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'Mountain Rain or Snow' seeks citizen scientists and winter storm reports

The Mountain Rain or Snow project collects observations of rain, snow, and mixed precipitation from across mountainous regions. Volunteers can submit their own reports via smartphone or computer to improve satellite monitoring and model predictions, leading to better weather forecasts, skiing conditions, and avalanche risk assessments.

SourceDesert Research Institute·TypeSurvey·DateNov 15, 2021

Record-breaking rainfall in Asia prompts special curated journal issue

A record-breaking summer of flooding in eastern Asia prompted an international team to research and submit findings on the event to a special journal issue. The studies highlighted unusual behavior of an anti-cyclone and its connection to the Indian Ocean's warming, leading to persistent extreme rainfall.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 10, 2021

African Sahelian farmers diversify crops to adapt to climate change

Farmers in the African Sahel have developed crop diversity strategies to cope with high seasonal variability and rising temperatures caused by climate change. By alternating long and short-cycle crop varieties, such as sorghum and pearl millet, they maintain food security despite changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Ethnobiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2021

Slow and steady wilting makes for better beans…soybeans that is

A study by University of Tennessee researchers found two soybean genotypes, 'Ellis' and 'USG Allen', that outperformed others under drought conditions. These varieties showed improved yields and reduced wilting, making them suitable for water-limited areas.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalAgronomy·DateNov 1, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Scientists discover how forest fires influence rain cloud formation in the Amazon

A Brazilian study reveals that forest fires and wildfires modify the freezing process of cloud droplets, altering natural cloud functioning and potentially impacting precipitation. The research used a large dataset to show that aerosols emitted by fires can affect cloud formation in southern Amazonia during the rainy season.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021

Stimulus designed to help restaurant workers led to more COVID cases

A new study found that a UK government subsidy aimed at boosting restaurant sales during the pandemic accelerated a second wave of COVID-19 infections. The 'Eat-Out-To-Help-Out' scheme subsidized meals by up to 50% and saw a significant increase in restaurant visits, particularly on weekdays.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Economic Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

Climate change caused the devastating floods in part of Brazilian´s Southeast region, study says

A study found that climate change increased the probability of heavy rainfall by 70% in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, leading to severe flooding, deaths, and massive damage. The extreme event caused over 90,000 people to be temporarily homeless and resulted in significant economic losses.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClimate Resilience and Sustainability·DateOct 19, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Unprecedented rise of heat and rainfall extremes in observational data

Heat extremes have increased by 90-fold, with 3-sigma events affecting 9% of land area; record daily rainfall events also increased, with 1 in 4 records attributed to climate change. The small temperature increase has pushed up extreme weather substantially.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

A look back into record-breaking 2020 Mei-yu rainfall and flooding throughout China: Magnitude, scale, and dynamics

Heavy precipitation affected a significant portion of China, with the Yangtze River basin experiencing extreme flooding and multi-day rain events. The study found that the East Asian Summer Monsoon front played a dominant role in bringing persistent precipitation to the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

How mercury gets into the sea

An analysis by the University of Basel has revealed that mercury enters seawater primarily through gas exchange, not rainfall. The study found that approximately half of the mercury in the ocean originates from gaseous emissions, rather than precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2021

The north movement of Intertropical Convergence Zone on synoptic-scale causes heavy rainfall in the northern South China Sea in autumn

Research by Prof. Lifang Sheng and team reveals the northward movement of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) causes heavy autumn rainfall in the northern South China Sea. The ITCZ's shift north is triggered by abnormal equatorial easterlies, which strengthen during La Niña years.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 22, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Missing wind variability means future impacts of climate change may be underestimated in Europe and North America

Researchers at the University of Reading found that climate models underpredict regional temperatures and rainfall, particularly in the mid-latitudes, by neglecting extratropical wind variability. This increases uncertainty and likelihood of extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

After the flood disaster in western Germany: what science must find answers to

Researchers say the July 2021 flood in western Germany was more destructive than predicted, with mobilization of dead wood and sediment contributing to its impact. The event highlights the need for science to better understand precipitation-induced floods and their associated self-reinforcing effects.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2021

A warm Indian Ocean drives anomalous weather events in East Asia

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that warm sea surface temperature conditions in the Indian Ocean contribute to anomalous weather events in East Asia, including record-breaking rainfall and severe flooding. The study suggests a link between warming Indian Ocean conditions and stagnation of the Meiyu-Baiu rainband.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSOLA·DateSep 15, 2021

Drought – more than temperature – governs diversity of life on earth

A University of Arizona-led study found that drought and seasonal fluctuations in rainfall are larger drivers of evolutionary diversity than warm temperatures. The research team created maps of evolutionary diversity across North, Central and South America, revealing that deserts have more plant species compared to forests due to drought.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Tropical crops could suffer as climate change brings longer dry spells

A new study predicts that climate change will lead to longer dry spells in tropical regions, causing important global crops like coffee and cocoa to suffer. This could result from hotter temperatures, increased number of dry days, and longer dry spell lengths, particularly during the dry season.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Raining microbes? New study finds rain-borne bacteria colonize plants

Scientists found that rain-borne microbes can successfully colonize plants' aboveground microbial communities, protecting them from stressors. The study suggests that rain is a potentially important reservoir for phyllosphere bacteria, which could be used to improve plant health.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Research plots a downward spiral in southern Murray-Darling Basin water availability

Research in the southern Murray-Darling Basin has found a downward spiral in water availability, driven by accelerated changes in climate. Since the 1990s, cool season rainfall and river heights have significantly decreased due to increased evaporation and changed precipitation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Sediments tell monsoon precipitation mechanism in central Eastern China

Researchers analyzed sediments from Lake Nvshan to reconstruct a high-resolution model of the monsoon precipitation in the Jiang-Huai region. They found large fluctuations of sediment redness over the past 1800 years, indicating wetter and drier periods during the Little Ice Age and Medieval Warm Period.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalGeology·DateAug 7, 2021

Rainfall becomes increasingly variable as climate warms

Research predicts that climatologically wet regions will get wetter on average, but also swing widely between wet and dry conditions. This increased rainfall variability could lead to more extreme weather events impacting crop yields, river flows, and infrastructure resilience.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 28, 2021

Droughts may increase in South America by the end of the century, study suggests

A new study suggests that droughts in South America will increase by the end of the century due to rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. The study used 38 Global Climate Models to analyze temperature and precipitation changes across the continent.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEarth Systems and Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New long-term satellite analysis shows "plum" rainy season wetter now than ever before

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University analyzed long-term satellite data to find a significant increase in rainfall over the past decade during the annual Meiyu-Baiu rainy season. The increased rainfall is driven by tropical moisture transport and upper tropospheric troughs, which are strongly correlated with enhanced rainfall.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2021

Climate change to bring more intense storms across Europe

A new study by Newcastle University and the Met Office predicts a significant increase in slow-moving intense rainstorms across Europe by the end of the century, potentially leading to devastating flooding. The research estimates that these storms could be 14 times more frequent, with increased rainfall accumulations and flash flood risk.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2021

New web platform for planning flood prevention in cities

The SaferPlaces web service uses open data to identify areas at risk and plan protection measures, such as building modifications and new dikes. By mapping hazards and damages, users can simulate the effects of measures on the platform, ensuring user-friendliness and efficiency.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateJul 16, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists risk overestimating numbers of wild bonobos

A study by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that declining rainfall in the Congo Basin has lengthened bonobo sleeping nest decay times by 17 days over 15 years. This could lead to overestimating population density and jeopardizing conservation efforts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2021

A 50% rise in the level of CO2 could reduce rainfall in the Amazon more than deforestation

A new study suggests that a 50% increase in atmospheric CO2 could lead to a 12% annual drop in Amazon rainfall, surpassing the impact of complete forest replacement with pasture. The researchers ran simulations showing that reduced transpiration and leaf area would result in less water vapor emission, leading to decreased rainfall.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJun 29, 2021

Scientists observe the dynamics behind the exceptional summer 2020 Yangtze River rainfall seasonal projections

Researchers attribute the record-breaking meiyu rainfall in the Yangtze River basin to an anomalous western North Pacific subtropical high pressure system. This pressure system's change and associated air-sea interactions were found to be independent of ENSO, providing accurate forecasts despite neutral ENSO conditions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

Emissions cause delay in rainfall

Human activities contribute to a four-day delay in seasonal rainfall, threatening crop production and exacerbating heatwaves. The delayed onset of monsoon rainfall also jeopardizes the livelihoods of large populations in regions like India.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 25, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Marine sediments explain how part of Brazil's Northeast region became semi-arid

The study suggests that the tropical rain belt's latitudinal oscillation range contracted, resulting in reduced rainfall in Brazil's Northeast region. This finding can help predict the region's future climate and inform strategies for managing food and water security.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateJun 22, 2021

Climate models can predict decadal rainfall variations on Tibetan plateau

Researchers have found that summer rainfall on the Tibetan Plateau is highly predictable on multiyear timescales using large ensemble predictions. The study reveals a substantial underestimation of the predictable signal in state-of-the-art decadal prediction models.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 9, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Extreme rainfall: More accurate predictions in a changing climate

A new study using Regional Climate Models (RCMs) at kilometer scale has shown significant improvements in simulating extreme rainfall events. The RCMs outperform lower resolution models, especially during summer months, providing more accurate predictions for policymakers to adapt to climate change.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJun 3, 2021

Holocene winter rain and Sahara greening

Researchers analyzed a sediment core from Lake Tislit, Morocco, and found that the Sahara expanded with greenery during the African Humid Period. The expansion was caused by increased winter precipitation rather than a northward expansion of the monsoon.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Using fossil plant molecules to track down the Green Sahara

Researchers analyzed pollen and leaf waxes to reconstruct vegetation cover and rainfall in the past. Mediterranean plants tolerate arid conditions with winter rain, suggesting a southward shift of westerlies during the African Humid Period. This climate scenario produced a Green Sahara with two seasonal rains.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Newly discovered African 'climate seesaw' drove human evolution

African researchers identify ancient El Niño-like weather patterns as major climate drivers, challenging existing views on human evolution. The 'climate seesaw' shifted rainfall between eastern and western Africa over 100,000 years, influencing vegetation, mammal fauna, and human dispersal.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Stormwater could be a large source of microplastics and rubber fragments to waterways

Researchers found that stormwater can carry high concentrations of microplastic particles, including microscopic fibers and black rubbery fragments, into water bodies. A proof-of-concept experiment showed that a rain garden can capture up to 98% of these microparticles, suggesting a potential solution to reduce microplastic pollution i...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS ES&T Water·DateMay 26, 2021

Researchers identify the causes of the extreme drought that affected the Pantanal

The study reveals that the 2019-20 drought was caused by a meteorological phenomenon, atmospheric blocking, which prevented raincloud formation. The Pantanal's severe drought had devastating effects on the biome due to high temperatures, low humidity, and exacerbated by human activities like deliberate burning of vegetation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Water·DateMay 24, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Groundwater monitoring with seismic instruments

Researchers used seismic waves to monitor groundwater dynamics in high mountains, tracking changes in soil saturation and predicting runoff. The study provides valuable insights into the function of the vadose zone as a link between precipitation and groundwater reservoirs.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalAGU Advances·DateMay 19, 2021

Land can retain about 1/4 monthly precipitation

A new metric characterizes the 'inertia' of water after rainfall, allowing better analysis of freshwater storage capability using satellite data. On average, global land surfaces can retain over one quarter of monthly precipitation, with smaller areas having wetter conditions and larger areas having drier climates.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 18, 2021

Errors in large-scale and convective tropical precipitation simulations using current global models may impact climate feedback

Research highlights model biases in simulating large-scale and convective precipitation, leading to inaccurate rainfall projections. The study suggests that accurate convective/large-scale rainfall partitions are necessary for reliable climate projections.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Antarctic ice sheet retreat could trigger chain reaction

A new study suggests that the Antarctic ice sheet was more unstable in the past than previously thought, with fluctuations in its area causing significant changes in deep-sea temperatures. This can lead to a chain reaction of climate change, accelerating further ice loss and increasing rainfall on Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 13, 2021

Johns Hopkins scientists model Saturn's interior

Researchers simulate conditions necessary for Saturn's unique magnetic field, indicating higher temperatures at the equatorial region and lower temperatures at high latitudes. The findings advance the effort to map Saturn's hidden regions and provide insights into the planet's formation and evolution.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalAGU Advances·DateMay 5, 2021

Less precipitation means less plant diversity

A recent study suggests that climate change may cause a decline in plant diversity, particularly in dryland regions. The researchers found that changes in precipitation levels have a greater effect on plant diversity in drylands compared to wetter regions.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2021

Causes of extreme weather and climate events in China during 2020/21

The study found that sea surface temperature fluctuations in tropical Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans contribute to heavy rainfall events in China. Additionally, the Siberian High pressure system played a significant role in inducing cold surges during the winter of 2020/21.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 28, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Scientists propose new formation mechanism for solar coronal rain

Scientists have discovered a new type of coronal rain forming along open magnetic structures on the Sun, which is facilitated by interchange magnetic reconnection between open and closed magnetic structures. This mechanism triggers thermal instability, leading to cooling and condensation of hot coronal plasma, resulting in coronal rain.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateApr 22, 2021

Climate change is making Indian monsoon seasons more chaotic

The study predicts stronger and more erratic monsoon rainfall in India, with potentially grave consequences for the country's agriculture, economy, and food systems. Climate change is also causing more unpredictable weather extremes, posing a threat to the socio-economic well-being of the Indian subcontinent.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateApr 14, 2021

The relationship between ENSO and Indian summer monsoon rainfall is restoring

Research led by Prof. Ping Huang found that the ENSO-Indian summer monsoon rainfall relationship has been strengthening since 1999/2000, driven by tropical Atlantic SST anomalies. This restoration of the relationship improves climate prediction and restores confidence in physical process-based predictions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Innovation·DateApr 12, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Droughts longer, rainfall more erratic over the last 50 years in most of the West

Across most of the western US, dry periods between rainstorms have become longer and annual rainfall has become more erratic over the last 50 years. This is according to a new study that used actual rainfall data from 337 weather stations, revealing changes in drought length and rainfall patterns.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2021