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Tropical systems spin up Mid-South crop insurance rates

A new study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics found that tropical systems significantly impact crop insurance premium rates in the Mid-South region. The researchers analyzed data from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, which are more prone to hurricane damage due to their proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2025

When lightning strikes: Gamma-ray burst unleashed by lightning collision

Researchers from The University of Osaka observed a rare phenomenon where lightning discharges accelerated electrons to near light speed, producing a gamma-ray flash. This study contributes critical data to understanding the mechanism behind these intense radiation bursts and their potential role in shaping Earth's atmosphere.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

New dust forecast system "iDust" helps renewable energy industry manage solar losses

Researchers have developed a new forecasting tool called iDust that offers significant benefits for solar energy production by predicting dust storms with higher accuracy. The system provides critical support for China's expanding solar energy projects in desert regions, minimizing disruptions and financial losses.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateApr 14, 2025

Damaging cluster of UK winter storms driven by swirling polar vortex miles above Earth

Scientists have identified a new reason for UK winter storm clusters, pointing to stronger winds in the Arctic stratosphere. This research reveals that an intense swirling vortex of winds miles above the Arctic can make severe winter storms more likely, and may offer early warnings for forecasters up to a month before they happen.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2025

New computer model can predict the length of a household's displacement in any U.S. community after a disaster

A new study developed a computer model to predict household displacement duration in US communities after disasters, accounting for socioeconomic factors. The model combines physical damage estimates with socioeconomic characteristics to help inform risk mitigation strategies.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2025

Development and application of a tornado database for the Chinese mainland

A study presents an open-access tornado database for mainland China, revealing a spatial concentration of tornadoes in Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces. The data shows that tornadoes are most frequent in summer, peaking in July, with high-intensity tornadoes (EF2 and above) calculated for specific counties.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvances in Wind Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2025

What happens in the ocean when two cyclones collide

When two tropical cyclones collide in the Indian Ocean, they can intensify considerably, leading to extreme interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. The study found that effects occurred that have only been observed with much stronger cyclones, including a cooling effect of three degrees Celsius and upwelling of deep water masses.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalTellus A Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography·TypeCase study·DateDec 10, 2024

How much climate change is in the weather?

Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute have developed a new approach called 'storylines' that uses probabilistic attribution studies and 'nudging' techniques to identify the fingerprints of climate change in extreme weather events. By comparing hypothetical scenarios with reality, they can determine how much more probable an event...

Storms, floods, landslides associated with intimate partner violence against women two years later

A study of 156 countries found that climate-related disasters like landslides and floods are associated with an increase in intimate partner violence against women two years after the event. The effect is similar in magnitude to economic factors, suggesting a potential link between climate change and social drivers of violence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

Model combines physical parameters and machine learning to predict storm tides

A new model developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo combines physical parameters and machine learning to predict storm tides. The model uses physics-informed machine learning, which harmonizes physical models with measured data to produce more precise forecasts.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence·DateJun 20, 2024