Articles tagged with Stratosphere
Researchers found that volcanic eruptions can cause ozone depletion until 2070, despite declining levels of human-made CFCs. Natural sources of halogen gases from marine plankton and microalgae become important in the lower stratosphere after CFC concentrations decline.
Researchers have found compelling evidence for a stratosphere on the enormous planet WASP-121b, hot enough to boil iron. The discovery was made using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and indicates a strong stratosphere on this gas giant exoplanet.
Scientists have found a stratosphere on an enormous gas giant exoplanet WASP-121b with an atmosphere hot enough to boil iron. The discovery was made using spectroscopy to analyze the planet's brightness at different wavelengths of light, revealing glowing water molecules.
A recent study reveals that the Asian summer monsoon significantly contributes to aerosol formation in the Northern Hemisphere's lower stratosphere, with a 15% annual contribution. The anticyclonic Asian monsoon serves as an efficient smokestack venting aerosols to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
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.
The quasi-biennial oscillation, a 60-year wind pattern in the tropical stratosphere, has been observed to suddenly change, sparking interest among scientists. The disruption does not have immediate impact on weather or climate but raises questions about its causes and potential effects.
Researchers from GEOMAR found a direct relationship between decadal variations in Pacific Ocean temperatures and the tropical tropopause, which regulates water vapor content. This discovery contradicts earlier hypotheses that human influences dominate climate variability.
A new study reports that the ozone hole over Antarctica is starting to 'heal' with a noticeable increase in ozone levels, following nearly three decades of depletion. The Montreal Protocol's phase-out of ozone-depleting substances has slowed the rate of decline and led to an identifiable ozone increase.
The SPB is testing and validating its technology for long-duration flights at mid-latitudes, with the goal of 100+ days. The balloon is carrying a gamma-ray telescope and infrasound instrument to study galactic positrons and black holes.
NASA's satellite measurements of sulfur dioxide can help identify volcanic clouds and provide more accurate forecasts for aviation safety. This technology has the potential to reduce airline cancellations and rerouting costs, as well as have long-term climate applications.
The GRIPS balloon mission observes extremely high-energy radiation released by solar flares, pinpointing precise times and locations of gamma ray emission. The team's instrument sees this emission three times more sharply than any previous instrument.
The 2015 Antarctic ozone hole was the fourth largest on record, peaking at 28.2 million square kilometers, and formed later than usual due to unusually cold temperatures and weak dynamics in the stratosphere. The large size of this year's ozone hole will likely result in increases of harmful ultraviolet rays at Earth's surface.
A NASA study shows that widely used chemical coolants known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) contribute to ozone depletion. The study found that HFC emissions cause increased warming of the stratosphere, speeding up chemical reactions that destroy ozone molecules.
Researchers at the University of Reading and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts found that accounting for unusual winds miles up in the stratosphere can make long-range winter weather forecasts twice as accurate. This allows forecasters to predict extreme winter weather events up to four weeks before they occur, providi...
Scientists analyzed a 14.7 million-year-old eruption in the Columbia River basalt formation, finding that it produced massive amounts of lava and gas that could have reached the stratosphere. This hypothetical scenario indicates that ancient flood volcanoes may have played a significant role in altering global climate patterns.
A team of international researchers found that volcanic aerosols have acted as a natural umbrella to slow down global temperature increase from greenhouse gases. The cooling effect due to volcanic eruptions was clearly underestimated by climate models, and it is only temporary as the rise of Earth's temperature will speed up again.
The discovery of a stratosphere on WASP-33b offers insights into the planet's composition and formation. The presence of titanium oxide in the atmosphere indicates temperature inversion, similar to Earth's ozone layer.
A team of UK scientists studied how changes in the stratosphere affect surface-level jet streams, storm tracks, and weather. The research highlights a series of global weather phenomena resulting from the 'coupling' between the stratosphere and troposphere, such as extreme temperatures over eastern North America.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong connection between high ozone days in the western US during late spring and La Niña events. This connection can be used to forecast ozone levels several months in advance, improving public education and air quality management in these regions.
A new study in Geophysical Research Letters finds that large thunderstorms can transport significant amounts of ozone from the stratosphere to the troposphere. Decades of mitigation efforts in megacities like Los Angeles demonstrate improvements in air quality, highlighting the need for continued action against urban air pollution.
A new study suggests that small volcanic eruptions could be contributing to the slowdown in global warming by ejecting more atmosphere-cooling gas into Earth's upper atmosphere. By deflecting solar radiation, these eruptions may have lowered global temperatures by 0.05 to 0.12 degrees Celsius since 2000.
Scientists have discovered an unexpected high-altitude methane ice cloud on Saturn's moon Titan, similar to those found near Earth's poles. The cloud formed in the stratosphere, well above cruising altitude, due to temperature differences between latitudes, allowing methane ice to condense and form.
A NASA simulation shows that stratospheric ozone intrusions have a significant impact on ground-level ozone concentrations in the US West, with effects two to three times greater than previously estimated. High-resolution models can now comprehensively examine these events for the first time.
A new study reveals a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon over the South Seas, which boosts ozone depletion in polar regions and could have a significant influence on future climate. The discovery of the 'OH shield' layer allows long-lived chemical compounds to enter the stratosphere, contributing to global impact.
Leading scientists will examine the western tropical Pacific Ocean's 'global chimney,' which shapes climate and air chemistry globally. The region fuels heat and moisture into thunderstorms that loft gases and particles into the stratosphere, influencing climate patterns.
New research by NASA scientists shows that signs of ozone hole recovery are not yet present, and temperature and winds continue to drive annual changes. The decline in chlorine levels has not yet led to a reduction in the size of the ozone hole.
Researchers at GEOMAR have developed a model to track the global distribution of sulfur particles following large eruptions, providing more accurate estimates of eruption strength and tracing previously undetermined volcanic activities. The study improves the interpretation of volcanic traces in ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica.
Climate scientists analyzed satellite observations and computer model simulations to find a human-caused climate change signal. The study found that tropospheric and stratospheric temperature changes are related to human activities, with the lower stratosphere cooling due to ozone depletion.
The Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum size this year, covering an area of 8.2 million square miles, but was smaller than expected due to warmer temperatures. The average size of the ozone hole was 6.9 million square miles, with scientists attributing the change to natural fluctuations in weather patterns.
A University of Utah study found that periodic changes in winds 15 to 30 miles high in the stratosphere influence deep-sea circulation patterns, affecting Earth's climate. The research revealed the North Atlantic as a sensitive area where warming or cooling from the troposphere can trigger downwelling events.
A team of researchers led by the University of Saskatchewan discovered that small volcanic eruptions can inject aerosols into the stratosphere, cooling the Earth's surface. The study used data from the Canadian Space Agency's OSIRIS instrument to analyze the effects of a 2011 eruption in Eritrea.
Research suggests that giant volcanic eruptions in Nicaragua over the past 70,000 years temporarily thinned the ozone layer by releasing bromine and chlorine gases. The team used a novel method to estimate gas content in lava rocks and combined it with existing data to calculate potential ozone layer depletion.
Research reveals that the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere facilitate the transformation of elemental mercury into oxidized mercury, which can be deposited into aquatic ecosystems. This process enables mercury to enter the food chain, posing environmental risks.
Researchers found positive trends in ozone levels over the Iberian Peninsula between 1995 and 2008, with quicker recovery rates in industrial areas. The study suggests that ground-level ozone, a secondary pollutant, contributed to the recovery of stratospheric ozone levels.
Researchers tracked a massive storm in Saturn's northern hemisphere, which rapidly expanded into a giant thunderstorm. The storm produced dark vortices and disrupted the atmosphere, transporting energy and material over great distances.
A new study explores the impact of sun dimming on atmospheric teleconnections, which are crucial for predicting weather regimes. The research suggests that a dimmed sun could alter the link between tropical temperatures and extra-tropical circulation, potentially affecting prevailing weather patterns.
Scientists at University of East Anglia and Frankfurt discover largest chlorine isotope enrichment ever found in nature. This breakthrough could lead to identification of sources of banned CFCs still being released into the atmosphere.
A new study reveals that pollutants from Asia are being transported to the stratosphere during monsoon season, potentially affecting global climate. The research found that black carbon, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants are lifted into the stratosphere by Asian monsoon circulation patterns.
Small fluctuations in solar radiation have a significant impact on cloud formation and precipitation, with variations of just 0.1% affecting the Pacific Ocean's water temperature and precipitation patterns. This study demonstrates that understanding natural climatic variability is crucial for making reliable future climate scenarios.
Research reveals subtle links between solar cycles, stratospheres, and tropical Pacific Oceans, driving periodic weather patterns globally. The study predicts the intensity of climate phenomena like Indian monsoon and tropical Pacific rainfall years in advance.
Researchers discovered an unexpected concentration of a certain isotopic molecule in parts of the stratosphere, which could help understand the carbon cycle and its response to climate change. The finding suggests that air from the mesosphere may be mixing with air from the stratosphere, leading to elevated concentrations of 16O13C18O.
Tropical cyclones inject ice into the stratosphere, potentially feeding global warming. The findings suggest an intertwining of severe weather and climate change.
New research suggests climate change will impact ozone recovery rates due to changes in atmospheric circulation. Greenhouse gases alter the Brewer-Dobson circulation pattern, influencing ozone distribution and leading to uneven ozone layer recovery.
Future rocket launches will lead to significant ozone layer depletion if unregulated, potentially exceeding losses from chlorofluorocarbons. The study estimates that rocket emissions could result in more ozone destruction than CFCs by 2050.
A new study suggests that climate change could postpone the recovery of stratospheric ozone in tropical and southern mid-latitudes, leading to increased skin cancer risks for fair-skinned populations. This delay might be caused by changes in air circulation patterns and reduced ozone formation.
The Springer textbook has been recognized for its comprehensiveness and uniqueness in covering stratosphere-troposphere interactions. It provides information on various physical processes involved in the coupling between the two layers of the atmosphere.
Researchers argue that geoengineering solutions to climate change are unrealistic due to the complexity of the Earth's climate system. The concept of injecting particles into the stratosphere to reduce global warming is highly uncertain and requires massive infrastructure investments.
Long-term measurements of atmospheric gases suggest that air masses are moving more slowly than expected, potentially impacting ozone layer recovery. Researchers urge further study to understand the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon and its implications for climate models.
Research published in AGU journals reveals a significant decrease in Saharan dust due to increased rainfall, boosting ocean heating. The coastal Southern Ocean also acts as a powerful carbon sink, with Antarctic shelf waters showing high biological productivity and extensive winter sea ice cover.
A recent study predicts a fast rise in scorching days, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. Another record reveals a 1000-year history of hurricane activity in Boston, Massachusetts. Climate zones are also shifting southward in Australia due to warming sea surface temperatures.
Researchers found that active fire suppression may have reduced carbon storage in western US forests, while a new tracking method revealed the paths of giant volcanic clouds. Additionally, scientists warn of increased frost risks to plants due to changes in temperature fluctuations and average temperatures in a warming climate.
New research suggests that injecting sulfate particles into the stratosphere to cool the planet would have a drastic impact on the ozone layer. The study finds that such an approach might delay the recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole by decades and cause significant ozone loss over the Arctic.
A limited nuclear weapons exchange between Pakistan and India could create a near-global ozone hole, with mid-latitude ozone decreases reaching up to 40 percent. This would have huge effects on human health and ecosystems, with potential rises in cataracts, skin cancer, and damage to plants and animals.
Ozone intrusions are associated with sudden changes in tropopause altitude, damaging forests and crops. The study uses windprofilers to monitor ozone movements, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the role of human activities in atmospheric pollution.
A CU-Boulder team is part of a massive field campaign studying tropical storms' impact on global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion. The team will use three NASA aircraft, seven satellites, and other instruments to collect data on chemical compounds, high-altitude clouds, and their influence on the Earth's radiation budget.
A NASA airborne expedition will investigate how chemical compounds are transported into the stratosphere, affecting cloud formation and climate. The mission aims to document the life cycle of widespread clouds and understand their impact on a warming climate.
A team of scientists developed a method to determine the influence of past volcanic eruptions on climate and the chemistry of the upper atmosphere. The chemical fingerprint of fallout from past eruptions reveals how high the volcanic material reached and what chemical reactions occurred while it was in the atmosphere.
The Antarctic ozone hole has broken records for area and depth, with an average area of 10.6 million square miles and a record low ozone value of 85 Dobson Units. The large ozone hole is caused by human-produced compounds releasing chlorine and bromine gases in the stratosphere.
A University of Colorado study found that winds in the polar upper stratospheric vortex led to record amounts of ozone-destroying nitrogen oxide gases in March 2006. This could have unanticipated climate consequences due to the destruction of ozone, which heats up the stratosphere.
A new study suggests injecting sulfates into the stratosphere could slow down global warming and provide more time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The approach has been shown to stabilize climate for up to 20 years, but geoengineering is not a panacea and mitigation alone can also address ocean acidification issues.