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Temperatures are rising, but soil is getting wetter — why?

A recent Harvard University study found that soil moisture increased across 57% of the US during summer between 2011-2020, contradicting the assumption that rising temperatures lead to drier soils. Precipitation, rather than temperature, is the primary driver of soil moisture trends.

New satellite capable of measuring Earth precipitation from space

The FengYun 3G (FY-3G) satellite is a groundbreaking tool for measuring global precipitation, offering high-resolution 3D renditions of falling precipitation. The satellite's data will aid in predicting extreme weather events and inform the development of future precipitation satellites.

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.

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.

Highly resolved precipitation maps based on AI

The researchers developed an AI-based generative neural network called GAN that can generate highly resolved radar precipitation films from coarsely resolved maps. This higher resolution is required to better forecast heavy local precipitation and the resulting natural disasters in future.

Key to predicting heat events in Central Europe

A GEOMAR study found that low North Atlantic sea surface temperatures are responsible for heat events on land. The researchers discovered a link between cold ocean temperatures and European heat waves, which contributes to the formation of high pressure systems and clear skies.

How can we evaluate the quality of global water models?

Researchers evaluated global water models using new approach, finding inconsistencies in climate regions and water extremes, with implications for agriculture and groundwater use. The study highlights the need for improved model evaluation methods to inform decision makers and improve model development.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Green spaces can save lives, according to urban big data

Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.

Cleaner air brings a wetter high mountain Asia

Researchers predict a shift from drying to wetting in the Himalayan region due to reduced anthropogenic aerosol emissions, with climate model simulations suggesting increased precipitation throughout High Mountain Asia by the 2040s. This change is primarily driven by human-induced factors, rather than natural variability.

Extreme fires and heavy rainfall driving platypuses from their homes

A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that severe bushfires followed by heavy rainfall are causing platypuses to abandon their homes. The research used environmental DNA sampling to track platypus movement before and after the 2019-2020 megafires, revealing a significant decline in platypus populations in affected areas.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Warming climate will affect streamflow in the northeast

A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Temperature, drought influencing movement of Plains bison

A recent study found that temperature and extreme drought drive movement among herds of Plains bison, posing challenges for managing the iconic species. The team analyzed GPS-backed evidence from 33 Plains bison across two sites in Oklahoma, revealing a strong link between air temperature and bison movement.

Antarctica’s ocean brightens clouds

A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that phytoplankton productivity in the Southern Ocean contributes to dense clouds that reflect sunlight. The high density of water droplets in these clouds helps regulate global temperatures and precipitation patterns.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

The global map of aridity

The new database offers improved estimations of Potential Evapotranspiration and Aridity Index for the entire world at a high spatial resolution. This allows for a finer description of water needs in different regions, enabling better resource management and land-use planning.

Lakes in hot water, climate change creating a cauldron of issues

Climate change is affecting lakes globally, causing changes in stratification regimes, dissolved oxygen levels, and habitat for native fish. Warmer water temperatures can lead to cyanobacterial blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and increased salinity, impacting aquatic organisms and human activities.

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.

Machine learning produces more accurate rainfall predictions

Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a novel machine-learning approach to predict local precipitation with high accuracy. By recognizing complex relationships in meteorological data, they created a bias correction method that produced accurate hourly estimates of precipitation.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Snow drought research finds predictability in uncertainty

A Dartmouth team compiled a global-scale dataset to show how uncertainties over determining snow depth can actually improve predictions of water availability. The approach leverages observational and definitional uncertainties to make better assessments of snow droughts and their impacts.

River animals just go with the flow

Researchers observed diverse aquatic biota in post-flood communities, with changes in flow dynamics and water chemistry supporting biological adaptation. The study highlights the role of floods in shaping floodplain ecosystems.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Project aims to improve accuracy of climate change models

A new project led by Cornell University's Flavio Lehner will improve climate models to reduce uncertainty in future water projections. The research aims to assess the sensitivity of models to changing environmental factors, such as temperature and greenhouse gases.

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.

A warm Indian Ocean drives anomalous weather events in East Asia

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that warm sea surface temperature conditions in the Indian Ocean contribute to anomalous weather events in East Asia, including record-breaking rainfall and severe flooding. The study suggests a link between warming Indian Ocean conditions and stagnation of the Meiyu-Baiu rainband.

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.

Wetter weather affects composition, numbers of tiny estuarial phytoplankton

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and increased precipitation, affect the amount and composition of tiny phytoplankton in the Neuse River Estuary. The study reveals a shift in concentration and population of picophytoplankton after storms, which could have long-term eff...

Grass abundances during Dust Bowl

During extreme drought, C3 biomass production increased five-fold in grasslands while C4 plants declined. This shift is linked to changes in seasonal precipitation patterns favorable for C3 grasses

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.

Yellow River runoff and human activity

Researchers reconstructed Yellow River's middle reach runoff from 1492 to 2013 CE, finding lowest natural runoff during drought 1926-1932 CE. Human activity since 1980s decreased precipitation, increased observed runoff variability.

Rainy season tends to begin earlier in Northern Central Asia

A new study found that the rainy season in Northern Central Asia will shift from May-July to March-May by the end of the 21st century. This change is attributed to increased precipitation, with a projected 14.41% rise under the highest emission scenario.

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.

Parsing extreme precipitation

A new theoretical model breaks down vertical atmospheric movement into dry and moist components, explaining regional patterns of extreme precipitation sensitivity. The model suggests that climate warming impacts vary by latitude, with the dry component dominating in mid-latitudes.

Drying effects of tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones have a drying effect on the Maritime Continent, exacerbating dry seasons. Forecasting tropical cyclone activity can improve predictions for this region's circulation patterns.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Steep momentum gradients play a major role in coastal precipitation

Research reveals surface discontinuity plays a significant role in developing nearshore convection systems, sustaining precipitation in coastal areas of Korea. The study found changes in wind stress and potential temperature enable these systems, with roughness changes enhancing convergence and energy transfer.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Solutions to urban heat differ between tropical and drier climes

A new model suggests that planting more vegetation may be more effective in drier regions to cool cities, while wetter cities require alternative approaches such as shading or ventilation. The study's findings can provide guidance for climate-sensitive city design and planning heat mitigation efforts.

Study shows arctic warming contributes to drought

A new study reveals that arctic warming contributes to drought in mid-latitude regions by reducing precipitation and weakening wind patterns. Researchers analyzed geological evidence from lakes and glaciers to estimate past dry conditions, finding that Wyoming experienced several thousand years of drought-like periods.