Articles tagged with Atmospheric Science
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder discovered that hydrogen atoms in Venus' atmosphere go into space, causing the planet to lose roughly twice as much water every day. The team found that a molecule called HCO+ is responsible for this process, which may have driven Venus to its dry state.
A new study establishes official climate divisions in Hawaii, improving climate research and forecasting. Chronic pain sufferers who spend time outdoors experience stronger weather-based effects, while lightning-initiated wildfires are responsible for more than half the acres burned in the contiguous United States.
Scientists used lithium isotope data to show that continental clay export promoted organic carbon burial and thus atmospheric oxygenation during the Cambrian period. This finding challenges traditional views on marine oxygen levels during this time, suggesting a complex interplay between oceanic and atmospheric processes.
Scientists uncovered insights into pre-industrial aerosol formation processes in an environment with minimal human influences. Researchers observed the release of highly oxygenated organic molecules at night, leading to aerosol particle formation resembling the pre-industrial atmosphere.
A study from Colorado State University explores how human activity is altering the atmospheric water cycle, leading to changes in precipitation distribution and cloud formation. The research uses science fiction narratives to imagine possible futures and spark conversations around water management policies.
A new survey reveals that US landfills are emitting substantial amounts of methane, a key contributor to global warming. The study found that point-source emissions account for a significant proportion of total emissions, with some landfills experiencing persistent activity for months or even years.
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
The Juno spacecraft has directly measured charged oxygen and hydrogen molecules from Europa's atmosphere, providing key constraints on the potential oxygenation of its subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that oxygen is continuously produced in the surface ice shell, with an estimated 12 kg per second, which could support habitability.
The study emphasizes that human-induced climate change primarily arises from the planet's heating, leading to energy imbalance and altered flows of energy through the climate system. This framing changes how climate change is manifested, particularly in extremes such as droughts, storms, and flooding.
Research suggests polar climates are adjusting to a warming climate with changes in regional climate dynamics. Altered ocean-sea ice interactions may be driving recent fluctuations in sea ice extent, according to new studies.
Wide-scale forestation efforts may drive warming through changes in atmospheric composition and surface reflectivity, offsetting up to a third of CO2 removal benefits. Tree planting remains an important climate change mitigation strategy when combined with emission reductions.
Research conducted in Fairbanks found that residential heating fuel is the main contributor of primary sulfate pollution in wintertime air. The study's findings will help air quality managers decide on improvement methods and benefit high-latitude urban areas during winter.
Atmospheric nitrate radicals degrade floral scents, reducing flower visitation by 70% in hawkmoth pollination. Urban areas with high O3 and NO3 pollution levels can also impact global pollination.
A new study published in Monthly Weather Review analyzes hundreds of extreme snowfall events in Utah's central Wasatch Mountains. Researchers found that storm systems carrying relatively little water vapor were still capable of producing heavy snows, and the relationship between high-IVT storms and extreme precipitation is complex.
Dust storms enhance phytoplankton tolerance to thermal and pH changes, facilitating algae growth in mountain lakes. This experimental study highlights the impact of atmospheric dust on aquatic ecosystems.
The Global Climate Science-Media Action Pledge aims to ensure scientifically accurate, accessible, and actionable climate change communications. Nearly 30 leading professional societies and media organizations from around the world have committed to this pledge.
A recent study by Megan He and colleagues finds that traditional methods for estimating pollution in the Canadian oil sands can be severely inaccurate, with actual emissions exceeding industry values by up to 6300%. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive monitoring of organic carbon emissions from oil sands operations.
The AMS 104th Annual Meeting will focus on climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation, with key discussions on overcoming barriers to implementation. The meeting features numerous scientific conferences and symposia covering topics like climate variability, air pollution meteorology, AI for environmental science, and more.
The American Meteorological Society's Presidential Forum will discuss how to overcome barriers limiting the use of climate science. The event aims to advance society's acceptance and use of climate science, amidst misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
Researchers found that joint action of tropical and extratropical variations led to persistent heavy rainfall over Japan. The study revealed a link between upper-tropospheric blocking high, near-surface atmospheric flow, and cumulus convection in enhancing the northwestern Pacific subtropical high.
A new hyperspectral remote sensing technique provides precise high-resolution data on nitrogen dioxide's horizontal distribution, revealing emission hotspots and urban pollution dynamics. This enhances effective pollution control strategies and safeguards public health.
A new Dartmouth study finds that seasonal snowpacks have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years due to human-driven climate change. The sharpest global warming-related reductions are in the Southwestern and Northeastern United States, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.
David J. Stensrud has been elected as the new President-Elect of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for 2024, serving a one-year term before becoming President in 2025. The AMS Council, comprising five new members, will take office beginning in 2024.
Researchers found that the coastline produces up to five times more giant sea salt aerosols than the open ocean, affecting cloud formation and rainfall around the Hawaiian Islands. The study's findings can improve numerical weather prediction of nearshore cloud formation and rainfall patterns.
Researchers at Collaborative Research Centre Transregio 172 are studying Arctic amplification, a phenomenon where the Arctic warms at twice the rate of the globe. They've found increased storm activity, wetter atmosphere, and reduced sea ice in recent years.
Researchers from Tampere University discovered that marine organisms can form new atmospheric particles in the South Pacific Ocean, which could help explain climate change predictions. The study found that these particles were formed at night and were accompanied by signs of nitrogenous compounds.
Plants capture more carbon on weekends when industrial production decreases and fewer people commute, finding similar patterns during COVID-19 lockdowns. This improvement in air quality could enhance natural carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change.
A new study from Google DeepMind reveals a machine learning-based weather forecasting model, GraphCast, which achieves better and faster 10-day forecasts than existing approaches. The model performed well even on extreme events not directly trained for, marking a significant turning point in weather forecasting.
Global land water availability declined from 2001 to 2020, primarily driven by Southern Hemisphere climate variability. The region experienced a significant decrease in water availability over the last 20 years, contributing 95% of global variance.
A Cornell University collaboration developed a model to simulate atmospheric transport of microplastic fibers, revealing flat fibers travel farther and are more prevalent than spherical ones. The research could help attribute sources of microplastic particles and inform management plans.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
Scientists have developed a system to detect icing conditions in drones flying over the polar regions, allowing for safer and more efficient data collection. The onboard aerosol counters enable real-time detection of supercooled cloud droplets, which can damage drone components.
The 2024 Ocean Sciences Meeting brings together 5,000 scientists to discuss breaking research and critical issues affecting ocean sustainability. The biennial event will feature an online-only scientific session on Wednesday 21 February.
Researchers at UTSA have been awarded a grant to develop a new technology that converts carbon dioxide into a raw material for producing chemical products. The project has the potential to create a productive area of catalysis research and reduce greenhouse emissions.
Research reveals that Category 4 and 5 hurricanes are arriving three to four days earlier with each passing decade due to climate change. This shift in seasonal cycle can lead to compounding extreme events and challenges community preparedness.
Researchers have identified a new pattern in the global jet stream that locks in extreme winter cold or wet conditions over North America and Europe. The study found that this pattern, known as wave-4, triples the chances of extreme cold or wet, while also causing abnormally warm or dry conditions.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
Researchers developed a novel solid-state mechanochemical reaction to synthesize FCMs from PTFE and graphite, producing materials with enhanced storage capacity and electrochemical stability. The new method bypasses toxic reagents and offers a safer alternative for practical applications.
A new study found that multiyear La Niña events have become more common over the last 100 years, with warming in the western Pacific Ocean being a key factor. The study suggests that long-lasting La Niñas will exacerbate adverse impacts on communities around the globe.
A research team found that more than 52% of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury in the Arctic Ocean comes from oceanic evasion, with the Marginal Ice Zone being a key source. The study proposes a mechanism for the summer peak of GEM, driven by sea ice changes and organic compounds.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that global PM2.5 exposure decreased significantly from 2011 to 2019, largely due to China's air quality management efforts. The study used satellite-derived data and a new regional decomposition approach to quantify local and regional contributions to global PM2.5 pollution.
The State of the Climate report confirms record highs in greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea levels, and ocean heat content. Scientists from over 60 countries contributed to the annual review, providing a comprehensive update on Earth's climate indicators and notable weather events.
A new review explores the effects of air pollution and climate change on children's developmental health, leading to human capital losses. The study highlights three dimensions: health, cognitive ability, and socio-emotional ability, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of these impacts.
The American Meteorological Society recognizes Benjamin Santer for his work on climate change detection and attribution. William Kustas receives the Hydrologic Sciences Medal for foundational advances in evapotranspiration measurement and theory. Lixin Wu is awarded the Henry Stommel Research Medal for studies of multi-scale ocean circ...
Researchers discovered that blending crushed rock with arable soil could help reduce global temperatures. The process, known as enhanced chemical weathering, works by releasing calcium and magnesium from rocks, which bind atmospheric carbon dioxide and prevent its release back into the atmosphere.
A new study reveals that domestic firelighters emit more black carbon than all biomass fuels combined, posing a significant threat to air quality and climate change. The research found that even small quantities of firelighter use can have devastating effects on human health and the environment.
A new study reveals that the Pacific Walker Circulation has changed its behavior over the industrial era, with volcanic eruptions causing temporary weakening of the circulation. This could lead to more frequent multi-year La Niña or El Niño events, exacerbating climate-related risks.
A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.
Researchers linked chemical changes in seawater to volcanic activity and climate change, with a 7-fold decrease in lithium concentration over the past 150 million years. This shift is attributed to reduced seafloor hydrothermal activity, influenced by tectonic plate movements.
The Brazilian coast, particularly in South and Southeast regions, is experiencing increasingly extreme surface air temperatures and more frequent swings from heat to cold. Biodiversity and public health are affected, with rising mortality rates among animals and humans.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that oxidized organic molecules from Amazon rainforests contribute to the formation of aerosol particles in the tropical free troposphere. These molecules, primarily composed of isoprene, can nucleate or condense on nanoparticles, impacting cloud formation and global climate.
Researchers have found a surprising correlation between global seismic activity and changes in cosmic radiation intensity, potentially aiding in earthquake prediction. The periodicity of this phenomenon has been identified as every 10-11 years, but its exact cause remains unknown.
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized planet, LP 791-18d, with active volcanoes that could sustain an atmosphere, potentially allowing for liquid water and life. The planet's unique tidal locking creates a permanent day and night side, with the night side possibly experiencing condensation of water vapor.
Researchers developed a new hydrogel material with a Janus structure, combining ultra-lightweight and super-hydrophobic properties for efficient solar desalination. The material exhibits enhanced salt resistance and high mechanical strength.
A research team from Université Laval and Université Clermont Auvergne has shown that clouds harbor antibiotic resistance genes of bacterial origin. The concentrations vary widely, ranging from 330 to over 30,000 bacteria per milliliter of cloud water.
A new study suggests that wildfires can actually increase species richness and biodiversity among birds and mammals in ecosystems where fire is a natural occurrence. The research found that the negative effects of fire on plant productivity are outweighed by its positive effects on animal diversity.
A record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest in June 2021 was attributed to a strong high-pressure ridge, which intensified when an atmospheric river moved into Alaska, releasing massive amounts of moisture. The air was exceptionally hot when brought down to the surface due to its temperature aloft.
A new MIT study reveals that smoke particles from Australian wildfires can trigger chemical reactions that erode the protective ozone layer. The research found a 3-5% depletion of total ozone at mid-latitudes and widened the Antarctic ozone hole by 10% in 2020.
Researchers from Pusan National University studied compound extreme weather events in northern East Asia and found that a lack of soil moisture led to increased evaporative stress, amplifying heatwaves and triggering compound droughts and heatwaves. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for societal safety.
A new study reveals that boreal fires contributed 23% of global fire carbon dioxide emissions in 2021, surpassing previous records. The research suggests a link between extensive boreal fires and climate drivers, such as temperature increases and heatwaves.