Articles tagged with Snow
Researchers from Oregon State University have found that citizen scientist contributions significantly improve snowpack modeling, particularly in high mountain environments. The study leverages data collected by thousands of citizen scientists through the NASA-funded Community Snow Observations project.
A new study analyzes when a low-to-no-snow future might arrive and its implications for water management. If greenhouse gas emissions continue, low-to-no-snow winters will become regular occurrences in the western U.S. in 35 to 60 years.
A team of researchers, led by Scott T. Salesky, will conduct field work in Antarctica to study the impact of katabatic winds on snow transport and ice sheet growth. The study aims to advance understanding of katabatic flows and their effects on regional and global atmospheric and oceanic circulations.
A research team from VUB has been monitoring glaciers in the Alps for 20 years, using drones to track glacier melting and find that the Morteratsch and Pers glaciers have lost mass again. The study found that climate change is causing glaciers to lose mass faster, with one cooler summer not changing the overall trend.
Researchers chronicle how Utah ski resort managers are adopting adaptive tactics to cope with decreasing snowpack, shorter seasons and worsening weather. Managers are exploring alternative revenue streams through activities like mountain biking and festivals.
Researchers at UCI and NASA JPL found that a thinning of the ice melange, a slushy concoction of windblown snow, iceberg debris, and frozen seawater, is a major driver of ice shelf collapse. The study revealed that melange thinning can lead to rapid retreat of Antarctica's ice shelves.
A study published by Sandia National Laboratories reveals that older solar farms are more susceptible to extreme weather events, while snowstorms have the highest impact on electricity production. Machine learning analysis also found that low sunlight levels due to cloud cover and geographical features of the farm are significant factors.
Research on Isle Royale reveals wolf pups have been spotted, indicating a likely increase in the wolf population. Moose, however, are struggling with food scarcity and nutritional stress due to warmer winters and deep snow, leading to a decline in their numbers.
Researchers mapped extreme snowmelt events across the US over 30 years, finding that unusually warm temperatures drive most cases. Machine learning revealed regional differences in moisture transport, with Pacific Northwest and northeastern US experiencing rain-driven extreme snowmelt.
Researchers have developed a new method to rapidly monitor snow leopard stress levels in the wild using widely available equipment. The method extracts hormones from faecal samples and analyzes them on-site, allowing for quick and easy assessment of stress status.
Researchers demonstrate that microbial fixation of nitrogen can occur on marine snow particles, leading to low oxygen concentrations and enabling anaerobic N2 fixation. The study's model shows the depth distribution of N2 fixation in the marine water column, highlighting the importance of particle size, density, and sinking speed.
A recent study found that mountaintop glaciers in the tropics have lost significant area over the past 50 years, with some losing up to 93% of their ice. The study combined NASA satellite imagery and data from ice cores, revealing a rapid decline in glacier mass due to climate change.
The SnowEx team studied snowpack in diverse environments, collecting data on snow depth, density, temperature, and reflectivity. They also tested how well various techniques can measure snow using drones, airplanes, and ground-based remote sensing tools.
Researchers have established the first map of snow microalgae distribution along elevation, revealing different species thrive at varying altitudes. The study aims to answer fundamental questions about these organisms' survival, blooms, and impact on snowmelt.
A new UCL study finds that Arctic sea ice in coastal regions is thinning at a rate of 70% to 100% faster than previously thought. The study uses a novel snow model and satellite radar observations to estimate the overall rate of decline of sea ice thickness in the Arctic, with implications for human activity in the region.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University discuss solutions for snowy driving scenarios using sensor fusion, which combines data from various sensors like lidar, radar, and cameras. This approach enables autonomous vehicles to better detect obstacles and understand their environment.
A UTA research team is testing a geothermal de-icing system on an operational bridge to assess its performance under real-world conditions. The system, designed by Xinbao Yu and Anand Puppala, uses heating fluid to melt ice and snow from beneath the bridge deck.
An analysis of the Central-Western Greenland ice sheet reveals distinct marks of instability due to accelerated melting. The study suggests that this part of the ice sheet has reached a critical threshold, leading to severe consequences for global sea level and climate.
A weather pattern known as atmospheric blocking causes reduced snowfall in Greenland, exposing older, darker snow that absorbs more heat. This results in faster melting of the ice sheet, with a potential impact of up to 25 gigatons of lost ice over three years.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $2.5 million to support 12 projects advancing snow measurement technology and improving water supply forecasting. The initiatives will enhance snow monitoring programs and leverage satellite data to better predict snowmelt and reservoir operations.
The study found a 30% decrease in dust and soot on snow and ice, leading to the retention of 6.6 km3 of meltwater. The COVID-19 lockdowns delayed the onset of melt by absorbing less solar radiation.
The cryosphere plays a vital role in regulating global climate, and NASA studies its changes extensively. Scientists have reported dramatic ice sheet losses in Greenland and Antarctica, causing sea levels to rise by 0.55 inches over 16 years.
Alpine plants are losing their white protective coat as snow cover melts earlier, extending the growing season and increasing frost risk. By the end of the century, continuous snow cover for 30 days below 1,600 meters is expected to be rare.
A recent study finds that melting Arctic sea-ice is causing severe cold and snowy mid-latitude winters in Europe. The loss of Arctic sea-ice has been implicated with increased open-water and winter evaporation, fueling more extreme snowfall further south across Europe.
A new study suggests that 34% of Antarctic ice shelves could disappear by the end of the century if the planet warms up by 4°C. The melting could lead to a significant rise in sea levels, threatening coastal regions worldwide.
A new analysis of 40 years of data found that winter snowmelt is increasing in all cold season months, affecting water resource planning and management. This shift in water delivery timing could also impact wildfire seasons and agricultural irrigation needs.
Researchers from the University of Innsbruck found that increased solid precipitation in the Alps between 26,500 and 23,500 years ago caused the ice volume to reach its maximum. This period, known as the Last Glacial Maximum, lasted around 3100 years and was characterized by a significant increase in autumn and winter precipitation.
A new study provides definitive evidence that shattering drizzle droplets drive explosive 'ice multiplication' events in Arctic clouds. The findings have significant implications for weather forecasts, climate modeling, water supplies, energy, and transportation infrastructure. The research used six years of data from a millimeter-wave...
A comprehensive Alpine-wide study published in The Cryosphere shows a significant decline in snow cover over the past five decades. Snow cover is unevenly distributed, with more significant decreases in the Southern Alps, while regional trends vary due to climate change.
A new technique developed by McGill University scientists can detect ultra-trace quantities of plastics in various environmental samples, including snow, water, and soil. The technique allows for more accurate analysis of micro- and nano-plastics, shedding light on the widespread impact of plastic pollution on human health.
A Japanese study found that areas with heavy snowfall see a significant decline in cyclist injuries and total injuries among pedestrians. This modal shift may offer a broader solution for road safety.
Researchers used NASA's ICESat-2 satellite to track snowfall and found that 41% of height increases over West Antarctica during the 2019 winter occurred due to landfalling atmospheric rivers. These events delivered large quantities of snow during short periods, contributing to increased snow mass.
A new study by Scripps scientists reveals that mountain snowpack is vulnerable to premature melt due to rising temperatures, with coastal regions and the Arctic being the most at-risk. The research identifies regional variations in snowpack melt and provides a theory explaining why some regions are more susceptible than others.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led study found record melting on Antarctica's northern George VI Ice Shelf during the 2019-2020 summer season. The extreme melt coincided with record-setting stretches when local surface air temperatures were at or above freezing point, posing a threat to ice-shelf break-up and sea-level rise.
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.
Increased snow depth in northeastern China led to a continued warming trend in soil temperatures, contradicting observed surface air temperature cooling trends. This finding suggests the importance of snow cover in regulating soil temperatures and its implications for agriculture during periods of reduced global warming.
Researchers Gaume and Puzrin investigate the 1959 incident where nine hikers died under unclear circumstances. They propose a mechanical explanation, but point out gaps in the investigation that contradict their theory.
Research finds that red and green algae blooms on Antarctic Peninsula snow cause significant snowmelt, comparable to dust on snow in Rocky Mountains. Algae blooms can warm surface and accelerate melting, with potential feedback effects on ice retreat.
Researchers at UMBC developed an AI technique to quickly analyze extensive Arctic ice data, enabling faster prediction of climate change trends. This tool allows scientists to make more accurate predictions on sea level rise and melting rates.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant environmental changes globally, with reduced deforestation rates in some areas and improved air and water quality. Researchers found that the timing of these changes suggests a possible link between the pandemic and environmental impacts.
Researchers found substantial quantities of polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene fibres in snow samples from Mount Everest. The high-altitude discovery suggests microplastics could have been transported from lower altitudes by extreme winds or fragmented during expeditions.
A CSU team, led by Professor Stephanie Kampf, is studying the effects of the Cameron Peak Fire on waterways and snowpack in Colorado. The research aims to collect critical data on how the fire impacts snow processes, flow paths, and sediment movement.
Brown carbon tarballs have been detected in the Himalayan atmosphere, potentially contributing to glacial melt. The presence of these particles was found to increase on days with elevated pollution levels.
Researchers from the University of Sydney have reconstructed ancient seasonal migration routes of Bronze Age herders in Xinjiang using satellite imagery and archaeological evidence. This innovative methodology provides new insights into how Bronze Age people adapted to life in the region and capitalised on available resources.
By 2100, the vernal window could be 2-4 weeks longer in the northeast, leading to reduced melting snow and detrimental effects on spring conditions. This shift may render states like Connecticut and Pennsylvania snow-free, altering river dynamics and ecosystems.
Researchers find dust plays a significant role in melting snow in the western Himalayas, with implications for agriculture and human consumption. The study suggests that dust affects snowmelt at high elevations more than soot and other pollutants.
A research team led by Steven Emslie discovered an ancient Adélie penguin colony at Cape Irizar, Antarctica, which has been preserved for thousands of years under the ice. The study found three occupation periods of the cape, with the last one ending around 800 years ago.
A study on Arctic tundra plants reveals that snow cover and summer temperature significantly impact functional trait diversity. In a warming climate, tundra plants may develop taller leaves and rapid resource-acquisition traits.
A study reveals snow droughts globally increased in duration and intensity from the first half to the second half of 1980-2018. Changes are attributed to a combination of natural and human-induced factors, including Arctic warming.
Scientists have found that heating interstellar organic matter can produce abundant water and oil, challenging the cometary origin theory of terrestrial water. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used chemical reagents to mimic interstellar organics and demonstrated the formation of water droplets at high temperatures.
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.
A new study by Cornell University and Washington State University found that climate change will force farmers to choose between lower yields and higher revenue volatility. The research team used a model to explore the impact of drought-tolerant crop varieties, which can improve average yields but also increase revenue fluctuations.
A new study predicts a significant decrease in US snowstorms due to climate change, with a potential 28% reduction in frequency and size of snowstorms. The study suggests that winters will start later, end earlier, and experience fewer extreme snowfall events.
Scientists have mapped a large-scale bloom of green snow algae across Antarctica's coastline, which could become a significant carbon sink as the climate warms. The 'green snow' is likely to spread due to rising global temperatures.
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.
New research from CU Boulder suggests that as much as two-thirds of western states will lose their ability to predict seasonal drought using snowpack by mid-century. Coastal areas and regions at lower elevations will be most affected, leading to increased reliance on reservoirs and potential water supply complications.
The study found that exceptional atmospheric circulation patterns contributed significantly to the record ice loss, which may be underestimated by current climate models. The lack of snowfall and resulting clear skies led to increased melting and runoff, resulting in a sea level rise of about 1.5 millimeters.
A team of Brazilian researchers collected shallow snow cores and analyzed BC concentrations to study the particle's effect on Antarctic climate. They found very low BC concentrations, sparking questions about BC seasonal variability and geographical sources.
A new study reveals that American robins are migrating earlier by about five days each decade, likely due to shifting snow conditions. The birds' flight schedules are being fine-tuned by environmental cues such as snow conditions and when food becomes available.
Scientists track unprecedented rate of Greenland's ice melting and continued Antarctic loss in a new study. The research used data from NASA's GRACE Follow-On satellites to monitor changes in Earth's gravity and water reserves, revealing striking results.