Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
Typhoon Melor is affecting southern Japan with gusty winds, heavy rains, and high waves, while Tropical Storm Parma continues to rain on Luzon in the northern Philippines. The storms are expected to bring soaking rains, dangerous surf, and gusty winds to two different locations.
Researchers mapped sand dune activity across northern China and found unexpectedly high levels of mobility and change between 8,000 to 11,500 years ago, a time period generally thought to have a wetter climate. The result suggests that common assumptions about the effects of future climate changes may be incorrect.
NASA's Aqua and Quick Scatterometer satellites captured infrared imagery of Tropical Storm Olaf stretching eastward over mainland Mexico, showing its center west of Baja California. The storms dissipation was attributed to adverse environmental conditions like upper-level winds and cooler sea surface temperatures.
Typhoon Parma is expected to make landfall in the northeastern province of Isabela, causing heavy rains and mudslides. The storm's powerful winds will also slam Luzon with rain over the next two days, exacerbating existing flooded conditions.
NASA satellites Aqua, Terra, and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) are monitoring Super Typhoon Parma, which has intensified into a Category Four Typhoon. The storm is expected to further intensify prior to landfall on the northeastern coast of Luzon.
Typhoon Ketsana brought heavy rainfall to the Philippines, with record amounts falling in Manila. The TRMM satellite provided near-real time data, revealing high rainfall totals of up to 24 inches in central Luzon.
NASA's infrared satellite images showed Typhoon Ketsana dumping heavy rains on northern Philippines and Vietnam with thunderstorm cloud tops as cold as -63F. The storm brought record rainfall, deadly flooding, and mudslides, affecting over 2 million homes.
The TRMM satellite captured heavy rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour in the center of the storm. Rainfall images are false-colored with yellow, green and red areas indicating rainfall between .78 to 1.57 inches per hour.
A recent study at the University of Illinois used computer models PnET-II and LANDIS-II to simulate possible forest landscape scenarios up to 200-400 years in the future. The study found that temperature and photosynthetic active radiation are the most important variables predicting forest landscapes, with uncertainties increasing afte...
New research suggests that pollution from Asia, Europe and North America may contribute to recent Australian rainfall changes. Human-generated aerosols from the northern hemisphere are thought to drive changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation, leading to increased rainfall in north-western and central Australia.
Tropical Storm Danny has formed east of the Bahamas, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing strengthening thunderstorms in infrared imagery. The storm is expected to bring 2-3 inches of rainfall to the central and northwestern Bahamas, with maximum amounts of 4 inches.
Tropical Storm Hilda is expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, with forecasters noting minimal impacts due to her small size. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, and slow strengthening is possible as it continues west-southwest.
Hurricane Bill brings heavy rainfall to Bermuda, with NASA satellites capturing detailed data on rainfall, clouds, and winds. The storm is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 1-3 inches over Bermuda and affect the eastern US coast.
Hurricane Bill is intensifying due to increased rainfall, with its eye widening and wind speeds reaching 105 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen into a Category Three hurricane, making it a major threat to the Leeward Islands.
Two NASA satellites captured Hurricane Bill's 'baby pictures' shortly after he became a hurricane, revealing its large size and organized structure. The data showed heavy rainfall bands and high thunderstorms, indicating the storm's increasing power.
NASA satellites are tracking Tropical Depression Ana as it drenches Puerto Rico and poses a threat to the US and British Virgin Islands. Ana is expected to produce heavy rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches over these regions, with isolated maximums of 6 inches in mountainous terrain.
Tropical Storm Claudette made landfall near Fort Walton Beach, Florida with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. Heavy downpours and localized flooding are expected for Alabama and Mississippi as the storm moves north-northwest through the region.
Air pollution in eastern China has reduced the amount of light rainfall and decreased days of light rain by 23 percent, affecting crop growth and health. Researchers found that smaller water droplets created by aerosols impede rain cloud formation.
Typhoon Morakot brought catastrophic rainfall to Taiwan and China, with over 40 inches of rain recorded in central and northern Taiwan. The NASA TRMM satellite provided critical data on the storm's impact, allowing researchers to map areas of potential flooding and track its movement around the globe.
Typhoon Morakot's massive size and powerful winds have brought catastrophic effects to Taiwan, with reports of up to 20 inches of rain in mountainous areas. The storm's landfall is expected to occur on Saturday in mainland China, where it will then move north towards Shanghai.
Rainfall in Iberian Peninsula to decline due to climate change, with increased frequency in winter and lower amounts in spring-summer. Climate models predict significant changes by middle of 21st century, with varying effects on seasonal distribution patterns.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite captured a unique image of both tropical storm Carlos and Dolores on July 15, 2009. The image shows the horizontal pattern of rain intensity within storms, with false-colored areas indicating rainfall between 20-40 millimeters per hour.
NASA's TRMM satellite provides forecasters with a 3-D look at Hurricane Carlos's cloud heights and rainfall, aiding forecasting. Carlos regained hurricane status as a Category One storm on July 14, 2009, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
The tropical rain band is shifting north at an average rate of 1.4 kilometers per year, which could lead to droughts in Pacific islands and reduced freshwater supplies by mid-century or sooner. The shift is attributed to the warming world, with greenhouse gases potentially accelerating this process.
A recent MSU-led study found that Brazil's protected areas within the Amazon can buffer the forest from climate change even if the remaining area is deforested. The researchers used atmospheric computer modeling to simulate a worst-case scenario and found rainfall levels would not decrease significantly.
Researchers found clusters of smaller raindrops falling at speeds exceeding their terminal speed, especially during heavier rainfall. This discovery could improve weather measurement and prediction accuracy, benefiting industries like agriculture, construction, and aviation.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite captured rainfall totals of over 900 mm in southern Luzon due to Tropical Storm Kujira and around 150 mm in northern Luzon from Typhoon Chan-hom. The TRMM-based Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis system provides near-real-time data for monitoring global Tropics.
A landmark USGS study documents the process of methylmercury formation in the North Pacific Ocean, which contaminates tuna and other seafood. The study shows that long-range transport of mercury from Asia is a significant pathway, highlighting the need for reduced mercury emissions to protect public health.
A NASA study estimates that climate change fuels Asian wildfires, increasing carbon dioxide emissions by a factor of 10 during dry El Niño years. The research used satellite data and computer models to analyze the impact of drought on fire spread and intensity in regions like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
The NASA TRMM satellite shows Cyclone Bijli's intense rainfall, peaking at 129 millimeters (5.07 inches) in Bangladesh, causing heavy flooding and tropical storm-force winds. The animation tracks the storm's development from birth to landfall on April 17, 2009.
A new study from the University of Washington found that people's understanding of rainy weather forecasts is hindered by misconceptions about probability and uncertainty. Researchers tested over 450 college students and found that many incorrectly assumed deterministic forecasts, leading to unnecessary precautions.
Researchers discovered a five-sided ice chain structure, building from pentagon-shaped rings, which challenges the commonly seen hexagonal structures of ice formations. This finding could lead to new materials for seeding clouds and causing rain, improving weather modification techniques.
In 2008, NASA satellites tracked five tropical cyclones that hit Hispaniola, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The storms, including Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, and Kyle, brought torrential rainfall and flooding to the island, resulting in over 800 reported deaths or missing persons.
A study analyzing 28 soybean experiments found no significant yield advantage for early plantings, regardless of region or variety. However, delaying plantings beyond the critical date in late May or early June led to a substantial loss of yields, suggesting producers should prioritize timely planting.
Researchers found that intermittent rain in days before the tornado moistened some areas enough to create favorable conditions for severe storms. Urban landscape gave storms extra energy needed to spin up a tornado. Heat island effect amplified storm intensity.
A University of Georgia study found Salmonella in 79% of river and stream samples, with highest concentrations in summer months and after rainfall. The bacteria can persist and grow in water under certain conditions, potentially contributing to increased salmonella illnesses as a result of global warming.
Researchers identify aerosols as a crucial factor in shaping Australian rainfall patterns, with potential impacts on future climate change. Aerosol pollution from Asia may be responsible for changes in rainfall patterns in northern Australia.
Researchers predict regional summer monsoon rainfall in China up to 2 seasons ahead by analyzing Pacific SSTA and STA signals. The subtropical summer monsoon has shown a long-term increasing trend, but southern regions have experienced a deducing trend since 1998.
Scientists have discovered 10 new amphibian species in Colombia, shedding light on the country's remarkable biodiversity. The discovery was made during a Rapid Assessment Program expedition in the Tacarcuna area, where approximately 60 species of amphibians were identified, including three glass frogs and three poison dart frogs.
The Supe people's advanced stone pyramid temples and maritime farming community were devastated by a series of earthquakes and flooding caused by El Nino events, rendering their fertile fields and bays uninhabitable. The region's collapse serves as a cautionary tale for modern times, highlighting the risks of environmental vulnerability.
New research by Newcastle University forecasts that UK flooding events will increase in intensity and frequency, with a predicted 30% rise in extreme rainfall by 2080. Northern and western regions are expected to be worst hit, with major implications for flood risk management.
Climate change may lead to a significant impact on water supplies, with changes in groundwater recharge potentially exceeding those in precipitation. The research focused on a semi-arid region near Lubbock, Texas, finding that timing and duration of rainfall events play a crucial role in determining the effects.
A study by Peter Leeson and Russell Sobel found that each $100 of FEMA-provided disaster relief increases the average state's corruption by nearly 102 percent. Notably, hurricane-prone states with high FEMA allocations have more corruption convictions per capita.
The report warns of devastating effects on forests and communities due to climate change; adaptation measures, such as improving forest management and conserving ecosystems, are crucial to mitigate the impacts. Forests provide vital ecosystem services and income for millions of people.
Researchers found that weakening Asian monsoons may have contributed to the fall of three Chinese dynasties, leading to periods of popular unrest. A strong summer monsoon prevailed during a 'golden age' of rice cultivation and rapid population growth in China.
A weakening of the summer Asian Monsoons in ancient China may have contributed to the fall of three dynasties. The researchers found that periods of weak summer monsoons coincided with times of social unrest, but a strong monsoon prevailed during one of China's golden ages.
Research reveals sea snakes dehydrate in saltwater and prefer freshwater or diluted brackish water. The findings may help explain the patchy distribution of sea snakes and their vulnerability to climate change.
A study by the University of Bayreuth and Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research found that extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rains can postpone or accelerate plant flowering times in Central Europe. On average, a one-month drought postponed the time of flowering by 4 days, equivalent to a decade of global warming.
A new study suggests that increased climate-related extreme rainfall events in the Great Lakes region will aggravate the risk for outbreaks of waterborne disease. The researchers found a potential 10 to 40% increase in extremely heavy precipitation events, leading to greater potential for flooding and sewage overflow into Lake Michigan.
A new experiment simulates predicted rainfall patterns and assesses the effect of diverse plant species on ecosystem responses. The study focuses on how changes in plant diversity modify key functions such as water processing, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage under changing climate conditions.
A Brown-led research team has discovered that the Lake Tanganyika area's climate is linked to ocean and atmospheric patterns in the Northern Hemisphere. The region's rainfall sensitivity is high, with small changes triggering significant precipitation fluctuations.
Scientists have discovered that aerosols can increase rainfall by providing condensation nuclei for cloud droplets. Moderate quantities of aerosols lead to more rain as they control the distribution of energy in the atmosphere and influence the formation of clouds.
A new study suggests that air pollution can both increase and decrease rainfall, depending on local environmental conditions. The research, led by Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found that aerosol particles in the air can affect cloud formation and precipitation patterns.
A recent study by The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin found significant variations in green roof performance across six manufacturers. Green roofs were found to cool buildings' interiors by up to 21% and capture rainwater during downpours, but differences varied greatly among products.
New research suggests that climate change may increase Middle East rainfall by up to 50% in the Euphrates-Tigris watershed, contrary to previous projections. This could alleviate agricultural challenges and reduce food shortages.
A new study confirms a link between warmer climates and more powerful rainstorms, increasing the risk of flooding and societal impacts. Researchers found that tropical rainfall extremes increase during warm periods, with heavy downpours boosted by atmospheric moisture.
A new study identifies a link between warming Indian Ocean and declining rainfall in eastern Africa, impacting food security. The team found that human-caused warming of the Indian Ocean leads to increased rainfall over the ocean, reducing onshore moisture flow and resulting in dry air over Africa.
A University of Missouri professor found that men conducting field research on women are limited to specific subjects due to restrictions on access. The Diola people's culture and rituals, such as their fertility shrine Ehugna, were difficult for male researchers to study due to social norms and expectations.
Research highlights importance of distinguishing between tropical cyclones and extra-tropical storms, with a focus on raindrop size distribution. This distinction can help weather forecasters better estimate rainfall intensity and reduce flash flooding.
Researchers found that high-energy electrons are lost by the inner radiation belt during VLF transmitter periods, suggesting human systems can control radiation belt dynamics. Additionally, enhanced mixing within Southern Ocean fronts influences global ocean circulation and climate.