Climatology
Articles tagged with Climatology
AMS Science Preview: “Ornamental twilight,” heat deaths, hurricane eyes
New AI closes data gaps and shows how extreme weather emerges on Earth
Bigger and wetter storms mean drier conditions over time
Buffalo without lake-effect snow? Ancient iceberg scratches reveal a reverse snowbelt
Scientists uncover how mid-latitude westerlies contribute moisture to Asian water towers
Researchers identify a 'vertical conveyor' mechanism that transports moisture from the mid-latitudes to the Asian Water Towers through a process of nocturnal decoupling. This process integrates up to 30% of westerlies-advected moisture into the local cycle without precipitation, sustaining near-surface moisture accumulation.
Scientists dispute hypothesis that climate change will unleash massive ag pest populations
Climate change: How oxygen deficiency changes metabolic processes in the ocean
A new study reveals how sulfur compounds are metabolized under oxygen-deficient conditions, with microorganisms like Flavobacteria playing a key role. Taurine, an organic sulfur compound found in red meat and energy drinks, is assimilated only in low-oxygen waters.
Significant update to ECMWF’s key forecasting systems IFS and AIFS to go live
The European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is upgrading its key forecasting systems, the Integrated Forecast System (IFS) and the Artificial Intelligence/Integrated Forecasting System (AIFS), to improve weather forecast accuracy. The upgrades include enhancements to ocean- sea ice interactions, wave forecasts, and s...
Antarctica sea ice collapse driven by triple whammy of climate chaos, scientists find
A new study reveals Antarctica's sea ice collapse is driven by a triple whammy of climate chaos, resulting in record-breaking lows. The Southern Ocean's transformation led to the loss of vast areas of ice equivalent to Greenland, destabilizing global ocean currents and accelerating global warming.
Thawing Arctic soil awakens only half of soil microbes, new study reveals
Asst Prof Gianmarco Mengaldo appointed to AI Advisory Group at World Meteorological Organization
The merits and pitfalls of metaphor use in science communication
How do climate extremes alter the behaviors of animal societies?
A new study on white-faced capuchin monkeys found that larger groups consume fruit at slower rates, especially during extreme climatic conditions. The monkeys expand their home range to access more foraging options and less-depleted food patches, offsetting the costs of internal competition.
How trees in urban areas are key to cooling down a warmer world
A study by Ohio State University found that certain tree species, such as red maple and northern catalpa, are more resilient to heat and water stress. Urban forests can provide natural cooling, reducing summer electricity usage, but require careful management and investment in irrigation systems.
Deforestation lowers threshold for Amazon degradation to below 2°C warming
Deforestation reduces Amazon's resilience to global warming, with around two-thirds of the forest at risk of degradation at 1.5-1.9°C of warming. Haltting deforestation and restoring forests can strengthen the Amazon's ability to withstand climate change.
Hidden methane emerging from beneath the ice reveals Greenland’s sensitivity to climate change
A new study reveals how responsive Greenland's ice sheet is to climate change, with widespread methane release linked to an episode of warming around 4,000 years ago. The findings highlight the role of recent ice margin fluctuations on subglacial carbon cycling, with implications for global methane budget assessments.
Renewable energy is more cost effective than direct air capture at reducing carbon, new study finds
A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.
English farmers increased their sustainability between 2010 and 2021
Researchers found significant decreases in greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizer overuse, and cattle populations among English farmers. The study's findings highlight the importance of regular assessments of farming's environmental impacts to inform policy and management.
New study shows why rainfall remains hard to predict in a warming world
A new study reveals that climate models are less confident in predicting regional rainfall patterns due to uncertainties in large-scale wind patterns. This limits confidence in forecasts of floods and droughts, particularly in regions vulnerable to these events.
Better weather forecasts and climate models could come from new desert-dust research
A UCLA-led study reveals that airborne desert dust traps about twice as much heat as previously estimated, leading to improved climate and weather models. This increase in precision will help forecasters predict regional temperature shifts, rainfall patterns, and atmospheric motions.
New study suggests climate finance from developed countries may help reduce resource-related conflict risk in developing countries
A new empirical study found a direct link between climate finance and lower conflict risk in developing countries. Climate finance that alleviates water stress and boosts renewable energy projects contributes to peace and stability, with greater impact at higher levels of funding.
Temperature extremes and variability might be worst for the most vulnerable baby birds - the youngest, smallest, and most neglected nestlings - per study of 113 baby barn swallows in Colorado
A study of 113 baby barn swallows in Colorado found that temperature extremes and variability negatively impact the youngest, smallest, and most neglected nestlings. The research suggests that developmental constraints play a crucial role in determining the effects of temperature on nestling growth.
Hot spring microbiomes could transform industrial CO2 waste into valuable products, Manchester researchers find
Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that terrestrial hot spring microbiomes can transform industrial CO2 waste into biomass and other valuable compounds. This discovery could enable the production of value-added products directly from CO2-rich waste streams, reducing emissions while generating economic value.
Pacific annular warming elevates the 2026/27 El Niño prediction
Researchers have forecasted a super El Niño event toward the end of 2026, driven by a rare and extreme surface annular warming pattern in the tropical Pacific. The current heat content buildup alone would generate a moderate El Niño, but adding the influence of annular warming intensifies it into the super category.
Simple ocean-based model forecasts El Niño skillfully, points to a strong event ahead
Researchers have developed a simple yet effective ocean-based model that can predict El Niño and La Niña 15 months in advance using only surface temperature and height observations. The model leverages two core climate memories, Wyrtki memory and Hasselmann memory, to achieve forecast skill comparable to more complex models.
A regulatory loophole could delay ozone recovery by years
Scientists calculate that high leakages of ozone-depleting substances from feedstocks could delay ozone recovery by about seven years. The Montreal Protocol made an exception for the use of these substances in producing other materials, but recent estimates suggest higher leakage rates than initially thought.
Warm-bodied sharks and tunas face “double jeopardy” in warming seas – new research
Research reveals warm-bodied fish like sharks and tunas burn nearly four times more energy than cold-blooded counterparts, exacerbating the impact of warming oceans. As a result, these species are facing an increasing risk of overheating and habitat loss.
AMS science preview: AI forecast limits, unpredictable hurricanes, simplified heat index
New research from the American Meteorological Society explores AI forecasting limits, the impact of climate change on hurricane trends, and simplifies the heat index. The studies find that machine learning can outperform numerical physics-based models in certain conditions, but not universally.
University of Chicago wins distinguished Laude Institute Moonshots seed grant
The University of Chicago's Data Science Institute is developing AI-based forecasting technology to support farmers and citizens worldwide. The project aims to deliver forecasts that inform decision-making on agriculture, public health, and extreme heat avoidance.
Hurricane-resilient coastal forests in the Northeastern U.S. may be nearing their limits
Researchers found a significant reduction in tree-ring growth after major hurricanes, but these trees can recover quickly within two years. Coastal forests in the Northeastern US are vulnerable to sea-level rise and stand dead or dying trees, posing a threat to densely populated communities.
Plants growing higher across Himalaya as climate warms
New research shows Himalayan plants shifting upwards at an alarming rate, with some regions experiencing a 6.95m per year increase in vegetation line. Climate change is cited as the primary driver, with reduced snow depth a key factor. The study's findings raise concerns about the impact on water cycles and ecosystems.
Rivers in the sky are driving stronger and more predictable floods new study finds
Researchers found that atmospheric rivers and well-organized atmospheric systems can produce significantly heavier rainfall while also creating clearer signals in the atmosphere. This understanding could improve early warnings for extreme events and sharpen forecasting tools globally.
KIT at Hannover Messe 2026: Nuclear fusion, robotics, quantum technologies
KIT presents groundbreaking technologies for future energy supply, transportation and communication. The institution demonstrates visioner modes of travel, new options in robotics, decisive steps towards the first nuclear fusion reactor.
Halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 critical to avoid disastrous effects on human well-being
A new paper warns that halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 is urgent to avoid destabilizing the Earth's vital systems. The authors call for a unified 'Nature Positive' approach to global environmental goals and governance.
Heat from traffic is contributing to rise in city temperatures, new study finds
A new study by the University of Manchester has developed a way to measure the impact of urban traffic on city temperatures, revealing that everyday vehicle use can raise temperatures in cities. The researchers found that traffic heat increases simulated air temperatures by around 0.16°C during summer and 0.35°C in winter.
Climate change may produce “fast-food” phytoplankton
A new study suggests that climate change will shift the balance of macromolecules in phytoplankton from proteins to carbohydrates and lipids, with a 20% increase expected by 2100. This could lead to an unbalanced diet for marine life, with implications for ocean health and human consumption.
“Action for Earth” Summit at Hong Kong Climate Week convenes global leaders advancing climate adaptation policy and action
The 'Action for Earth' Summit brings together global leaders to examine policy pathways, frontier research, and actionable strategies for climate adaptation. The summit features keynote sessions on priority policies and frontier research, as well as a roundtable discussion on accelerating cross-border climate action.
German-Chilean initiative for environmentally friendly resource extraction
Researchers from KIT and Chile are testing direct extraction methods to access critical raw materials like lithium in brine deposits, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. The BRIDGE initiative aims to develop more benign and efficient processes, with potential applications in Europe.
A complicated future for a methane-cleansing molecule
A new model developed by MIT scientists suggests that the hydroxyl radical, a key air cleanser, may boost methane breakdown levels due to rising water vapor but also reduce them due to increased biogenic emissions, resulting in a small net gain in its effectiveness.
Old-growth forests store a lot more carbon than managed forests
A new study from Lund University reveals that old-growth forests in Sweden store 78-89% more carbon than managed forests, mainly due to large carbon stocks in the soil. The study's findings have significant implications for climate change mitigation and forest management.
Understanding mountain water – worldwide
The MountAInWater project uses a unique combination of field work, modeling, and AI to assess climate change impacts on mountain water supplies and identify potential tipping points. The global reanalysis will provide crucial resources for managing future water security challenges.
Researchers refine the clock of Earth’s early complex animal life
A new 'rock clock' has been developed to date major climate events from the Cambrian Period, allowing precise constraints on the timing of environmental changes. This advancement enables the determination of the timing and duration of the DrumIan Carbon isotope Excursion (DICE), a major global climate disturbance.
Research: Moths are flying later in the year than a century ago
Researchers at Binghamton University found a significant shift in moth flight patterns over a century, with some species emerging later in the year. The study also identified missing moth species in the region, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic change on ecosystems.
Not every forest cools the Earth
Researchers found that reforestation in tropical regions, such as the Amazon basin and West and South-East Africa, can have a significant cooling effect due to high evapotranspiration rates. This approach can be more efficient than previously thought, especially when combined with other climate protection strategies.
BSC study reveals that the warming of the North Atlantic contributed to intensifying the Valencia DANA storm
A new study finds that the North Atlantic's exceptional warmth played a key role in the Valencia DANA storm's intensity, with precipitation 40% lower without it. The research highlights the importance of oceanic context in extreme weather events, reinforcing the need for global climate simulations.
AMS Science Preview: Mississippi River, ocean carbon storage, gender and floods
Researchers investigated the Mississippi River's hydrological trends, ocean carbon storage, and gender dynamics in flood mortality. A study found that precipitation increases, but soil moisture decreases, while high-resolution models reveal stronger Southern Ocean carbon absorption. Additionally, data showed men are overrepresented in ...
American Meteorological Society responds to NSF regarding the future of NCAR
The American Meteorological Society strongly opposes the dismantling of NCAR, highlighting its central role in atmospheric sciences and its impact on the nation's economy. The AMS recommends that NSF engage in a rigorous process to develop a strategy for enhancing scientific innovation in the weather enterprise.
Housing displacement, employment disruption, and mental health after the 2023 Maui wildfires
The study found that wildfire exposure and its socioeconomic consequences were associated with increased psychological distress beyond the burn zone. Integrating mental health care, housing stability, and economic recovery are crucial for disaster response and climate resilience strategies.
Subglacial weathering may have slowed Earth's escape from snowball Earth
A new study suggests that chemical weathering beneath thick continental ice sheets may have consumed atmospheric carbon dioxide and prolonged global glaciations during the snowball Earth event. This process could have slowed atmospheric warming and delayed deglaciation, helping to explain the long durations of some snowball Earth events.
New AI agent could transform how scientists study weather and climate
Researchers developed Zephyrus, an AI agent capable of analyzing and answering questions in natural language about weather and climate data. The agent can handle language-based queries, translating them into code and generating plain language answers.
Understanding how “marine snow” acts as a carbon sink
A new study finds hitchhiking bacteria dissolve essential ballast in ubiquitous
ECMWF’s portable global forecasting model OpenIFS now available for all
The OpenIFS model, a portable version of the global forecasting model used by ECMWF, is now available for all, making it easier to collaborate and generate new ideas. The change will support reproducible research and keep users current with the latest updates.
Dangerous thunderstorms: Better models through soil-moisture data
A research team analyzed 2.2 million thunderstorm events to identify a physical explanation for their formation. The study found that differences in soil moisture generate near-surface winds, leading to intense thunderstorms. High-resolution satellite measurements of soil moisture were crucial for this analysis.
Snow? Increasingly ‘no,’ according to new research
A new study published in the Journal of Hydrometeorology reveals significant declines in snow cover across the Northern Hemisphere, with about 24% of regions showing decreases. The research also identifies seasonal shifts, with snow cover declining earlier in March and retreating at the southern edge.
Can climate-friendly grain win shoppers? New study finds taste is key
A new Cornell University study found that consumers are willing to pay more for climate-friendly grain if its environmental benefits are clearly explained and it tastes good. The study analyzed the willingness of adult consumers to pay for artisanal sourdough loaves made with intermediate wheatgrass flour.
New study from Jeonbuk National University finds current climate pledges may miss Paris targets
A new study from Jeonbuk National University finds that current national climate pledges are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C temperature goal. The analysis projects a potential warming of 2.48°C by 2300 if countries follow existing plans, highlighting the need for stronger and more immediate action.
DOE climate report ‘demonstrably incorrect’, say leading scientists in new analysis
Leading climate scientists, including Prof Benjamin Santer, reiterate the role of humans in global warming and warn against using an inaccurate government report to inform legal decisions. The report's claims are factually incorrect, contradicting decades of research on human-caused temperature changes.
Predicting extreme rainfall through novel spatial modeling
Researchers developed a new method to predict extreme rainfall in Japan, using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation - Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (INLA-SPDE), which outperformed traditional kriging methods. The study used hourly precipitation data from 752 meteorological stations across four main islands of Japan and fo...
Climate change in the past: first indicators of resilience in tropical life, provided that global warming did not exceed 1.5 degrees
A recent study found that tropical algae were largely unaffected by periods of global warming up to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the distant past. This resilience provides valuable insights into the potential consequences of climate change and supports the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.