Largest carbon dioxide sink in renewable forests
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.
Atmosphere
Articles tagged with Atmosphere
OU-led SCIPP building resilience to weather and climate extremes
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.
'Goldilocks' stars may be 'just right' for finding habitable worlds
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.
Fossil fuel combustion is the main contributor to black carbon around Arctic
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.
Climate change makes summer weather stormier yet more stagnant
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.
A warming world increases air pollution
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.
Rainfall extremes are connected across continents: Nature study
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.
Accelerating mass loss from Greenland
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.
Cover crops may increase winter temperatures in North America
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.
Atmospheric aerosol formation from biogenic vapors is strongly affected by air pollutants
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.
Where did the hot Neptunes go? A shrinking planet holds the answer
Researchers discovered two warm Neptunes at the edge of the 'hot Neptune desert' losing their atmospheres at a rapid pace. This supports the idea that hot Neptunes transform into super-Earths, which are more numerous than previously thought. The study used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to observe the evaporation of these planets.
In search of missing worlds, Hubble finds a fast evaporating exoplanet
Astronomers use Hubble to detect a second 'very warm' Neptune losing its atmosphere at an unprecedented rate, shedding light on the mysterious hot-Neptune deficit. The planet's evaporation may be linked to its star's intense radiation and age.
Researchers awarded £1.8 million to transform our understanding of soil carbon storage and loss
Scientists will investigate soil carbon formation, stabilization, and loss with a £1.8 million grant from the Natural Environment Research Council. The study aims to quantify increases in soil carbon storage that can mitigate climate change and improve global food security.
An exoplanet loses its atmosphere in the form of a tail
The giant exoplanet WASP-69b carries a comet-like tail made of helium particles escaping its gravitational field propelled by ultraviolet radiation from its star. The team analyzed the planet's atmosphere using the CARMENES instrument, revealing a stronger and longer-lasting dimming of starlight in a region where helium gas absorbs light.
Helium exoplanet inflated like a balloon, research shows
Researchers have detected helium escaping from the atmosphere of HAT-P-11b, a planet equivalent in size to Neptune, revealing an extended cloud that is inflating the planet like a balloon. The study provides new insights into the extreme atmospheric conditions found around the hottest exoplanets.
The polar regions communicate via 'postcards' and 'text messages'
Researchers discovered that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) sends messages to Antarctica, causing sudden changes in global climate conditions. The study found that a weakening AMOC could trigger abrupt climate shifts, affecting Asia's monsoons and carbon dioxide absorption.
UIC's mission: To model life on Saturn's moon in the lab
Researchers at UIC aim to recreate Titan's oceanic conditions in a laboratory growth chamber to detect potential biosignatures of life on the moon. They plan to grow microorganisms under high pressure and extreme cold to identify characteristic chemical and biological signatures.
Study brings new climate models of small star TRAPPIST 1's seven intriguing worlds
Researchers have created updated climate models for the seven planets around TRAPPIST-1, revealing unexpected similarities and differences with our solar system. The study suggests that some planets may have evolved like Venus due to an extremely hot early stellar phase, while others could be habitable ocean worlds.
Antarctic melting slows atmospheric warming and speeds sea level rise
The study found that Antarctic melting will delay atmospheric warming by about a decade but accelerate sea level rise. The global temperature is projected to increase by 2 degrees C by the year 2065, rather than 2053.
Warmer winter temperatures linked to increased crime, study finds
A new study published in GeoHealth suggests that warmer winter temperatures increase the likelihood of violent and property crimes. The relationship between climate and crime rates is thought to be linked to how climate alters people's daily activities.
Tracking the movement of the tropics 800 years into the past
Researchers used tree rings to track the northern boundary of the tropics from 1203 to 2003, finding that periods of expansion coincided with severe droughts. The study suggests climate change was a contributing factor to these societal disruptions.
Cooling effect of preindustrial fires on climate underestimated
A new study finds that preindustrial fire emissions were stronger than previously believed, leading to an underestimated cooling effect on past climate. Fire-induced aerosol particles increased cloud brightness and reflected sunlight, offsetting warming from greenhouse gases.
NASA funds University of Arizona-Led $30M project to study cloud-aerosol interactions
The University of Arizona has been awarded a $30 million NASA grant to investigate the interactions between aerosols and cloud properties over the Western Atlantic. The five-year project aims to reduce uncertainty about human-caused effects on the atmosphere, specifically interactions between aerosol particles and clouds.
UM researchers find precipitation thresholds regulate carbon exchange
University of Montana researchers discovered that ecosystems' carbon balance depends on water availability and annual precipitation thresholds. The study suggests climate models need improvement to accurately predict terrestrial carbon dynamics.
Wetlands are key for accurate greenhouse gas measurements in the Arctic
A new study found that Arctic tundra, particularly wetlands, acts as a net carbon sink, sequestering atmospheric CO2 through plant uptake and growth. The region's ability to absorb and store carbon makes it essential for determining the Arctic's role in climate change.
A new exoplanet is discovered by an international team led by a young Canadian student
Researchers used data from NASA's Kepler Space Telescope to discover Wolf 503b, an exoplanet with a radius near the 'Fulton gap', and is part of a class of 'super-Earths'. The discovery provides insights into the origin of this size gap and the nature of these planets.
OU team to develop new methods to track bird migration and adaptability
Researchers will combine novel tracking devices with weather radar data to gain insights into migratory birds' atmospheric habitats. The project aims to understand the impact of climate change on bird migration patterns and develop strategies for local adaptation.
Scientists pinpoint the key mechanism foe amplification of global warming
Researchers found that air temperature feedback, a process linking atmosphere and surface, amplifies surface warming in response to external forcing. This feedback kernel measures the ability of temperature feedback to amplify surface warming.
Particulate pollution's impact varies greatly depending on where it originated
Research by Carnegie Institution scientists reveals that aerosol particles from different countries have varying effects on the climate and air quality. Aerosols emitted in certain regions can cool the planet more than others, with some having a significant impact even if they are far from their source of origin.
Iron and titanium in the atmosphere of an exoplanet
Astronomers have detected iron and titanium vapors in the atmosphere of KELT-9b, an ultra-hot Jupiter, using spectroscopy. The high temperatures break apart molecules, making these atomic species visible.
Scientists trace atmospheric rise in CO2 during deglaciation to deep Pacific Ocean
Researchers have found that a 'flushing' of the deep Pacific Ocean caused by accelerated water circulation patterns led to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during deglaciation. This phenomenon could happen again, potentially amplifying human-caused climate change.
ASU astrophysicist helps discover that ultrahot planets have starlike atmospheres
Research team proposes that ultrahot Jupiters have normal compositions, with atmospheres resembling stars due to high temperatures and radiation. Water molecules are torn apart on the dayside, but may recombine into clouds in the nightside hemispheres.
There and back again: Mantle xenon has a story to tell
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis reveals that the Earth shifted its volatile transport regime around 2.5 billion years ago, with a significant increase in regassing potentially enabled by subduction. This change had a profound impact on the internal churning of the mantle and plate motions at the surface.
Climate change-driven droughts are getting hotter, UCI study finds
Dry months are experiencing temperature increases faster than average climate warming, according to a new UCI study. The research team found regions undergoing droughts warmed more than four times faster than areas with average weather conditions.
Plate tectonics not needed to sustain life
A computer model of a planet's lifecycle reveals stagnant lid planets can sustain liquid water and potentially life for billions of years. The presence and amount of heat-producing elements are key indicators of habitability, according to Penn State researchers.
UM professor named American Meteorological Society Fellow
Ben Kirtman, a University of Miami Rosenstiel School professor, has been recognized as an American Meteorological Society Fellow for his outstanding work in weather, water and climate. He is known for developing prediction systems and studying the limits of climate predictability.
The blueprint for El Niño diversity
A new study reveals that El Niño diversity arises from the interaction between Eastern and Central Pacific oscillations, leading to irregular occurrence and complex behavior. This understanding is crucial for predicting El Niño events accurately in a warming world.
NASA's MAVEN spacecraft finds that 'stolen' electrons enable unusual aurora on Mars
The MAVEN spacecraft has found a new type of Martian aurora that occurs over much of the day side, where auroras are hard to see. Protons 'steal' electrons from Mars' outer atmosphere, creating ultraviolet light and depositing energy.
New particles are formed also in the polluted air of major cities
Researchers discovered a mechanism for forming nanometre-sized ultrafine particles in polluted air, involving sulphuric acid and dimethylamine. The study, published in Science, uses advanced measuring equipment developed by the University of Helsinki's Atmospheric Science department.
Professor Sarah Kang awarded with Kamide Award
Professor Sarah Kang receives the 2018 Kamide Award for her pioneering contributions to atmospheric sciences, identifying mechanisms of high-latitude climate change on tropical precipitation. Her work blazed a trail in climate dynamics, revealing correlations between high and low latitude zones.
A scientist's final paper looks toward Earth's future climate
The paper highlights the importance of accurately measuring greenhouse gases and their role in determining Earth's future climate. Researchers propose a new space-based observing system to improve our understanding of carbon cycle feedbacks and predict climate change.
Oxygen levels on early Earth rose, fell several times before great oxidation event
Researchers found evidence of two transient oxygenation events on early Earth, with the first occurring around 2.66 billion years ago and the second around 50 million years later. These findings may help astronomers detect life on exoplanets by avoiding false negatives caused by undetectable oxygen levels.
Stronger west winds blow ill wind for climate change
Researchers found that stronger westerly winds near Antarctica led to massive CO2 releases in the past, similar to current human-caused climate change. This contraction and strengthening of winds can significantly impact atmospheric CO2 concentrations and future climate.
Regional Earth system modeling: Review and future directions
The regional climate modeling community has made significant progress in developing regional earth system models (RESMs), which account for the atmosphere, ocean, land, sea ice, and other key components. Researchers highlight the need for further development, including the inclusion of human factors and interactive biosphere elements.
Climate predictions should include impacts of CO2 on life
Researchers at the University of Exeter and the Met Office warn that climate models are underestimating the effects of rising CO2 levels. They found that CO2 concentrations could reach up to 765ppm before a 1.5°C warming threshold is reached, affecting ecosystems, crop yields, and ocean acidification.
Continental microbes helped seed ancient seas with nitrogen
Researchers discovered that biological soil crusts, composed of microorganisms thriving in extreme conditions, may have contributed significantly to establishing the nitrogen cycle essential for life. This new understanding shifts the focus from oceanic microbes and provides a fresh perspective on the early Earth's history.
Scientists identify geographic sectors controlling the Hadley circulation
Researchers have pinpointed the geographic sectors that control the strength and edges of the Hadley circulation, a prominent atmospheric overturning circulation. The study found that mid-latitude eddies play a dominant role in the variability of Hadley circulation strength in certain regions.
Responses of the tropical atmospheric circulation to climate change
Climate change-induced tropical circulation slowdowns are linked to poleward Hadley cell expansion and intertropical convergence zone shifts. Regional precipitation redistribution involves complex thermodynamic and dynamical processes, including surface warming effects over oceans and land.
Sources of aerosols in the Himalayan atmosphere
Researchers analyzed a 200-year sediment core from a Himalayan lake, finding increased sulfate concentrations starting at the end of the Second Industrial Revolution. The findings suggest that atmospheric sulfur isotope ratios in the region were influenced by pre-industrial biomass burning and post-1930 anthropogenic dust emissions.
Hunting molecules to find new planets
An international team of astronomers detected molecules on an exoplanet, allowing it to be visualized. The technique reveals the planet's surface composition and temperature, providing new insights into planetary atmospheres. Future spectrographs will enhance this method, enabling more accurate characterization of planets.
UI researchers explain ammonia distribution in Earth's upper atmosphere
A new study led by University of Iowa researchers explains how ammonia is distributed in the upper atmosphere, aligning with satellite measurements. The research answers a mystery of how ammonia is absorbed and released into the air during convection, resolving a discrepancy between satellite data and scientific understanding.
Scientists reveal the secrets behind Pluto's dunes
Researchers discovered Pluto's dunes on the boundary of a major mountain range, likely formed by methane ice grain sublimation and transported by moderate winds. The unique features suggest recent formation within the last 500,000 years.
Scientists rethink co-evolution of marine life, oxygenated oceans
Researchers used a novel geochemical proxy to study the evolution of marine life and oxygen levels in the ocean. The findings suggest that upper-ocean oxygen levels did not stabilize until 200 million years ago, when larger eukaryotic plankton dominated the world's oceans.
UNIST professors honored with government awards
Two UNIST faculty members, Professor Myong-In Lee and Professor Dong Hyun Cha, have received top government awards for their outstanding contributions to urban meteorology and climatology. They were recognized for their research on climate change, disaster risks, and regional climate modeling.
UNIST professor honored as new panel member of CDP
Professor Sarah Kang from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology has been appointed to the Climate Dynamics Panel (CDP) of CLIVAR. She will provide recommendations on key research priorities in climate dynamics for a three-year term.
Did the Chicxulub asteroid knock Earth's thermometer out of the ballpark?
A new study analyzes ancient fish remains to reveal a 5°C rapid temperature increase following the Chicxulub asteroid impact. The findings suggest that temperatures did not cool for roughly 100,000 years after the event.
Jet streams experience traffic jams, too, driving extreme weather events
Researchers found that atmospheric blocking caused by meandering jet streams slows eastward winds and can lead to extreme weather events. Climate change may alter the frequency of blocking, potentially due to increased jet stream capacity
Floridians could face far more frequent, intense heatwaves
Under projected high greenhouse gas levels, Floridians may face more extreme heatwaves with profound impacts on human health and the state's economy. Heatwaves lasting longer at night could exacerbate urban heat island effects, making cities like Miami and Orlando particularly vulnerable.
Astronomers find exoplanet atmosphere free of clouds
Scientists have detected an exoplanet atmosphere free of clouds, marking a pivotal breakthrough in understanding planets beyond our solar system. The 'hot Saturn' WASP-96b's clear sodium signature is the result of its cloud-free atmosphere.
Helium detected in exoplanet atmosphere for the first time
Astronomers have successfully detected helium in the atmosphere of WASP-107b, a super-Neptune exoplanet. The detection was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and reveals an abundance of helium in the upper atmosphere, extending tens of thousands of kilometres into space.