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People matter in climate change models

New research emphasizes the importance of considering human-environment interactions in climate change models, as growing populations contribute to extreme weather conditions. The study suggests a complex-systems approach to modeling climate change, taking into account human behavior components.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of System of Systems Engineering·DateDec 5, 2011

Arctic ice melt could pause in coming decades

A new study finds that Arctic sea ice under current climate conditions is as likely to expand as it is to contract for periods of up to about a decade. Researchers used computer modeling to simulate the behavior of the ice and found that it may temporarily stabilize or slightly increase in extent over the next few decades. However, lon...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 17, 2011

Climate-change-induced wildfires may alter Yellowstone forests

A team of ecologists models climate change effects on fire occurrence and composition of Yellowstone forests, finding a tipping element that may alter the flora, fauna, and ecosystem quality. The researchers predict frequent fires will become the norm in parts of the landscape by 2050.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

Optimizing climate change reduction

Researchers developed a new approach to determining the optimal distribution of sulfates in the stratosphere to achieve defined climate goals. The study found that uniformly distributed aerosols can minimize both temperature changes and hydrological cycle alterations, with potential reductions of up to 90% and two-thirds, respectively.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 16, 2010

AGU Journal highlights -- Aug. 30, 2010

Researchers discovered a relict coral reef in the southern Pacific Ocean that thrived thousands of years ago, providing insight into how reefs adapted to sea level changes. Additionally, heavy snowfall in the US and Europe was caused by the collision of El Niño and negative North Atlantic Oscillation weather patterns.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 30, 2010

Targeted investments in climate science could present enormous economic savings across the globe

New research by the UK's National Centre for Atmospheric Science suggests that targeted investments in climate science can improve climate predictions by 10-20% globally and up to 20% in specific regions. This could lead to significant economic savings by reducing the costs of adapting to a changing climate.

SourceThe National Centre for Atmospheric Science·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 19, 2009

MIT study: Heavier rainstorms ahead

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2009

Australia's top models at science conference

Australia's top scientists will present on using mathematical models to understand complex systems, including climate change and agricultural sustainability. The conference will feature models assessing water availability, predicting aircraft distances for safer skies, and evaluating coral bleaching impacts.

AGU journal highlights -- April 6, 2009

Recent research reveals a 'pacemaker' climate shift mode controlling global temperature changes. Meanwhile, natural ocean 'thermostats' for Pacific reefs are disputed, suggesting underreported bleaching events. Space dust also interacts with the atmosphere, vaporizing and leaving behind high-altitude metal ions and molecules.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2009

Study predicts when invasive species can travel more readily by air

A new study forecasts the likelihood of climate factors matching at geographically distant airline departure and destination points, enabling more efficient detection and interception of invasive species. The model uses recent forecast data for climate change and air traffic volumes, predicting a peak risk in June 2010.

SourceWiley·JournalEcography·DateMar 2, 2009