Articles tagged with Atmosphere
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that reducing fossil fuel emissions gradually will prevent a sudden spike in warming, instead leading to a decrease in warming rates within two decades. This approach also reduces the rate of further greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere, slowing down future warming.
Scientists at University College London have discovered water vapor on the potentially habitable exoplanet K2-18b, which orbits a cool dwarf star about 110 light years from Earth. The detection confirms that the planet is in its star's 'habitable zone', where temperatures could support liquid water and life.
Researchers found that aphid-infested Scots pine trees emit a distinct mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including sesquiterpenes, which affect secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. The study suggests that increased plant stress in a changing climate could influence SOA production.
Researchers detected water vapor signatures on K2-18b, a planet in the habitable zone around a small red dwarf star. The findings suggest liquid water could pool on its surface if it's terrestrial in nature.
NASA satellite data tracks large-scale trends in fire activity, consistent with a warming climate, particularly in the western US, Canada, and Northern Hemisphere forests. Research reveals that high temperatures, low humidity, and warmer nighttime temperatures contribute to increased fire risk and activity.
The Cambrian explosion saw dramatic ocean oxygenation fluctuations driven by seafloor animal life. Seafloor samples revealed two significant anoxic periods linked to declining atmospheric oxygen concentrations.
A new study found that concurrent soil drought and atmospheric aridity are driven by land-atmosphere processes and feedback loops, leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme events. The researchers warn that future intensification of these events would be disastrous for ecosystems and human lives.
Climate simulations suggest that land-atmosphere feedbacks can increase atmospheric aridity, leading to high probabilities of concurrent soil drought and extreme aridity. The study also predicts more frequent and intense drought and aridity in the coming century with significant human and ecological implications.
A study proposes that the nitrogenase enzyme, essential for photosynthesis, blocked its own activity at 2% atmospheric oxygen levels, stabilizing oxygen levels for nearly two billion years. This negative feedback loop prevented further oxygen production and explains why oxygen levels rose to today's levels.
New research finds that unusual ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic can increase April tornado occurrences over the Great Plains. Climate researchers discovered a link between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions that enhance thunderstorms and tornado-favorable environments.
Researchers evaluated satellite and reanalysis PWV datasets against radiosonde observations in Central Asia, finding ERA5 and MERRA2 perform better in climatological characteristics and interannual variations. The study provides valuable information for future research on water cycle in Central Asia.
Astronomers have developed a model showing the James Webb Space Telescope can detect the atmospheres of all seven TRAPPIST-1 planets in just 10 transits or fewer, even with cloud cover. The telescope's Near-Infrared Spectrograph will help identify gas spectral fingerprints to determine atmosphere composition.
New research reveals that reduced Arctic sea ice does not cause extreme cold winters, but rather is linked to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. The correlation between reduced sea ice and cold winters occurs because both are driven by the same large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns.
The new image shows Jupiter's trademark Great Red Spot and a more intense color palette in the clouds than seen in previous years. The colorful bands result from differences in atmospheric pressures and ice cloud thickness.
Scientists have developed a new technique to visualize gas-liquid collisions using lasers, enabling the study of fundamental molecular interactions. The method captures individual frames of molecular movement, revealing the rough surface of liquids and their impact on atmospheric chemistry.
The study reveals that hot Jupiter WASP-121b is losing its hydrogen and helium atmosphere due to strong gravity, allowing heavier elements like magnesium and iron to escape. The observations provide insights into the planet's extreme environment and its potential for hosting life.
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered three new planets orbiting a nearby star, including one slightly larger than Earth. The planets' sizes and masses are unique, with two potentially similar to Neptune in our solar system, offering insights into planetary formation and evolution.
Researchers have discovered a young exoplanet orbiting one of the brightest young stars known, providing valuable information on planetary body formation. The exoplanet, DS Tuc Ab, is about six times the size of Earth and orbits its main star in just eight days.
Researchers found drastic drops in organic material preserved in core samples from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum event, suggesting soils emitted atmospheric carbon dioxide. The findings could mean global climate models overestimate terrestrial ecosystems' ability to mitigate future warming.
A series of large volcanic eruptions between 1808 and 1835 significantly altered the global climate, causing droughts in Africa and increased precipitation in Europe. The study's findings have implications for defining a pre-industrial climate and setting climate targets.
Researchers discovered that the forces of flight through the atmosphere lead to the formation of conical meteorites. The 'Goldilocks' cones have angles that match real-world conical meteorite shapes. This finding sheds light on why many meteorites arrive on Earth in cone-shaped forms.
The FGOALS-f3-L climate model has been developed to capture the basic patterns of atmospheric circulation and precipitation. The new model is fast in completing computing tasks and overcomes some model biases related to climate sensitivity and cloud microphysics.
A new study by University of Arkansas researcher Linyin Cheng found that a warming climate amplifies the intensity and likelihood of heatwaves during severe droughts in the southern plains and southwest US. In regions with low soil moisture, higher temperatures create a 'feedback loop' that links the land and air, worsening droughts.
Semi-arid regions in northern China have expanded significantly over the past 60 years due to climate change. The drying trend is linked to a weakened East Asian summer monsoon and amplified by land-atmosphere interactions. This expansion increases the risk of desertification, food insecurity and water scarcity.
A record-breaking South American drought and marine heatwave in 2013/14 were caused by strong atmospheric convection over the Indian Ocean. The event displaced normal atmospheric circulation over South America, leading to extreme weather conditions and severe impacts on agriculture, public health, and fisheries.
Researchers from the Climate Change Research Center discovered that the positive-phase AMO causes nonuniform Eurasian summer warming. The study highlights the role of the Silk Road Pattern in modulating atmospheric variability, leading to amplified warming.
Astronomers have identified the atmospheric composition of a mid-size planet between Earth and Neptune for the first time using NASA's Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes. The planet, Gliese 3470 b, has a large rocky core surrounded by a deep crushing atmosphere mostly composed of hydrogen and helium.
Researchers linked East Asia's extreme heat in spring 2018 to North Atlantic SST anomalies. The study found a link between tripole mode of North Atlantic SST anomalies and anomalous Rossby wave trains over the North Atlantic and Eurasia.
The discovery of L 98-59b marks the tiniest planet found by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to date. The planet is around 80% Earth's size and orbits its host star every 2.25 days, receiving up to 22 times the energy of our planet.
Researchers mapped radiative cooling resource maps to determine the best climates for large-scale deployment of passive cooling technologies. Locations with drier atmospheres and most frequent clear skies show great potential for reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Researchers discovered that an anomalous anticyclone and cyclonic anomaly over the western North Pacific facilitated extreme heat via subsidence anomalies. Cooling over the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean also contributed to this phenomenon.
An international research team reconstructed ice nucleating particles from ice cores for the first time, providing insights into cloud cover in the Arctic over the last 500 years. The measurements could help close gaps in knowledge on climate research and inform future climate changes.
Researchers discovered that meteors create 'meteoric smoke' in Mars' middle atmosphere, condensing into thin clouds. These clouds have a significant impact on the Martian climate, influencing temperatures and potentially affecting past evolution.
Scientists from IAC and ULL analyze MASCARA-2B/KELT-20b's atmosphere, revealing details on its composition and temperature. The team detected hydrogen beta, singly ionized iron, and magnesium using CARMENES spectrograph.
Researchers confirm that banded iron formations formed through oxidation of ferrous iron, rejecting a newly proposed model. The study provides strong evidence for existing models and our current understanding of these sedimentary rocks.
The University of Maryland will lead a five-year research effort with NOAA, focusing on satellite services, Earth system observations and services, and Earth system research. CISESS aims to improve weather and climate forecasts, build resilience to extreme events, and provide capabilities for data access and management.
A Stanford-led paper proposes converting methane into carbon dioxide as a climate change solution. The process could eliminate one-sixth of all causes of global warming and generate significant profits with a price on carbon emissions. Zeolite, a crystalline material, can act as a sponge to capture methane.
A Rutgers-led study found that the massive Laki volcano eruption in Iceland did not lead to an extreme summer heat wave in Europe. Instead, it caused unusually cold winters due to natural climate variability and high-pressure systems. The eruption also had devastating effects on Iceland's livestock and human populations.
The Arctic Ocean's seasonal memory mechanism explains how atmospheric circulation causes the Eurasian Arctic to melt faster than the American Arctic. The researchers found that different seasonal patterns are at play depending on region, with the Eurasian Arctic losing ice in winter and the American Arctic only losing ice in summer.
A new study using the PlanetNet algorithm provides unprecedented precision in analyzing Saturn's storm clouds, revealing features previously undetected. The analysis of Cassini data reveals atmospheric processes driving the storms, including dark cloud material swept up from lower atmosphere.
Researchers from UCL and University of Arizona developed a 'deep learning' approach called PlanetNet to detect storms on Saturn. The algorithm accurately maps the components and features in turbulent regions, revealing previously undetected atmospheric features such as ammonia ice clouds.
Scientists will study Uranus and Neptune's poorly understood regions with greater accuracy using a new, improved net flux radiometer. The instrument, developed for NASA's Planetary Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations program, features thermopile sensors and seven infrared channels to measure heat.
A NASA study has verified recent global warming figures, showing high consistency between satellite-based AIRS data and station-based GISTEMP analysis over the past 15 years. The findings also suggest that surface-based data may be underestimating temperature changes in the Arctic, indicating faster warming at the poles.
A recent study synthesizes research on severe haze pollution in Northern China, highlighting its complex interaction between human activities and atmospheric conditions. The findings suggest that improving haze prediction and developing effective regulatory policies require additional knowledge and public awareness campaigns.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps led to a global catastrophe known as the Great Dying, which killed off 95% of life on Earth. The eruptions released massive amounts of mercury vapor into the atmosphere, causing acid rain and warming the planet.
Climate scientists are partnering with the City and County of San Francisco to assess how climate change may influence the intensity of atmospheric rivers and associated precipitation. Using high-resolution climate simulations at a resolution of 3 km, researchers aim to provide more accurate predictions about extreme weather events in ...
Researchers found that Mars' rivers were twice as wide as those on Earth and had intense flow persisting until one billion years ago. This suggests a global, long-lived phenomenon of climate-driven precipitation during low-atmosphere conditions on Mars.
A scientific collaboration found that a high-pressure system in the atmosphere directly caused the extreme heat, while increased sea surface temperatures contributed about 50% to the 2017 heat. The researchers also identified the western tropical Pacific as a key factor influencing regional temperatures.
A new library of Chlamydomonas mutants has enabled scientists to discover nearly 300 genes essential for photosynthesis, a process that produces oxygen and fuels life on Earth. This breakthrough highlights the vast knowledge gap in understanding the genetic mechanisms behind this fundamental process.
Astronomers now consider carbon monoxide as a biosignature gas that could indicate microbial life on exoplanets. Computer models reveal two scenarios where carbon monoxide accumulates in the atmospheres of living planets, including ancient Earth and habitable exoplanets around red dwarf stars.
Young, regrowing forests in middle and high latitudes and areas with reforestation programs take up large amounts of CO2. This age effect accounts for about 25% of forests' CO2 uptake.
The OU-led SCIPP is a multi-institutional research team focused on helping south central US communities build resilience to weather and climate extremes. The project aims to improve adaptability, planning, and preparedness in the face of climate-related challenges.
A new study finds that K stars, which are dimmer than the Sun but brighter than faintest stars, may be particularly promising targets for searching for signs of life. K stars live a long time and have less extreme activity in their youth, giving them plenty of time for life to evolve.
A five-year study reveals that fossil fuel combustion accounts for 60% of black carbon in the Arctic, while biomass burning becomes more significant in summer. The research highlights the importance of controlling pollutants to mitigate climate change.
A new MIT study finds that climate change is shifting the energy in the atmosphere, leading to stronger thunderstorms and more stagnant conditions. Rising global temperatures are redistributed, with more energy available for local convective processes like thunderstorms and less for larger, milder extratropical cyclones.
Climate change is warming the ocean but land faster, increasing continental aridity and aerosol concentration. This leads to a heightened risk of smog and air pollution, posing health problems for people, animals, and plants worldwide.
Researchers discovered a global pattern of extreme rainfall teleconnections linked to jetstreams, which could enhance weather forecasting and damage mitigation. The study's findings have practical relevance for improving predictions of extreme rainfall events.
A study analyzing GRACE and GPS data found that ice mass loss in southwest Greenland was driven by changes in surface mass balance, rather than glacial discharge. The Greenland Ice Sheet is highly sensitive to atmospheric forcing, and this region may contribute significantly to sea level rise under continued climate warming.
A new study suggests that cover crops grown in fields during winter can increase temperatures in the northern US and southern Canada by up to 3 degrees Celsius. This occurs due to reduced snow reflectivity, allowing crop stems and leaves to absorb solar heat and warm the surrounding atmosphere.
Researchers found that sulfuric acid, ammonia, and organic vapors are necessary for efficient particle formation in continental moderately polluted atmospheres. Nitrogen oxides decrease newly formed particles, affecting climate change models and aerosol-cloud interactions.