Atmospheric Science
Articles tagged with Atmospheric Science
Bigger and wetter storms mean drier conditions over time
Scientists seek to understand effects of rain falling on snow in the Arctic
Researchers document PFAS in Great Lakes rain and snow
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.
New research proposes Dante’s Inferno modelled a planetary impact 500 years before modern science!
Antarctica sea ice collapse driven by triple whammy of climate chaos, scientists find
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.
Venus’ atmosphere jumps and waves
On the ground or in the atmosphere? New satellite data can help characterize and pinpoint destructive events
Researchers use Swarm satellites and ground-based observations to distinguish between space weather effects and natural hazard signatures. This project aims to improve infrastructure protection, early warning systems, and space weather predictions.
Aircraft measurements reveal surprisingly strong Southern Ocean biological productivity
A new study by the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research has found that the biological productivity of the Southern Ocean is substantially greater than previously estimated. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the global carbon cycle and the marine food web.
New study shows why rainfall remains hard to predict in a warming world
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.
Previously undetected atmospheric particles play major role in lower stratospheric chemistry
New high-altitude measurements have revealed a hidden population of extremely small, organic-rich aerosol particles in the lower stratosphere. These ultrafine aerosols are found to dominate the surface area available for heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry and act as a significant condensation sink.
Pacific annular warming elevates the 2026/27 El Niño prediction
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.
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.
AMS science preview: AI forecast limits, unpredictable hurricanes, simplified heat index
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.
UAlbany atmospheric scientist contributes to international study on contrail formation
Contrails still form under modern 'lean-burn' aircraft engines, defying scientists' hopes that reducing soot emissions would limit their formation and warming effect. Researchers combined real-world measurements with advanced modeling to understand contrail formation under modern engine conditions.
Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo and George Mason University scientists mine past air temperature forecasts, lower cost with greater subseasonal prediction accuracy
Researchers at Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo and George Mason University developed a new method called Lagged Ensemble Analog Sub-selection (LEAS) to improve air temperature forecasts one to five weeks in advance. This approach selectively retains past ensemble members with high predictive skill, improving fo...
Air surveillance reveals hidden reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes
A review by an international team of researchers highlights that air monitoring is essential for global public health strategies, as airborne antibiotic resistance genes can spread silently between humans, animals, and the environment.
Climate change may produce “fast-food” phytoplankton
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.
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.
A complicated future for a methane-cleansing molecule
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.
New satellite driven model provides “more realistic and reliable” predictions of sand and dust storm emissions
A new satellite-driven model, dEARTH, provides more realistic predictions of sand and dust storm (SDS) severity by accounting for dynamic changes in soil surfaces. The study found that SDS transport is sparse and discontinuous, reducing affected land area by 69% and global transport magnitude by 45%.
AMS Science Preview: Mississippi River, ocean carbon storage, gender and floods
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 ...
American Meteorological Society responds to NSF regarding the future of NCAR
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.
OU researchers are using revolutionary radars to advance lightning monitoring and storm electrification research
Researchers are using a revolutionary radar system to transform understanding of lightning and electrification, helping to improve storm warnings and assess damage risk. The system, named Horus, can capture rapid scans of storms, allowing for clearer pictures of lightning plasma and its distinctive polarimetric indicators.
Typhoons: the hidden lifeline in a drying world
Researchers found that removing typhoon-induced precipitation leads to sharply declining soil moisture and more severe drought conditions worldwide. The effect of typhoons varies by region, acting as a condition that exacerbates drought in some areas, while mitigating it in others.
DOE climate report ‘demonstrably incorrect’, say leading scientists in new analysis
Leading climate scientists, including Prof Benjamin Santer, reiterate the role of humans in global warming and warn against using an inaccurate government report to inform legal decisions. The report's claims are factually incorrect, contradicting decades of research on human-caused temperature changes.
Methane’s missing emissions: The underestimated impact of small sources
Researchers used continuous and integrated readings of methane and ethane to identify overlooked emissions from restaurants, commercial facilities, and private residences. The study highlights the need for technology and policy to fix these hidden sources, which are estimated to be higher on weekdays.
New computation method for climate extremes: Researchers at the University of Graz reveal tenfold increase of heat over Europe
Climate researchers developed a new method for computing hazards from extreme events, finding a tenfold increase in extreme heat over Europe. The study provides a basis for better quantifying damage to people, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
MIT study reveals climatic fingerprints of wildfires and volcanic eruptions
Scientists detected statistically significant changes in global atmospheric temperatures in response to three major natural events: Mount Pinatubo, Australian wildfires, and Hunga Tonga eruption. The study's findings suggest that these events may not have played a role in the acceleration of global surface warming in recent years.
Early-summer Arctic ice melt impacts late-summer Indian monsoon rainfall
Researchers found a strong inverse correlation between Arctic sea ice extent and Indian summer monsoon rainfall on interannual timescales. Decreased Arctic sea ice variability during June to July leads to increased rainfall over western and northwestern India, indicating a westward shift in the monsoon season.
Does ocean saltiness influence El Niño?
Researchers found that certain salinity patterns can fuel El Niño development, increasing its intensity by 20%. This process makes extreme El Niño events more likely and causes catastrophic flooding and severe droughts. The study identified global patterns in salinity preceding major El Niño events over the past 65 years.
AMS releases statement regarding the decision to rescind EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) expresses deep concern over the repeal of the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding, which concluded that greenhouse gas emissions harm human health and well-being. AMS reaffirms key scientific conclusions on climate change, including its impacts on people and nature.
AMS Science Preview: Hurricane slowdown, school snow days
A new study finds that U.S. tornado activity is shifting southeastward due to the relationship between extratropical cyclones and low-pressure systems. Additionally, global warming has led to a fourfold increase in tropical cyclone rapid slowdown events in coastal areas.
NASA selects UW-led STRIVE and EDGE teams for satellite missions
The University of Washington's STRIVE team will examine the atmosphere where weather forms, while the EDGE team will study the three-dimensional structure of the Earth's surface. These satellite missions aim to provide new insights into temperature, trace gases, and air pollution.
Where did that raindrop come from? Tracing the movement of water molecules using isotopes
A team of researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, developed an ensemble technique to improve climate modeling by tracing water molecules' movement. They found a general increase in atmospheric water vapor associated with warming temperatures, linking it to large-scale climate phenomena.
Seeing the whole from a part: Revealing hidden turbulent structures from limited observations and equations
Researchers discovered that only observing the flow down to a specific scale is enough to reconstruct the full motion of fluid in two-dimensional turbulence, unlike three-dimensional systems. This finding has significant implications for modeling and prediction in atmospheric and ocean circulation.
Some early life forms may have breathed oxygen well before it filled the atmosphere
A new study suggests some early life forms evolved to use oxygen hundreds of millions of years before the Great Oxidation Event, potentially delaying oxygen's accumulation in the atmosphere. This discovery adds to our understanding of aerobic respiration and its evolution on Earth.
Methane jump wasn’t just emissions — the atmosphere (temporarily) stopped breaking it down
A temporary weakening of the atmosphere's chemical capacity led to a sharp increase in methane levels between 2020 and 2021. The surge was driven by increased natural emissions and a decline in oxidizing capacity, particularly fewer OH radicals available for breaking down methane.
Could ionospheric disturbances influence earthquakes?
The study suggests that ionospheric charge variations could interact with pre-existing fragile structures in the Earth's crust, influencing fracture processes. Strong solar activity could generate electrostatic pressures comparable to tidal or gravitational stresses, potentially contributing to earthquake initiation.
CFC replacements behind hundreds of thousands of tonnes of global ‘forever chemical’ pollution
A new study reveals that CFC replacement chemicals and anaesthetics are behind a third of a million tonnes of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) being deposited from the atmosphere across the Earth's surface between 2000 and 2022. TFA production is expected to continue growing, posing environmental concerns.
Temperature of some cities could rise faster than expected under 2°C warming
Research from the University of East Anglia predicts that tropical cities will experience increased urban heat island effects under 2°C global warming. The study finds that up to 81% of medium-sized cities will warm more than surrounding rural areas, with some experiencing warming rates up to 100% higher.
Wetlands do not need to be flooded to provide the greatest climate benefit
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that flooding low-lying areas in wetlands may not be the most effective way to mitigate climate change. Instead, maintaining a stable water table below ground level can help reduce methane emissions and promote CO2 sequestration, according to researchers led by Professor Bo Elberling.
NUS CDE researchers develop new AI approach that keeps long-term climate simulations stable and accurate
Researchers have developed a new AI-powered correction that addresses instability in hybrid climate models, allowing for reliable simulation of months or years-long processes. The CondensNet architecture learns from reference simulations to correct condensation errors, ensuring physically consistent results.
AES Andes announces cancellation of INNA, the industrial complex planned near Paranal
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) welcomes the cancellation of INNA, a planned industrial complex near Paranal Observatory. The project would have posed a major threat to the darkest skies on Earth and compromised the performance of advanced astronomical facilities.
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.
American Meteorological Society expands access to scholarly publications to support IPCC seventh assessment report
The American Meteorological Society has partnered with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to provide IPCC authors with access to peer-reviewed scientific publications. This collaboration ensures equitable access to critical climate science for researchers worldwide, particularly those from developing countries and fac...
New tool tracks cross-border pollution, revealing unequal distribution of risk, responsibility
A new study provides a tool to quantify responsibility for PM 2.5 pollution, highlighting the impact of cross-state pollution on public health. The research highlights inequality in pollution across US states, with some facing disproportionate health risks and responsibilities.
Wood burning in homes drives dangerous air pollution in winter
Residential wood burning accounts for over one-fifth of wintertime exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter, linked to increased risks of heart disease and premature death. By reducing indoor wood burning, Americans could decrease outdoor air pollution and save thousands of lives.
American Meteorological Society announces new executive director
Amanda Staudt will lead the American Meteorological Society, advancing the atmospheric and related sciences for public safety, economic security, and environmental stewardship. With extensive experience in connecting science to society, Staudt aims to bring people together to amplify AMS's voices.
Scientific insights into the frequency and formation conditions of unique clouds around Mount Fuji Nov. 25, 2025
Researchers studied unique clouds around Mount Fuji, classifying them into subtypes and determining occurrence frequencies. Tsurushi clouds were generated by mountain waves, while Hata clouds displayed different seasonal patterns, indicating a distinct cloud category.
Comparative study reveals seasonal characters of atmospheric gravity waves in Dandong and Lhasa
Researchers analyzed airglow images from China's Meridian Project to identify seasonal differences in atmospheric gravity waves. The study found longer wavelengths at Dandong and shorter wavelengths at Lhasa, with varying intensities and propagation speeds.
Nagoya University ISEE Award recognizes typhoon research that transformed storm intensity forecasting worldwide
The Nagoya University ISEE Award has recognized Professor Hiroyuki Yamada's pioneering work on high-altitude penetration flight observation techniques for typhoons. His research enabled scientists to observe the complete vertical structure of typhoons, providing unprecedented data on storm intensity.
Efficient method to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere developed at the University of Helsinki
A new compound has been developed that can absorb carbon dioxide directly from untreated ambient air, outperforming existing methods. The compound's ease of releasing captured CO2 is a key advantage, as it only requires heat at 70°C.
American Meteorological Society announces Rick Spinrad as 2026 President-Elect
The American Meteorological Society has elected Rick Spinrad as its 2026 president-elect. A renowned oceanographer, Spinrad will serve a one-year term before becoming the AMS president in 2027. The five newly elected council members are Marilyn Averill, Julie Demuth, Jordan Gerth, Maureen McCann, and Aaron Piña.
Study: More eyes on the skies will help planes reduce climate-warming contrails
Contrails formed from plane exhaust meet icy air, growing into threads that trap heat and contribute to warming the planet. Combining images from geostationary and low-Earth-orbiting satellites may provide a more complete picture of contrail life and radiative properties.
Earth’s growing heat imbalance driven more by clouds than air pollution, study finds
A new study reveals that recent changes in air pollution are not the main reason for Earth's increasing energy imbalance. Cloud changes, driven by surface warming and natural climate variability, largely outweigh the effects of aerosol reductions.
AMS releases statement regarding the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) urges the US government to maintain and strengthen NSF NCAR, a critical resource for weather forecasting and climate science. This would lead to further forecast improvements that benefit the nation's safety and economy.
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.