmospheric movement into dry and moist components, explaining regional patterns of extreme precipitation sensitivity. The model suggests that climate warming impacts vary by latitude, with the dry component dominating in mid-latitudes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020

A sensational discovery: Traces of rainforests in West Antarctica

A team of researchers discovered pristinely preserved forest soil from the Cretaceous, including plant pollen and spores, in West Antarctica. The soil confirms that the region was home to temperate, swampy rainforests with an annual mean temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, much warmer than today's South Pole.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Nuclear war and food security

A study using crop models and climate simulations found that a limited nuclear war in South Asia could decrease global temperature by 1.8ºC and precipitation by 8% over the first 5 years, resulting in significant yield losses and food shortages worldwide.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

New version of Earth model captures detailed climate dynamics

The new E3SM model can capture complex climate-generating behavior with high resolution, simulating regional climate and built infrastructure. It will help predict how changes in climate and water cycling respond to increasing CO2.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateMar 3, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Climate change: Modeling the problem, searching for solutions

Researchers unveiled new methods to decode climate system behavior, develop recyclable composites, and explore alternative energy sources. These advancements aim to improve climate predictions, provide cost-effective adaptation strategies, and promote sustainable practices.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateFeb 27, 2020

Jet stream not getting 'wavier' despite Arctic warming

A new study by University of Exeter researchers has found that Arctic warming does not drive a more meandering jet stream, despite earlier studies suggesting a link between the two. The research suggests random fluctuations in the jet stream influencing Arctic temperatures may be behind any observed correlation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 19, 2020

Coincidences influence the onset and ending of ice ages

Researchers argue that coincidences displace ice ages from predictions, making them harder to predict and potentially leading to abrupt changes. The analysis shows that the climate system is more chaotic than expected, with underlying periodic processes but also significant background noise.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateFeb 11, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Meteorites reveal high carbon dioxide levels on early Earth

Tiny meteorites found in ancient soils suggest carbon dioxide made up 25-50 percent of Earth's atmosphere 2.7 billion years ago, indicating a warm planet. Lower nitrogen levels resulting from lower pressure would allow for both high CO2 and cool conditions.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2020

Arctic sea ice can't 'bounce back'

A study using quahog clam shells and climate models reveals Arctic sea ice can't 'bounce back' if climate change causes it to melt. Human activity is now massively forcing the system, exacerbating warming and sea ice loss.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 21, 2020

Scientists recommend a customized regional climate model over Southeast Asia

Researchers have developed an optimal climate model configuration for Southeast Asia, addressing the region's complex topography and monsoon climate. The customized RegCM4.7 model improves precipitation reproduction and simulates weather and climate extremes with enhanced accuracy.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 8, 2020

Antarctic waters: Warmer with more acidity and less oxygen

Researchers found Antarctic waters had changed by comparing shipboard measurements with robot float data, revealing larger-than-predicted warming and oxygen loss around the Antarctic coast. The team improved climate models to better reflect environmental changes, which could impact predictions of ice melt.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Atlantic and Pacific oscillations lost in the noise

A team of meteorologists found no consistent evidence for decadal oscillatory signals in global surface temperature observations. The researchers suggest that any apparent oscillation may be due to external influences like greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions. The study has implications for decade-scale climate predictability.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2020

Climate signals detected in global weather

A group of scientists has conducted a new analysis that concludes the 'weather-is-not-climate' paradigm is no longer applicable. They found that daily weather data can reveal long-term warming trends, provided global spatial patterns are considered.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 2, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Improving the accuracy of climate model projections with emergent constraints

The study reviews a new method called emergent constraints, which uses current climate information to constrain future climate evolution. This approach aims to reduce uncertainties in climate sensitivity and improve the accuracy of climate model projections.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 10, 2019