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'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.
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
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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.
A Dartmouth-led study finds that the increase in extreme Northeast storms occurred as an abrupt shift in 1996, particularly in the spring and fall. The region experienced a 53% increase in extreme precipitation from 1996 to 2014, with tropical cyclones and nor'easters being key drivers.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateMay 24, 2017
Heavy rainfall was detected within a cluster of powerful storms east of Sri Lanka, with GPM's radar data showing storm tops reaching heights above 16 km. The analysis is important to understanding the economy of India and the amount and timing of monsoon rainfall.
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
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
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.
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
A study led by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology finds that global warming is responsible for tripling of extreme West African Sahel storms in the last 35 years. Climate change will increase the risk of more frequent and severe flooding, as well as poor sanitation-related diseases in West African cities.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017
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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
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.
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.
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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.
A powerful nor'easter is forecast to impact the US East coast with heavy snowfall totals from the Mid-Atlantic to New England. Forecasters predict 12-18 inches of snow, with localized amounts up to 2 feet, and strong winds that could cause power outages.
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
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.
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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
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'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.
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.
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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.
Broader updrafts in severe storms may lead to a higher chance of damaging hail. Research suggests that changes in environmental vertical wind shear can influence the growth of significant hail.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2017
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.
A new Penn-led study found that invasive sedge is more effective at preventing erosion of dunes during big storms compared to native grass. The research suggests that land managers may want to consider the virtues of non-native species when protecting coastal communities.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 25, 2017
A new study finds that solar storm-induced electricity blackouts could have a significant impact on the US economy, with indirect costs accounting for over half of the total loss. The potential macroeconomic cost could reach $41.5 billion per day in extreme scenarios.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalSpace Weather·DateJan 18, 2017
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Researchers found that climate change, rather than conflict, led to the formation of a massive dust storm in the Middle East in 2015. The storm was characterized by extreme aridity and unusual wind patterns that transported large amounts of dust over long distances.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 13, 2017
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.
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
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
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.
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NASA's Aqua and GPM satellites observed strong storms developing in Vardah's remnant low pressure area, with convective thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall rates of over 6.1 inches per hour.
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.
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
The 'new Arctic' is more prone to melting and storms, threatening its role as a climate moderator. Thinner sea ice functions differently, moving faster, breaking up easily, and being vulnerable to winds and storms.
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.
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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
The winter floods of 2015/2016 in the UK were the most extreme on record, with record peak flows at several rivers and a estimated insurance bill of over £1.3 billion. The floods affected 16,000 properties in England, causing life-changing financial losses and incredible stress to those impacted.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·DateDec 4, 2016
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
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New research led by the University of Plymouth reveals beaches along the UK's Atlantic coastline have not recovered from severe winter storms in 2013/14. Sediment losses of up to 200 m3 for every 1m strip of beach indicate potential for dramatic changes in beach equilibrium.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Geology·DateNov 24, 2016
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
Research by QUT's Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety - Queensland found that driver distraction and sleepiness account for approximately 25% and 20% of road crashes respectively. Younger drivers are more vulnerable to these risks due to their developing sleep-wake systems.
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
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Researchers develop predictive model to calculate spray pattern produced by wave impacts, helping engineers design better seawalls and coastal defenses. The findings suggest that water is dispersed in a distinct pattern varying depending on wave size.
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
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
Tropical Depression Aere, formerly known as 22W, is a western-tracking storm that entered the South China Sea. The depression has maximum sustained winds near 34.5 mph and is forecast to become a tropical storm, tracking west-southwest over several days.
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.
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A new study reveals that climate change can hinder scientific projections of storm tracks, with multiple environmental influences at play. The 'tug of war' between Arctic amplification and tropical warming affects the position of storm tracks, impacting iconic cities worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 8, 2016
Tropical Depression Madeline showed a small burst of strength with strong thunderstorms developing near its center. Cloud top temperatures indicated storms stretching high into the troposphere and generating heavy rain.
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
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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
Tropical Storm Lionrock weakened rapidly after passing over Hokkaido, Japan. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
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
The Van Allen Probes detected a sudden pulse of high-energy electrons energized by an interplanetary shock, and five days later, an increased number of even higher energy electrons. Researchers can now better understand the unique energization processes following a geomagnetic storm.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission gathered extensive rainfall data on Louisiana storms, finding intense rainfall rates of over 3.9 inches per hour and storm tops reaching 9.9 miles high.
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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
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.
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.