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Discovery of a tripole winter precipitation change pattern around the Tibetan Plateau in the late 1990s

Researchers found a tripole winter precipitation change pattern in the late 1990s around the Tibetan Plateau, affecting eastern India, southern China, and northern regions. This pattern was triggered by changes in tropical Pacific SSTs and influenced by regional circulation patterns.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 31, 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

Desert shrubs cranked up water use efficiency to survive a megadrought. It may not be enough.

In a new study, desert shrubs in the Southwest have increased their water use efficiency at unprecedented rates to survive a decades-long megadrought. The study found that despite this heroic increase, shrubs may not be adapting quickly enough to long-term drying trends in the West.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateDec 16, 2021

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.

SourceKyoto University·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Effects of meteorological factors and airmass movements on airborne pollen in Betula wetland in Xinjiang

Airborne pollen concentrations in Betula microphylla-dominated wetland of Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, are influenced by meteorological factors such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and direction. The study found that airborne pollen composition corresponds to local vegetation and reflects long-distance transported pollen taxa.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateOct 28, 2021

Meteorologists release a 70-year potential risk index dataset for landfalling tropical cyclones affecting the Chinese mainland

Scientists compiled a 71-year potential risk index dataset to estimate TC impact severity on the Chinese mainland, showing increased damage over time. Recent upward trends in precipitation and wind values contribute to larger TC impacts along coastal China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 10, 2021

Meteorologists improve multivariable integrated evaluation method for climate model

Researchers developed a simple-to-use Multivariable Integrated Evaluation Tool (MVIETool) to facilitate climate model evaluation and models inter-comparison. The improved MVIE method provides a more comprehensive and precise evaluation of climate model performance, including accurate evaluation results for spatial fields.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateJun 11, 2021

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...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2021

Limiting global warming would relieve populations from wet and dry extremes in China

A study published in Science Bulletin finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would reduce precipitation extremes in China, particularly in southeastern regions. The research highlights the social impacts of climate change, with heavy rainfall events intensifying across the country and dry extremes increasing in South China.

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 19, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2019

California fires, precipitation, and jet stream

Researchers found past associations between jet stream dynamics, winter precipitation, and fire activity in California, with dry extremes linked to weaker NPJ zonal velocity. Future climate simulations suggest increasing temperatures will lead to reduced snowpack, drier summers, and increased fire risk under high CO2 conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Rising temperatures and human activity are increasing storm runoff and flash floods

A global analysis by Columbia Engineers reveals a significant increase in storm runoff extremes driven by both climate change and human-induced changes. The study suggests that projected responses of storm runoff extremes will dramatically increase, threatening ecosystem resilience and infrastructure systems.

Weather associated with sentiments expressed on social media

Researchers found temperature, precipitation, humidity, and cloud cover associated with positive or negative expressed sentiments. Positive expressions increased up to 20 degrees Celsius before declining over 30 degrees Celsius, while high humidity and cloud cover were linked to negative expressions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 2018

Scientists unravel the interdecadal variability of the Afro-Asian summer monsoon system

The Afro-Asian summer monsoon is projected to intensify and shift northwards following the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) warm phase since the mid-1990s. Precipitation in the Huanghe-Huaihe River valley increased in the late 1990s, marking a significant change in the region's climate.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017