Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
Tropical Cyclone Joalane is a tightly wound tropical cyclone with hurricane-strength winds, generating rough seas and heavy rainfall. NASA's satellite image captures the storm's eye and surrounding thunderstorms, revealing high cloud top temperatures that indicate heavy rainfall potential.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) has ended its 17-year mission, providing critical rainfall data for tropical cyclone monitoring, flood detection, drought monitoring, and disease monitoring. TRMM's legacy lives on through the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which succeeds and improves upon the TRMM project.
A study found that combined sewer overflows can lead to a significant increase in emergency room visits for gastrointestinal illnesses, contaminating drinking water sources. The researchers analyzed data from three areas with combined sewer systems and found a 13% increase in ER visits after extreme precipitation events.
Tropical Cyclone Joalane's clouds were analyzed by NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency using the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite. The study found intense convective thunderstorms dropping rain at a rate of over 63 mm per hour, with storm tops reaching altitudes of up to 17.4 km.
Tropical Cyclone 05W formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean on April 3, with NASA's GPM satellite analyzing rainfall rates and creating a 3-D image of high thunderstorms. The storm was moving west-northwest through Micronesia at 11 knots per hour.
The TRMM satellite provided a remarkable image of Super Typhoon Maysak, revealing an eye wall replacement cycle in progress. The storm's intensity is characterized by near-perfect symmetry around the center, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 140 knots.
A recent study on wild baboons reveals that those born during periods of famine have long-term effects on female fertility, making them 60% less likely to become pregnant during food shortages. The findings support the idea that early adversity carries lifelong costs and can lead to poor health as adults.
NASA's fleet of satellites captured stunning views of Super Typhoon Maysak's eye and powerful thunderstorms. The storm dropped rain at a rate of over 70 mm per hour northwest of its well-defined eye. Maysak was moving west-northwest towards the Philippines, where it is expected to make landfall on April 4.
Super Typhoon Maysak has reached Category 5 hurricane status with maximum sustained winds of near 140 knots (161.1 mph). The storm is generating heavy rainfall and high thunderstorms in the Pacific Ocean.
Researchers at OIST found that the energy lost to friction between falling rain and whipping winds in a typhoon can lessen its destructive force by as much as 30 percent. This discovery significantly reduces the margins of error in predicting typhoon intensity, which is crucial for anticipating damages and minimizing loss of lives.
Joint research from Monash and NASA found that big storms deliver 50% of tropical rain, while small disorganized storms decrease in frequency. The study suggests a dynamic change in the climate system is responsible for increased rainfall, rather than just warmer atmosphere holding more moisture.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan's maximum sustained winds dropped to 30 knots (34.5 mph/55.5 kph) as it continued to move across land in the Top End of Australia's Northern Territory. The storm was weakening inland and had low potential for regeneration over the next few days.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite provided data on rain rates throughout Cyclone Pam, revealing a well-defined inner eyewall with intense precipitation features. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds were estimated at 135 knots (~155 mph), indicating a near category 4 storm.
RapidScat instrument captures data on Ex-Tropical Cyclone Pam's winds, revealing sustained tropical-storm-force winds southeast of its center. Winds over 30 meters per second were still occurring east of the center, prompting a Storm Warning for the Chatham Islands.
NASA's Aqua satellite and ISS-RapidScat instrument monitored storm Pam's structure and wind speed. The storm transitioned to an extra-tropical cyclone, with maximum sustained winds near 56 mph/90 kph.
The TRMM satellite found heavy rain falling at over 1.4 inches per hour near the center of Tropical Storm Bavi, with moderate rainfall observed in a wide band of thunderstorms west of the center. The storm is currently located about 229 nautical miles east-southeast of Ujelang and is moving to the west-northwest towards Guam.
Cyclone Pam is strengthening as it moves through the Solomon Islands, triggering warnings for Temotu, Malaita, and Makira provinces. The storm's maximum sustained winds are estimated at 80 knots (92 mph), with heavy rainfall rates of over 158 mm/hour reported near the Santa Cruz Islands.
A recent study published in Nature journal Scientific Reports found that the Asian monsoon played a crucial role in the evolution of African mole rats and bamboo rats. The researchers discovered that changes in monsoon strength over 24 million years influenced the rodents' teeth, head shape, and digging behavior.
Tropical Depression 3W formed near Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, on March 11 with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots. The storm is forecast to move west-northwest toward Guam, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Researchers developed a new hydrological model to predict the extent of flash flooding by analyzing rainfall patterns at the hillslope scale. The model reveals that certain frequencies of rainfall can amplify runoff and lead to more severe flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Pam strengthened to hurricane-force near Vanuatu, with sustained winds reaching up to 56 mph and heavy rainfall expected. NASA's satellite data showed the storm's powerful thunderstorms, which are driving its circulation and intensification.
Tropical Storm Haliba was sandwiched between La Reunion and Mauritius in NASA satellite imagery, with the bulk of its clouds pushed east by westerly vertical wind shear. The heaviest rainfall, exceeding 7.1 inches per hour, was detected northeast of Reunion Island.
Tropical Cyclone Pam formed over the Solomon Islands, with GPM satellite detecting heavy rainfall exceeding 1.4 inches per hour. The storm is forecast to intensify and move southeast towards Fiji and New Caledonia.
Researchers mapped the African continent using satellite data, discovering regions that have received drastically different amounts of rainfall over the past decade. The study found that areas such as the Congo, Nigeria, and Madagascar have become drier, while others like the Sahel zone have become greener due to increased rainfall.
Tropical Cyclone 15S forms in Mozambique Channel, bringing heavy precipitation rates of over 30mm/hour. The storm is expected to meander and dissipate near Madagascar's coast.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that rain falls most frequently in areas with lower soil moisture, which warms air and allows water vapor to rise higher. High soil moisture, on the other hand, can lead to more evaporation and precipitation, but the relationship is complex and still not fully understood.
Tropical Cyclone Marcia caused significant flooding and damage in eastern Queensland with rainfall totals reaching up to 300-350mm. The merged precipitation analysis from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center indicates heaviest rainfall areas were off-shore from Lismore, Byron Bay, and Mackay.
A NASA satellite has quantified in three dimensions how much dust makes its trans-Atlantic journey from the Sahara to the Amazon rain forest. An estimated 22,000 tons of phosphorus-rich Saharan dust are carried across the ocean each year, equivalent to about the same amount lost from rain and flooding.
Scientists estimate that about 22,000 tons of phosphorus-rich Saharan dust cross the Atlantic Ocean annually, replenishing depleted Amazon soils. This vital nutrient plays a crucial role in maintaining the Amazon ecosystem.
The TRMM Precipitation Radar observed Marcia's rapid intensification to category 5 before its expected landfall in Queensland, Australia. The satellite's data revealed a powerful hot tower at the storm's eyewall, which is associated with increased intensification.
Tropical Cyclone Marcia made landfall along Queensland's coast with intense storms dropping rain at 225 mm/hour. The TRMM satellite captured a 3-D view of the cyclone, showing thunderstorm tops reaching heights of over 15.2 km.
Tropical Cyclone Lam brought heavy rain to the Northern Territory, causing flooding in low-lying areas and river rises over the central Top End. The cyclone made landfall as a Category Four storm, with sustained winds near 55 kph.
Researchers suggest that human dispersal into southern Asia via Arabia was linked to changing climate and environmental conditions, with increased rainfall supporting populations. The Al Sibetah alluvial fan sequence provides a unique record of landscape change in southeast Arabia, revealing multiple humid episodes during glacial periods.
Tropical Cyclone Lam formed in the northern Gulf of Carpentaria on Feb. 17, with NASA satellites capturing its cloud extent and rainfall rates. The storm is expected to intensify and make landfall into Arnhem Land before weakening.
A new study warns that the existing system of space-based rainfall observation satellites requires a serious overhaul due to weak spots in many developing countries. Replacing only two of the four satellites past their design life can help close data deficits considerably.
A study on the Thames river found that greater numbers of resistant bacteria exist close to waste water treatment works, which are likely responsible for increasing antibiotic resistance. The researchers suggest that improvements in treatment processes could hold the key to reducing the prevalence of resistant bacteria in the environment.
A new study by Cornell University warns that the existing system of space-based rainfall observation satellites requires a serious overhaul due to aging technology and lack of international coordination. Replacing just two of the four outdated satellites could help close gaps in data coverage, but broader collaboration is still needed.
TRMM and GPM satellites calculated moderate to high rainfall rates of over 35.5 mm southwest of Typhoon Higos' center. The storm was weakening due to decreasing ocean heat and dry air, forecasted to dissipate by Feb. 13.
Tropical Storm Fundi weakened due to strong vertical wind shear and cool waters. The NASA-JAXA GPM satellite captured Fundi's waning rainfall on Feb 8, just hours before its final warning was issued.
A large snowstorm affecting New England is breaking records, with Boston experiencing over 61.6 inches of snowfall, surpassing the previous record. The storm system, captured by NOAA's GOES-East satellite, is also bringing freezing rain to western Pennsylvania and Long Island.
Scientists reconstructed a 450-year rainfall record using a stalagmite from Belize, showing a substantial drying trend since 1850. The research links this trend to rising sulphate aerosols from industrial emissions, which moderated temperatures and shifted the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) towards the warmer Southern Hemisphere.
Researchers from the University of Iowa analyzed daily stream gauge records from 1962-2011 and found that 34% of stations experienced an increase in flood frequency, while 9% saw a decrease. The study suggests that warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are contributing to the rising number of big floods in the region.
A stream of clouds and moisture associated with the 'Pineapple Express' is expected to bring rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest over several days. The system is expected to produce moderate to heavy rainfall totals in coastal areas, with some regions seeing up to 10 inches of rain.
A recent University of Hawaii study reveals heavy rainfall events are increasing in frequency on the Big Island, but decreasing on Oahu and Maui. Climate change is believed to be driving these changes, with extreme rain events more common during La Nina years.
A team from MIT and the University of Liege presents high-speed images showing that raindrops can act as a dispersing agent, catapulting contaminated droplets far from their leaf source. The researchers found that a plant's mechanical properties, particularly its compliance, determine the range of dispersal.
Tropical Cyclone Eunice reached Category 5 status, with the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite capturing intense rainfall and thunderstorms. NASA's RapidScat instrument gathered wind speed data, revealing the strongest winds were on the storm's southwestern quadrant.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission's Core Observatory captured satellite images of the nor'easter storm system, revealing intense bands of snowfall and heavy rainfall rates. The storm brought blizzard conditions to parts of New England, with up to 30 inches of snow falling in some areas.
Tropical Cyclone Diamondra formed on January 26 and strengthened to 45 knots by January 27, with heavy rainfall detected east of its center. The storm is expected to strengthen further before weakening in cooler waters and encountering strong vertical wind shear.
Researchers found that Rapa Nui communities were abandoned due to environmental constraints, with nutrient-rich areas maintaining viable populations despite external threats.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission combined with satellite data revealed an area of maximum rainfall centered over Samar, resulting in extreme totals greater than 600mm. The analysis also found that much of the heavy rainfall from Mekkhala fell over the same area devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
Tropical Storm Mekkhala's heaviest precipitation was found on its western side, with powerful convective thunderstorms dropping rain at over 2.8 inches per hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 57.4 mph on January 16, with public storm warning signals raised in the Philippines.
The NASA GPM satellite captured detailed rainfall data of Tropical Storm Mekkhala on January 14, revealing intense convective storms near its center. The storm strengthened into a tropical storm over the western quadrant, with moderate vertical wind shear.
The two satellites measured significant rainfall in Tropical Depression Mekkhala, indicating the storm's intensification on January 13. The depression strengthened as it headed towards the Philippines, with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots and a circulation that became slightly better defined.
Researchers at MIT found that raindrops can release aerosols when hitting porous surfaces, trapping tiny air bubbles and bursting them out into the air. This mechanism may explain petrichor, the smell released after a light rain, and potentially spread soil-based diseases.
The first Northwestern Pacific tropical depression has formed, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall to the region. NASA's TRMM satellite observed two large bands of thunderstorms with rainfall rates of 1 inch per hour near the storm's center.
A new study by Michigan State University sociologist Toby Ten Eyck analyzed news coverage of graffiti in US publications, finding most articles linked it to crime and blight. However, some stories highlighted graffiti as an expression of solidarity or social commentary.
Researchers found that increasing fruit surface wetness increases severity of skin spot, a disorder characterized by patches of small brownish dots on apples' skin. The study also showed that skin spot is positively correlated with the number of rainy days during the growing season.
Tropical storm Jangmi has weakened to a tropical depression as it moves into the Sulu Sea, affecting central and northern Philippines. The storm is expected to continue moving toward Palawan before re-strengthening into a tropical storm in the South China Sea.
The TRMM satellite measured the heaviest rainfall rate of about 1.2 inches per hour north of Tropical Cyclone Kate's eye, with weaker rates around its center. The storm strengthened since Dec. 29 and developed an eye, moving southwest through the Southern Indian Ocean.
A new study reveals that clearing rainforests distorts wind and water patterns, altering growing conditions for crops like coffee and corn globally. The report finds that deforestation-induced warming and altered rainfall can impact agricultural productivity, with the US Midwest, Europe, and China potentially seeing changes.