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Understanding wind and water at the equator key to more accurate future climate projections

A new study from North Carolina State University and Duke University found that wind plays a critical role in ocean currents in the equatorial Pacific. The research suggests that better simulating these processes is essential for creating more accurate models of global warming, which can help policymakers make informed decisions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 6, 2024

After decades of Arctic sea ice getting faster and more hazardous for transport, models suggest a dramatic reversal is coming, York University study finds

Climate models suggest Arctic sea ice will slow down during summer seasons, potentially reducing hazardous conditions for marine transportation, but still posing concerns for ecosystems and global climate change. A York University study found that while the slowdown is plausible, questions remain about its timing.

SourceYork University·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateMar 5, 2024

New ‘digital twin’ Earth technology could help predict water-based natural disasters before they strike

Scientists create detailed models of the terrestrial water cycle using high-resolution satellite data to predict floods, droughts, and other extreme events. The Digital Twin Earth Hydrology Platform allows for interactive simulations and visualizations to enhance flood and landslide prediction and optimize water resource management.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2024

UMaine researchers use GPS-tracked icebergs in novel study to improve climate models

A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans has provided new insights into ocean circulation patterns around glaciers, which can enhance the accuracy of climate models. The research used GPS-tracked icebergs to track hourly changes in their position as they passed through Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·DateMar 1, 2024

Climate: 2023 – 24 El Niño likely to cause record-breaking average temperatures in some areas

The 2023-24 El Niño phenomenon is likely to cause record-breaking average surface air temperatures in some areas, including the Bay of Bengal and the Philippines. Global mean surface temperatures are predicted to break historical records with a 90% chance under a moderate or strong El Niño scenario.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 29, 2024

What will it take for China to reach carbon neutrality by 2060?

A new study suggests China will need to build eight to ten times more wind and solar power installations than in 2022 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The report also highlights the importance of coordinating land use policies nationwide, with a focus on areas within 100 miles of major population centers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2024

Cloud clustering causes more extreme rain

A new study using a high-resolution global climate model found that cloud clustering causes more extreme rain in the tropics, leading to increased severity of precipitation events. The researchers also discovered that more extreme rain occurs at the cost of expansion of dry areas, further shifting towards extreme weather patterns.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2024

Understanding uncertainties in projected summer precipitation changes over the Tibetan plateau

A recent study found persistent increases in precipitation throughout the 21st century, with significant variability among climate models. The study identified the vertical thermodynamic component as a major driver of this variability, with a weak effect from the vertical dynamical term.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 22, 2024

When the global climate has the hiccups

Scientists have found evidence of Dansgaard-Oeschger events during the penultimate glacial period, revealing a different frequency and interval between temperature peaks. The findings suggest that not all glacial periods are the same and provide insights into ocean circulation patterns and climate change mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Innovative hybrid models enhance soil moisture forecasting

The study introduces attention-based hybrid models that combine the strengths of physics-based models and deep learning capabilities to improve soil moisture predictions. The research shows that ensemble hybrid model outperforms current models for long-term predictions, while attention hybrid model excels in drought predictions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2024

Deep learning forecasts Antarctic sea ice trends for 2024 – projected to remain close to historical lows

A deep learning model predicts Antarctic sea ice will remain near historical lows in 2024, with a slight increase in extent compared to the record low in 2023. The model accurately reproduced three historical summer lows and showed promise for seasonal prediction of Antarctic sea ice.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2024

Currently stable parts of East Antarctica may be closer to melting than anyone realized

Researchers at Stanford have found that the Wilkes Subglacial Basin in East Antarctica could be closer to runaway melting than previously thought. The study suggests that this region, which holds enough ice to raise global sea levels by over 10 feet, may be vulnerable to irreversible melting if warming seawater gets under the ice sheet.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2024

Improving climate predictions by unlocking the secrets of soil microbes

Researchers developed a new model incorporating genetic information from microbes to better understand soil carbon sequestration and plant-microbe interactions. This approach enables more accurate prediction of global carbon cycle changes in climate models, informing agricultural strategies to preserve carbon and mitigate climate change.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 5, 2024

Climate change threatens older elephants most, jeopardizing African elephants’ future

A new study by UMass Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that climate change disproportionately affects older African elephants, who will have decreased chances of survival. This can lead to a ripple effect on their ecosystems and cultures, highlighting the need for coordinated management strategies at all levels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJan 31, 2024

Pusan National University researchers decode key airflow pattern impacting global climate

A recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that changes in subtropical and midlatitude eddy activity control the variation of the Hadley cell edge latitude. The researchers analyzed 41 years of data and found associations with El Niño, La Niña, and the Arctic oscillation.

SourcePusan National University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2024

Geoengineering may slow Greenland ice sheet loss

Researchers found that injecting aerosols into the stratosphere can reduce ice sheet loss by up to 37.6 mm sea-level rise, slowing global warming's effects. However, geoengineering addresses only symptoms, not root causes, and may delay necessary changes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 30, 2024

Major climate benefits with electric aircraft

Researchers found that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower climate impact – up to 60 percent less – and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fuelled aircraft. The study also highlights the need for longer battery lifetimes and improved energy storage capacity to minimize mineral resource scarcity.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024

New AI makes better permafrost maps

A new AI model has improved permafrost mapping by creating high-resolution maps of Arctic thawing, providing a tool for protecting infrastructure. The model achieved 83% accuracy in matching field data with its predictions, outperforming the widely used pan-arctic model.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalEarth and Space Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2024

Orbitally-induced strong monsoons facilitated early human dispersal to East Asia

Researchers found that the Asian summer monsoon's strengthening played a key role in Homo sapiens' dispersal from Africa to East Asia during the last interglacial period. The study integrated paleoanthropological data with high-resolution reconstructions of the monsoon, suggesting a link between climate change and human migration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Global warming intensifies typhoon-induced extreme precipitation over East Asia

Research using a high-resolution climate model found that global warming amplifies the strength of typhoons in East Asia, leading to increased intense rainfall and powerful storms. The study suggests that continued escalation of global warming will result in stronger typhoons and more extensive occurrences of extreme precipitation events.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateDec 27, 2023

ASU research reveals regions in U.S. where heat adaptation and mitigation efforts can most benefit future populations

New ASU research models the benefits of combining heat adaptation strategies with mitigation efforts to lessen extreme heat exposure in major US cities. The study finds that Northeast and Midwest regions can expect greater benefits, while Sun Belt cities face limited reductions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Cities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2023

Custom software speeds up, stabilizes high-profile ocean model

Researchers developed a new solver algorithm for the MPAS-Ocean ocean circulation model, reducing run time by 45% and enabling semi-implicit stability. This allows for faster climate predictions and energy efficiency, as well as reduced computational power consumption.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalThe International Journal of High Performance Computing Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2023

Tropical ice cores offer deeper insights into Earth’s temperature record

Scientists at Ohio State University discovered that tropical ice cores can provide accurate measurements of surface global mean temperature. The study found that the temperature in the middle and upper troposphere cooled by 7.35 degrees Celsius during the Earth's glacial period, shedding light on new theories about climate dynamics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

Predictive models augur that at the end of the century fields will need more water than today

Researchers from the University of Córdoba used machine learning models to predict reference evapotranspiration in Southern Spain until 2100. The projections indicate a significant increase in water needs, with air temperature being the key factor in calculating this parameter.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

Why regional differences in global warming are critical

New data analysis reveals that regional temperature patterns are crucial for evaluating climate models, with warmer temperatures in the North Atlantic and a cooler North Atlantic found to be more accurate. This approach provides better insights into the spatial impact of climate change and its effects on ecosystems and human societies.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2023

New research explores future limits of survival and livability in extreme heat conditions

A new study explores the future limits of survival and livability in extreme heat conditions, finding that current estimates may not accurately represent impacts on human health. The research provides a range of safe temperatures based on factors like humidity, age, activity level, and sun exposure.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023