Articles tagged with Rain
A recent study found that extreme climate events in fall 2022 pushed thousands of lakes in West Greenland across a tipping point, leading to changes in water quality, chemical properties, and biodiversity. The lakes, which previously provided drinking water and sequestered carbon, now emit more carbon dioxide.
Research led by the University of Michigan reveals that extreme rainfall disproportionately increases E. coli concentrations in recreational waters of communities of color in Texas, particularly those with higher percentages of Black residents in the north and east, and predominantly Latino communities in the south and west.
Researchers have identified a critical link between tropical ocean temperatures and rainfall patterns in the Middle East, shedding light on the complexities of forecasting seasonal weather. The study found that positive phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole significantly increase rainfall, while negative ph...
A 40-year study reveals increasingly common and devastating megadroughts worldwide, with significant impacts on ecosystems and agriculture. The research used global meteorological data to track changes in drought patterns and their effects on vegetation, providing insights into the paradoxical responses of different forest types.
A comprehensive survey predicts that 36% of anurans' habitats worldwide will be threatened by rising temperatures and water scarcity. The Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest, home to the most diverse anuran species, will face devastating effects from drought events.
2024 saw exceptional rainfall and flooding due to El Niño in winter 2023/24. Human-induced climate change exacerbated these events, causing socioeconomic impacts. Improved forecasting, warning dissemination, and 'climate-resilient' approaches are crucial for mitigating extreme event effects.
Research links intensifying hydroclimate whiplash to the atmosphere's ability to absorb and release more water as temperatures rise. This 'whiplash' sequence in California has increased fire risk by twofold, with severe drought followed by record-breaking rainfall.
A new study found that intensive farming and shallow groundwater in the US Corn Belt increase precipitation recycling by almost 30%, providing a significant boost to rainfall during the growing season. The research, published in PNAS, used advanced computer modeling techniques to quantify the impact of these factors on regional climate.
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University discovered that durian plants bloom approximately 50 days after a 15-day dry spell, affecting both grafted and seed-grown varieties. This study sheds light on the tropical ecosystems and can inform effective agricultural practices to predict flowering and manage harvests.
A new NASA-led study found that plants' responses to changing rainfall patterns are crucial for understanding their role in the carbon cycle. Daily rainfall variability drove growth globally, with certain ecosystems thriving under conditions of infrequent but intense rain.
When two tropical cyclones collide in the Indian Ocean, they can intensify considerably, leading to extreme interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. The study found that effects occurred that have only been observed with much stronger cyclones, including a cooling effect of three degrees Celsius and upwelling of deep water masses.
A study found that El Niño is associated with increased larval infestations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in open-air disused containers in São Paulo state. The index of positive containers rose by 1.30 in El Niño years compared to neutral or weak events.
The Amazon rainforest is a significant source of condensation nuclei for clouds, according to two studies. The rainforest's plant transpiration and thunderstorms produce aerosol particles that can be transported thousands of kilometers, influencing marine cloud formation.
New research reveals that during the early Eocene, the rain belt's seasonal shifts weakened dramatically due to extreme warming and a reduced Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This ancient change could offer critical warnings about the impact of modern global warming.
A study by USC Dornsife scientists used satellite imagery, digital models, and field data to analyze the June 2021 Melamchi flood's triggers. The research found that heavy monsoon rainfall combined with excessive snowmelt overwhelmed river systems, causing catastrophic flooding.
The Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest cross-border groundwater reservoir, is being overused in São Paulo state, Brazil. The study found that rainwater is insufficient to replenish the aquifer due to increased water withdrawals for human activities.
Researchers analyzed data from southern Israel to find significant electric field changes during heavy precipitation, suggesting early indicators for extreme weather. The study highlights the potential of incorporating electric field observations into weather monitoring systems for enhanced nowcasting capabilities.
A team of researchers has created a model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas, using high-resolution images to identify over 1,000 landslide points in São Sebastião, Brazil. The new methodology aims to provide more precise results and will be ready by the end of 2025.
Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute have developed a new approach called 'storylines' that uses probabilistic attribution studies and 'nudging' techniques to identify the fingerprints of climate change in extreme weather events. By comparing hypothetical scenarios with reality, they can determine how much more probable an event...
A research team found that rainfall in the Amazon rainforest creates temporary bursts of nanoparticles that can grow into cloud condensation nuclei, essential for water vapor to condense and form clouds. This new understanding challenges previous theories on aerosol particles and their role in precipitation formation.
Higher temperatures caused by climate change are increasing evaporation enough to cause exceptional droughts in the American West. Evaporative demand now accounts for 61% of drought severity, while reduced precipitation only accounts for 39%. Climate change is expected to lead to more severe and longer-lasting droughts.
Researchers found recurrent severe droughts and erratic wet conditions in the Greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, with a 5 degree C temperature rise over six decades. The study highlights the importance of understanding regional climate trends to predict future climate conditions and mitigate their impact on wildlife populations.
A new study predicts that climate change will threaten the survival of up to 2,000 resident bird species in the Neotropics by 2100. However, a more optimistic future scenario suggests that only 90 bird species will be exposed to longer dry seasons.
Researchers found that extreme temperatures and humidity projected for the Amazon under climate change may increase methane-producing microorganisms in flooded areas and reduce methane uptake in upland forests by 70%. This could lead to a shift in the balance of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant global impacts.
An international study found that extremely heavy rainfall, occurring every five years, significantly increases mortality rates worldwide. The impacts vary greatly by region, depending on local climate and environmental conditions.
An analysis of global data from 34 countries found a strong association between extreme rainfall events and increased mortality rates. The study identified locations with lower rainfall variability and scarce vegetation as having higher risks of deaths after extreme rainfall events.
A recent study finds that long-term changes in tropical weather patterns are leading to increased frequency of heatwaves and extreme rainfall in the Indo-Pacific region. Global warming is likely a contributing factor, exacerbating regional weather extremes.
Researchers estimate the dollar value of weather information to be over $100 billion, highlighting its significant economic impact. The study also explores lightning suppression and a unique 'storm generator' technology that can create thunderstorms in Chinese desert.
A new study led by University of Illinois Chicago scientist Akintomide Akinsanola found that most Americans can expect wetter winters in the future due to global warming. Winter precipitation and extreme weather events are expected to increase across most of the country, with six regions experiencing more frequent very wet winters.
Tree-ring data reveal that periodic shifts in strong winds high above the Earth's surface have driven opposite climates in different parts of Europe for the past 700 years. This research provides critical data to improve climate models, comparing past patterns to current trends and societal impacts.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
A new study finds that summer storms are stronger and more frequent over urban areas than rural areas, leading to increased flooding in cities. The research highlights the need for urban planners to prepare for floods as cities expand and climate change alters global weather patterns.
A global study published in PNAS found that most cities (over 60%) receive more rainfall than their surrounding rural areas, leading to worsened flash flooding. This is due to the convergence of air toward city centers caused by tall buildings and population density.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that US droughts in the Southwest and rainy extremes in the Northeast are becoming more frequent and severe. The study predicts bigger swings between wetter and drier periods in the mid-United States, straining water management efforts.
A new study reveals that risks to global water security are significantly higher when considering the environmental conditions and governability of areas where moisture evaporates before falling as rain. This approach identifies regions with high water scarcity risk, including those dependent on neighboring countries for upwind moisture.
A growing global understanding of drought's impacts, but significant gaps remain in affected communities and developing countries. Long-lasting droughts heighten awareness, while economic factors influence responsiveness to the issue.
A new model developed by scientists can predict intense, localized heavy rainfall events caused by rapid air rises in clouds. This breakthrough offers potential to improve public safety and preparedness through early warning systems.
A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.
A WVU statistician is developing new methods to analyze curve-type data for predicting extreme weather patterns, financial turmoil and pollution levels. The research aims to create innovative tools for understanding high-resolution data and addressing regional risks in mountainous states like West Virginia.
The region experienced extreme heatwaves, regional heavy rainfall and flooding, overcast rain, and cold spells. Precipitation was significantly different between 2022 and 2023, with droughts followed by floods.
Researchers found that turbulent movements of air in clouds play a key role in the growth of droplets and initiation of rain. Simulations with turbulence showed rain formed around 20 minutes earlier and with seven times more rainwater than simulations without turbulence.
A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.
A new study confirms that human-induced climate change is making rainfall patterns more volatile globally, with increased variability observed since the 1900s in 75% of land areas studied. The researchers found daily rainfall variability to have increased by 1.2% per decade.
A new study reveals surprising findings about mercury pollution patterns in ecosystems, where it comes from and how it moves vary significantly. Dragonfly larvae are found to be a cost-effective indicator of mercury contamination in nearly every aquatic habitat, providing valuable insights for resource management decisions.
Researchers at UCLA and NASA's JPL found that the 2023 Rolling Hills Estates landslide was a slow-moving, progressive event that began with heavy winter rainfall. The study used satellite data to measure ground motion over time, revealing subtle movements before accelerated collapse.
Researchers study droughts, wildfires, and precipitation changes across the US Southeast and globally. The Great Salt Lake's drying exacerbates regional droughts, while a Maui wildfire is linked to atmospheric patterns.
A recent study highlights the need for effective contingency plans and local community involvement in disaster response to mitigate losses. The analysis of landslides in São Sebastião, Brazil, revealed a breakdown in the early warning system, resulting in significant economic and human costs.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
A team of scientists has found a correlation between atmospheric blocking over Scandinavia and the Ural Mountains and extreme weather events in Svalbard. The study suggests that this phenomenon is driving Arctic warming and mass loss of ice.
Climate change projections suggest that land-locked lakes on the Tibetan Plateau will increase in volume fourfold by 2100, leading to significant land loss and related impacts. This could alter the landscape, affect wildlife migration routes, and exacerbate climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Cerrado biome in Brazil is experiencing its worst drought in at least 700 years, caused by global warming. The research used chemical analysis of stalagmites to extend the perception of drought back seven centuries and linked it to disruption in the hydrological cycle.
A new BU study links sewage overflows to increased risk of acute gastrointestinal illnesses in downstream communities. Residents are at a 62% higher risk of developing AGI within four days after large-volume combined sewer overflows, regardless of drinking water source.
Researchers found that PFAS are introduced into the Great Lakes through precipitation and accumulate at different rates in each lake. The northern lakes are accumulating PFAS, while Lake Ontario is eliminating them. This study could inform future actions to mitigate PFAS presence in the Great Lakes.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that saturated soils in upland regions could negatively impact the survival rates of young oak saplings and acorns. The research highlights the importance of considering soil conditions when creating temperate rainforests to combat climate change.
A study found that heavy snowfall and rain contribute to earthquake swarms in northern Japan by altering underground pressure. Climate conditions are linked to seismic activity, with the timing of intense precipitation events correlating with the start of quakes.
New research shows climate change will cause more severe combined wind-rain extremes in the UK and Ireland, leading to increased flooding and damage. The study found that stronger winds and heavier rainfall are likely to occur together, posing challenges for coastal areas and emergency response resources.
A new study establishes official climate divisions in Hawaii, improving climate research and forecasting. Chronic pain sufferers who spend time outdoors experience stronger weather-based effects, while lightning-initiated wildfires are responsible for more than half the acres burned in the contiguous United States.
A 14-year study in the Brazilian savanna-like biome found that tree basal area increased while density decreased, and community diversity increased slightly. The researchers discovered that 54% of initial trees had died, replaced by new growth, highlighting the rapid degeneration of cerradão into a biodiversity-poor forest formation.
A team of over 100 scientists from Brazil and the US ran high-resolution simulations of South America's past and future climate using a weather research and forecasting model. The goal is to better understand hydroclimatic processes and inform adaptation measures for millions affected by climate change.