Research on clouds and the atmosphere. Covers Southern Ocean clouds, ocean-derived aerosols, sea-ice cloud formation, and dust after impacts.
A new cloud simulation model developed by KAUST researchers captures atmospheric conditions and thermodynamic processes, allowing for more realistic simulation of cloud formation. The model can simulate various cloud types, including cumulonimbus clouds and supercell thunderstorms, with high accuracy.
Researchers from Goethe University found that aerosol particle formation by iodic acid occurs rapidly in the Arctic atmosphere, potentially leading to increased cloud cover and warming. This discovery has implications for climate models and may help improve predictions for polar regions.
Research evaluated 21 clear-sky detection methods, finding they produce lower accuracy rates when detecting cloudy skies. Higher aerosol loading significantly reduces clear-sky detection accuracy, highlighting the need for improved methods in polluted regions.
The Arctic is warming at a rate twice as fast as the rest of the planet due to regional factors such as reduced albedo and aerosol interactions. Research suggests that clouds and aerosols play a crucial role in regulating the climate, and improving weather models could help predict future changes.
Carnegie Mellon University chemists have discovered that iodic acids can rapidly form aerosol particles in the atmosphere, driving cloud growth. This process has significant implications for climate change, as clouds play a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature.
A new study reveals that iodine oxoacid particle formation can compete with sulfuric acid in pristine atmospheric regions, contributing to Earth's climate system. Iodine plays a critical role in rapid new particle formation, particularly in coastal and marine areas.
Researchers have completed a multi-level hydrological tracking of the Yangtze River to investigate cloud formation during the intense mei-yu rainy season. The effort will enable more accurate forecasts of this key meteorological phenomenon in East Asia.
A new study published in Science reveals that ship-track data cannot be used to estimate the cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols on climate change. The research highlights a significant bias in current aerosol-cloud forcing estimations and suggests alternatives for direct observation of aerosol effects.
New research suggests that aerosol particles may not have as cooling effect on the climate as previously thought. Cloud researcher Franziska Glassmeier and her team created an extensive data set of cloud simulations to better understand this effect, which they found to be overestimated by traditional ship-track data.
A new study from Japan's National Institute of Polar Research has improved regional climate models using in-situ weather data collected over the Chukchi Sea. The research team found discrepancies between models in capturing cloud microphysics and sea surface energy budgets, highlighting the need for model improvement.
Research by University of Pennsylvania biologists Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs found that climate change has taken a toll on insects in the tropics. Insect biomass and species richness have been decomposing since the mid-1970s, with dramatic drops in moth numbers and species diversity.
Analysis of upward flashes suggests a possible explanation for the formation of luminous structures after electrical discharges split in the atmosphere. The study found that a low-luminosity discharge with a structure resembling a paintbrush may change direction, split in two, and define the path of the lightning flash.
Scientists have created a new numerical model to estimate the dimensions of umbrella clouds contributing to volcanic ash deposits. This tool helps understand past large explosive eruptions and improve forecast of future events. The research was applied to the 2,500-year-old eruption of Pululagua volcano in Ecuador.
High aerosol concentrations increase environmental humidity by producing more clouds, which can mix condensed water into the surrounding air. This humidification enhances updraft speeds, intensifying thunderstorms.
Researchers found that urban landscapes and human-caused aerosols can start storms sooner and pull them towards cities. In Kansas City, urban land and aerosols amplified large hail by 20%, while in Houston, they led to longer-lasting rainfall that developed earlier.
A study modeled the effects of solar geoengineering and rising greenhouse gas concentrations on subtropical stratocumulus clouds. The results suggest that solar geoengineering alone may not be sufficient to prevent strong warming from direct CO2 effects.
Scientists from the University of Leeds monitored air quality during Bonfire Night events and found elevated concentrations of soot, which is around 100 times its normal level. The research highlights the potential health impacts of pollution on individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
A team of researchers found that cloud-induced infrared radiative feedback creates a localized greenhouse effect, trapping heat and accelerating the formation of tropical cyclones. This process is believed to be instrumental in the origin of many tropical storm events.
Dry air is eroding Tropical Storm Norbert's strength by suppressing the development of thunderstorms that need warm, moist air to form. The storm has weakened due to entrainment of dry air, disrupting its compact system and limiting its ability to strengthen.
Tropical Storm Chan-hom is consolidating, indicating a strengthening trend, according to NASA's infrared data. The AIRS instrument captured cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms with heavy rain potential.
Hurricane Delta's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The storm is expected to produce significant flash flooding and mudslides across the northern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba.
Tropical cyclones exhibit non-uniform strength, with stronger sides extending higher into the troposphere. NASA's AIRS instrument captured cloud top temperatures of -63°F, indicating a strong storm capable of heavy rain. The storm's structure has improved since Sunday, with deep convection and a more circular shape.
Infrared light analysis from NASA's Aqua satellite shows wind shear pushing Marie's strongest storms east of the center, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to weaken and degenerate into a remnant low by Tuesday night.
Hurricane Marie is rapidly growing stronger and more powerful, with cloud top temperatures reaching as low as -80°F. The National Hurricane Center expects Marie to become a major hurricane late on Oct. 1, with rapid strengthening forecasted.
Researchers found that iodic acid triggers new aerosol particle formation events, leading to cloud condensation nuclei and potentially altering clouds' radiative properties. The team's findings provide greater insight into biogeochemical processes for cloud formation over the Arctic pack ice.
Global warming is affecting nighttime temperatures differently, with more than half of the global land surface experiencing greater night-time warming. This 'warming asymmetry' has significant implications for plant growth and species interactions.
Infrared data from NASA's Terra satellite revealed Typhoon Kujira's strongest storms and coldest cloud top temperatures, indicating potential heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 65 knots on Sept. 29.
Tropical Storm Kujira's strongest storms were located near its center and in a band of thunderstorms on the western side, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA analyzed infrared imagery to determine the storm's strength and predict its potential for heavy rain.
Post-Tropical Cyclone Beta is covered in clouds stretching from Mississippi to the Carolinas, according to NASA imagery. The storm was moving slowly northeast and had decreased in pressure and wind fields by September 25.
A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals that large temperature differences between day and night can spawn powerful thunderstorms and cloud bursts. The study uses computer simulations to analyze mesoscale convection systems, which are powerful thunderstorms that spread over areas of 100 kilometers or more.
Dolphin, a tropical cyclone, transformed into an extratropical storm after passing east central Japan. The storm's wind speeds decreased to near 30 knots (35 mph) as it became quasi-stationary and fully embedded in the baroclinic zone.
Tropical Storm Lowell is moving west-northwest with increasing winds and no coastal watches in effect. NASA's Aqua satellite identified the strongest thunderstorms south of the storm's center, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The storm's forecast suggests little change in strength over the next few days.
Tropical Storm Lowell's strongest storms were located around its center and southern quadrant, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind shear played a significant role in the storm's formation and strength, with NASA providing data to support forecasters' predictions.
Hurricane Teddy is threatening Eastern Canada with powerful storms and cold cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms. The hurricane's forecast track predicts it will move over Nova Scotia on Wednesday, bringing tropical-storm-force winds and large swells.
Tropical Depression Vicky is a shadow of its former self, devoid of precipitation around its low-level center. The cyclone's strengthening wind shear has caused it to weaken and become a remnant low later today.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected the strongest storms on Hurricane Teddy's western side, with coldest cloud top temperatures as low as -81 degrees Celsius. This suggests that the storm is experiencing westerly wind shear, a phenomenon that can lead to heavy rain.
Tropical Storm Karina is weakening due to unfavorable upper-level winds and cooler waters, forecast to become a remnant low by tonight. Its maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts, moving toward the northwest at 8 mph.
Turbulence plays a crucial role in cloud formation, affecting the number of droplets and their size. Researchers developed a framework to explain how preexisting aerosol particles transition into droplets.
Tropical Storm Vicky is weakening due to strong southwesterly wind shear, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and higher gusts. The storm is expected to become a tropical depression in around 24 hours before weakening further.
Tropical Storm Vicky is weakening due to strong southwesterly wind shear pushing its clouds to the northeastern quadrant. The storm's shape and organization are being distorted, and it is forecast to degenerate into a remnant low by Wednesday.
Hurricane Sally is expected to produce 10-20 inches of rainfall with isolated amounts of 30 inches along the central Gulf Coast. The storm's slow movement increases the risk of historic flooding and extreme life-threatening flash flooding, particularly in Florida and the southeastern United States.
Teddy is consolidating in the Central North Atlantic Ocean with improved circulation and increasing maximum sustained winds. The storm's structure is slowly improving, with stronger thunderstorms around its core.
A young star, HL Tauri, is producing planets from its concentric rings made of gas and dust. Research by Mayer Humi provides a study target for protoplanetary ring theories around stars, shedding light on the creation of solar systems.
Tropical Storm Karina is being affected by strong northeasterly wind shear, pushing clouds and rain to the southwest. This analysis reveals coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as -70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating potential for heavy rainfall.
Tropical Depression Rene is expected to degenerate due to strong wind shear and dry air entrainment. The NASA Aqua satellite monitored cloud top temperatures, confirming the impact of wind shear on the storm's organization and strength.
Tropical cyclones affected by wind shear can appear less than round, with outside winds pushing clouds and rain to one side. Infrared data reveals cold cloud top temperatures indicating heavy rain potential
Tropical Storm Paulette's unique shape is attributed to the strong southwesterly wind shear affecting it and its companion storm, Rene. Infrared imagery reveals powerful thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tropical Storm Paulette's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The storm was weakened by wind shear, but forecast to re-strengthen over the weekend and potentially become a hurricane.
NASA infrared data shows tropical cyclone Paulette experiencing strong wind shear, pushing clouds away from its center. This phenomenon can weaken the storm and indicate potential for heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Rene weakened to a tropical depression on Sept. 8 but regained strength, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its seesaw-like pattern of strengthening and weakening storms. The strongest storms had cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating potential for heavy rainfall.
Research in East Asia reveals that short-term cloud feedback is mainly driven by decreases in mid- and low-cloud fraction, resulting from changes in atmospheric thermodynamics. The study provides a reference for narrowing inter-model uncertainties in long-term cloud feedbacks.
A massive pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed over the Creek Fire in California's Sierra National Forest, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its rapid spread. The fire has grown to over 135,000 acres, with hot and dry conditions fueling its expansion.
Typhoon Haishen made landfall in South Korea, bringing heavy rain, storm surge, and landslides. NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data showing the storm's temperature and rainfall potential, helping forecasters predict its path.
Tropical Depression Omar is being affected by persistent wind shear, which is weakening the storm's rotation and inhibiting thunderstorm development. The NASA Aqua satellite has provided temperature information about the system's clouds, confirming the presence of wind shear.
Tropical Storm Nana has strengthened in the Caribbean Sea, with NASA's Terra satellite analyzing cloud top temperatures to monitor its progress. The storm is expected to become a hurricane by tonight, posing warnings and watches for areas in Central America and Belize.
Typhoon Haishen strengthened rapidly after forming as Tropical Depression 11W on August 31. NASA's Terra satellite gathered data on the storm's water vapor content and temperature, revealing high concentrations of water vapor and cold cloud top temperatures.
Tropical cyclones are composed of hundreds of thunderstorms, and NASA's Infrared Data Reveals Where the Strongest Storms Are Located. The strongest storms have coldest cloud top temperatures, with some reaching minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit near Iselle's center.
Tropical Storm Maysak formed on August 28 with a quick burst of strength, featuring powerful thunderstorms reaching temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm's cloud tops cooled significantly over the past 6 hours, consolidating its circulation center.
The NASA Terra satellite captured an infrared image of cloud top temperatures in Tropical Storm Hernan, showing its final burst of strength. The storm's powerful thunderstorms had coldest cloud top temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit near the center.
A recent study by Colorado State University atmospheric scientists aims to settle the debate on black carbon's impact on cloud formation. The research found that black carbon is not as important as previously thought for ice particle formation in mid-level clouds.