Research on measuring and modeling the climate. Covers climate extremes, carbon sequestration, monitoring methods, and urban heat exposure.
A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.
Researchers used statistical methods to investigate the extent of climate support for the Eurasian forest-steppe zone's delineation. The study found that macroclimate explains a significant portion of the zone's distribution, with some regions showing strong agreement and others requiring further refinement.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.
Researchers analyzed 50 years of Bordeaux wine critic scores with weather data to show that warmer temperatures, higher rainfall, and earlier seasons yield better vintages. Climate change is predicted to increase these conditions, potentially improving wine quality, but water scarcity poses a risk.
The Cerrado, Brazil's second-largest biome, is experiencing record levels of native vegetation destruction due to agricultural expansion. Scientists warn that the loss of vegetation contributes to extreme weather events, threatens crop yields, and endangers food security policies.
New study uses flume-tank experiments to observe changes in sediment deposits and current velocities, revealing insights into past ocean currents. The findings have huge application potential for understanding climate, pollution transport, and benthic ecology.
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.
Research reveals human occupation in Charco Verde II site from 21,000 to 15,000 years ago, defying the idea that Upper Palaeolithic humans avoided inland Iberia due to its cold climate.
Researchers at Cornell University have characterized volcanic ash samples from 40 explosive eruptions to provide a comprehensive dataset. The study found that the composition of volcanic ash varies significantly with grain size, tectonic setting, and chemistry, particularly in finer particles where salts increase and glass and iron oxi...
Researchers developed a scalable framework to quantify field-level agricultural carbon outcomes, integrating sensing techniques and advanced ecosystem models. The study provides a reliable method for measuring individual farm field-level greenhouse gas emissions and offers insights into the impact of farming practices on climate change.
A new study published in PLOS Climate suggests that implementing meat taxes and livestock emissions regulations could be a feasible solution to reduce agricultural emissions. The authors argue that such policies could build support for climate action, making them an attractive option for policymakers.
Researchers developed a precise historical reconstruction of the Red Sea circulation using fine-grained regional data. The new analysis reveals new characteristics of current circulation, temperature, salinity, and oceanic behavior, improving decision-making for megadevelopments like those in Saudi Arabia.
Scientists point to non-CO2 emissions, carbon dioxide removal, and halting deforestation as key strategies to slow global warming. Current pledges fall short of the 1.5-degree goal, but adjustments in climate pledges can bring it within reach.
A new study reveals that weather conditions are a significant driver of global insect decline. Researchers found that unfavourable weather anomalies can lead to reduced insect survival probabilities, particularly in combination with other extreme weather events.
Research finds soil heat extremes are underestimated and intensifying climate change effects, with a stronger trend in the soil than in the air. Soil moisture plays a crucial role in these extreme temperatures, particularly in forests where trees can reduce evaporation losses.
A PSU study examines how atmospheric patterns influencing the weather won't necessarily become stronger or more frequent by the end of the century. Instead, warmer temperatures will lead to an increase in rainfall over the Pacific Northwest in most seasons except summer.
The UK Met Office Hadley Centre introduces a new globally gridded monitoring product, HadISDH.extremes, which provides valuable insights into temperature extremes and their humidity characteristics. The dataset covers the period from January 1973 to December 2022 and features wet and dry bulb extremes indices.
Scientists have discovered a new technique to analyze stalagmites for insights into seasonal rainfall patterns in Southeast Asia over thousands of years. The study reveals potential to refine climate models' predictions on winter monsoon rainfall, which can inform policies to mitigate intense rainfall impacts.
A new laser-based sampling system allows for higher depth resolution, enabling scientists to reconstruct continuous annual temperature changes thousands of years ago. The LMS system overcomes previous limitations in sampling ice cores, preserving critical oxygen and hydrogen isotopes needed to infer past temperatures.
The China Global Merged Surface Temperature dataset 2.0 reveals 2023 is likely the hottest year on record due to unprecedented monthly highs and El Niño's impact. The dataset, developed by Professor Qingxiang Li's team, provides a comprehensive global surface temperature benchmark.
Researchers found that ponds sequester 65-87% of the total carbon burial rate in lakes, but are net emitters due to methane release. Managing nutrient levels and using underwater circulators can help reduce methane emissions.
Weather data from US Navy ships bombed at Pearl Harbor has been recovered, providing a dataset of over 630,000 records that can help scientists understand global climate changes. The new analysis aims to correct uncertainty surrounding World War II's temperature records and fill gaps in existing datasets.
A growing body of researchers question the feasibility of green growth, preferring post-growth theories that prioritize sustainability and social justice. Climate policy experts from high-income countries are most skeptical of green growth, while those from non-OECD nations support it.
Researchers use ocean acidification stripes to visualize ocean acidification trends worldwide. Studies confirm global decrease in pH and aragonite saturation due to human-made CO2 emissions, posing critical threat to marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that fall snow levels are a good predictor of total snowpack in some western states, particularly in northern regions like Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. This prediction works due to cooler air temperatures and weather patterns that help retain snow on the ground, adding to the total snowpack.
A global network of radiation sensors measured incoming sunlight at 60 locations in Oklahoma, providing important climate data for efficient use of weather satellites and photovoltaic systems. The campaign complements previous data sets and aims to improve short-term forecasts of sunlight for renewable energy.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that blowing snow produces fine sea salt aerosols, increasing particle concentration and cloud formation in the central Arctic. These aerosols contribute to Arctic warming by trapping surface long-wave radiation, boosting temperatures.
A new study finds that warming temperatures may triple groundwater depletion rates in India under a business-as-usual scenario, with approximately 60% of the country's irrigated agriculture depending on the threatened groundwater. The study calls for policies to conserve groundwater and reduce energy subsidies.
A new study published in the Journal of Glaciology suggests that prior attempts to evaluate the mass of Antarctic ice shelves may have overestimated their thickness. The researchers found that on average, the Antarctic ice shelves are nearly 6% thinner than previously assumed, a difference of about 17 meters.
A new study published in Nature warns that coastal wetlands and coral reef islands are unlikely to survive at current rates of sea-level rise exceeding 7 millimeters per year. The study suggests that global warming must be limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius for these ecosystems to have a chance.
Research from Leipzig University shows that reductions in aerosol pollution can cause a delayed warming effect on the climate. The findings suggest that this warming may occur 20-30 years after improvements in air quality are made, particularly in heavily polluted regions.
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.
Research found seven regional hotspots where sudden shifts from drought to heavy rains are becoming more common due to climate change. The study's discovery of land-based feedback loops can help improve predictive climate models and aid communities in preparing for extreme weather conditions.
Research reveals that Dansgaard-Oeschger events triggered drastic global changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation, impacting tropical monsoon domains severely. The study's findings support improved models to represent abrupt climate changes, shedding light on the potential impacts of future human-made global warming scenarios.
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.
Scientists have analyzed satellite data to better understand the pre-monsoon season's microphysical features, including larger rain droplets and more heavy ice precipitation on land. Their findings could improve weather prediction and mitigate damage from adverse climate events.
Research reveals that heatwaves like the 2003 European heatwave could become the new norm, with increased mortality risks, especially for the elderly and poor. Ideal temperature ranges vary by location, and climate models predict a significant increase in heat-related deaths in coming years.
A new study by the University of Illinois and USDA-Agricultural Research Service has identified the key factors influencing sweet corn yield. The analysis found that seed source is a significant variable, with processors having a choice over which hybrids to use, and high nighttime temperatures also impact yield.
A review of 82 studies found human activities influencing insect habitats, leading to declines in Central and Western Europe. Agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change are identified as primary drivers of observed changes in insect populations.
A new study reveals massive urban expansions throughout the contiguous US, particularly on the Atlantic Coast, have led to significant tidal flat erosion. The research highlights the critical impact of human activities on tidal flat environments, providing important implications for coastal land use and planning.
Researchers develop a new model predicting up to twice the original amount of subglacial water may be draining into the ocean, accelerating glacial melt and sea level rise. The theory uses satellite measurements and is a simple equation that can predict exfiltration in a fraction of a second on a laptop.
Biased AI can limit climate predictions and misguide governments due to missing information from under-represented communities. Human-in-the-loop design can fill these 'data holes' by offering a sense check on used data and context.
Researchers used radiocarbon dating and time-series modeling to study the timing and causes of megafauna extinctions at Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. The team found that a sharp decline in population occurred between 13,070 to 12,900 years ago, coinciding with warming and drying climate change and increased fires sparked by humans.
A new study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that the wealthiest 10% of Americans are responsible for 40% of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that policymakers adopt taxes focused on shareholders and the carbon intensity of investment incomes to equitably meet climate goals.
A new study led by Brown University researchers provides unprecedented insights into the forces influencing Arctic sea ice motion. The analysis reveals how local tidal currents affect sea ice movement and highlights the crucial role of the seafloor in causing abrupt changes.
Scientists discovered that climate shifts during the last 400,000 years influenced the frequency of Neanderthal-Denisovan interbreeding. The researchers found that temperature changes triggered habitat overlaps, leading to increased contact between the two species.
Researchers in East Europe have recalculated the carbon sinks in the region, finding that they stored most of Europe's carbon between 2010 and 2019. However, data shows a decline in carbon absorption over time, with timber extraction having the biggest influence on the land-based carbon sink.
A new study found that a massive North Atlantic cooling event led to the disruption of early human occupation in Europe, with climate stress changing the course of early human history. The study used observational and modeling evidence to document the unprecedented climate anomaly.
Research reveals US municipal bonds are priced higher for communities with larger Black populations, despite lack of correlation with climate risk. This association adds up to an estimated $900 million cost penalty per year across all Black Americans.
A new study suggests that controlling air pollution could reduce antibiotic resistance, which is responsible for 480,000 premature deaths annually. The analysis indicates a significant link between PM2.5 levels and antibiotic resistance globally.
The study found that environmental conditions and the state of the ocean can lead to enhanced risk for ocean temperature extremes. Upwelling patterns on a short-term basis also initiate some of these marine heatwaves and cold spells.
A new research method has determined the health impacts of heat and air quality, finding that even moderate temperature increases can lead to increased hospital visits and death for vulnerable populations. The study aims to help municipalities make informed decisions about climate mitigation and adaptation measures.
Researchers found no directional change in Arctic spring timing over the past 25 years, instead observing extreme year-to-year variation due to climate variability. This shift is attributed to fluctuating temperatures and snow cover, pushing species to their limits.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen predict the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will collapse between 2025 and 2095, with major consequences for Earth's climate. The study contradicts the latest IPCC report and highlights the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in Scientific Reports has investigated the impact of long-term changes in ocean wave and storm surge conditions on sandy coastlines over the past 30 years. The research found no clear linkages between these changes and shoreline recession, with sediment supply, human management, and other factors likely playing a ...
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 new study suggests capping the energy use of the top 20% of consumers could reduce carbon emissions by 11.4%. The strategy would allow those with lower incomes to increase their consumption levels, promoting fairness and delivering climate justice.
A mathematical approach using statistical methods can estimate when whales like narwhals and bowhead whales will return to their natural behaviour after being tagged. This method allows researchers to avoid discarding too much or too little data, reducing the risk of interfering with research results or animal welfare.
A study of maize hybrid varieties over 81 years found that while maize's tolerance to moderate heat stress has improved, its tolerance to severe heat stress has decreased. This shift in tolerance could have significant implications for climate change's impact on agriculture.
A Stanford-led study found ways for frontline communities to gather data and improve outcomes through surveys, air quality monitoring, and interventions. The research highlights the importance of community-led science and structural systems in creating climate hazard exposure.