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Scientists look into tropopause to find early signals of persistent strong rainfall

Researchers tracked precursors near the tropopause to predict persistent heavy rainfall in South China, finding anomalies in Arctic and tropical regions. The study revealed a special configuration of synoptic systems that leads to persistent heavy rainfall, providing new insights for regional prediction.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateSep 16, 2020

Most landslides in western Oregon triggered by heavy rainfall, not big earthquakes

Researchers at the University of Washington found that heavy rainfall, rather than large offshore earthquakes, triggers deep-seated landslides in the central Oregon Coast Range. Over a period of 1,000 years, they identified 2,676 landslides that occurred within the past millennium, with many triggered by heavy rainfall events.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 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.

How weather affects crawfish harvests

A study by Louisiana State University researchers found that heavy rainfall in August can suppress crawfish harvest yields in the spring due to low oxygen levels in ponds. Winter temperatures also impact crawfish growth, with freezing conditions slowing it down.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalClimate Research·DateAug 31, 2020

NASA Terra Satellite sees development of Tropical Storm Maysak

Tropical Storm Maysak formed on August 28 with a quick burst of strength, featuring powerful thunderstorms reaching temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm's cloud tops cooled significantly over the past 6 hours, consolidating its circulation center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2020

Hurricanes could be up to five times more likely in the Caribbean if tougher targets are missed

A new study found that extreme hurricane rainfall events in the Caribbean are five times more likely in a warmer world, but meeting Paris Agreement goals could reduce this risk by up to half. The research highlights the urgent need to tackle global warming and recommends targeting resilience funding towards the most at-risk areas.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Importance of rainfall highlighted for tropical animals

Researchers develop a new concept to understand how precipitation affects tropical animals, including feeding behavior, predation, and physiological responses. The hygric niche framework has implications for conservation and climate change mitigation in the tropics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 25, 2020

Measles outbreaks in Niger linked to rainfall and temperature, study finds

Research in Niger links measles outbreaks to rainfall and temperature patterns, revealing a strong annual cycle associated with agricultural labor migrations. Vaccination strategies targeting migrating populations during the rainy season may break this pattern, reducing outbreaks.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 25, 2020

Majority of groundwater stores resilient to climate change

A new study published in Earth System Dynamics reveals that only a minority of the world's large aquifers are depleting, with most experiencing non-linear and irregular trends in groundwater storage. Extreme rainfall events play a crucial role in replenishing groundwater resources in dry environments.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateAug 25, 2020
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.

NASA tracking Tropical Storm Laura near Cuba

Tropical Storm Laura continues to move through the Caribbean Sea, producing heavy rainfall and potentially life-threatening flash flooding. NASA's infrared data reveals powerful storms with cold cloud top temperatures, affecting Jamaica and Cuba.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2020

NASA finds short-lived Fausto faded fast

NASA's Terra satellite reveals Post-Tropical Storm Fausto has lost strong storms, temperatures as cold as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Hurricane Center confirms the system has become a remnant low-pressure area with no organized deep convection expected to return.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 17, 2020

Spread of monsoon circulation changes explains uncertainty in global land monsoon precipitation projection

Research finds global land monsoon summer precipitation increased by 2.54% and 5.75% in lowest and highest emission scenarios respectively, driven by thermodynamic responses to increased moisture. Model spread in projection was larger for higher emission scenarios, emphasizing importance of circulation change prediction.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 2020
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.

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

A Berkeley Lab study finds that California's winter precipitation will become 50% more variable by 2100, affecting agriculture, flood control, and water resource management. The MJO, a global rainfall pattern, is expected to transfer its precipitation-related atmospheric conditions to the West Coast via changes in strong winds.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

NASA finds strong storms in developing Tropical Storm Mekkhala

NASA's Terra satellite detected powerful thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Mekkhala's center, with temperatures as cold as -80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to move north before making landfall in southern China, bringing potential heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 2020

Stronger rains in warmer climate could lessen heat damage to crops, says study

A new study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that intensified rainstorms predicted for a warmer climate may efficiently water major crops, partially offsetting projected yield declines caused by rising heat. The research found that years with heavy rains of up to 20 millimeters per hour resulted in higher yields.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

Nanostructures modeled on moth eyes effective for anti-icing

Researchers have developed nanostructures modeled on moth eyes that exhibit anti-icing properties, with the addition of a paraffin layer improving their performance. The nanostructure showed great improvement in freezing time and water repellency, making it suitable for applications such as aircraft wings and energy transmission systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 4, 2020
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.

NASA's cloudsat takes a slice from tropical storm Isaias

CloudSat captured areas of heavy rain and high-powered clouds during Tropical Storm Isaias' intensification into a hurricane. The satellite's advanced cloud-profiling radar provided new insights into the storm's vertical structure and contributed to improved global model representations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2020

Germany-wide rainfall measurements by utilizing the mobile network

Scientists have developed a new method to measure rainfall in Germany using commercial microwave links, achieving high accuracy and temporal resolution. The technique involves analyzing signal attenuation caused by precipitation, with the help of artificial intelligence, and has been successfully tested for application in West Africa.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateAug 3, 2020

NASA sees hurricane Douglas brush Hawaii

Hurricane Douglas passed close to Hawaii, bringing strong surf, heavy rains, and gusty winds. NASA's Terra satellite imagery showed the storm's track and center stayed just off shore from the islands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2020

NASA tracks Hanna's soaking path into Mexico

NASA used infrared data from its Aqua satellite to track Tropical Depression Hanna's movement into Mexico. The storm brought heavy rain to Texas and broke records for rainfall in some areas, with forecasters predicting further heavy rainfall in parts of southern Texas and northern Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 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.

Alaska is getting wetter. That's bad news for permafrost and the climate.

A new study shows that increased summer rainfall in Alaska is degrading permafrost across the state. The research team took 2750 measurements of how far below the land's surface permafrost had thawed by the end of summer, finding that more rainfall led to deeper thaw across all sites.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJul 24, 2020

O Christmas Tree: DNA shows WA's largest parasitic plant adapts to climate

Researchers found that the WA Christmas Tree, a parasitic plant, adapts to its environment by adjusting to temperature changes rather than relying on precipitation. This discovery has implications for conservation and restoration efforts, as it could inform the collection of seed for these species.

SourceCurtin University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 21, 2020

New research reveals how hurricane Lane brought fire and rain to Hawaiian islands

A recent study reveals that Hurricane Lane's extreme weather conditions, combining heavy rainfall and fire hazards, exacerbated the storm's impact on the Hawaiian Islands. The research highlights the importance of considering both environmental and socioeconomic factors in assessing population vulnerability to natural hazards.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJul 20, 2020

Divining monsoon rainfall months in advance with satellites and simulations

The research team created better climate model simulations that predict variation in monsoon rainfall the following season, with improved forecasts for the Indian subcontinent. The new model uses complementary satellite data to quantify the connection between snow pack characteristics and monsoon strength over the Asian monsoon region.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2020

HKBU research reveals greater flood risks in the coastal region of China

A study by Hong Kong Baptist University found that slow-moving tropical cyclones bring about 20% more rainfall, resulting in increased flood risks in the region. The research also identified a correlation between slower moving speeds and higher rainfall volumes.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 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.

Scientists predict dramatic increase in flooding, drought in California

Scientists predict a 54% increase in rainfall variability in California by the end of this century due to climate change. The study found that extreme weather patterns will become more frequent and intense, with significant impacts on agriculture, flood control, and water management.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 15, 2020

NASA tracks tropical storm fay's development and strongest side

NASA tracked Tropical Storm Fay's development using satellite data, creating an animation of the storm's progression. The strongest storms were located in the northeastern quadrant, with temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating powerful thunderstorms and potential heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 2020
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.

Climate change: Heavy rain after drought may cause fish kills

A study found that heavy rainfall can lead to massive fish kills in lakes suffering from oxygen depletion, triggered by labile organic matter. Researchers released breeding stock to help recover lake Filsø's pike population, which has never fully recovered after the event.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 9, 2020

Extreme rainfall events cause top-heavy aquatic food webs

Researchers replicated extreme rainfall events in Central and South America's neotropics, finding top-heavy food webs with predators when rainfall varied daily. This altered the trophic structure of bromeliad tanks, affecting energy flow through ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

South American records of drought and rainfall

A study recreated 600 years of South American hydroclimate records, revealing an increase in prolonged droughts and rainfall events since the 1960s. The researchers attribute these changes to oscillations between El Niño and La Niú events, as well as wind patterns at middle southern latitudes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Computing collaboration reveals global ripple effect of shifting monsoons

Climate researchers projected changes in nine monsoon regions across five continents, revealing delayed onset and intensified seasonal fluctuation. The study found that reduced greenhouse gas emissions under RCP2.6 scenario could minimize long-term shifts, while RCP8.5 scenario predicts significant changes.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJun 29, 2020

Why the Mediterranean is a climate change hotspot

Researchers at MIT found that a combination of warmer ocean temperatures and changes in air pressure patterns contribute to the Mediterranean region's projected drought. The study could refine global climate models and provide greater certainty for water resource management and agriculture in the affected areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJun 17, 2020

Tropical cyclone speed and flood risks

Researchers analyzed tropical cyclone speed and daily precipitation in China from 1961 to 2017, identifying a slowdown of 10-11% over the coast. This resulted in increased flood risks as slower cyclones increased passage time and total local rainfall.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020
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.

NASA calculates soaking rainfall in Tropical Depression Cristobal

Heavy rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour were observed north of Tropical Storm Cristobal, leading to large amounts of rain on the ground. The National Hurricane Center predicts storm total rainfall accumulations of 5-10 inches across portions of the Gulf Coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 8, 2020

NASA analyzes Cristobal, the big rainmaker

NASA's Aqua satellite gathered infrared imagery and cloud top temperature data on Tropical Depression Cristobal, revealing areas of powerful thunderstorms with potential for heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to strengthen later today and regain tropical storm strength in the next 48 hours.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 5, 2020
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.

NASA infrared imagery indicates cristobal's heavy rainmaking capabilities

Cristobal has the potential to generate heavy rainfall, with NASA's AIRS instrument revealing cold cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms. The storm is expected to produce extreme rainfall amounts through the end of the week, causing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in affected areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 4, 2020
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.

Latest climate models show more intense droughts to come

New climate model projections indicate that droughts will become longer and more frequent globally, particularly in regions like the Amazon, Mediterranean, and southern Africa. The study's findings suggest that variability in rainfall is a key factor in predicting future drought intensity.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 1, 2020

NASA catches short-lived Tropical Storm Amanda

Tropical Storm Amanda formed on May 31 over the eastern Pacific Ocean, near Guatemala's coast. The storm quickly moved inland and weakened due to mountainous terrain, dissipating by May 31. Its remnants are expected to generate heavy rainfall over Central America and southern Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 1, 2020

Jeddah gets caught in the rain

Researchers at KAUST found that Jeddah's urban heat island effect enhances storm energy and blocks passage, leading to 26% more rainfall. The study suggests improved forecasting capabilities to mitigate damage from severe weather events.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateMay 31, 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.

NASA looks at Inland Rainfall from Post Tropical Cyclone Bertha

NASA analyzed rainfall generated by post-tropical cyclone Bertha, which brought heavy rain to the Carolinas and Midwest. The GPM core satellite measured rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour in south central West Virginia, prompting flash flood watches for several states.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 28, 2020

Migration patterns reveal an Eden for ancient humans and animals

A study published in Quaternary Science Reviews found that many local animals stayed put in the ecologically rich ecosystem at Pinnacle Point, allowing early humans to flourish. The researchers used ancient herbivore teeth to track migratory patterns and discovered a lack of movement among most animals.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateMay 22, 2020

Spring rains are a surprising source of pollen

Researchers found that tree pollen fragments remain airborne for up to 11 hours after spring rains, posing a risk to allergy sufferers. The study advises people to stay indoors during and after rain events, especially thunderstorms, to minimize respiratory impacts.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMay 20, 2020

NASA examines tropical storm Arthur's rainfall as it transitions

Tropical Storm Arthur experienced heavy rainfall rates of over 25mm per hour near its northeastern side, with lighter rates throughout the rest of the storm. Forecasters incorporated this data into their forecasts, noting potential impacts on swells and life-threatening surf conditions in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US coasts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 19, 2020

Exploring climate change impacts through popular proverbs

Researchers used popular proverbs to study climate change impacts on precipitation, snow cover, and flowering periods in Sierra Nevada. Many proverbs were found to be inaccurate due to changes in climate conditions, but they also provided novel information on scientifically undocumented climate change impacts.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalRegional Environmental Change·DateMay 15, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Cold War nuke tests changed rainfall

Researchers at the University of Reading studied historic records from a Scottish research station to investigate how Cold War nuclear bomb tests affected rainfall. They found that cloudy days with high radioactivity generated charge were associated with thicker clouds and 24% more rain.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 13, 2020