Articles tagged with Rain
Researchers found that large storms move about 50% more sediment than typical rainfall, but the overall contribution to erosion is smaller. River channels adjust their size to accommodate flow, setting a speed limit on erosion.
Scientists discovered that up to 60% of airborne particles after a rainstorm come from the soil, releasing organic matter into the atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for understanding the planet's climate and will be integrated into atmospheric models.
Severe spring thunderstorms spawned over 67 tornadoes across the US, with intense rainfall totals reported in states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. Heavy flooding caused six fatalities in Palestine, Texas, while six inches of rain were recorded in southern Mississippi.
A new study finds that climate change will disproportionately affect African antelopes with the smallest geographic ranges, exacerbating their already high risk of extinction. The researchers predict a significant decline in suitable habitat for these species, particularly those adapted to cooler and drier climates.
Tropical Cyclone Amos weakened and dissipated in the Southern Pacific Ocean on April 24, 2016, after being torn apart by increasing wind shear. The storm's elongation was evident in composite satellite images, with heaviest rainfall appearing in its northwestern quadrant.
NASA tracks Tropical Cyclone Fantala's decreasing wind speeds and intensifying rainfall rates, with estimates suggesting maximum sustained winds of 105 knots (121 mph). The storm is expected to encounter adverse conditions that will prompt a weakening trend north of Madagascar as it continues to move west toward the African mainland.
Researchers at Griffith University used paperbark tree leaves to reconstruct past rainfall activity in tropical and subtropical regions. The study, published in Global Change Biology, offers a new proxy for inferring changes in climate.
Tropical Cyclone Fantala continues to move north of Madagascar with significant changes in its intensity and track. The storm showed heavy rainfall and a clouded eye due to vertical wind shear, causing it to reverse course and move southeastward over its earlier track.
Tropical Cyclone Fantala reached Category Five intensity with maximum sustained winds of 150 knots (173 mph), making it one of the strongest storms in the South Indian Ocean. NASA satellites tracked the storm's intense rainfall and powerful thunderstorms, providing critical data on its size and wind patterns.
Record Balkan floods of 2014 were likely caused by the temporary slowdown of giant airstreams and planetary wave resonance. The study found that extreme rainfall events are strongly increasing in the region, even more than globally observed.
Tropical cyclone Fantala continues to intensify, moving westward over the South Indian Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 100 knots on April 15, making it a Category 4 hurricane and a major threat to Mauritius.
Tropical Cyclone Fantala intensified with sustained winds near 80 knots, prompting heavy rainfall of up to 189 mm/h. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts further intensification and potential impact on northern Madagascar.
Researchers in China have developed a portable laboratory and topography meter to measure the frequency of random landslides on the steep slopes of the Loess Plateau. The system allows for site-specific tests, such as simulated rainfall, and can digitally reconstruct the slope's behavior under erosion conditions.
A recent study found that a droplet hitting a thin fiber will be captured at low speeds, pass through at intermediate speeds, and split at high speeds. The researchers' model has significant implications for optimizing water collection systems and fiber-coating technologies.
Tropical cyclone Zena intensified over Vanuatu and Fiji with very high cloud tops and intense rainfall. The GPM satellite measured rainfall rates of almost 300 mm/hour in some areas.
Tropical Cyclone Zena intensified in the South Pacific Ocean near Vanuatu on April 5, 2016, causing sustained winds of over 35 knots. The GPM satellite measured intense downpours dropping rain at a rate of almost 154 mm per hour
The GPM core observatory satellite measured heavy rainfall rates of over 3.6 inches per hour in a powerful storm east of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The satellite also revealed the three-dimensional structure of precipitation in storms beneath it, showing storm tops reaching heights above 7.4 miles.
The study found that agricultural land has doubled within the Cerrado region, replacing native vegetation and altering the water cycle. Continued agricultural growth could reduce rainfall or delay critical rainy periods, threatening both natural vegetation and agricultural production.
Researchers encase Arctic plants in ice to study climate change's effects on growth patterns. To their surprise, the frozen plants exhibited increased growth in remaining undamaged shoots.
Scientists can now accurately estimate rainfall amounts by understanding the size distribution of raindrops and snowflakes globally. The new data provides insight into storm growth and behavior, helping predict complex interactions that impact weather patterns.
A study found that agricultural expansion in the Cerrado biome reduces water recycling, affecting rainfall patterns. Double cropping can help mitigate this effect by increasing evapotranspiration rates.
Tropical Cyclone Emeraude intensified rapidly after forming on March 15, 2016, with GPM's radar measuring extreme rainfall rates of over 8.2 inches per hour. The storm peaked at 125 knots and then weakened, but is expected to re-intensify as it curves toward the southwest.
Researchers reconstructed a 2,000-year record of precipitation changes in the eastern Pacific using sediments from Galapagos lakes, revealing long-term shifts in El Niño patterns. The study provides new insights into tropical climate dynamics and will help model future changes.
Tropical Cyclone Emeraude formed on March 15, 2016, in the South Indian Ocean, with intense rainfall rates exceeding 220 mm/h. GPM data revealed a 3D structure of precipitation, indicating storm tops heights above 15 km.
Heaviest rainfall in the southern US was reported over 24 inches in Monroe, Louisiana, with over 4,958 homes damaged by flooding. NASA's TMPA analysis revealed a merged satellite rainfall image showing heavy rain stretching from northern Louisiana to south central Arkansas.
Heavy rainfall and strong storms affected the southern U.S. on March 9, with over a foot of rain falling in Texas to Arkansas. The GPM satellite measured extreme precipitation rates, including 148 mm in one powerful storm.
NASA's RapidScat instrument detected tropical-storm-force winds in a weather system affecting the Pacific Northwestern U.S. and southwestern Canada, bringing rain and snow to the region. Heavy rainfall totals of over 8 inches were estimated in some areas, with potential to alleviate California's long-lasting drought.
New research reveals that global warming will increase rainfall in dry regions, but the additional water may not be available due to increased evaporation. This could lead to more frequent and intense flash flooding events in areas without adequate infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in northern Peru, with NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) measuring extreme rainfall totals of over 700 mm. The strong El Niño was partially blamed for the abnormally high rainfall.
Heavy rainfall causes gullies to expand rapidly, with predicted climate change increasing rates up to three times faster. Researchers have developed a model to predict gully expansion and warn of devastating consequences for agriculture, water quality, and infrastructure.
NASA has visualized rainfall data to show the changes in US precipitation during El Niño, with areas like California and East Coast experiencing wet conditions. However, other parts of the country faced droughts and floods due to shifts in precipitation patterns.
Tropical Cyclone Winston made landfall in eastern Fiji as a Category 5 hurricane, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall. The storm dropped rain at a rate of over 169 mm/hour near its center.
GPM satellite reveals heavy rainfall and a well-defined circular eye in Tropical Cyclone Uriah, but also detects a weakening trend starting on Feb. 17, with maximum sustained winds peaking at 125 knots (144 mph) on Feb. 18.
Tropical Cyclone Uriah intensifies to a Category Four hurricane with sustained winds near 115 knots, expected to reach peak intensity of 125 knots on Feb 18. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are observed south of the storm's center.
Tropical cyclone strengthening off Southwestern Pacific threatens Tonga and American Samoa with heavy rainfall, moving northeast at 10 knots. NASA satellites have observed cloud top temperatures exceeding -63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating a high-intensity storm.
Scientists dated fossilized pollen to show the Nullarbor Plain was once home to gum and eucalyptus trees before a dramatic climate shift. The region's history reveals a rainfall increase of up to four times higher than today, contradicting its modern arid conditions.
GPM's radar measured heavy rainfall in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Virginia coast, with rates exceeding 25 mm per hour. The low-pressure area also packed strong winds, generating gusts up to 65 mph, particularly across southeastern New England.
The NASA GPM satellite examined violent thunderstorms in the southern US on February 2-3, with one powerful storm in North Carolina dropping rain at an extreme rate of 112.96 mm (4.4 inches) per hour. The satellite's radar instruments measured precipitation within the area and created a 3D cross-section through the storms.
Scientists found that recent developments near the Meramec River, including a levee and landfill, significantly magnified flood levels. The study showed that floods are becoming more chaotic, unpredictable, and severe due to human activities such as development in floodways and floodplains.
Research by the University of Tsukuba's Hiroaki Ueda and Youichi Kamae group reveals a connection between tropical seawater temperatures and changes in East Asian monsoon patterns. The study found that specific trends in tropical sea surface temperatures can explain recent changes in the region's summer rainfall.
NASA analyzed satellite data measuring heavy precipitation in southern Florida, California, and across the Great Plains from late January to early February. The IMERG mission estimated over 200mm of precipitation in some areas, with powerful winds bringing down trees and power lines.
A study by Oxford University scientists found that human-induced climate change increased the risk of severe storms in the south of England, leading to devastating flooding. The analysis attributed the increase in extreme rainfall to thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere and westerly air flow.
Tropical Cyclone Stan weakened to a remnant low pressure area after landfall in Western Australia on January 30, 2016. The system dropped significant rainfall, with 77.8 mm recorded at Menzies and 40.4mm at Red Rocks Point.
New University of Washington research shows that the lunar forces affect the amount of rain on Earth, though very slightly, with a change of about 1 percent of total rainfall variation. The effect is due to the moon's gravitational tug causing higher air pressure and increasing temperature, making it less favorable for precipitation.
Researchers found recent increases in mercury concentrations in rainfall at many sites across the continent, with positive trends in central regions consistent with increased emissions from Asia. The findings suggest that reductions in North American mercury emissions are primarily benefiting the eastern United States.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite observed Tropical Cyclone Corentin, which was weakening due to high vertical wind shear. Rainfall data showed moderate to heavy rainfall in bands southeast of the exposed center of low-level circulation.
A new study suggests that continent-scale monsoons will adapt gradually to climate change, with changes in land use and greenhouse gas concentrations prompting adjustments in massive air circulations. Despite predictions of a sudden shift, the researchers argue that monsoon rainfall will change smoothly over time.
A powerful winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions to the Mid-Atlantic region. Snowfall totals may exceed 2 feet in some areas, including Baltimore and Washington D.C., with gusty winds and storm surge flooding also possible.
A historic blizzard is forecast for Washington, D.C., while states from Texas to Florida experience severe weather due to a developing winter storm. Severe weather, including hail and at least one reported tornado, has been observed along the Gulf Coast.
Tropical Cyclone Corentin developed with intense showers dropping rain at rates of over 71 mm/hour in strong storms. NASA's GPM mission provided a 3D view of the storm, revealing heights of 13 km (8 miles) in its feeder band.
Tropical Storm Alex formed in January 2016, becoming the earliest hurricane to do so since 1938. NASA analyzed storm data using AIRS, RapidScat, GPM, and Suomi NPP satellites, revealing strongest winds at 30 meters per second and rainfall rates decreasing significantly after declaration as a hurricane.
A study by James Cook University scientists found that lizards in environmentally variable areas can tolerate more fluctuations, leading to wider ranges. Climate change predictions are met with evidence of species adapting to extreme weather events.
The National Hurricane Center has been monitoring System 90L, a low-pressure center producing winds of over 52 knots (60 mph) and heavy rainfall rates up to 94 mm/h. The system's strongest winds were observed southwest and southeast of the low pressure center.
NASA analyzed data from GPM core observatory and Suomi NPP satellite, discovering the hurricane had an eye forming with heavy rain falling at 84.5 mm per hour on its eastern side. The storm's convective storms reached heights of over 12 km, while its strongest feeder band wrapped around its eastern side.
Tropical Cyclone Ula reached category four status with winds of 115 knots, but weakened to 50 knots by Jan. 12. NASA's GPM measured heavy rain falling at over 63.5 mm/h near the storm's eye.
NASA estimated rainfall over a 7-day period while analyzing satellite data from the Eastern Pacific Ocean, revealing extreme rain events affecting southern California. The analysis showed highest rainfall totals of over 4.5 inches in the eastern Pacific and 4 inches near Lake Tahoe.
The Headwaters Diversion system, built to protect agricultural lands from overflow and Ozark Plateau runoff, has increased peak flow of Mississippi River water and led to increased flooding. Climate scientists predict a continued pattern of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating the issue.
Tropical Cyclone Ula formed on Dec 30 and intensified with rain rates exceeding 83.6 mm per hour, generating rough surf and dangerous coastal conditions for Fiji and American Samoa.
NASA analyzed rainfall totals in Paraguay and found the highest amounts occurred northeast of Asuncion, with over 400 mm recorded in central and southern parts. The strong El Niño phenomenon is believed to be the cause of the heavy flooding, affecting over 150,000 people across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The NASA GPM mission analyzed extreme weather in the US from December 2015, detecting heavy rainfall, tornado outbreaks, and record-breaking flooding. The analysis revealed a line of tornadic thunderstorms moving through the Midwest, generating two tornadoes and 14 deaths.