Atmosphere

Scientists seek to understand effects of rain falling on snow in the Arctic

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.

A new study explains how carbon dioxide cools the upper atmosphere—and warms earth below

Researchers from Columbia University have developed a theory explaining how carbon dioxide cools the stratosphere, even as it warms Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. The study reveals that CO2 molecules interact with infrared light in a specific 'Goldilocks zone' that expands with increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.

Scientists stunned: Volcano cleans up after itself by removing methane from the air

Researchers discovered that a volcano's eruption can clean up methane pollution by breaking it down into formaldehyde. The phenomenon could potentially be key to slowing global warming and has implications for reducing methane emissions.

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.

Cow manure digesters really cut methane — unless they leak

A new study finds that dairy manure digesters are highly effective in reducing methane emissions from cow manure, with most systems performing well. However, occasional leaks of large magnitude offset the climate benefits, highlighting the need for thorough monitoring and verification.

Changing flight paths could slash aviation’s climate impact, study suggests

Researchers suggest changing flight paths to avoid contrails could slash aviation's global warming impact by nearly half. Implementing such a policy could recover around 9% of the temperature budget the world has left before breaching the Paris Agreement's 2°C limit.

Microbes unlock a hidden natural source of mercury emissions from “stable” minerals

Researchers found that microbes can use mercury sulfide nanominerals as an energy source, releasing volatile elemental mercury into the air. The study estimates that this process could release hundreds of tons of mercury per year, comparable to cement production.

Cal Poly’s fifth Climate Solutions Now conference to take place Feb. 23-27

The all-virtual Cal Poly Climate Solutions Now conference will address a wide range of climate topics, including energy, water, waste, business sustainability, agriculture, education, and more. Presenters from various industries will share strategies, tools, and information to help mitigate climate change.

York U study finds forever chemical plumets in urban atmosphere during pandemic

Researchers found significant decline of atmospheric trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in Toronto during COVID-19, suggesting its sources and enabling future reduction strategies. The decrease is attributed to short-lived chemical precursors emitted into the atmosphere, offering new hope for mitigating this persistent pollutant.

AMS Science Preview: Volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air

Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.

Review article | Towards a Global Ground-Based Earth Observatory (GGBEO): Leveraging existing systems and networks

The study presents a comprehensive roadmap for building an integrated GGBEO to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and advance climate science. The system would integrate regional and global ground-based in situ and remote sensing systems, marine, and airborne observational data.

The Alps to lose a record number of glaciers in the next decade

The Alps are expected to reach a peak loss rate of 2,000-4,000 glaciers per year by 2033-2041, with only 110 glaciers remaining in Central Europe by 2100. Regions like the Rocky Mountains and Andes will also experience significant glacier losses.

A new look at TRAPPIST-1e, an earth-sized, habitable-zone exoplanet

Recent observations of TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized exoplanet in the habitable zone, reveal hints of methane but raise questions about its atmosphere's existence. Researchers caution that more rigorous studies are needed to determine if the methane is a sign of an atmosphere or stellar contamination.

AMS 2026 Meeting showcases atmospheric science and the “human factor”

The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.

A new possibility for life: Study suggests ancient skies rained down ingredients

Researchers found sulfur-containing molecules in ancient Earth's atmosphere, which could have supplied life with building blocks like amino acids. The discovery challenges the idea that these molecules emerged after life already formed, suggesting a more complex role for the environment in life's origin.

Scientists detect new climate pattern in the tropics

Researchers at ISTA and others have discovered a previously unknown cyclic climate pattern, known as TWISO, which influences weather fluctuations and seasonal changes. This finding has implications for predicting tropical storms and saving lives.

Team studies beryllium-7 variations over Antarctic regions of the Southern Ocean

A Japanese research team studied beryllium-7 concentrations in the surface air over Antarctic regions of the Southern Ocean. Their findings showed that variations in beryllium-7 were connected to synoptic-scale disturbances, which also deposit other stratospheric materials onto the Antarctic ice sheet.

The chilling effect of air pollution

A new study shows that reducing air pollution has decreased the brightness of marine clouds, leading to accelerated warming. Scientists attribute 70% of this change to aerosols, and researchers are exploring ways to make clouds shinier without polluting the air.

UMD astronomer co-leads creation of first 3D temperature map of distant exoplanet

A team led by UMD astronomers has created the first three-dimensional temperature map of a planet orbiting another star, revealing distinct temperature zones and water vapor breakdown. The new technique lays the groundwork for future explorations of faraway planets.

As global warming worsens, so may space communications

Researchers at Kyushu University found that rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere may lead to disruptions in shortwave radio communications, including systems used for air traffic control and maritime communication. The ionosphere's cooling due to global warming causes a decrease in air density and accelerates wind circulation.

Wastewater plants produce twice as much greenhouse gases as officially estimated

Researchers measured gas emissions from 96 US wastewater plants, finding they produce 1.9-2.4 times more nitrous oxide and methane than previously thought. This means taking steps to improve a small number of plants can have a significant impact on overall pollution.

Frequent wildfires, heat intensify air quality issues in American megacities such as New York City

Research from Colorado State University reveals how wildfire smoke combines with existing particulate pollution to create secondary, often more toxic, pollution and contribute to ozone formation. The study found that 90% of aerosol pollution over NYC is sensitive to at least one aspect of global changes, such as high temperatures.

Astronomy breakthrough: The mystery of dark matter can be unraveled using radio telescopes

Researchers from Tel Aviv University predict that detecting radio waves from the cosmic dark ages can help resolve the nature of dark matter. The study uses computer simulations to show that dense clumps of dark matter formed throughout the Universe, pulling in hydrogen gas and causing it to emit intense radio waves.

New paper links atmosphere and ocean in weathering, carbon dioxide removal

A new study found that land and ocean weathering processes are linked, influencing the amount of carbon stored or released into the atmosphere. The research proposes a continuum approach to studying weathering reactions on both land and in the ocean.

Scientists track lightning “pollution” in real time using NASA satellite

Researchers from the University of Maryland tracked lightning storms in real-time using NASA's TEMPO instrument, detecting nitrogen oxide emissions that affect climate and air quality. The study reveals how lightning can produce pollutants that travel long distances, influencing air quality far from the original storm.

International “State of the Climate” report confirms record-high greenhouse gases, global temperatures, global sea level, and ocean heat in 2024

The State of the Climate report reveals record-high greenhouse gas concentrations, with CO2 levels reaching 422.8 parts per million, a 52% increase from pre-industrial levels. Global temperatures also reached a new high, with annual growth increasing to 2.4 ppm yr−1.

A new window into Earth’s upper atmosphere

Researchers have developed a novel way to reach the unexplored mesosphere using lightweight flying structures that can float using sunlight. The devices, which were built at Harvard and other institutions, levitated in low-pressure conditions and demonstrated potential for climate sensing and exploration.

Light scattering prizes for TROPOS researchers

Prof. Andreas Macke receives the Elsevier van de Hulst Prize for Light Scattering, recognized for his work on ice crystal scattering properties and models. Dr Moritz Haarig wins the AS&T Young Scientist Award for outstanding presentation at the International Electromagnetic and Light Scattering Conference.

Study finds cities with proactive, risk-tolerant governing styles most likely to have ambitious climate strategies

A new study by researchers at the University of Kansas finds that cities with proactive, learning-oriented and risk-tolerant governance styles are more likely to implement ambitious climate resilience strategies. These cities are better positioned to protect their communities and lead meaningful change in an era of mounting climate risks.

Cleaner East Asian air unmasks a much hotter planet

A new study finds that cleaner air in East Asia, particularly China, has contributed to the recent acceleration in global warming. The region's aerosol reductions account for most of the observed warming since 2010, even after accounting for natural fluctuation events.

What’s driving America’s deep freezes in a warming world?

A new study reveals how variations in the stratospheric polar vortex affect where and when extreme cold hits, with a focus on the northwestern US. The research finds two distinct patterns that steer Arctic air into different areas, leading to colder winters in regions like Montana and Texas.

Ships trigger high and unexpected emissions of the greenhouse gas methane

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered that ship traffic triggers large methane emissions in shallow areas, including ports. The study found that cruise and container ships caused the most frequent and largest measured methane releases.

NASA scientists find ties between Earth’s oxygen and magnetic field

Scientists have discovered a strong correlation between the Earth's magnetic field and atmospheric oxygen levels over the past 540 million years. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that fluctuations in the magnetic field may be influencing the planet's habitability.

Storm ready: FAU Sensing Institute’s weather network delivers real-time forecasting

The Florida Atlantic University Sensing Institute's SEA Econet network provides accurate rainfall and flood forecasting, supporting public safety during severe weather events. With over 160 atmospheric stations and more than 30 water-level stations across Florida, the network delivers real-time data to inform forecasts and warnings.

Wind-related hurricane losses for homeowners in the southeastern U.S. could be nearly 76 percent higher by 2060

A new study projects that wind losses for homeowners in the Southeast will increase by 76% by 2060 and 102% by 2100. Texas is expected to experience the highest increase in losses, followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

AMS science preview: Heat stress and height, eclipse effects

Researchers have discovered that urban areas experience a greater difference in wet bulb globe temperature between 0.5 m and 1.5 m above ground due to surface heat radiation, posing health risks to children and pets during extreme heat events. Total solar eclipses also alter atmospheric conditions and insect behavior, with some species...

Enhanced activity in the upper atmosphere of Sporadic E layers during the 2024 Mother’s Day super geomagnetic storm

A new study reveals that sporadic E layers were significantly enhanced during the recovery phase of the 2024 Mother's Day super geomagnetic storm. The phenomenon, which appears as thin and dense patches of ionized metals, was detected mainly over Southeast Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, and the East Pacific.

The atmospheric memory that feeds billions of people: Newly discovered mechanism for monsoon rainfall

A new study reveals the atmosphere can store moisture over extended periods, creating a physical memory effect. This 'memory' allows monsoon systems to flip between two stable states, with severe consequences for regions relying on monsoon rainfall.

Oceans are heating faster in two bands stretching around globe

New research reveals oceans are heating at the world's fastest pace in two distinct bands near 40 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. This pattern is linked to poleward shifts in the jet stream and ocean currents, upending marine ecosystems and fueling extreme weather.

Researchers discover accelerated reaction between Criegee intermediates and water via roaming mechanism

Scientists have discovered a new pathway for the reaction of Criegee intermediates with water vapor, approximately 100 times faster than previously predicted. The 'roaming mechanism' driven by strong dipole-dipole interactions between molecules leads to a higher probability of reaction, revising our understanding of key atmospheric pro...

Melting snow and ice enhance cloud short-wave cooling effect, partially slowing further melting

A study found that Arctic snow and ice melting triggers an enhancement in the cloud short-wave cooling effect, partially slowing further melting. This new perspective reveals a co-evolution mechanism between clouds, snow/ice coverage, and surface albedo.

Strongest hints yet of biological activity outside the solar system

The detection of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b provides the strongest evidence yet for biological activity outside our solar system. The signals are consistent with predictions for a 'Hycean' planet, but further observations are needed to confirm the findings.

SwRI-led research deciphers mysterious atmosphere of ‘Rosetta Stone’ exoplanet

Researchers have modeled the chemistry of TOI-270 d, an exoplanet between Earth and Neptune, finding evidence for a thick, hot atmosphere. The study suggests that the planet is unlikely to be habitable, but offers insights into alternative paths of planetary origins and evolution.

Scientists may have solved a puzzling space rock mystery

Researchers analyzed over 8500 meteoroids and found that the atmosphere and Sun act like giant filters, destroying fragile carbon-rich meteoroids before they reach the ground. This discovery reshapes how scientists interpret meteorites collected so far and could influence future asteroid missions.

Southern Ocean warming will mean a wetter West Coast

A Cornell University-led study predicts long-term increases in precipitation over East Asia and the Western U.S. as the Southern Ocean warms, regardless of climate mitigation efforts. The research suggests that accounting for cloud feedbacks in climate models can help explain uncertainties and improve predictions.

Blurring the line between rain and snow: the limits of meteorological classification

Researchers evaluate traditional precipitation phase partitioning methods and machine learning models, revealing near-freezing temperatures create inherent limitations in distinguishing between rain and snow. Accurate identification is critical for weather forecasting, hydrologic modeling, and climate research.

Cloud band movement influences wet spells during Indian monsoon

A recent study from the Indian Institute of Science found that cloud band strength plays a key role in its movement and density of rains during Indian wet spells. The researchers discovered that only strong equatorial cloud bands drive northward propagation, increasing moisture and triggering stronger winds.

NRL's narrow field imager launches on NASA's PUNCH mission

The NRL-developed Narrow Field Imager is a compact coronagraph that will image the transition of the Sun's atmosphere to the solar wind, gaining insights into space plasma environments. The PUNCH mission aims to improve prediction and mitigation of space weather events like coronal mass ejections.

Delhi air pollution worse than expected as water vapour skews figures

New Delhi's air pollution is more severe than previously estimated, with particles absorbing atmospheric water vapor leading to significant underestimation of particulate matter levels. The study highlights the importance of considering hygroscopic growth and its impact on air quality assessments.

SwRI-led PUNCH constellation launches

The PUNCH spacecraft will study the solar corona and track space weather events in three dimensions for the first time. The constellation includes four small suitcase-sized spacecraft that will provide a clear view of the Sun's outer atmosphere, allowing scientists to discern the exact trajectory and speed of coronal mass ejections.

Signs of alien life may be hiding in these gases

Researchers identify methyl halides as a potential sign of microbial life on Hycean planets with thick hydrogen atmospheres. The gas could accumulate in exoplanet atmospheres and be detectable from light-years away, offering an optimal strategy for the search for extraterrestrial life.

Arctic sea ice loss drives drier weather over California and wetter over Spain and Portugal

A new study reveals that Arctic sea ice loss drives drier weather over California, especially in winter, and wetter conditions over Spain and Portugal. The research isolates the effect of Arctic sea ice melting from other climate change factors.

AMS Science Preview: Data deserts, energy costs, malaria prediction

Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.

Are volcanoes behind the oxygen we breathe?

New research suggests that volcanic activity billions of years ago accelerated oxygenation, leading to an increase in atmospheric oxygen. This pre-Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) may have provided the necessary conditions for photosynthetic microorganisms to thrive, ultimately paving the way for complex life.

HKUST, SUSTech, and NCAMS researchers reveal nitrogen’s dominant role in global organic aerosol absorption

A study published in Science reveals that nitrogen-containing compounds play a dominant role in the absorption of sunlight by atmospheric organic aerosols worldwide. The research provides a new framework for predicting climate change impacts and guiding mitigation strategies.

Agriculture is main cause of seasonal carbon ups and downs, study finds

A new study led by Colorado State University found that agricultural nitrogen fertilizer is the primary cause of seasonal carbon cycle swings. This discovery adds to scientific understanding of the carbon cycle and could help inform climate change mitigation strategies.

The US weather enterprise: A national treasure at risk

The US weather enterprise faces significant risks due to federal science funding cuts, which could lead to reduced weather forecasting accuracy and increased vulnerability to hazardous weather. The value of weather information to the US economy exceeds $100 billion annually.

Study explores how climate change impacts extreme cold events

A new study led by Qian Cheng found that unusual atmospheric circulation accounted for 83% of a record-breaking cold event in eastern China. The warming effect of climate change reduced the event's severity by up to 22%.

Are our refrigerants safe? The lingering questions about the chemicals keeping us cool

A team of scientists has discovered that some key hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) decompose into persistent greenhouse gas pollutants, including compounds banned internationally. The chemicals are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and in foamed plastics.