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New study could help better predict rainfall during El Niño

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School have discovered a connection between tropical weather events and US rainfall during El Niño years. The study's findings show that when both an El Niño Southern Oscillation and Madden-Julian Oscillation occur simultaneously, the resulting pressure and rainfall anomalies in the US ...

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMay 12, 2020

Decoding the skies: The impact of water vapor on afternoon rainfall

Researchers found that on days with little atmospheric moisture, afternoon rainfall is more likely over wetter soils, while on days with high moisture, it's more likely over drier soils. Warmer morning temperatures also contribute to the likelihood of afternoon rainfall.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 5, 2020

Tree trunks take a licking as koalas source water

A study published in Ethology has captured koalas drinking behaviour in the wild for the first time, showing they access water by licking smooth tree trunks. The research highlights the importance of retaining trees for the conservation of the species.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEthology·DateMay 2, 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.

Climate-smart agricultural practices increase maize yield in Malawi

A University of Illinois study finds climate-smart agricultural practices increase maize yields, particularly when farmers have access to training and resources. The practices, such as absorption trenches and agroforestry fertilizer trees, help conserve water and soil nutrients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood Policy·DateApr 30, 2020

Using cloud-precipitation relationship to estimate cloud water path of mature tropical cyclones

A study estimates the cloud water path of mature tropical cyclones by analyzing the correlation between cloud microphysical properties and precipitation intensity. The results show that a notable sigmoid function can be used to fit the cloud water path and near-surface rain rate, providing a new way to estimate cloud water path in models.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Rainfall variability and cropland expansion

A study found that repeated annual rainfall shortages contribute to increased cropland expansion and deforestation in the developing world. The authors also noted that regions with adequate water infrastructure experience reduced cropland expansion and forest cover loss.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Excessive rain triggered 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption, study finds

Researchers at the University of Miami found that prolonged and extreme rainfall in Hawaii's Big Island triggered the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. The team suggests local rainfall patterns contribute to timing and frequency of eruptions, with potential implications for other volcanoes.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 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.

Study suggests rainfall triggered 2018 Kīlauea eruption

Researchers linked prolonged, heavy rainfall in May 2018 to the Kīlauea eruption, which was characterized by intense activity, lava flows, and ash clouds. The study suggests that water content changes in the Earth's shallow crust can trigger eruptions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Changes in snowmelt threaten farmers in western US

Farmers in parts of the western United States will be among the hardest hit by climate change, which will reduce seasonal water availability for irrigation. The study found that basins globally most at risk include the San Joaquin and Colorado river basins, where snowmelt runoff is projected to decrease significantly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 20, 2020

NASA finds Tropical Storm Jeruto's displaced rainfall

Strong wind shear displaced moderate rainfall east of Tropical Storm Jeruto's center, pushing heaviest rain at 1.6 inches per hour in a small area. NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission measured these rates on April 16.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 16, 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 observes rainfall from tornado-spawning storms in the southern US

NASA analyzed severe storms in the southern US, creating an animation of powerful thunderstorms that brought heavy rainfall and spawned destructive tornadoes. The analysis used NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) algorithm to estimate near-realtime precipitation rates.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 15, 2020

Reducing the risk to children's health in flood-prone areas of India

Research finds that climate change increases the risk of undernutrition and diarrheal diseases among young children in flood-prone areas of India. Interventions focused on households with pregnant women and infants can help mitigate these risks by improving access to healthcare, safe drinking water, and sanitation facilities.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 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.

NASA finds Tropical Storm Irondro's heavy rainfall displaced

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Irondro was displaced southeast of the center due to strong wind shear, with light rain throughout the rest of the storm. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots despite wind shear, and is expected to become a cold core low pressure area later in the day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 6, 2020

NASA finds heavy rainfall in powerful tropical cyclone Harold

Tropical Cyclone Harold has caused severe flooding and property damage in Vanuatu, with NASA's GPM satellite detecting heavy rainfall rates of up to 48 mm per hour. The cyclone is now a Category 4 storm, forecasted to continue affecting Fiji later this week.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 6, 2020

Extreme rainfall days in metropolitan São Paulo have risen four-fold in seven decades

The study found that extreme rainfall days have increased significantly in metropolitan São Paulo, with a four-fold rise over the past seven decades. The researchers also observed an increase in consecutive dry days, suggesting that heavy rainfall events are becoming more concentrated in shorter periods.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2020

New model helps explain seasonal variations in urban heat islands

The new coarse-grained model explains how seasonal changes in rainfall, solar radiation, and vegetation conditions affect surface urban heat islands at a city-wide scale. It provides general insights for city planners and scientists to design heat mitigation strategies.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 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.

Scientists work toward more reliable prediction of South Asian summer monsoon rainfall for the upcoming 15-30 years

Researchers used ensemble simulations to quantify uncertainty caused by internal variability in SASM rainfall projections. They found a linkage between the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) phase and the spread in projected SASM rainfall, identifying IPO as a leading internal mode influencing near-term projection.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020

NASA finds ex-Tropical Cyclone Esther moving back inland

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Esther has turned back into Western Australia, bringing heavy rainfall and flood warnings to the region. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Flood Watch for several areas, with widespread daily totals of 50-80 mm expected, and isolated falls of up to 150 mm possible.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 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.

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.

Mediterranean rainfall immediately affected by greenhouse gas changes

New research reveals that Mediterranean-type climates experience rapid decreases in rainfall when greenhouse gases rise, impacting water resources. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions can interrupt these effects, benefiting regions reliant on winter rainfall.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2020

Babies mimic songs, study finds

A study found that a 15-month-old boy attempted to sing along to 'Happy Birthday' after hearing it played on a toy. The research suggests that babies learn music patterns and rhythms through spontaneous imitation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Research in Music Education·DateFeb 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA examines Tropical Storm Uesi's heavy rainfall

NASA measured heavy rainfall around Tropical Storm Uesi's center and in a large band of thunderstorms, triggering warnings for Vanuatu. The heaviest rainfall was falling at 1.2 inches per hour near the center, while a large band of thunderstorms experienced rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 10, 2020

NASA analyzes ex-Tropical Cyclone Damien's rainfall in Western Australia

GPM mission core satellite analyzed rainfall generated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Damien's remnants, showing heaviest rainfall occurring south of the center at a rate of at least 0.2 inches per hour. Heavy rainfall is forecast over the southeastern Gascoyne and adjacent Goldfields, posing a risk of flash flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 10, 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.

Researchers study the intricate link between climate and conflict

A new study from the University of Notre Dame finds that climate change may not directly lead to more conflict, but rather affects regional instability through variations in income. The research explores the complex relationship between drought, crop failure, and conflict, suggesting that expectations and adaptation can alter predicted...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2020

Researchers seek to solve decades-long Baja California peninsula mystery

A team of researchers from the University of Arizona and other institutions is studying the Baja California peninsula's evolution and biodiversity over time. They aim to determine how geological activity, rainfall patterns, and climate cycles have shaped the region's biodiversity and found that multiple causations are likely.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJan 29, 2020

China health threats likely to increase due to heatwaves

Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and deadly heatwaves in China, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found that extreme daytime heat and rainfall events are becoming more common, with night-time temperatures rising significantly.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJan 28, 2020

NASA catches the dying remnants of Tropical Cyclone 12P

Tropical Cyclone 12P formed on January 25 with peak winds at 35 knots and dissipated by January 27 under adverse conditions. NASA's Aqua satellite observed the storm's demise, revealing areas of heavy rainfall that were quickly dissipating.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 27, 2020

More rain and less snow means increased flood risk

New Stanford research finds that winter floods driven by rainfall can be 2.5 times larger than those driven by snowmelt. As global warming increases precipitation falling as rain, flood sizes increase exponentially, posing a significant threat to infrastructure in Western US.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJan 27, 2020
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.

Climate and vegetation in early human environments

A study examines climate and vegetation changes in early modern human environments, finding that periods of wet climate facilitated human migration. Variations in climate and vegetation patterns also led to contractions and expansions of regional habitats, potentially influencing the dispersal of early modern humans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

NASA-NOAA satellite tracks Tropical Storm Blake's remnants spreading

The remnants of Tropical Storm Blake are moving southeast through the South Interior area of Western Australia, threatening heavy rainfall and strong winds. Damage from the system is expected due to winds averaging 31-37 mph and potential flooding from daily rainfall totals of 3-6 inches.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 9, 2020

How rattlesnakes' scales help them sip rainwater from their bodies (video)

Researchers have discovered that the nanotexture of rattlesnake scales allows water to be absorbed through beads that coalesce and stick to the surface. This adaptation enables the snakes to harvest rainwater, which is essential for their survival in desert environments with infrequent rainfall.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateJan 8, 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.

Unique data confirms why water turns brown

A 79-year study confirms that increased coniferous forests are the primary cause of water browning in lakes and rivers. Organic soil leaching into lakes and streams also contributes to this process.

SourceLund University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 11, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

June rainfall in the lower Yangtze River Basin can be predicted four months ahead

Researchers have made a breakthrough in predicting June rainfall in the lower Yangtze River Basin with four-month accuracy. The Met Office's seasonal forecasting system successfully identifies variations in mei-yu rainfall linked to atmospheric circulation patterns.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 10, 2019

Warm-sector heavy rainfall in China: Studies and challenges

Research on warm-sector heavy rainfall (WSHR) in China has revealed its association with specific synoptic patterns and topography factors in South China. However, WSHR events in other regions are less understood, leading to inaccurate forecasts.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 5, 2019

Wind and water

Research finds that torrential rains are more severe after a hurricane has weakened to a tropical storm. This counterintuitive finding highlights the importance of considering weakening storms in disaster preparedness plans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 5, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NASA analyzes Kammuri's heavy rainfall

Typhoon Kammuri brought heavy rains to the Philippines, with surface rainfall accumulations exceeding 500 mm (~20 inches) over the central Philippine Sea. The storm also caused significant flooding and landslides, resulting in up to 17 fatalities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 5, 2019

NASA examines tropical storm Fung-Wong's rainfall

Tropical Storm Fung-Wong was found to have two small areas of moderate to heavy rainfall despite strong wind shear. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission measured rainfall rates throughout the storm on Nov. 22, with heaviest precipitation occurring at a rate of 1.6 inches per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 22, 2019

NASA estimates tropical storm Sebastien's rainfall rates

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provides near-real-time rain estimates for Tropical Storm Sebastien, revealing moderate rainfall rates of up to 17.0 mm/hour east of the center. The storm is expected to become an extratropical cyclone in a couple of days and be absorbed by a cold front on Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 2019
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.

Future rainfall could far outweigh current climate predictions

UK researchers found significant increases in spring, autumn, and winter precipitation in upland areas, with winter increases consistent with national climate models. The study suggests caution is required when making assumptions on climate impacts based on climate models.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalClimate Research·DateNov 14, 2019

Global climate change concerns for Africa's Lake Victoria

Researchers warn that Africa's Lake Victoria could dry up in the next 500 years due to climate change, posing a significant threat to 40 million people. The lake's water levels are projected to decline rapidly if temperature changes and precipitation patterns shift

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 14, 2019
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.

When reporting climate-driven human migration, place matters

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that changes in rainfall patterns over the past 40 years have been insignificant in most places, with only some local areas showing significant changes. This suggests that scale matters and that climate change may not be the primary driver of migration from Central America.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 13, 2019