Research on measuring and modeling the climate. Covers climate extremes, carbon sequestration, monitoring methods, and urban heat exposure.
A new framework outlines how to measure key characteristics of animals and plants to inform policymakers' decisions. The study aims to provide data-driven insights into species' responses to climate change, habitat loss, and other human impacts.
Research finds that climate models and observational data match up well in predicting the widening of the tropics. The expansion may continue over the next several decades, with varying rates from year to year and location to location. The study's findings have added confidence to predictions based on current climate models.
The Exploratorium has launched its new Global Climate Change Explorer website, offering a platform for the public to engage with climate data and scientific research. The site features five areas of exploration, including Atmosphere, Oceans and Water, Ice, Land and Living Systems, and Looking Ahead.
A new map of daily light integrals has been created by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, providing guidance for greenhouse managers on local light regimes and supplemental lighting requirements. The updated maps use recent solar radiation data from 1998 to 2012, offering higher resolution and more precise data.
The new California Climate Tracker tool provides more than 120 years of historical climate data, allowing users to analyze trends and patterns in temperature and precipitation. The updated version incorporates a user-friendly web interface, improved accuracy using PRISM data, and access to archived maps and data dating back to 1895.
Researchers analyzed precipitation and temperature records with NDVI data from 1982-2011 to find a shift in the climate factors controlling vegetation dynamics on the central and southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The study suggests that global warming may be contributing to this change, potentially impacting regional ecosystems.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers provides an integrated framework to identify neighborhoods that would benefit most from green roofs, aiming to reduce temperatures and alleviate heat-related climate impacts. The study found that green roofs can help populations most vulnerable to heat exposure.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that exposure to anonymous, bipartisan social networks can lead liberals and conservatives to improve their forecasting of global-climate trends. In the study, 88% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats correctly analyzed climate data after interacting in social media networks.
A study of 2,400 participants found that exposure to opposing political views in social networks can improve accuracy and eliminate partisan bias in climate data interpretation. However, displaying political symbols hindered this learning process.
A study led by Duke University estimates total population sizes and geographic ranges for 19 lemur species across Madagascar using trees as a proxy. The findings suggest that not all lemurs are endangered, with some species having healthy populations remaining, while others face significant declines due to habitat loss and hunting.
The National Science Foundation awards $9 million for nine new research projects using ecological data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to address long-standing questions about climate, land use and invasive species. MacroSystems Biology projects explore ecological interactions across spatial and temporal scales.
Researchers used data from robotic floats to find that open water near Antarctica releases more carbon dioxide than thought, contradicting previous studies. The study aims to improve our understanding of the Southern Ocean's role in regulating the global climate.
A new study reveals that the Terminal Classic Period drought led to significant reductions in rainfall and relative humidity in the Maya Lowlands. The research found annual rainfall decreased by nearly 50% on average, with up to 70% during peak drought conditions.
A study by ISGlobal reveals a decline in heat-related mortality in Spain, contrary to expectations of increased deaths due to rising summer temperatures. The Spanish population has adapted to the change, reducing its vulnerability to high temperatures through various socioeconomic factors.
Archaeologists used a new image-based analysis technique to identify previously hidden mounds in Beaufort County, SC. This method uses LiDAR and Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) to detect features of interest, improving knowledge of settlement patterns and past landscapes.
Researchers found that wave energy converters did not take full advantage of available energy, especially during extreme events, and their design needs to be adapted to handle increasing ocean activity. The study suggests a 40% increase in marine energy over the last century, with the largest increase occurring in the last 20 years.
Researchers used satellite-based measurements to track changes in groundwater levels and storage capacity in the Central Valley aquifer system, revealing permanent loss of water storage capacity. The study provides new tools for water resource managers to monitor aquifers and mitigate the effects of drought.
Researchers at Virginia Tech used ecological forecasting to predict future growth rates of loblolly pine trees, showing a potential 30% increase in productivity by the middle of the century. The study focused on planted loblolly pine plantations in the Southeastern United States and highlighted uncertainties depending on specific regions.
A team of researchers re-examined 30 locations with reported accelerated erosion after glacial-interglacial cycles and found that nearly all proposed links to global climate could not be confirmed. Climate-induced accelerations were recorded only in three cases, driven by localized glacial-valley incision.
Researchers from CIRES and NOAA are utilizing drones and tethered balloons to collect weather data in the Arctic, filling critical gaps in atmospheric measurements. These unmanned technologies provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's lower atmosphere, enabling more accurate weather and climate forecasts.
The ECOSTRESS mission uses satellite data from NASA to track temperature changes in various biomes. The on-the-ground data collected by the University of Queensland will be used to validate the accuracy of the satellite data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of water stress and crop growth.
A new study using satellite data found that global rivers and streams cover about 773,000 km2 of the non-glaciated land surface, a 44% increase over previous estimates. The increased coverage suggests large-scale impacts of human modification on river networks in developed regions.
Researchers from the University of South Florida have published a seven-year study on the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. The study found that fish populations have recovered significantly since the disaster, with some species like the red snapper and southern hake showing notable declines.
Researchers found temperatures as low as -98 degrees Celsius in small valleys near the top of Antarctica's ice sheet, driven by persistent clear skies and extremely dry air. The study challenges current understanding of Earth's surface temperatures, suggesting a limit to how cold it can get.
A rapid rebound of Antarctic crust may help stabilize the West Antarctic Ice Sheet against catastrophic collapse. The Amundsen Sea Embayment is experiencing an uplift rate of 41 millimeters annually, which could delay collapse events under strong climate forcing.
A new study found that China's sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants decreased by 13.9% after implementing a law requiring significant reductions, but compliance varied widely among regions. The research used satellite data and on-the-ground emissions monitoring systems to pinpoint discrepancies and suggest policy lessons.
A new study presents a strategy for FY-3 microwave humidity sounders and radiation imager assimilation in the Met Office NWP model, significantly improving forecast error reduction. Operational monitoring allows rapid detection of data anomalies, which are fed back to China Meteorological Administration for investigation and remedy.
The ACRE China project recovers instrumental weather observations for the East Asian region, enhancing global weather and climate knowledge. The collaboration enables the creation of a spatially and temporally-complete data base of historical weather patterns and fluctuations.
Researchers at UNH used satellite data to analyze photosynthesis across eight major ecosystem types, finding a universal relationship between the energy glow and carbon uptake. This method could provide more accurate data for scientists modeling climate change.
Researchers developed a statistical approach combining astronomical theory and rock formation data to estimate Earth's axial precession rate and distance from the Moon. The study also reconstructed periods of astronomically influenced climate cycles, providing insights into ancient Solar System behavior.
Researchers have created a modeling framework that takes a zoonotic perspective on Ebola, predicting the next outbreak by tracking bat migration patterns and environmental factors. The study suggests that environmental conditions play a key role in the spread of the Ebola virus among bats.
Scientists combined NASA satellite observations with data on human activities to map freshwater changes globally. Freshwater is getting wetter in high latitudes and tropics while drying up in between regions, with some areas experiencing groundwater depletion.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia used satellite-tagged seals to collect data on water temperature and salinity in West Antarctica. The study found that warm, salty deep water is more common during winter months, suggesting increased ice sheet melting.
Researchers at Colorado State University found that measuring snow persistence can accurately map patterns of annual streamflow in dry regions. The study highlights the importance of broadening research beyond high-elevation snowpack to account for changes in lower-elevation snowpack that affect streamflow.
A new study by HKU researchers found that land-use changes significantly influence species distribution shifts in response to climate change. In cooler regions, forest loss slows down species migration, while deforestation accelerates it in warmer areas.
The digitization of botanical collections data is revolutionizing the field of botany, making valuable information accessible for computational analysis. Methods and challenges for extracting data from specimens have been discussed, as well as applications for collections data once digitized.
The Macropis Cuckoo Bee, one of North America's rarest bees, has its known range greatly expanded after a new record was found in Alberta, Canada. Scientists have discussed the conservation status of this species and emphasized the importance of monitoring for populations to ensure its survival.
The Chinese observation satellite TanSat has produced its first global carbon dioxide maps, providing valuable data for future climate change research. The maps show a seasonal decrease in carbon dioxide concentration from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere and emission hotspots due to anthropogenic activity.
Researchers have found two new subglacial lakes in the Canadian Arctic, which are thought to be similar to potential habitats for microbial life on other moons in our solar system. The discovery could help scientists prepare for future missions, such as NASA's Europa Clipper mission.
Researchers created wind-wave maps of East China Sea using satellite altimeter data and atmospheric reanalysis. The study reveals wind-wave climate patterns, including the similarity among multiple data sources, but also highlights limitations in describing marginal-sea wind-waves.
Researchers used thousands of observations to find that sagebrush grows at cold sites after warm years but dies at hot sites. The study predicts that populations may decline in warmer areas but increase in colder areas.
A University of Oklahoma study analyzes 370,000 Landsat images to reveal divergent trends in US surface water bodies from 1984 to 2016. Climate was the primary driver behind decreasing trends in southwest and northwest states and increasing trends in southeast and northern Great Plains states.
A new brain stethoscope technology has been developed that translates brain electrical activity into sounds, allowing medical professionals to detect silent seizures. Medical students and nurses were found to be remarkably accurate in identifying seizures with this tool, outperforming their traditional diagnostic abilities.
The University of Cincinnati's new interactive map, ClimateEx, analyzes five decades of global weather data to demonstrate climate change and its diversity. Researchers can compare the climates of different places and predict areas prone to extreme weather phenomena.
A recent study by Penn State researchers has found that fluctuations in rainfall in Uganda are linked to an increased risk of infant hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluids in the brain cavities. The research used satellite data and climate models to identify vulnerable areas for epidemic diseases, paving the way for preventive measures.
Researchers developed new, open-source algorithms to automatically detect bat echolocation calls in noisy audio recordings using deep learning approach. The algorithms were trained on thousands of annotated audio datasets collected by citizen scientists, enabling reliable detection of bat calls in real-world recordings.
A multidisciplinary research team will analyze data from over 17,000 children in Milwaukee and Racine counties to understand the impact of lead poisoning, air pollution, and exposure to violent crime on their health. The study aims to develop new exposure models that reflect a child's chemical, social, and physical environments.
A new study led by Colorado State University found less irreversible damage from livestock in Mongolia's rangelands, with most areas only slightly or moderately degraded. However, key areas may be reaching a tipping point of irreversible damage due to persistently high levels of forage use.
The new guidelines aim to standardize data capture in high altitude research, enabling researchers to replicate studies and compare findings. The guidelines provide a structured approach for collecting data on factors such as local conditions, study participants' characteristics, and medical history.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki's BioGeoClimate Modelling Lab have developed a new model to predict soil moisture using airborne laser scanning data. The study reveals that fine-scale topography is essential for modeling water distribution, providing valuable insights into climate change impact and biodiversity assessments.
Researchers from Utah State University and the University of Sheffield explore evolutionary predictability using data on cryptic body coloration in stick insects. They found that natural selection drives change, but environmental fluctuations and complex ecological processes limit prediction.
A team of geophysicists and atmospheric scientists has discovered a new way to identify the movement and intensity of hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical cyclones using seismometers. By analyzing 13 years of data from the northwest Pacific Ocean, they found statistically significant correlations between seismic data and storms.
The Southeast US has experienced colder winters despite global warming, according to a Dartmouth-led study. The polar vortex allows arctic air to plunge into the region, resulting in persistently cooler temperatures. This phenomenon, known as the U.S. warming hole, is linked to natural climate cycles and potentially to climate change.
A new study based on 25 years of NASA and European satellite data reveals that global sea level rise is accelerating, driven mainly by increased melting in Greenland and Antarctica. The rate of ocean rise could double the projected sea level rise by 2100 if current trends continue.
A research team detected an acceleration in global sea level rise over the last 25 years, with a potential doubling of total sea level rise by 2100. The rate is increasing by about 0.08 mm/year every year, driven mainly by accelerated melting in Greenland and Antarctica.
Researchers have detected a significant acceleration in sea level rise since 1993, with ocean waters moving up the shore by almost 1 millimeter per decade. This acceleration means that the next generation will experience a far different landscape due to rising sea levels, posing significant concerns for vulnerable areas like Tampa Bay.
Researchers at Utah State University developed a method using aerial imagery to estimate river discharge, filling data gaps in smaller rivers and streams. The approach combines image processing techniques and hydraulic modeling for accurate flow estimates.
The GOLD mission provides unprecedented measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere, tracking day-to-day changes in temperature and composition. By imaging ultraviolet light, GOLD will create a map of the hemisphere revealing how these forces impact our technological society.
IceCube, a bread loaf-sized satellite, has produced the world's first map of global atmospheric ice distribution in the 883-Gigahertz band. This achievement demonstrates submillimeter wavelength observations from space and provides critical data on cloud ice properties.
Climate change is affecting the size of organisms, including British Columbia beetles. Larger beetle species have shrunk by up to 20% in the last 45 years due to warmer temperatures.