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This week from AGU: Remarkable 2016 storms caused massive Antarctic sea ice loss

A new study in Geophysical Research Letters finds that a series of unprecedented storms over the Southern Ocean likely caused the most dramatic decline in Antarctic sea ice seen to date. The extreme weather event led to significant losses of sea ice, with researchers suggesting that the storms' impact was exacerbated by climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 21, 2017

NASA looks at extreme Florida rainfall by satellite

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense rainfall in southeastern Florida, with rates exceeding 7.5 inches per hour. The GPM core satellite captured detailed images of the storms' vertical structure, showing thunderstorm tops reaching altitudes of over 9 miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 8, 2017

Evidence shows increased risk of ozone loss over the United States in summer

Researchers found that stratospheric ozone concentrations in the US are vulnerable to water vapor and temperature variations from storm systems, posing a risk to human health and crops. The study calls for increased meteorological and chemical observations to forecast short-term and long-term ozone loss.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA sees Cyclone Mora still packing punch after landfall

After making landfall in Bangladesh, NASA's satellite data showed Cyclone Mora still packing a punch with heavy rain and high cloud tops. The storm's internal structure was revealed using radar data, indicating intense rainfall bands over southeastern Bangladesh.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 31, 2017

Varied increases in extreme rainfall with global warming

A new study reveals that extreme rainfall events will increase in intensity globally, with varying degrees of impact depending on region. Regions such as North America and Europe can expect a 25% increase in intense rainfall by 4°C warming, while the Asian monsoon region may see even greater increases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 15, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Space weather model simulates solar storms from nowhere

A NASA model has simulated stealth solar storms from the sun, showing how slow and quiet processes can create massive magnetic field twists that speed out into space without warning. The models match space-based observations, revealing a complex process that generates energy over two weeks.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 8, 2017

Hard rocks from Himalaya raise flood risk for millions

Scientists at University of Edinburgh have found that landslides in southern Himalayan regions can increase flood risk by altering river paths with gravel and pebbles, while softer rocks in northern regions produce dispersed sand downstream. The study helps improve flood risk maps for the Ganga Plain, affecting millions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Study defines thunderstorm asthma epidemic conditions

A new study from University of Georgia researchers aims to identify wind magnitudes commonly associated with thunderstorm asthma outbreaks. By cross-referencing forecast modeling tools, the study may help anticipate significant thunderstorms and alert public health officials about potential triggers.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateApr 19, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Debbie make landfall in Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall in Queensland bringing heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds. NASA's satellite imagery showed a large area of cloud top temperatures in thunderstorms around the storm's eye, indicating potential for heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 28, 2017

NASA examines Peru's deadly rainfall

Heavy rainfall in Peru led to extensive flooding, landslides, and loss of life. NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided data on precipitation rates and totals, revealing storms dropping heavy rain at rates of over 137 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 23, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

NASA's GPM analyzed rainfall in ex-Tropical Cyclone 11S

GPM detected intense rainfall in the remnant low pressure area of ex-Tropical Cyclone 11S, with rain rates reaching over 8 inches in some areas. The satellite's radar data showed storm tops reaching heights above 13 km, indicating a strong and dynamic system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 16, 2017

Chicago waterways -- still flowing after over 100 years

Researchers highlight the importance of blocking Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan and Great Lakes through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The canal system, built over 100 years ago, has protected the city's drinking water supply but also created entry points for invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateMar 7, 2017

Flashy first images arrive from NOAA's GOES-16 lightning mapper

The Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument on NOAA's GOES-16 satellite is transmitting data for the first time, giving forecasters richer information about lightning and improving severe weather alerts. The mapper detects in-cloud lightning, which can occur up to 10 minutes before potentially deadly cloud-to-ground strikes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 6, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Solar storms trigger surprising phenomena close to Earth

During solar storms, large bursts of electrons are sent into the ionosphere, but surprisingly, they also remove electrons from large areas. This phenomenon is triggered by the interaction between the Sun's magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field, creating unstable areas in the ionosphere that can disrupt navigation systems.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalRadio Science·DateMar 3, 2017

Cause of killer cardiac disease identified by new method

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive method to identify the origin of atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke and other complications. The technique uses 64-lead electrocardiogram signals to pinpoint the location of the irregular heartbeat.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 2, 2017

NASA eyes Pineapple Express soaking California

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission has estimated significant rainfall from the Pineapple Express in southwestern Oregon and northern California. The storms brought heavy rains, with parts of Arizona receiving moderate to heavy precipitation as well.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 23, 2017

NASA examines Ex-Tropical Cyclone Dineo's rainfall

NASA used its Terra satellite to track the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Dineo, which generated heavy rainfall in southern Mozambique. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured detailed images of the storm's intense rain bands, revealing precipitation rates over 86 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 17, 2017
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.

Satellite views storm system affecting Southern California

A large storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to southern California, with rainfall totals reaching up to 6 inches in coastal areas and 10 inches in mountain locations. A second storm system is also heading towards the east, bringing flash flood risks and rapid runoff to fire-scarred areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 17, 2017

NASA scientist studies whether solar storms cause animal beachings

A NASA scientist has initiated a study to determine whether severe solar storms can confuse animals' internal compasses, causing them to lose their way. The researcher hopes to find a statistical correlation between solar storms and cetacean mass strandings using massive data-mining efforts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 2, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

NASA sees storms affecting the western US

A series of moisture-laden storms has affected the western US, including California and the Pacific Northwest, causing extreme rain events and blanketeting the region in snow. The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snows and periods of rain with potential flooding or flash flooding along the West Coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 9, 2017

NASA study finds solar storms could spark soils at moon's poles

Solar storms can charge up soil in moon's permanently shadowed regions, potentially producing sparks that could vaporize and melt the soil. This process, known as dielectric breakdown, could alter the regolith and provide clues to the moon's history.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalIcarus·DateJan 6, 2017

Study finds more extreme storms ahead for California

A new study predicts that California will experience three more extreme precipitation events per year by 2100 as the Earth's climate warms. The researchers developed a technique to identify large-scale patterns in atmospheric data, significantly reducing uncertainty in extreme storm predictions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJan 3, 2017

NASA finds heavy rainfall area increasing in Tropical Cyclone Yvette

Tropical Cyclone Yvette's center of circulation has seen an increase in continuous rainfall area, with convective storms dropping rain at rates over 60 mm per hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds have reached up to 52 mph, with forecast predictions indicating landfall on Christmas Day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 22, 2016
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 finds a lifetime of heavy rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Vardah

Tropical Cyclone Vardah produced heavy rainfall in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, with estimated totals ranging from 300-500 mm. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense storms with rainfall rates exceeding 101 mm/h, indicating a lifetime of heavy precipitation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 15, 2016

Researchers dial in to 'thermostat' in Earth's upper atmosphere

A team led by CU Boulder Professor Delores Knipp found that shock waves from CMEs create nitric oxide, which rapidly cools and shrinks the upper atmosphere. This natural 'thermostat' mechanism helps regulate Earth's temperatures after intense solar activity.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSpace Weather·DateDec 14, 2016

Scientists examine 'perfect storms' fueling vast tropical biodiversity

Researchers integrate fossil data into theories to understand global patterns of biodiversity, finding that local and long-term factors work together in a 'perfect storm'. This approach helps explain the latitudinal diversity gradient, with the tropics having the greatest number and variety of species.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateDec 13, 2016
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.

Extreme downpours could increase fivefold across parts of the US

A new study finds that extreme precipitation events could increase across the US due to climate change. The research suggests that summertime storms producing extreme downpours may increase by as much as 400 percent, leading to more frequent and intense flash floods.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 5, 2016

Where the rains come from

Research identifies mesoscale convective systems as primary cause of increased heavy rainfall in the region. The study found a significant increase in the frequency and duration of these storms over the past 35 years.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New understanding of local heavy rainfall events over Beijing Metropolitan Region

Recent studies investigated two local heavy rainfall events in Beijing Metropolitan Region, revealing that cold pool outflows and urban surface played key roles. The development of convective storms was facilitated by a favorable convergence zone near the border of northwestward-concaved valleys and urban surfaces.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateNov 22, 2016

Scientists find link between tropical storms and decline of river deltas

A University of Southampton study reveals that tropical storms are a significant contributor to the decline of river deltas globally. The researchers used archived measurements to detect sediment concentration changes in the Mekong River delta, finding that one-third of the sediment is due to tropical cyclones.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2016
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.

NASA-NOAA satellite sees rebirth of Aere the zombie storm

A tropical cyclone that was thought to be dead has reformed over the South China Sea and is now expected to make landfall in central Vietnam. The storm, dubbed 'Zombie storm' Aere, had maximum sustained winds of 25 knots near its center before re-forming

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 13, 2016

Climate change intensifies night-time storms over Lake Victoria

An international study led by KU Leuven found that climate change is increasing the frequency of hazardous thunderstorms over Lake Victoria at night. The lake's unique atmospheric circulation, fueled by warm land breezes and evaporative cooling, creates a hotspot for storm activity.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Depression 22W form

Tropical Depression 22W has formed and its center is elongated due to moderate vertical wind shear. The storm is moving northwest at 24 mph and forecast to pass over open waters near Taiwan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2016
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.

'Tug of war' keeps scientists working on storm tracks

Storm tracks are crucial for weather and climate in middle-latitude regions like Chicago and New York. Climate change alters the position of these tracks, with clouds playing a key role in this shift. Researchers highlight the need to expand observational efforts and improve computer simulations to better understand storm track changes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 1, 2016
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.

Lightning strikes: Thunderstorms spread mercury pollution

A new study found that thunderstorms in the southern United States transport significant amounts of mercury to the ground, with concentrations 50% higher than other rain events. Researchers matched rain samples to weather data and used radar and satellite data to examine storm clouds.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 31, 2016

X-raying the Earth with waves from stormy weather 'bombs'

Researchers detected S wave microseisms, a rare phenomenon, triggered by a distant North Atlantic storm. The discovery provides new insights into the Earth's internal structure and may contribute to more accurate detection of earthquakes and oceanic storms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The refugee crisis in Europe: Challenges and possible solutions

The European refugee crisis poses significant challenges, including fierce border disputes and criticism from 90% of national residents. To address these issues, experts suggest reducing income support for refugees, accommodating unskilled immigration, and welcoming young foreigners to relieve labor market shortages.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

1967 solar storm nearly took US to brink of war

A solar storm in May 1967 jammed radar and radio communications at the height of the Cold War, prompting a potential military conflict. However, thanks to the U.S. Air Force's space weather forecasting efforts, the military action was prevented, and the nation avoided a disastrous nuclear exchange.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalSpace Weather·DateAug 9, 2016

Dot-drawing with drones

Tiny drones are programmed to apply precise dots of ink to create portraits on paper, showcasing the potential for artistic collaboration between humans and machines.

SourceMcGill University·DateAug 4, 2016

NASA looks at historic flooding from slow-moving Maryland storms

NASA's IMERG data revealed strong bands of heavy rain extending east-west over north-central Maryland, with localized areas experiencing higher rates. The area affected suffered devastating flooding, including the historic town of Ellicott City, where two people drowned and numerous cars were damaged.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 2, 2016