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Taking a fresh look at the weather

Researchers propose a new model, 'wrap up', explaining the evolution of low pressure systems. This model addresses weaknesses in the Norwegian meteorological model, providing a better understanding of severe weather conditions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 1, 2011

Big hole filled in cloud research

Research suggests planes may induce odd-shaped holes or canals into clouds, potentially increasing precipitation near airports with frequent cloud cover. This inadvertent seeding process works similarly to intentional cloud seeding and may require more frequent de-icing for planes.

AGU journal highlights -- Jan. 28, 2009

Researchers use MODIS data to detect natural oil slicks in the Gulf of Mexico, finding a higher occurrence than previously thought. Meanwhile, studies suggest freak waves may be responsible for shipwrecks in Japan's notorious wave-prone region, with modeling revealing a cascade process governing weather dynamics.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 28, 2009

Weather, risky business for some

A new research project funded by the National Science Foundation aims to improve weather models and analysis for industries such as food, clothing, and energy. The goal is to educate meteorologists on how to apply weather forecasts to real-world business decisions.

Forecasting system provides flood warnings to vulnerable residents of Bangladesh

A pilot forecasting program in Bangladesh is delivering 1- to 10-day forecasts directly to over 100,000 people living on floodplains, alerting them to potential floods. The system uses a combination of weather forecast models, satellite observations, and hydrologic modeling techniques to predict flooding.

New research forecasts better weather forecasts

A Purdue University researcher has developed a more accurate weather prediction model by incorporating the amount of moisture surface vegetation releases into the upper atmosphere. This new approach improved forecasts of storm intensity, location, and timing, leading to better severe weather predictions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateFeb 28, 2006

New equation helps unravel behavior of turbulence

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a new mathematical formula, called the advected delta-vee equation, that can help predict turbulent flow behavior. This equation provides a shortcut to describe a complex characteristic of turbulence called intermittency, which is difficult to include in computer models.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 17, 2005

Climate change more rapid than ever

Climate models predict a rapid increase in global temperatures and sea level rise of up to 30cm, with severe consequences for agriculture, ecosystems, and extreme weather events. The study also highlights the impact of human activity on the climate, fuelling global warming.

Corn earworm moths get a lift from the wind

Corn earworm moths travel at varying heights influenced by air currents, affecting their migration patterns. By analyzing wind patterns and weather forecasts, researchers aim to forecast the arrival of these pests and develop targeted insecticide strategies to reduce damage.

2003 Hurricane season: USWRP research led to more accurate track forecasts

The USWRP's improvements to the global computer forecast model developed at NOAA's Environmental Modeling Center have led to a significant boost in hurricane track forecast accuracy. Since 2000, NHC forecasts have benefited from these advancements, predicting Atlantic tropical cyclones' tracks about 35% more accurately than prior to 2000.

UCAR wins funding for new weather forecasting tools to aid scientists and the public

The National Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research has been awarded $11.25 million to develop new weather forecasting tools, including the LEAD project. The tool will enable researchers to access state-of-the-art weather prediction models on demand and collaborate with colleagues in real-time.