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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.

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

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

Laser-brightened cirrus clouds

Researchers used laser light pulses to study aerosol and cloud processes in atmospheric conditions. The results show that high-intensity laser pulses can increase the number of ice particles in cirrus clouds by up to a factor of 100 within seconds, intensifying their optical density and making them appear brighter.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2013

Researchers able to better pinpoint history of droughts through exploration of tree rings

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered an unexpected complexity in the patterns of drought during the Middle Ages. The study uses tree rings and oxygen isotopes to reveal that winters were wetter-than-expected during the Medieval Climate Anomaly, contradicting previous tree ring data.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Land-cover changes do not impact glacier loss

A recent study by University of Innsbruck climate researchers found that land-cover changes have a limited effect on glacier loss in the Kilimanjaro area. The team's novel methodology showed that LCC mainly alter precipitation over glaciers, resulting in local increases or decreases in glacier mass.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 5, 2012

NASA satellite improves pollution monitoring

The study reveals that incorporating NASA products into the BASINS model significantly improves water quality model performance. By capturing the effects of water flow during storm periods, the NASA data systems provide a more accurate representation of non-point pollution and improve estimates of water quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 26, 2010

The winds of change

Dartmouth researchers found that North America's prevailing winds in the mid-latitudes once blew from the east, not the west. This change was influenced by a growing and intensifying northern circumpolar vortex, resulting in shifting temperature and precipitation patterns.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGeology·DateJan 23, 2007