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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

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Improving the accuracy of typhoon forecasts with radar data assimilation

Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed Typhoon Haikui (2012) using a multigrid NLS-4DVar method to improve radar data assimilation. This method significantly enhanced the accuracy of 12-h track and accumulated precipitation forecasts.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 2, 2020
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.

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020
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.

Widespread droughts affect southern California water sources six times a century

Research led by University of Arizona found simultaneous droughts in Southern California's main water sources occurred six times per century on average. Perfect droughts lasting two or more years coincide with high pressure off the northwest Pacific Coast and storm tracks shifted north.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·DateJan 13, 2020

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Bulletin·DateDec 17, 2019

Would a deep-Earth water cycle change our understanding of planetary evolution?

A deep-Earth water cycle is possible if a key mineral called stishovite can store and transport large amounts of water under extreme conditions. This discovery indicates that water could be present far into the lower mantle, altering our understanding of planetary evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019
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.

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

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.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 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
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.

Wildfire risk in California no longer coupled to winter precipitation

A new study finds that California's wildfire season is no longer influenced by winter precipitation, but rather by decades of fire suppression and rising temperatures due to climate change. The research team used tree rings and historical records to reconstruct fire and moisture patterns over the past 400 years.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 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

Overlooked trends in annual precipitation reveal underestimated risks worldwide

A reanalysis of worldwide annual precipitation trends reveals overlooked risks to human and environmental systems, affecting nearly 40% of the global population and 44% of land areas. The study highlights significant regional variations in precipitation risk and variability, emphasizing the need for more accurate risk assessments.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 13, 2018

Study sheds light on why a warmer world may equal a wetter Arctic

A new study suggests that a warmer world may equal a wetter Arctic, driven by two climatic processes: melting sea ice and increasing global humidity. Researchers analyzed lakebed mud dating back thousands of years to uncover clues about the region's past climate.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

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.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2018

Amplification of extreme precipitation events

A modeling study demonstrated that latent heating can amplify moisture-driven increases in extreme precipitation by up to a factor of two. The analysis focused on a 2015 extreme precipitation event in Texas.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Citizen science -- A powerful tool to combat invasive giant slugs

Researchers used citizen science to analyze slug appearances and complex weather patterns, revealing correlations between humidity, precipitation, and windspeed. This prediction method could inform targeted eradication policies against invasive species like the giant slug.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 11, 2018

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

World's largest cities depend on evaporated water from surrounding lands

A study by Colorado State University found that 19 megacities worldwide depend on evaporation from surrounding lands for more than one-third of their water supplies. Cities such as Karachi and Shanghai are among those most dependent on moisture recycling, while others like Cairo and Paris have less vulnerable systems.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2018

Atmospheric rivers and storm prediction

Atmospheric rivers originating in three main clusters exhibit diverse track shapes, landfall regions, and precipitation anomalies. Improved understanding of these features can enhance storm prediction and preparation for their impacts on water supply maintenance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018
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.

UCI scientists unveil new satellite-based global drought severity index

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a new satellite-based drought severity index that incorporates groundwater storage. This tool provides reliable information on drought conditions, enabling effective water management and impact assessment.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateDec 11, 2017

NASA data shows Otis devoid of precipitation, now a remnant

Cyclone Otis has been devoid of deep convection for about 10 hours, indicating a compact swirl of low-level clouds without generating precipitation. The storm is expected to dissipate due to cool sea surface temperatures and dry air within a day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 19, 2017

Fernanda weakens to Tropical Storm

Fernanda has weakened from its peak wind speed of 143.75 mph, now with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph and higher gusts. The storm is expected to continue moving west-northwest for the next couple of days before potentially becoming a tropical depression.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 20, 2017
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.

California projected to get wetter through this century

UC Riverside researchers predict California will see a 12% increase in precipitation by 2100, with northern and central regions experiencing the largest increases. The study attributes this change to a southeastward shift of the jet stream, encouraged by warming sea surface temperatures.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2017

Accelerating rate of temperature rise in the Pyrenees

Temperatures in the Central Pyrenees have risen by 2.5 °C over the past three decades, with a significant increase since 1970. Spring and summer temperatures have been particularly affected, with hot years doubling and cold years decreasing by half.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJun 21, 2017

Forecasting strong precipitation -- the potential of potential deformation

Scientists at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics have developed a new parameter called potential deformation (PD) to diagnose heavy precipitation. PD is closely related to the occurrence and distribution of strong precipitation, with a correlation coefficient reaching up to 0.7.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 18, 2017

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

Detectable anthropogenic shift toward heavy precipitation over eastern China

A recent study published in Journal of Climate reveals a detectable anthropogenic shift toward heavy precipitation over eastern China. The research suggests that greenhouse gas forcing is the primary driver of this change, with aerosol forcing offsetting some effects.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateFeb 15, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Caves in central China show history of natural flood patterns

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a 500-year cycle of flooding in central China, which can be used to predict broad precipitation patterns in the future. The findings provide insight into climate change over time and improve understanding of monsoon regions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2017

Cloud formation: How feldspar acts as ice nucleus

Feldspar's unique surface defects enable ice crystals to grow, a discovery that sheds light on precipitation formation in clouds. The research found that microscopic edges and cracks on feldspar crystallites serve as active sites for ice nucleation.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2016

NASA sees Chaba intensifying to a super typhoon

Typhoon Chaba intensified into a super typhoon, with extremely heavy precipitation and towering storm tops. NASA satellites used GPM data to track its movement and formation, which was influenced by warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 3, 2016

Chemical weathering controls erosion rates in rivers

New research finds that chemical weathering can weaken rock structures in river beds, making them more susceptible to erosion. The study reveals a positive feedback loop where high precipitation rates maintain high erosion rates despite continuously exposing 'fresh rock'.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

Large variations in precipitation over the past millennium

A new study in Nature finds large variations in precipitation over the past millennium, with stronger extremes in earlier centuries than in the twentieth century. This analysis enables improved accuracy of climate models and better prediction of future precipitation changes.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2016
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.

Rise of the ridiculously resilient ridge: California drought patterns becoming more common

Recent decades have seen increased frequency of large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns associated with California's precipitation and temperature extremes. The researchers found that the 'Ridiculously Resilient Ridge' pattern, which diverts winter storms northward, has become more common, leading to increased dry conditions.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016

Colorado River flows reduced by warmer spring temperatures

A new study reveals that warmer spring temperatures have a significant impact on upper Colorado River flows, reducing them more than previously recognized. This finding has implications for drought management and climate modeling, which suggests that warming temperatures will exacerbate drought conditions in the Western US.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 9, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

NASA sees Typhoon Nangka knocking on Japan's door

Typhoon Nangka is moving north towards mainland Japan, with NASA satellites tracking its progression. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased from 65 knots to 75 mph/120 kph, making it a minimal category 1 typhoon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 2015

Experts express concern over cyclone trends in the British-Irish Isles

Researchers found that recent years have seen three of the stormiest seasons on record, with the summer of 2012 being the 'stormiest' since at least 1871. A 142-year climate data study confirms a strong relationship between seasonal precipitation totals and cyclone frequency in the region.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJul 6, 2015

Biting back: Scientists aim to forecast West Nile outbreaks

A new study by NCAR and CDC researchers finds strong correlations between warmer temperatures and higher rates of West Nile virus disease in the US. Precipitation also influences disease outbreaks, but with varying regional impacts. The study aims to develop a system to forecast outbreaks weeks or months in advance.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 7, 2015
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.

King Fire in California still blazing

The King Fire in California has burned over 92,960 acres since its start in September 2014. The fire is currently 38% contained, with arson as the suspected cause, and is being battled by over 7,600 personnel. Extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity, are exacerbating the fire's behavior.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2014

Hurricane Norbert pinwheels in NASA satellite imagery

Hurricane Norbert's visible bands of thunderstorms spiraled into the center in NASA satellite imagery on September 4, but lost some organization due to easterly vertical wind shear. The hurricane is forecast to track parallel along the coast of Baja California for the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 4, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

NASA catches the brief life of Tropical Storm Nakri

Tropical Storm Nakri formed on August 2 and struggled to organize for a week, eventually becoming visible to NASA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm dissipated just one day later while approaching the Korean peninsula, with its maximum sustained winds reaching near 40 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2014

Tropical Storm Amanda gets bisected and animated by NASA's CloudSat

Tropical Storm Amanda was bisected by NASA's CloudSat satellite on May 25, 2014, showing a deep area of moderate to heavy-moderate precipitation below the freezing level. The storm had become the strongest May hurricane on record for the Eastern Pacific basin before quickly weakening due to dry air and wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 29, 2014