Research on clouds and the atmosphere. Covers Southern Ocean clouds, ocean-derived aerosols, sea-ice cloud formation, and dust after impacts.
A NASA infrared satellite captured a powerful storm system over northwestern Georgia, revealing very strong thunderstorms with icy cold cloud tops. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument measured cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit/-52 Celsius, indicating the potential for intense rainfall and damage.
Typhoon Songda has weakened due to adverse wind conditions, but still poses a threat to Taiwan and Japan. The storm's cloud tops are warming, indicating weakening convection and thunderstorms.
Researchers have discovered a high concentration of bacteria in the center of hailstones, indicating that airborne microorganisms may play a role in weather events. The study suggests that biological particles, such as bacteria, can act as ice nuclei, catalyzing ice formation at temperatures near -2 degrees Celsius.
Typhoon Songda has strengthened with a tighter low-level circulation center, indicating strong storms and heavy rainfall. The storm is now generating waves up to 26 feet high and tropical-storm force winds extend out to 105 miles from the center.
Researchers discovered key bacterial genes influencing sulfur gas flux from seawater, impacting cloud formation. This finding helps evaluate the impacts of climate change on cloud manipulation as a potential method to mitigate global warming.
Scientists use a field campaign to study convective clouds and their role in generating significant rainfall. The Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) combines data from various sources to better understand precipitation physics and improve satellite algorithms.
A low pressure area over northern Illinois has created conditions for severe weather in the eastern third of the US. The GOES-13 Satellite captured an image of strong thunderstorms with a high risk area stretching from southern Arkansas to northeastern Texas.
Researchers found that clouds cool the earth's surface by several percent, but scattered light can warm it. The effect depends on the measured visible-spectrum wavelength and whether light is direct or scattered.
Tropical Depression Errol is weakening due to land-crossing and increasing wind shear, with cloud-top temperatures warming and indicating lower thunderstorm heights. NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared images showing the depression's reduced convection and expected dissipation in the Southern Indian Ocean.
Scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory are heading to Oklahoma to take atmospheric measurements and improve global climate models. The six-week study will provide the most complete characterization of convective cloud systems ever obtained, enabling more accurate representation of these processes in climate models.
Researchers use noctilucent clouds as a proxy for atmospheric temperatures, revealing changes in the mesosphere that can affect global weather systems. The clouds' annual formation is influenced by wind circulation patterns between hemispheres.
The GOES-13 satellite captured images of a powerful weather system that triggered severe weather in the southern US, resulting in 243 tornadoes across 13 states. The National Weather Service confirmed EF3 and EF2 tornadoes with wind speeds up to 160mph, causing widespread damage and power outages.
A new computer-generated forecast provides pilots with critical weather information on the likelihood of encountering in-flight icing conditions. The Forecast Icing Product with Severity (FIP-Severity) offers 12-hour forecasts that help users plan safe flight paths, reducing accidents and costs related to icing hazards.
Tropical Cyclone Bune formed from System 99P in the South Pacific Ocean, intensifying into a tropical storm with strong winds and high waves. NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared images showing the storm's strongest convection on its north side, indicating powerful thunderstorms.
The Cassini spacecraft has observed methane rain on Titan's equatorial deserts, revealing the first current evidence of rain soaking Titan's surface at low latitudes. This finding suggests that recent weather on Titan is similar to Earth's tropical regions.
The Aqua satellite provided near-infrared/visible, infrared, and microwave light views of Ireland on March 3, 2011, capturing mostly clear skies with temperatures near normal for the time of year. The images revealed a cold front approaching from the west and showed navigable rivers extending inland.
The NASA Aqua and TRMM satellites detected heavy rain and strong thunderstorms in Sub-tropical Storm Arani, with cloud top temperatures as cold as -63F. The storm's strongest thunderstorms reached heights of over 14 km above the surface, producing powerful rainfall.
System 96P is developing tropically near Vanuatu, with strong convection and tropical cyclone warnings issued by the government. Infrared satellite imagery shows increased deep convection over a low-level circulation center, but wind shear may weaken the storm.
Tropical Storm Bingiza continues to impact western Madagascar, with strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall reported over the region. The storm's cloud tops reached temperatures as low as -52 degrees Celsius, indicating strong convection and thunderstorms.
Tropical Cyclone Bingiza made landfall in northeastern Madagascar, with NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites capturing visible infrared satellite data of the storm's progression. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the region.
A study by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Hertie School of Governance explores the benefits and risks of cloud computing for public administration in Germany. Researchers are developing application scenarios for interoperable use of cloud-computing technologies, while also creating a Cloud Computing Test Laboratory to test security concepts.
Researchers have spotted Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities in exploding cloud material from the Sun, similar to those seen in Earth's clouds. These instabilities could help predict the Solar System's 'weather'.
Researchers using NASA's Cassini spacecraft have discovered thin, wispy clouds of ice particles similar to Earth's cirrus clouds on Titan's atmosphere. These clouds provide valuable insights into the workings of Titan's atmosphere and its one-way cycle that delivers hydrocarbons to the ground.
A multi-agency project investigates the effects of air pollution on California's precipitation, with research flights documenting cloud microphysics and aerosol impacts. The goal is to improve climate projections and planning for water and energy resources.
A massive winter storm hit the US, with some areas receiving record-breaking snowfall. The GOES-13 satellite data suggests that Punxsutawney Phil may not have seen his shadow, potentially altering the traditional Groundhog Day prediction.
NASA satellites reveal Cyclone Yasi's heaviest rainfall falling at a rate of about 2 inches per hour on the south and eastern sides, with frigid temperatures in its thunderstorms. The storm is expected to make landfall near Cairns in Queensland by Wednesday at a projected strength of 130 knots.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Tropical Storm 10S, showing very cold clouds and powerful thunderstorms over the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm quickly strengthened into a tropical storm and affects Western Australia's northern coast.
Tropical Storm Vince is expected to U-turn and take a westward track away from Western Australia due to high pressure. The storm's maximum sustained winds were down to 39 mph on January 14, with moderate vertical wind shear affecting its organization.
The TRMM satellite provided a 3-D image of Vania with thunderstorms reaching 15 kilometers high, while Aqua satellite infrared data showed strongest convection over open waters. Tropical Storm Vania is forecast to move south and brush New Caledonia before weakening due to wind shear and cooler sea temperatures.
A low-pressure system with signs of tropical development has been observed in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia, according to NASA's Aqua satellite. The system, known as System 94P, is expected to track towards Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, over the next couple of days.
Scientists developed an instrument that measures individual particle sizes and compositions, revealing a complex landscape of aerosol particles. The research improved computer models of the atmosphere by accounting for the varying effects of different chemistries on climate.
Scientists have discovered a new method to estimate volcanic plume properties by detecting lightning in ash clouds. This approach allows for remote monitoring of plume height and is detectable over thousands of kilometers away.
A team of atmospheric scientists will gather data from clouds at four different elevations on Mount Werner for five months. The data will help improve climate models by verifying the accuracy of measurements used in computer simulations.
A new study by Andrew Dessler at Texas A&M University found that cloud feedback will amplify global warming over the next century. The research uses measurements from NASA's Terra satellite and meteorological analyses to calculate energy trapped by clouds as climate varied over the last decade.
A Texas A&M University geoscientist is mapping the meaning of mid-level clouds using NASA satellite data. She aims to develop a common nomenclature for these understudied clouds, which play a crucial role in the climate-change equation. Her research has revolutionized atmospheric studies and will help create more accurate climate models.
Current global climate models predict varying levels of warming, with disagreement mainly stemming from different representations of clouds. Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa have assessed model performance in simulating clouds, presenting a new approach to determining expected cloud feedbacks in a warmer climate.
The GOES-13 satellite is monitoring a cold front approaching the remnants of Hurricane Tomas, which has lost its tropical characteristics and now resembles a nor'easter. The satellite imagery shows the cold front as a line of clouds east of the US East coast, with Tomas' remnants appearing as a tight swirl of clouds near Bermuda.
Tropical Cyclone Jal made landfall in east central India, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding. The storm's remnants are now moving into the northeastern Arabian Sea, prompting forecasts of possible regeneration.
Hurricane Tomas strengthened to hurricane status, affecting Hispaniola and eastern Cuba. The GOES-13 satellite provided a visible image of the storm's extensive cloud cover on Nov. 5.
Tropical Storm Tomas is intensifying due to strengthening convection and colder cloud tops detected by NASA's infrared satellite imagery. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and life-threatening flashfloods to several Caribbean islands.
Scientists have discovered a connection between the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation, with QBO signals exhibiting weaker amplitudes and faster cycles during El Niño conditions. Additionally, a new method separates pollution's effects on clouds from sea spray's influence, revealing distinct...
Tropical Storm Tomas has weakened into a tropical depression due to decreased convection and increased wind shear. Forecasters predict a re-intensification of the storm into a hurricane before it reaches Haiti late Friday.
Scientists have found toxic levels of chemicals near the Deepwater Horizon oil spill site, with PAH concentrations extending up to 13 kilometers from the wellhead. A global study on moisture recycling reveals that water can originate from distant regions or be recycled within a region, affecting global water resources.
Research from Tel Aviv University reveals that cloud seeding with materials like silver iodide and frozen carbon dioxide does not produce rain. Instead, changes in weather patterns are responsible for increased rainfall.
The A-Train constellation of satellites, including Aqua, CloudSat, CALIPSO, and Aura, observe the same path of Earth's atmosphere and surface at various wavelengths. Multi-sensor measurements from the A-Train have helped scientists understand unexpected factors contributing to Arctic sea ice loss in 2007.
Typhoon Megi is forecast to make landfall in southeastern China late at night on October 22 as a Category One typhoon. NASA satellites have been monitoring the storm's rainfall, changing cloud cover, and weakening eye, which weakened due to wind shear.
Typhoon Megi is intensifying in the South China Sea due to high clouds filled with ice creating heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 110 knots (126 mph) near Hong Kong, China.
Otto intensified into the Atlantic Ocean's 8th hurricane on October 8, bringing heavy rainfall to the northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico. The storm is expected to strengthen due to light wind shear and warm waters but may weaken when it encounters cooler waters.
Tropical Storm Otto formed over the Atlantic Ocean after two changes in less than 24 hours. NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites detected cold, high thunderstorm cloud tops and heavy rainfall near the storm.
A low pressure area designated as System 97L has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next 48 hours. The system is expected to bring locally heavy rainfall to the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola in the coming days.
Scientists are struggling to explain the recent increase in Antarctic sea ice extent, with a new study suggesting that ozone depletion is not the primary cause. Meanwhile, researchers have also gained new insights into lunar topography using high-resolution data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter. Additionally, a study on Earth's r...
Tropical Depression 14W forms near Hainan Island, China, with strong thunderstorms and rapid wind shear detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The depression's organization and punch are being weakened by wind shear, which is expected to make it turn north-northeast before making a brief landfall in southern China.
Tropical Storm Nicole has weakened into a remnant low pressure area off the Florida coast. A massive trough of low pressure over the eastern seaboard is streaming tropical moisture from Nicole's remnants, bringing heavy rainfall totals to the region.
Tropical Storm Nicole strengthened with NASA's satellite data revealing high thunderstorm clouds and heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides over the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba.
Tropical Depression 16 has strengthened due to cold cloud top temperatures, indicating stronger thunderstorms. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains and squally conditions to the Caribbean before moving towards Florida.
NASA's CloudSat satellite observed a powerful heat engine in Typhoon Malakas, with strong convection and heavy rainfall reported. The storm had maximum winds of around 115 mph and a minimum central pressure of 965 millibars.
NASA's Aqua and TRMM satellites detected increasing cloud top temperatures and heavy rainfall around Tropical Storm Matthew. The storm is expected to strengthen further, bringing hurricane conditions and potential flooding to the region.
Tropical Storm Lisa is currently a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph, forecast to weaken due to colder waters and strong wind shear, then become a remnant low pressure system in the eastern Atlantic by early next week.
Tropical Storm Malakas is expected to strengthen as it approaches Iwo To due to cold cloud top temperatures. The storm's high sea levels and northward movement pose a threat to the island.
Tropical Depression 15 forms in the south-central Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph, prompting watches and warnings for Central America. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm possibly within the next day due to warm waters.