Articles tagged with Snow
Himalayan glaciers in Bhutan are projected to shrink by 10% within a few decades despite stable temperatures. Glacial meltwater could drop by 30%, increasing the risk of flooding in neighboring villages.
Asteroid belts may play a key role in the evolution of complex life. According to a NASA study, only a tiny fraction of planetary systems seem to have giant planets in the right location to produce an asteroid belt of the appropriate size. This suggests that our solar system may be special.
Hurricane Sandy was a massive storm that covered 1.8 million square miles from the Mid-Atlantic to Canada and New England. NASA satellites captured its size, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph and minimum central pressure rising to 952 millibars.
A new study finds that deforestation in snowy regions consistently causes more floods, both big and small. In mountainous areas, trees help control snowmelt, but without them, water flows faster, leading to a significant increase in flood frequency.
Researchers discovered that vampire squids use thread-like filaments to capture marine snow, a mixture of dead bodies and debris from the ocean surface. The study found that vampire squids do not hunt live prey but instead consume detrital matter, which is low in nutrients.
A new study found that the area with sufficient snow cover for ringed seals to reproduce will disappear by almost 70% this century. The researchers anticipate that the loss of sea ice will lead to insufficient snow depth, causing caves to collapse and hindering the seals' ability to raise their pups.
Agricultural Research Service scientist David Huggins found that standing crop residues on no-till farms increase snow cover uniformity, leading to more uniform soil water distribution and higher soil water recharge rates. This can result in increased winter wheat yield potential by up to 13 bushels per acre.
Scientists Scott Waitukaitis and Heinrich Jaeger report a groundbreaking study on non-Newtonian liquids, revealing the 'impact-activated solidification' process that transforms suspensions into solids under sudden impact. The experiment uses a combination of high-tech instruments to observe the phenomenon in unprecedented detail.
Climate change threatens wolverine survival; researchers find refrigerated caches key to adaptation. Wolverines use snow and crevices to store food, protecting it from scavengers and bacteria.
Fires raged in southwestern and northeastern Colorado, with the High Park Fire consuming 83,205 acres, the second-largest fire in Colorado history. The Weber Fire burned approximately 8,300 acres, while the Little Sand Fire had been burning for weeks, threatening nearly 200 people.
Researchers question Greenland ice core data on Northern Hemisphere temperatures during the Younger Dryas, a period of rapid cooling and warming. The study suggests that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels may have played a role in modulating temperature changes.
Scientists used data from orbiting spacecraft to determine the size of carbon dioxide snow particles in Martian clouds. The study found particles at both poles are about the size of a red blood cell, with differences in size between the south and north poles.
A study published in Weather journal has reconstructed past climate events in Iraq and Syria using ancient Arabic records. The research team found a high number of cold waves, droughts, and floods between 816-1009, with temperatures dropping as low as 18°C in July 920.
Research at CU's Niwot Ridge site reveals that ecosystems sensitive to climate changes are most impacted by warming temperatures. The study shows that warmer conditions in subalpine forests can lead to enhanced surface water evaporation and transport, affecting snowpack and alpine ecosystems.
Researchers use NASA's Swift satellite to study Comet Garradd as it moves beyond the solar system's snow line. The comet sheds water and dust at an unprecedented rate, offering clues about its composition and behavior.
A long-term study by the LTER Network reveals that cool, wet areas are vulnerable to climate change, while dry forested ecosystems conserve more water as temperatures rise. The research provides valuable insights for effective management of public water supplies and informing policy decisions.
Research over decades identifies impacts on burrowing animals, plant roots, and microorganisms like diatoms, which affects seabirds and mammals. Shrinking cryosphere also decreases carbon dioxide uptake from the atmosphere and alters land suitability for plants.
In 2012, areas usually covered in snow are bare due to La Niña conditions and a strong Arctic Oscillation. The resulting snow cover is significantly lower than in 2011, with the Great Lakes, Rocky Mountains, and East Coast experiencing less snow.
A new DNA-based method analyzed genetic material from 81 fecal samples, showing that most snow leopards ate wild animals (79%), with a relatively low proportion of domestic livestock (19.7%). The study aims to inform conservation strategies for the endangered species.
A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology suggests that Arctic sea ice decline is driving snowier winters in the Northern Hemisphere. The research found a link between diminishing Arctic sea ice and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to increased cold surges and heavy snowfall in Europe and the US.
Researchers at NCAR are developing prototype devices that can almost instantly measure large areas of snow using light pulses, satellite signals, and other technologies. These devices have the potential to provide a global picture of snow depth and improve weather forecasts.
Researchers found that a decrease in summer Arctic sea ice cover leads to increased temperatures in autumn and winter, causing more stable atmospheric conditions that allow cold Arctic air to reach mid-latitudes. This results in colder winters with more snow in Central Europe.
Yellow-cedar trees are dying off across large areas in Alaska and British Columbia due to root freezing caused by reduced snow and cold temperatures. The tree's shallow roots make it vulnerable to freezing injury, leading to its decline. Conservation strategies are needed to protect the species.
NASA's GCPEx mission aims to improve snow detection from space to better understand snow dynamics and its impact on climate cycles. The team faces challenges in distinguishing between rain and snow due to the variety of snowflake shapes and sizes.
Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from ear tissue of adult snow leopards, paving the way for cryopreservation and cloning techniques to save endangered species. This breakthrough raises hopes for the conservation of the snow leopard and other cat family members.
A new study found that warmer temperatures in the autumn can lead to colder winters due to increased snowfall at lower latitudes. The researchers observed strong warming in the Arctic during July-September and its impact on precipitation over Eurasia, resulting in an increase in average snow coverage.
NASA's GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment will measure light rain and snow in Ontario from Jan. 17 to Feb. 29 using an airborne science laboratory, simulating the measurements to be taken by the planned GPM Core satellite in 2014.
A USGS study found that climate-driven changes in elk behavior are causing cascading effects on plant and bird communities in mountainous Arizona. Elk's increased ability to browse on plants during winter is leading to decreased tree populations and habitat quality for songbirds.
A severe climate event in Mongolia devastated the country's livestock and Przewalski's horse population, with losses averaging 60% for horses and minimal impact on wild asses. The study emphasizes the need for managing migratory species across large landscapes to ensure their survival.
A four-year study assesses freshwater resources in the High Asia region, encompassing five mountain ranges and watersheds totaling 1 million square miles. The research aims to provide accurate data on snow and glacier contributions to river discharge, helping forecast water resource availability and vulnerability.
New reports identify extreme vulnerability of Asia's mountainous Hindu Kush-Himalayan region to climate change, with rising temperatures disturbing the balance of snow, ice, and water. Glaciers are shrinking at a rate of 22 percent in Bhutan and 21 percent in Nepal over the past 30 years.
New research published in BMC Research Notes found that snow leopards in the central Himalayas have a much lower population size than previously estimated. Genetic analysis of snow leopard scat samples revealed only 19 out of 71 original samples were actually P. uncia, with most coming from nine individuals.
A study published in Clinical Research in Cardiology found that snow shoveling was associated with a significant proportion of heart problems among patients, particularly males with a family history of coronary artery disease. The study identified three key risk factors: gender, family history, and smoking.
University of Utah researchers are using the Doppler on Wheels radar truck to study eight to 10 snow and rain storms during its time in Utah. The truck's radar system provides detailed information on the size and shape of snowflakes, lake-effect snow patterns, and other storm characteristics.
A CCNY team analysis suggests the Greenland ice sheet can experience record-breaking melting even without record-high temperatures due to positive feedback mechanisms. The team's findings indicate a near-record loss of snow and ice, with melting continuing even without last year's record highs.
A new study reveals that the albedo effect plays a crucial role in the climatic significance of forest disturbances, with some cases providing cooling while others magnify concerns about warming. Forests can either act as carbon sinks or sources depending on the disturbance type and severity.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute leads two major European projects, O3M SAF and SAF on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management. The institute develops software and systems for processing satellite data, including products for ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and aerosols. These products support climate change ...
A new study suggests that reforestation on abandoned agricultural land can have a significant cooling effect on the climate. By considering historical patterns of land-use conversion, researchers found that farmers generally chose to use more productive and snow-free lands, which can absorb more carbon dioxide and reduce global warming.
A surprisingly healthy population of rare snow leopards has been discovered in northeastern Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor, according to a new study. WCS-trained community rangers used camera traps to document the presence of snow leopards at 16 different locations across the region.
A USGS-led study found that the population health of the red knot is directly tied to the number of egg-laying horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay during the red knot's northward migration each spring. The research suggests that managing horseshoe crab populations and their harvest may help conserve red knots.
A new Australian study found a 40% decrease in summer snowfall over the last 20 years, leading to faster Arctic ice melt. The reduction in snow cover exposes sea ice to sunlight, increasing its melting rate and causing it to become thinner and less extensive.
Researchers discovered that aircraft takeoffs and landings under certain atmospheric conditions can cause a small but measurable increase in rain and snow near airports. The study used satellite images and weather forecasting models to examine the occurrence of inadvertent cloud seeding within 62 miles of six commercial airports.
Researchers found that airplanes can create holes in supercooled clouds, leading to increased snowfall and precipitation around major airports. The phenomenon is similar to cloud seeding but occurs naturally due to aircraft flight patterns and engine emissions.
A study of nine cities worldwide reveals that people are less likely to walk when temperatures drop below zero, during heavy rain or excessive snow. In contrast, warmer temperatures and sunshine increase pedestrian traffic.
Researchers from UGA found a significant relationship between autumn snow extent in specific regions of Eurasia and temperatures across North America during the subsequent winter. Years with extensive autumn snow in northwest Eurasia were associated with winter temperatures seven degrees lower near the center of North America.
A new study reveals that prolonged heavy snowfall in the Arctic can trigger rapid growth of killer fungi, devastating plant life and disrupting local food chains. This unexpected finding highlights unforeseen climate change effects on vegetation and ecosystems.
A study found an inverse relationship between temperature and falls on snow and ice leading to emergency admission, with older men most vulnerable. The cost of these falls was estimated at 42 million GBP in the UK during winter 2009-2010.
A CU-Boulder study indicates that mountain pine beetle infestations could lead to earlier snowmelt and increased water yields. The research found that dead trees with red needles accumulated more snow than living stands, while those with gray phase trees melted faster due to reduced snow interception and increased solar radiation.
Researchers discovered that reindeer can see ultraviolet light, which helps them find food and avoid predators. This unique adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh arctic environment where humans would be vulnerable to snow blindness.
Two of Greenland's largest glaciers have lost sufficient ice to equal 300 gigatons in the last decade, equivalent to seven years of normal snow accumulation. Meanwhile, Helheim glacier gained a small amount of mass over the same period, providing a high-definition picture of climate-caused changes on the island.
New research report shows dramatic changes in Arctic climate, including thawing permafrost and reduced snow cover. The carbon stored in permafrost is estimated to be double the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today.
Renowned structural engineer Michael O'Rourke has been recognized with the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2011 Walter P. Moore Award for his significant contributions to snow load engineering, advancing building codes worldwide. His extensive research continues to inform design and safety standards.
Soot on snow accelerates glacier melt, altering snowmelt and monsoon patterns in Asia. The Tibetan Plateau's surface temperature increased by over 2 degrees Fahrenheit due to soot on snow, leading to stronger monsoons.
Researchers warn that wolverines' habitat is likely to warm dramatically due to climate change, threatening their survival. Snowpack that lasts through winter and well into spring is crucial for wolverine young, but projected warming could imperil their ability to adapt.
Climate change is projected to reduce or eliminate springtime snow cover that wolverines rely on for newborn kits' protection. August temperatures may also increase dramatically, posing a significant threat to the species' survival. The study focused on mountainous regions of the Northwest and warned of potential habitat loss.
A massive winter storm hit the US, with some areas receiving record-breaking snowfall. The GOES-13 satellite data suggests that Punxsutawney Phil may not have seen his shadow, potentially altering the traditional Groundhog Day prediction.
A massive winter storm is impacting 30 US states with severe weather conditions including heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet. The storm system stretches from Texas to New England and has been described as one of the largest since the 1950s.
New research from the University of Michigan reveals that decreasing snow and ice cover in the Northern Hemisphere has exacerbated global warming, with a stronger positive feedback mechanism than initially predicted. The study shows that the cryospheric albedo feedback is almost twice as strong as models have simulated, contributing to...
A new analysis finds that Arctic snow and sea ice decline has doubled the estimate of climate models, suggesting more significant amplification of warming. The study suggests that as temperatures warm, energy is absorbed by the Earth instead of being reflected back into the atmosphere.
A powerful low-pressure system brought significant snowfall to New England, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow. The GOES-13 satellite captured an image of the storm's center off the Massachusetts coast, showing the extent of the blizzard conditions.