Articles tagged with Climatology
Global wildfire activity in 2025 resulted in destructive and deadly fire events, with 335 million hectares burned globally - 16% below the long-term average. The fires accounted for 38% of all insured natural hazard losses, with Canada experiencing its third consecutive year of extreme fire activity.
Scientists analyzed vast botanical data to understand why some exotic plants become invasive pests. They found that the timing of flowering is crucial and depends on climate conditions, with native species adapting to local environments and invasive species thriving in milder regions.
A study reveals that the Arctic Ocean's chemical makeup is disrupting its food chain due to a sharp decline in nitrate levels, vital for plankton growth. The nutrient's removal limits life support for the ecosystem, with far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems and carbon storage.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that transfers heat into the deep ocean, even when surface water temperatures remain stable. The study reveals an abrupt 5°C warming in intermediate waters at 800 meters depth over the past 11,000 years, linked to changes in Southern Hemisphere ocean-atmosphere circulation.
A new study reveals that the Antarctic ice sheet responded sharply to climate change following a major shift in Earth's ice age cycles. The simulation found that below a critical atmospheric CO2 level, the amplitude of Antarctic ice variations increases in response to changes in temperatures.
A study led by NTU Singapore found that land-use changes across Southeast Asia contribute to thousands of excess deaths annually due to worsening air quality. The estimated 13,000 excess deaths in 2018 were linked to forest degradation and deforestation, accounting for nearly 30% of the total deaths.
A new Frontiers in Science article explores how AI can accelerate scientific discovery in soil science by creating digital soil twins and trialing climate adaptation strategies. Researchers will discuss the potential of multi-agent AI systems to enable autonomous hypothesis generation, experimental design and data analysis during a fre...
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that Azara's owl monkeys have gained an average of 4% weight over two decades due to rising temperatures, contradicting Bergmann's rule. The researchers suggest that warmer temperatures may have allowed young monkeys to invest extra energy in growth
A new study highlights the potential of AI tools in soil science, enabling researchers to better understand soil ecosystems and adapt to climate change. The system successfully generated hypotheses on how soils store carbon and what controls their storage limits, with outputs aligning with expert research.
A new study warns that the UK's failure to protect the most vulnerable people from extreme heat is becoming a public health threat. The research highlights gaps in building regulations, weak enforcement, and low public awareness as key factors contributing to the problem.
Research finds Gentoo penguins in Argentina adjusting their breeding schedule to avoid extreme heat events, minimizing mortality. The study, published in PLOS One, reveals a positive adaptation to climate change.
A new study led by University of Maryland scientist Madeleine Youngs reveals that meltwater flowing off ice shelves changes the ocean's circulation patterns, driving even faster melting. This self-reinforcing chain reaction contributes as much to rising sea levels as direct atmospheric warming.
Recent studies investigate the relationship between weather conditions and extreme events like heat-related mortality, tropical cyclone hazards, and changes in precipitation patterns. Researchers also explore new modeling methods to predict visually appealing atmospheric phenomena like 'ornamental twilight'.
A study by Dartmouth researchers shows that annual rainfall is increasingly concentrated into bigger and wetter storms with longer dry periods in between. This means less water is available for land, soil can only absorb so much at once, and what's not soaked up evaporates more readily.
Researchers have discovered ancient iceberg plowmarks along the Great Lakes that suggest lake-effect snow was pushed toward western shores during the Ice Age, potentially reducing snowfall in cities like Buffalo and Cleveland. The study provides critical context for paleoclimate researchers studying future climate patterns.
A new AI model, ESFM, has been developed to predict extreme weather events with high accuracy. It learns from complex interactions between atmosphere, land, and water, and integrates multi-source data to analyze trends and relationships within the Earth's weather system.
A new study challenges the hypothesis that climate change will lead to massive ag pest populations, suggesting a more complex relationship between warming and pest dynamics. The research found that some species thrive in warmer climates while others decline or show no response.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Researchers explore two popular metaphors for describing climate-related issues: the ocean conveyor belt and tipping point metaphors. While they have scientific origins and helped foster interdisciplinary communications, oversimplification can lead to misunderstanding. Dr. Gerrit Lohmann suggests integrating communication research with...
A new study published in mSystems found that thawing Arctic soil only partially revives microbial activity, with around half of microorganisms remaining dormant. The research sheds light on the complex dynamics of microbial growth and carbon release from thawing permafrost.
Assistant Professor Gianmarco Mengaldo has been appointed to the Joint Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence at the World Meteorological Organization. He will guide how AI is integrated into global meteorological and hydrological systems, improving forecasting capabilities and early warning systems.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.