Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
A new study reveals that the Classic Maya Civilization's collapse was related to relatively modest rainfall reductions of 25-40% between AD 800-950. This reduction led to rapid evaporation and reduced open water availability.
Climate change is linked to increased bacterial loads in potable water, putting indigenous populations at risk of waterborne diseases. Sherilee Harper's research finds similarities between Inuit and Batwa peoples' experiences with extreme weather events and waterborne illnesses.
Cyclone Giovanna re-strengthening and turning back toward southeastern Madagascar, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm's passage in February 2012 caused significant flooding and reported deaths, with the eastern coast receiving over a foot of rainfall.
Tropical Cyclone Jasmine is lingering near Tonga, causing gusty winds and heavy rainfall on the islands. The cyclone's strongest thunderstorms and heaviest rainfall are concentrated in its northeastern quadrant.
Cyclone Giovanna made landfall in eastern Madagascar with winds gusting to 120 mph, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The storm is expected to move into the Mozambique Channel, where it will quickly reorganize due to warm waters.
Researchers found evidence supporting the single-water-source hypothesis for Yellowstone's geysers, suggesting a common source of subsurface water. Additionally, gravity waves in the Martian mesosphere were linked to the formation of carbon dioxide clouds, which could impact global climate models.
Cyclone Jasmine was classified as a powerful category 4 cyclone with wind speeds of 132 mph, but was weakening due to cooler waters and drier air. A 3D image created from TRMM data revealed the eye's funnel-shaped surface and intense thunderstorms dropping rain at over 2 inches/hr.
Low pressure centers have drenched northeastern Australia, causing severe flooding and displacing thousands of people. The TRMM satellite measured extreme rainfall amounts, with totals over 520 mm (~20.5 inches) reported in the Gulf of Carpentaria region.
Cyclone Jasmine has developed a new eye with strongest thunderstorms near the center, causing heavy rainfall in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds reached 115 mph near New Caledonia, prompting warnings for the region.
A low-pressure area in the Gulf called System 90L is being watched for possible development into a subtropical depression, although chances are now considered slim. The system is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall and gusty winds to northern Cuba, the Florida Keys, and south Florida.
NASA's GCPEx mission aims to improve snow detection from space to better understand snow dynamics and its impact on climate cycles. The team faces challenges in distinguishing between rain and snow due to the variety of snowflake shapes and sizes.
Cyclone Funso's eye has filled with clouds, appearing ragged and 30 miles in diameter. The storm is expected to encounter stronger wind shear and cooler waters, leading to rapid weakening.
Researchers examine the link between climate warming and mass extinctions, revealing a direct consequence of Siberian trap volcanism. They also document land-based magnetic lineations similar to those found in sea-floor spreading centers and provide evidence for river drainage system rearrangement linked to ancient civilizations.
Two NASA satellites, Aqua and TRMM, provide detailed storm information on Cyclone Funso. The cyclone has a 11-mile-wide eye and intense thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures below -63F.
Researchers found that cold periods in the Northern Hemisphere are associated with increased precipitation in the Amazon Basin, while warm-cold climate oscillations influence South American rainfall. This study provides new insights into the relationship between Antarctic temperatures and Southern hemisphere rainfall cycles.
NASA's Aqua and TRMM satellites provided critical data on Tropical Storm Heidi's temperature, cloud heights and rainfall, enabling forecasters to predict its strengthening before landfall. The data revealed warm sea surface temperatures, intensifying rainfall, and high cloud heights, all indicative of a tropical storm gaining strength.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology developed a computer model that explains the distribution of clouds, lakes, and rainstorms on Titan. The model attributes these phenomena to the interaction between sunlight, atmospheric circulation, and methane reservoirs on the surface.
Scientists found that rain and wind contributed significantly to reducing pollution levels in Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Emission controls implemented by Chinese officials were complemented by natural factors, highlighting the importance of regional-scale controls to achieve long-term reductions.
Tropical Storm Washi dumped heavy rains over Mindanao, triggering catastrophic flash floods and mudslides. Rainfall totals reached 200-400 mm along the east coast, equivalent to four months of rainfall in Washington, D.C.
Tropical Storm Washi's rainfall analysis revealed widespread heavy rain throughout the entire storm. The storm showed improved organization and thunderstorms spiraling into its center, with feeder bands converging near Mindanao.
Tropical Storm Washi is expected to make landfall in Surigao del Sur early tomorrow afternoon and will bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the region. Residents are advised to prepare for the storm's arrival, as it has been classified as a Category 1 tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.
Researchers at EPFL develop mathematical tool to model flow of biocides from building façades into river basins, revealing high concentrations of pollutants. The model accurately predicts peak levels of three common biocides, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and reducing dependency on expensive testing.
Tropical Storm Alenga is strengthening due to warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, with maximum sustained winds reaching up to 63 mph. The storm is forecast to continue intensifying before encountering strong westerly wind shear and weakening.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method for simulating rainbows, including primary, secondary, and twinned rainbows, using improved models of light interaction with water drops. The study provides an almost complete picture of how rainbows form, shedding new light on their physics.
Tropical Storm Alenga formed in the Indian Ocean, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing heavy rainfall rates over 50 mm per hour. The storm is expected to intensify before weakening again as it becomes an extra-tropical storm, moving into a hostile environment.
A study proposes a common root for record-breaking rainfall and historic tornado outbreaks in the US. Researchers link these events to a rare coupling between polar and subtropical jet streams originating in the western Pacific. This phenomenon, known as a 'superjet,' can carry twice as much energy as typical jet streams.
The report presents the most comprehensive scientific analysis of climate change in the Pacific region, indicating warmer temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased extreme weather events. Future projections suggest decreased droughts and tropical cyclone frequencies, but increased extreme rainfall and sea-level rise.
Rainfall is suspected to trigger the spread of foliar diseases, affecting agriculture and forestry. Researchers studied a single rain droplet's impact on leaves, finding two patterns of droplet ejection that lead to disease transmission. The study provides guidance for farmers on optimal plant spacing to prevent disease spread.
Hurricane Kenneth formed as a tropical depression on November 19 and strengthened into a hurricane by November 21, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm is expected to turn west and slow down, with heavy rainfall occurring around its center.
TRMM data revealed a narrow line of moderate to very heavy rainfall associated with the cold front, accompanied by tornadoes and strong winds. The analysis showed the area of heavy rain was confined to a specific region, highlighting the severity of the storm.
A new climate study found that daily weather variations have become more erratic and extreme, with significant fluctuations in sunshine and rainfall. This increase in variability could alter the distribution of heat and rainfall, affecting ecosystem stability and industries such as agriculture and solar-energy production.
TRMM Satellite tracks Tropical Storm Keila's formation in the Arabian Sea, showing moderate to heavy rainfall spiraling into its center. The storm made landfall in Oman and is expected to track west-southwest along the coastlines of Oman and Yemen.
Researchers used Twitter data to track flu-like illness rates in UK regions and detected emerging epidemics. The study gathered over 50 million geo-located tweets and applied machine learning algorithms to identify keywords associated with elevated flu severity.
Hurricane Rina is intensifying off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, with NASA satellite imagery showing stronger thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures indicating increased power. The storm is projected to make landfall in the hurricane warning area by Wednesday night or early Thursday, bringing heavy rainfall and dangerous storm surge.
Tropical Storm Rina is forming and strengthening in the western Caribbean Sea, with heavy rainfall affecting Honduras and the Cayman Islands. The storm has a large area of heavy rainfall extending towards the northeast from eastern Honduras.
NASA's TRMM satellite provided critical clues to Philippe's strengthening, revealing towering thunderstorms and intense rainfall. The satellite's data showed deep convective towers reaching heights of over 13km, indicating the storm was intensifying.
Tropical Depression Nalgae's remnants are moving towards Vietnam with scattered areas of light to moderate rainfall. The system weakened rapidly after making landfall on Hainan Island, China, losing convection and maximum sustained winds of 20 knots.
Tropical Storm Philippe is battling intense wind shear from the northwest, causing heavy rainfall and powerful thunderstorms on its southeastern quadrant. The storm may strengthen and reach hurricane status in the next couple of days.
Hurricane Hilary is experiencing its heaviest rainfall in the northwest quadrant, with rain falling at 2 inches per hour. The storm is also showing signs of strengthening, with cloud tops cooling and towering clouds indicating increased power.
Typhoon Roke intensified from a Category 1 to 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale due to rapid updrafts and heavy rainfall accumulation over Kyushu Island. The TRMM satellite captured 3-D radar data showing significant precipitation reaching altitudes above the freezing level, fueling the storm's intensification.
A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...
Typhoon Roke is bringing intense rainfall to Japan, with areas seeing rain fall at 2 inches/50 mm per hour. Heavy rains are already causing rivers to overflow and prompting evacuations for over 1.1 million people in central Japan's Aichi prefecture.
Tropical Storm Sonca is bringing moderate to light rainfall as it passes east of the southern island of Chichi Jima. The storm's western quadrant has dry air that suppresses thunderstorm development.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite measured powerful convective storms dropping rainfall at over 50mm/hr northwest of Maria's center. Heavy rainfall bands were detected between the storm's center and Bermuda, with winds predicted to reach minimal hurricane strength by 2:00 p.m. EDT.
Geoscientists Kyle Nichols and Paul Bierman observed vast flooding in Namibia's western mountains and coastal plain. The rivers flowed for weeks, carrying sediment and leaving behind a landscape transformed by heavy rainfall. The researchers are studying the effects of mega-floods on erosion rates and sediment sources.
Tropical Storm Maria is approaching the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The storm may bring 3-5 inches of rainfall to the region, with isolated totals as high as 8 inches.
Tropical Storm Lee caused massive rainfall across central Louisiana, Mississippi, and northern Alabama, with some areas receiving over 250 mm. The TRMM satellite's TMPA analysis showed heavy rains extending inland from the Gulf of Mexico, with Chattanooga Tennessee breaking its all-time 24-hour rainfall record.
Tropical Storm Nate formed quickly in the Bay of Campeche near Mexico's east coast, with NASA satellites capturing its rapid development. The heaviest rainfall was found on the southern side of the storm, with cloud tops reaching heights of up to 14km.
Hurricane Katia is causing rough surf along the U.S. east coast, while Tropical Storm Lee's remnants bring heavy rain to the Mid-Atlantic states. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Maria appears disorganized, and Tropical Storm Nate is expected to strengthen in the warm waters of the Bay of Campeche.
Lee's surface circulation absorbed by a large extratropical low pressure area near the Tennessee/Virginia border. Heavy rainfall expected from central Appalachians into New England, with totals up to 10 inches until week's end.
Katia becomes a Category one hurricane with sustained winds near 75 mph, forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by Sunday.
The remnants of Tropical Depression 8E continue to bring heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms to Mexico's southwestern coast, with 4-6 inches of rain expected over the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima. The National Hurricane Center has issued their last warning for the area, indicating a low chance of regeneration.
The TRMM satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Katia's moderate to heavy rain and banding patterns, indicating a cyclonic circulation. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it encounters warmer waters and reduced wind shear, posing a threat to the Leeward Islands.
NASA's TRMM satellite detected isolated areas of heavy rainfall within Tropical Depression 8E before it organized. The depression is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and 4-6 inches of precipitation to coastal sections of Mexico's Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima states
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite has compiled rainfall total maps for Hurricane Irene, showing the eastern US was hit with extreme rainfall. The heaviest rainfalls were recorded in North Carolina and northeastern states, causing widespread flooding and damage.
NASA satellites continue to monitor the remnants of Hurricane Irene as they bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to eastern Canada. The storm's massive size and remnants have caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in Quebec, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
NASA satellites gathered detailed rainfall measurements and spotted heavy thunderstorms around Irene's center, indicating the storm's power. The storms were dropping rainfall at 2 inches per hour, with hurricane-force winds expected along the eastern U.S. coast.
Hurricane Irene strengthened into a major hurricane on the GOES-13 satellite video, reaching Category 3 status with 115mph winds. The storm is expected to make landfall in eastern North Carolina as a major hurricane, bringing devastating damage and heavy rainfall.
The TRMM satellite captured detailed images of Hurricane Irene, revealing a lack of eye formation and organized circulation. Rainbands indicated low-pressure circulation, with areas of intense rain near the center, suggesting potential for strengthening.
Researchers confirmed that tropical cyclones with hot towers intensify faster than those without. Hurricane Irene featured multiple 'hot towers', leading to its intensification into a hurricane. The storm's heavy rainfall is expected across several Caribbean islands, with totals reaching up to 20 inches in some areas.