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Increased precipitation and the watery miracles of Italian saints

A new study links increased precipitation in Italy to historical accounts of saints' miracles, demonstrating a unique cultural response to climate change. Researchers integrated paleoclimate proxies with historical records, revealing exceptional moisture levels and unusual water miracles in sixth-century texts.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalClimatic Change·DateMar 29, 2021

Pollutant levels after Hurricane Harvey exceeded lifetime cancer risk in some areas

Researchers analyzed soil samples from the Manchester neighborhood in Houston, finding nearly half contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to poor health outcomes and different types of cancer. The highest concentrations were found near major highways and industrial facilities.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Health and Pollution·DateMar 24, 2021

Drought over the southwestern Tibetan Plateau triggered by ocean warming more than ten thousand miles away

A recent study reveals that droughts over the southwestern Tibetan Plateau are triggered by ocean warming in the eastern Pacific, approximately 18,000 km away. The researchers found that anomalous advection of moist enthalpy and suppressed rainfall contribute to this phenomenon.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMar 21, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

The secrets of the best rainbows on Earth

Researchers found that Hawaii's location in the subtropical Pacific, combined with its mountains and clean air, create an ideal environment for frequent rainbow sightings. The new RainbowChase app, developed by Dr. Steven Businger, uses Doppler radar data and satellite images to alert users of favorable conditions.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMar 11, 2021

Yangtze flooding and Indian Ocean conditions

A study found that warming in the Indian Ocean led to extreme monsoon rainfall and Yangtze River flooding in 2020. The researchers used a global atmospheric model and observed data to predict the excessive rainfall, which was mainly caused by temperature anomalies in the Indian Ocean.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

New research highlights health risks to babies on the front line of climate change

New research highlights how extreme rainfall associated with climate change harms babies' development, leading to smaller birth-weight and premature birth. The study found that even non-extreme intense rainfall resulted in lower birth-weight, with children from disadvantaged households facing the most severe effects.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 1, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Dingo effects on ecosystem visible from space

A recent UNSW Sydney study pairs satellite imagery with site-based field research to show that removing dingoes leads to overgrazing and reduced soil quality. The effects of dingo removal are visible from space, with vegetation inside the fence having poorer long-term growth than outside.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Future ocean warming boosts tropical rainfall extremes

Climate models predict an increase in extreme ENSO-related swings in rainfall due to future ocean warming, but temperature difference between El Niño and La Niña may change little. Researchers found that increased rainfall sensitivity is key to understanding this phenomenon.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 22, 2021

Traditional hydrologic models may misidentify snow as rain, new citizen science data shows

A new study published in Frontiers in Earth Science uses citizen science data to identify the temperature cutoff between rain and snow in winter storms in the Lake Tahoe region of the Sierra Nevada. The results show that a warmer temperature threshold of 39.5°F may be more accurate for predicting precipitation in this region.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateFeb 22, 2021

Bacteria and algae get rides in clouds

Researchers from Rutgers University discovered that clouds can carry bacteria and algae, which could impact human health and ecosystems. The study found various types of algae, including cyanobacteria, in cloud water and rainwater collected from France, highlighting the need for further research on these microorganisms.

SourceRutgers University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Challenge of the summer rainfall forecast skill in China: A possible solution

A new study analyzes the relationship between the Mongolian cyclone and the South Asian high, finding that their coupling accounts for 66% of seasonal rainfall anomalies in China. The research suggests that enhancing summer rainfall forecast skill in China can be achieved by analyzing these phenomena in the upper-level atmosphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 16, 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.

Here comes the new generation of climate models: the future of rainfall in the Alps

The study reveals that next-generation climate models will provide valuable information on hourly precipitation, enabling better adaptation policies for infrastructure and economies. The research demonstrates the added value of high-resolution climate simulations, confirming their worth in areas with complex orography like the Alps.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalAtmosphere·DateFeb 12, 2021

Commodity farming accelerating climate change in the Amazon rainforest

Large-scale commercial farms in the southern Amazon accelerate climate change by increasing temperatures and reducing rainfall, whereas small-scale farms have less significant impacts. Alternative agricultural practices like agroforestry are needed to mitigate environmental changes and protect the remaining forests.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·DateFeb 9, 2021

Impacts of large-scale commodity farming on the Amazon

Researchers found that deforestation for large-scale commodity farms leads to decreased rainfall rates and higher surface temperatures compared to small-scale farms. Temperature increases range from 1.05 to 3.06 °C in deforested lands dominated by commodity farms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Variable weather makes weeds harder to whack

A study found that variable weather conditions make pre-emergence herbicides less effective, leading to increased use of post-emergence herbicides. Herbicide combinations can help minimize rainfall requirements and improve weed control.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·DateFeb 8, 2021

Early Indian monsoon forecasts could benefit farmers

Researchers have found that ECMWF's SEAS5 system accurately predicts the timing of the monsoon in India's major agricultural regions, a month in advance. This information can be crucial for farmers to prepare for unexpected heavy rainfall or extended dry periods, which regularly destroy crops in India.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateFeb 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

California's rainy season starting nearly a month later than it did 60 years ago

The start of California's rainy season has been pushed back from November to December, extending the state's wildfire season by nearly a month. Climate scientists attribute the delay to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, which bring more rain to neighboring states like Washington and Oregon.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 4, 2021

Huge methane emission rise follows extreme rainfall in East Africa

A new study found that extreme rainfall events in East Africa led to a substantial increase in methane emissions from wetlands, accounting for over a quarter of the global annual increase. The study used satellite data and atmospheric models to evaluate methane emissions during the 2018-2019 rainfall period.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 3, 2021

The morphological characteristics of precipitation areas affects precipitation intensity

New research links the shape and size of precipitation areas on radar to rainfall intensity. Studies in the Tibetan Plateau show that square-shaped precipitation areas have the highest rain rate, while linear ones have the lowest. This discovery has potential for forecasting precipitation and verifying numerical models.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 2, 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.

As climate warms, summer monsoons to produce less streamflow

A new study finds that climate warming reduces the impact of summer monsoons on streamflow in the Colorado River Basin. Monsoonal rains normally deliver 18% of the basin's water and produce 10% of annual streamflow, but a warmer future with less snow accumulation will diminish this effect.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 1, 2021

Climate change in antiquity: mass emigration due to water scarcity

Researchers found climate change was behind the decline of Roman settlements in Egypt's Faiyum region, which relied heavily on irrigation. The study linked a volcanic eruption and reduced Nile rainfall to the environmental changes that led to mass migration.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalStudies in Late Antiquity·DateJan 25, 2021

UCI researchers: Climate change will alter the position of the Earth's tropical rain belt

A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change will alter the position of the Earth's tropical rain belt, with a northward shift expected in the Eastern Hemisphere and a southward shift in the Western Hemisphere. This shift may lead to increased drought stress in some regions and intensified flooding in others.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 18, 2021

Hawai'i drought during El Niño winter? Not always, according to new research

A recent study found that Hawai'i drought is only associated with Eastern Pacific El Niño, while Central Pacific El Niño events result in deficient rainfall in Hawaii only 60% of the time. This new information has significant implications for water resource management and planning in Hawai'i.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJan 6, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Surveys identify relationship between waves, coastal cliff erosion

A three-year study in Del Mar, California has uncovered the relationship between wave impacts and coastal cliff erosion, with waves affecting the base of cliffs and rain impacting the upper region. The findings provide a new opportunity to improve forecasts and predict cliff retreat.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeomorphology·DateDec 28, 2020

International research team calls for 'glocal' approach to help mitigate flooding damage

An international research team proposes a 'glocal' approach to better predict and prevent flooding disasters by combining global forecasting with local observations. The proposed system, GHS-F, aims to provide highly detailed and consistent rain-flood information, which could help avoid some flooding damage.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 24, 2020

Modeling rainfall drop by drop

Researchers at KAUST developed a high-frequency rainfall model using new rain gauges that measure rainfall drop by drop, providing unprecedented insight into minute-to-minute rainfall dynamics. The model captures the 'skewness' of high-frequency precipitation data and generates synthetic precipitation data for water management.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalSpatial Statistics·DateDec 20, 2020

When the rains stopped

Archaeologists study how climate shift affected Greater Cahokia's bio-cultural associations and societal changes. Evapotranspiration played a critical role in determining urbanism progression, particularly through Steam Bath Ceremonialism.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateDec 2, 2020

Satellite images confirm uneven impact of climate change

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have analyzed satellite imagery to study vegetation trends in arid regions, finding a clear trend of declining vegetation growth in developing countries, while wealthier nations experience increased growth. This uneven impact may lead to food shortages and climate refugees.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 26, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Likelihood of future 'Day Zero' drought

A study suggests the probability of another 'Day Zero' drought in Cape Town will increase due to anthropogenic emissions. By 2100, the likelihood rises from 0.7% to 25% under an intermediate emission scenario, highlighting emerging drought risk in arid regions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020

Study projects more rainfall in Florida during flooding season

A new study by the University of Miami finds that warmer Atlantic Ocean temperatures are linked to increased rainfall in Florida during late summer. The research highlights human influences on climate change as a key factor in this link, and suggests an increase in late summer rainfall is expected in the future.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 6, 2020

Convection-permitting modelling improves simulated precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau

Researchers improve simulated precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau using convection-permitting models. These models better depict precipitation frequency and intensity, reducing the wet bias in traditional climate models. Higher resolution and more accurate parameterizations lead to improved simulations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateNov 4, 2020

How rain can move mountains

Researchers used cosmic clocks to measure river erosion rates in the Himalaya, finding that rainfall plays a critical role in shaping mountain landscapes. The study's findings provide valuable insights into natural hazards and have important implications for land-use management and infrastructure maintenance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 19, 2020
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.

Ground-breaking discovery finally proves rain really can move mountains

A pioneering technique has captured precisely how mountains bend to the will of raindrops, solving a long-standing scientific enigma. The study found that rainfall significantly affects erosion rates in rugged terrain, with implications for land use management, infrastructure maintenance, and hazards in the Himalaya.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 16, 2020

NASA sees Tropical Storm Nangka soaking Hainan Island

Tropical Storm Nangka generated up to 30 mm of rain per hour around its center, while fragmented bands experienced rates between 5-15 mm/hour. The storm is forecast to strengthen in the Gulf of Tonkin before weakening as it moves towards Vietnam.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

Hurricanes, heavy rains are critical for Hawai'i's groundwater supply

Research led by University of Hawai'i at Mānoa scientists reveals that rain from hurricanes and Kona storms is a key source of fresh water for Hawaii's groundwater. The study analyzed rainfall and stable isotopes to determine the origin of water in aquifers, finding significant amounts of rainwater recharging groundwater.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalHydrological Processes·DateOct 12, 2020

NASA finds hurricane delta packing heavy rainfall

Hurricane Delta is expected to produce significant flash, urban, and small stream flooding in Louisiana, with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches. NASA's satellite rainfall product estimated rainfall rates around the center of circulation as high as 50 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 9, 2020

NASA-NOAA satellite finds Hurricane Delta rapidly intensifying

Hurricane Delta's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The storm is expected to produce significant flash flooding and mudslides across the northern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NASA finds heavy rainfall ringing major Hurricane Maria's eye

Heavy rainfall was found to be occurring around the compact eye of Major Hurricane Marie, with NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) estimating rainfall rates ranging from 3-20mm/hour. The satellite data provides valuable insights into the storm's intensity and helps improve hurricane forecasting.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 2, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Study delivers new knowledge about what causes thunderstorms and cloud bursts

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals that large temperature differences between day and night can spawn powerful thunderstorms and cloud bursts. The study uses computer simulations to analyze mesoscale convection systems, which are powerful thunderstorms that spread over areas of 100 kilometers or more.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 25, 2020

NASA estimating Beta's rains moving into the Tennessee valley

NASA estimated Post-tropical Cyclone Beta's rainfall rates as it moved over Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, with heavy rainfall across the region expected. The storm is generating rain at a rate of 10-15 mm per hour over Alabama, while lighter rainfall rates occurred over Mississippi and Tennessee.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

NASA tracking Beta's heavy rainfall into lower Mississippi Valley

Slow-moving post-tropical storm Beta continues to drop large amounts of rainfall in Texas as it moves into the Lower Mississippi Valley. The NASA satellite rainfall product estimated Beta's rainfall rates, with flash flood watches currently in effect across southeast Texas and southern Louisiana.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 23, 2020

Study shows impact of climate change on Neotropical freshwater ecosystems

Researchers found that drought and flood conditions in bromeliad microcosms affected the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, particularly at the bottom of the food chain. The study showed that smaller organisms suffer more from rainfall instability than larger ones.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2020

NASA sees rebirth of Tropical Storm Paulette

Tropical Storm Paulette reformed in the central North Atlantic Ocean, with estimated rainfall rates of up to 5mm per hour. NASA's IMERG satellite product provided near-real-time rainfall estimates, showing the storm's intensification and potential impact on the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 22, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA imagery reveals strongest areas of Tropical Storm Beta

Tropical Storm Beta is expected to stall inland over Texas today, bringing heavy rains and flash flooding. NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed the storm using infrared data, revealing coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 22, 2020

Southern hemisphere could see up to 30% less rain at end of the century

Climate models suggest that tropical and subtropical southern hemisphere countries, including Brazil, may experience longer droughts and reduced rainfall by the end of the century. The mid-Pliocene period, which occurred 3 million years ago, shares characteristics with modern warming, indicating a possible future scenario.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 21, 2020

NASA analyzes soaking capabilities of hurricane Teddy on Bermuda approach

Hurricane Teddy's rainfall rates were estimated at around 30 mm per hour near the center of circulation, with heavier rain showers expected across Atlantic Canada between Tuesday and Thursday. The storm is forecasted to transition into a powerful post-tropical cyclone, posing risks of wind, rain, and storm surge impacts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 21, 2020
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.