Add BrightSurf on Google Email

AMS Science Preview: Hawaiian climates; chronic pain; lightning-caused wildfires

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.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateApr 26, 2024

Substantial global cost of climate inaction

A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a significant global GDP loss of up to 10% if the planet warms by +3ºC, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2024

Study shows how plants influence Europe’s climate

A study by MLU found that ecosystems with diverse plant mixes can regulate up to 5% of regional climate, while plant traits like leaf thickness affect climate. The research highlights the complex relationship between plants and climate, emphasizing the need for biodiversity in nature conservation.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 15, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

UK's summer 2022 drought provides warning for future years

The UK's 2022 drought, the worst since 1976, emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures due to its rapid onset and extensive impacts on water resources, wildlife, and people. Improved monitoring and forecasting systems can help prevent similar extreme weather events in the future.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalWeather·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 28, 2024

How extratropical ocean-atmosphere interactions can contribute to the variability of jet streams in the Northern Hemisphere

Researchers from Kyushu University found that ocean-atmosphere coupling enhances teleconnection patterns, leading to more meandering jet streams and extreme weather events. The study highlights the significance of extratropical ocean-atmosphere interactions in climate variability.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2024

AMS Science Preview: “Outdoor days,” lightning, air pollution

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.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMar 21, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Global warming has a bigger effect on compact, fast-moving typhoons

Researchers found that compact, faster-moving storms are more susceptible to global warming's effects, while larger, slower-moving typhoons are more resilient. This discovery could lead to improved methods for projecting typhoon strength under warming conditions.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 24, 2024

AMS 2024 Annual Meeting highlights climate challenges and solutions

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.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·DateJan 18, 2024

Co-amplification in tropical and extratropical atmospheric fluctuations caused heavy rainfall over Japan in August 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateJan 17, 2024

Orbitally-induced strong monsoons facilitated early human dispersal to East Asia

Researchers found that the Asian summer monsoon's strengthening played a key role in Homo sapiens' dispersal from Africa to East Asia during the last interglacial period. The study integrated paleoanthropological data with high-resolution reconstructions of the monsoon, suggesting a link between climate change and human migration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Climate change behind sharp drop in snowpack since 1980s

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New methods for improving water management to develop sustainable cities

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalWater Resources Management·TypeCase study·DateDec 1, 2023

Consensus needed on when global warming reaches 1.5°C

Researchers propose a new approach to measure global warming, combining the last ten years of temperature observations with projections for the next decade. The current level of global warming is around 1.26°C, with an uncertainty range of 1.13°C to 1.43°C.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

How a climate model can illustrate and explain ice-age climate variability

Researchers used a well-tested climate model to depict changes in natural climate variability during the last peak glacial period. The study found that internal mechanisms, such as variations in salinity and temperature, drove the multi-centennial climate variability, resulting in fluctuations in sea ice extent and Greenland temperatures.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2023

Study links changes in global water cycle to higher temperatures

Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 2, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

El Niño's chang­ing pat­terns: Human influ­ence on nat­u­ral vari­abil­ity

Two new studies suggest that human-induced climate change is now a dominant factor in shaping El Niño patterns. The research reveals that the 'Walker switch' mechanism, triggered by changes in solar radiation, instigates swift adjustments in sea-surface temperatures, influencing climate patterns globally.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Long-lasting La Niña events more common over past century

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.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

Laser-based ice-core sampling for studying climate change

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateSep 19, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

El Niño and La Niña multi-year events could become more common

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2023

Study: Atmospheric circulation weakens following volcanic eruptions

A new study reveals that volcanic eruptions can temporarily weaken the Pacific Walker Circulation, a major driver of global precipitation. The recent strengthening of this circulation suggests that aerosols from human activity may have an opposite effect on its behavior.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Insolation affected ice age climate dynamics

A recent study by German and Austrian researchers used stalagmites to document the impact of summer insolation on ice age climate dynamics. The findings suggest that warm phases appeared primarily during peak Northern Hemisphere summer insolation, with model simulations confirming these results.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJul 31, 2023

Order in chaos: Atmosphere’s Antarctic oscillation has natural cycle

Scientists at Rice University found a natural 150-day cycle in the north-south oscillation of atmospheric pressure patterns, influencing hemispheric-scale precipitation and ocean surface wind stress. This discovery challenges conventional wisdom about atmospheric organization and has implications for climate modeling.

SourceRice University·JournalAGU Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2023

In years after El Niño, global economy loses trillions

A recent study by Dartmouth researchers finds that global economic losses from El Niño can persist for several years after the event, with a significant impact on the world's poorest nations. The study projects total losses of $84 trillion for the 21st century, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2023

Massive iceberg discharges during the last ice age had no impact on nearby Greenland, raising new questions about climate dynamics

A new study from Oregon State University found that massive iceberg discharges during the last ice age triggered rapid warming in Antarctica but had no effect on temperatures in Greenland. This discovery challenges current understanding of global climate dynamics and raises more questions than answers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

PSU study: Everything was stronger in that deadly June 2021 PNW heatwave

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.

SourcePortland State University·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2023

Sea level rise poses particular risk for Asian megacities

A new study highlights Asian megacities like Chennai, Kolkata, Yangon, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila as facing significant risks from sea level rise by 2100. The research incorporates natural sea level fluctuations to show how climate change amplifies this effect, leading to more frequent extreme flooding events.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2023

Researchers propose a more effective method to predict floods

A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

New method helps understand the global organic carbon cycle

Researchers developed a new approach to determine the rate of organic carbon burial in marine sediments, using data from deep-sea drilling sites. This method provides more accurate results than traditional isotope calculations, revealing higher rates of carbon sequestration during warm periods and lower rates during cooling intervals.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study analyzes how fact-checkers from four different countries assess climate change claims

The study found that fact-checkers in the US primarily assessed existence claims, while Australians focused on solutions. Effective fact-checking presentations included visual information, concise summaries, and clear verdicts. Researchers hope to expand their research to cover the role of fact-checking in COVID-19 and other topics.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournalism and Mass Communication·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 12, 2022

Dust transport in the upper levels of the atmosphere

A new study by researchers from the University of Oldenburg found that particles from central South America were the primary source of iron in the South Pacific during the last two glacial periods. The team's theory suggests that jet stream circulation picked up fine mineral particles on the east side of the Andes and transported them ...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Sea level rise to dramatically speed up erosion of rock coastlines by 2100

A new study models likely future cliff retreat rates of two rock coasts in the UK, finding that rock coasts are likely to retreat at a rate not seen for 3,000-5,000 years. The researchers predict that rock coast cliffs will retreat by at least 10-22 meters inland due to accelerating sea level rise.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study suggests La Niña winters could keep on coming

A new study suggests that climate change is favoring La Niña events in the Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that temperature patterns at the ocean's surface have changed, with the Pacific off South America cooling and the western Pacific warming more than elsewhere. This has led to a strengthened temperature difference between the ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2022

Record of Antarctic ice sheet response to climate cycles found in rock samples

Researchers found a remarkable record of how the East Antarctic Ice Sheet responded to changes in climate over 100,000 years, with cycles of melting and freezing driven by Southern Ocean temperatures. The study provides new insights into the sensitivity of the ice sheet to small, short-term climate fluctuations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2022

Tropical insects are extremely sensitive to changing climates

A recent study in Peru revealed a 50% decline in arthropod biomass following short periods of drought and increased precipitation. Tropical insects are sensitive to both extreme weather events, with rainfall patterns being a key factor in their decline.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 14, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Turning over a new leaf: Local mountain climate is affected by leaf area ratio

A Japanese research group discovered that the leaf area index of mixed-forests influences seasonal changes in the formation of a nocturnal cold-air pool at a small mountain basin. The study found that weakening of the nighttime temperature inversion occurred during leaf expansion, while strengthening occurred after leaf fall.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the Meteorological Society of Japan Ser II·DateSep 5, 2022

Exposure to past temperature variability may help forests cope with climate change

A new study found that regions with high past temperature variability tend to be less sensitive to current and future climate changes, offering hope for forests' ability to adapt. The research highlights the importance of considering legacy effects of past climate conditions in forest management and climate policy.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalEnvironmental Research Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Arctic temperatures are increasing four times faster than global warming

A new study reveals that Arctic temperatures have jumped by two steps in the last 50 years, with the second step occurring in 1999 and missed by most climate models. The findings are significant for projecting future climate change, as they highlight the need for more accurate short-term climate projections.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 5, 2022

NTU Singapore study reveals powerful links between methane and climate change

A recent NTU Singapore study finds that climate change is a stronger driver of increasing atmospheric methane than expected, leading to more heat being trapped in the atmosphere. The research suggests that nature could be producing more and consuming less methane than previously realized, contributing to higher methane emissions.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2022

The first set of large ensemble simulations with a global climate system model reveal the role of internal climate variability

The study uses a global climate system model to simulate large ensemble experiments, which capture internal variabilities' impact on surface air temperature and land precipitation. The research helps improve understanding of forced climate changes and provides guidance for policymakers.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 7, 2022

World’s ocean is losing its memory under global warming

The world's ocean is losing its year-to-year memory due to global warming, making it harder to predict ocean conditions. This decline in ocean memory will have significant impacts on fisheries management, population estimates, and land-based weather forecasts.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 6, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Ancient El Niños reveal limits to future climate projections

A study analyzing 9,000 years of Earth's history found that strong El Niño events intensified over time but with a small change due to global warming. Researchers used ancient coral data and powerful supercomputers to conduct their research, calling for further investigations into earlier climate periods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2022

Two extremes at the same time

Researchers used a novel model ensemble to study compound hot-dry-events and found that precipitation trends determine their future occurrence. The frequency of these events is expected to increase fourfold in a two-degree warmer climate, with an uncertainty of up to 48% for precipitation trends.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2022

Life in the freezer

A new study provides evidence of growth limitations in Antarctic fish, which have adapted to survive in freezing temperatures. Despite similar ecological conditions, these fish consume less food and grow at half the rate of temperate water cousins when held at the same temperature.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The jet stream that brought in Storm Eunice is moving northwards

A new study reveals a significant shift in the Northern Hemisphere jet stream position, increasing by up to 330 km and speed by 8% during 1871-2011. This shift is linked to warming Arctic winters and decreased temperature gradients, with implications for climate predictions and storm activity.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalClimate Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

Tall trees in the Amazon can suffer from warmer temperatures

A new study found that Amazonian forests are impacted by high maximum temperatures, causing tall trees to shed their leaves and branches. The study, led by the University of Helsinki, used LiDAR to track the effects of fragmentation and climate change on plant phenology.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateFeb 17, 2022

Supernovae and life on Earth appears closely connected

A recent study by Dr. Henrik Svensmark and colleagues reveals a close connection between supernovae occurrence and the burial of organic matter in sediments on Earth. The correlation indicates that supernovae are essential for life's existence, with high nutrient concentrations leading to increased bioproductivity and oxygen production.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Earth’s orbit affects millennial climate variability

Scientists discovered a persistent link between Earth's orbit and millennial-scale climate variability. The study analyzed four climate-sensitive records, finding that orbital variations influenced abrupt climate events through the Pleistocene. This discovery highlights the complex interactions between orbital geometry and global glaci...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 1, 2021

Increased frequency of heavy rainstorms and flood disasters in the Three Gorges Region during summer 2020

The Three Gorges Region experienced its second-highest average precipitation on record, with heavy rainstorms and floods dominating the summer of 2020. The region's ecological environment improved, with a significant weakening trend in acid rain over the past decade.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 9, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Increase in extreme precipitation in the northeast caused by Atlantic variability and climate change

A recent study found that greenhouse gases from human activity and warmer North Atlantic Ocean temperatures contributed to the Northeast's increased extreme precipitation since 1996. The research used global climate model simulations and statistical methods to isolate the causes of the increase.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2021