Articles tagged with Albedo
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A University of Waterloo scientist and international collaborators found that airborne mineral dust promotes algae growth on the Greenland ice sheet, exacerbating melting. The study reveals that phosphorus in the dust fuels the growth of pigmented glacier algae.
Researchers found clouds in North Atlantic region formed with fewer, larger droplets, yet remained unchanged in reflectivity; overall water content increased to maintain balance.
Researchers used satellite data to analyze the impact of dust on snowmelt in the Colorado River Basin. The study found that dust-driven melting tends to peak earliest and be most intense in central-southern Rocky Mountains, accelerating spring melt rates by up to 1 mm water-equivalent per hour.
Researchers link global warming spike in 2023 to reduced low-level cloud cover, which limits Earth's ability to reflect solar radiation. This decline in planetary albedo could explain the 'missing' 0.2 degrees Celsius of warming.
Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.
Researchers analyzed the last ice age to better understand the relationship between CO2 and global temperature. The study finds that the absolute worst-case scenario is unlikely, reducing the estimated warming from doubling CO2 by a full degree.
A new study by Clark University and partners provides global analysis of tree cover restoration's climate benefits, considering albedo changes. The research identifies locations with greatest climate-cooling potential and tools for practitioners to assess albedo impacts.
Photovoltaic fields can mitigate climate change faster than afforestation by 50 times in semiarid land, while still offering benefits in humid lands. Forests provide additional ecosystem and social services beyond climate regulation.
A recent KAUST study used satellite data to investigate the effects of managed vegetation on surface temperature in arid regions. The results showed that vegetation can reduce daytime temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius compared to bare soil, providing an extra cooling effect on hotter days.
Researchers have developed a novel technology for nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds, specifically anthocyanin, using pectin and lysozyme. The methodology ensures slow release of the compound, allowing it to survive gut bacteria and digestive enzymes.
The Tibetan Plateau's land surface darkening due to global warming affects regional and remote climates in Asia. The study predicts a 6.9% loss in glacier volume and increased monsoon precipitation over South Asia by the end of the century.
Researchers found a strong correlation between storm intensity, cloudiness, and solar energy reflection rate in each hemisphere. The study reveals that clouds are the linking factor between the brightness of Earth's surface and its appearance from space, solving the mystery of hemispheric symmetry.
A research team investigated NPF events in Beijing's atmosphere, discovering regional transport plays a vital role in creating 'polluted' NPF events. These events significantly impact air quality, climate, and human health, highlighting the importance of joint air pollution control measures.
Research finds that black carbon aerosols from South Asia contribute to the melting of glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau, reducing precipitation and mass gain. The study reveals a 11% impact on average glacier mass loss in Tibet and 22% in the Himalayas since 2007.
Research shows two widely used computer models predict summer melt pond formation on sea ice greatly overestimate their extent. The findings come from measurements made during a year-long expedition aboard the research vessel Polarstern.
Researchers used satellite spectral albedo data to develop a scheme that optimizes albedo parameters at the local level, significantly reducing model albedo overestimation and improving snowfall simulations. This improves the accuracy of water cycle modeling on the Tibetan Plateau.
A new study finds that large wild animals like elephants and whales can help restore ecosystems and battle climate change by dispersing seeds, clearing vegetation, and increasing albedo. Protecting these animals also supports local biodiversity and ecological resilience in temperate, tropical, and subtropical grassland ecosystems.
Researchers found a significant drop in Earth's albedo over the past two decades, primarily caused by reduced bright clouds in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This decrease in reflectivity allows more solar energy to be captured by the climate system, contributing to potential global warming.
The SnowEx team studied snowpack in diverse environments, collecting data on snow depth, density, temperature, and reflectivity. They also tested how well various techniques can measure snow using drones, airplanes, and ground-based remote sensing tools.
A study by ICTA-UAB finds that combining white roofs with green areas can reduce temperature during heat waves, with an average reduction of 1.26°C. This combination has the greatest impact on energy consumption, reducing spending on air conditioning by 26%.
New research reveals that deforestation in the U.S. does not always cause planetary warming; instead, in some places, it actually cools the planet due to the albedo effect. The study found that forest loss east of the Mississippi River and in Pacific Coast states causes planetary warming.
Research finds that red and green algae blooms on Antarctic Peninsula snow cause significant snowmelt, comparable to dust on snow in Rocky Mountains. Algae blooms can warm surface and accelerate melting, with potential feedback effects on ice retreat.
Researchers find dust plays a significant role in melting snow in the western Himalayas, with implications for agriculture and human consumption. The study suggests that dust affects snowmelt at high elevations more than soot and other pollutants.
The Colorado River's flow is declining due to the loss of its reflective snowpack, which increases evaporation and reduces runoff. This trend is expected to outpace precipitation increases under a warmer future, highlighting the need for more accurate projections of water availability.
Research Professor Quansong Tong at George Mason University has received two grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He aims to incorporate VIIRS albedo data into EDA package and develop a new wind energy partitioning scheme for improved dust emission forecasts.
A study found a significant reduction in Arctic surface albedo, primarily driven by decreased snow cover fraction accounting for 70% of the decline. Reduced sea-ice extent also contributed to the decrease, while soot deposits did not play a primary role.
A new parameterization of canopy radiative transfer is proposed, improving the accuracy of land surface radiation models by determining surface albedo and transpiration. The method reveals a relationship between direct and diffuse radiation, treating them separately in previous studies.
A study found that reindeer grazing in the Arctic tundra can increase surface albedo, leading to a decrease in net radiation and a potential cooling effect on climate. The researchers used land surface computer modeling and field measurements to estimate the impact of reindeer activity on vegetation characteristics.
The study analyzes albedo effects on climate change induced by converting land to produce biofuels, finding corn ethanol has a net cooling effect while miscanthus and switchgrass exhibit net warming effects. The research provides a more accurate picture of climate effects of biofuel feedstock production.
A team of researchers proposes using clusters of small satellites to estimate the planet's reflected energy with greater accuracy. The satellites can measure albedo from multiple angles, providing a multiangular view of the Earth's surface.
A recent study reveals that red pigmented snow algae blooms in the Arctic significantly reduce albedo, leading to a runaway effect of accelerated melting. The findings suggest a universal model for algal-albedo interaction and quantify additional melting caused by algal blooms, shedding new light on climate change impacts.
The study, led by IAC researcher Enric Pallé, has updated observations of the Earth's albedo from 2007 to 2014, showing monthly and annual variations but no long-term trend. The results coincide with a stabilization in the planet's mean temperature.
A new study found that Greenland's ice sheet has been darkening over the past two decades, absorbing more heat from the sun and increasing snow melt. The real culprits are two feedback loops created by the melting itself, which are driving changes in reflectivity.
A new study investigates the cooling and warming effects of forests at both a global scale and high spatial resolution. Researchers found that tropical forests have a strong cooling effect year-round, while boreal and temperate forests show seasonal variation in temperature.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that unploughed stubble reflects more solar radiation than tilled surfaces, resulting in a 50% higher level of reflection and a significant effect on extreme heat. No-till farming can reduce local temperatures by up to 2°C on hot days.
Researchers discovered a 'microbial garden' of life forms thriving on the Mittivakkat Glacier, reducing its surface reflectivity. This finding has significant implications for climate change models and the search for life on distant worlds.
A Dartmouth College study suggests that more frequent logging or deforestation may better serve the planet and pocketbooks in high-latitude areas where snowfall is common. The research found that including the value of albedo, or surface reflection of incoming solar energy, can shorten optimal forest rotation periods significantly.
A study estimates that resurfacing urban areas can provide a CO2 offset between 130 and 150 billion tonnes, equivalent to taking every car off the road for 50 years. This could also generate huge financial savings of $3300-$3800 billion dollars.
A study found that white rooftops, like those being installed in New York City, can reduce peak temperatures by 43 degrees Fahrenheit compared to traditional black roofs. The low-cost, DIY-friendly option also improves urban albedo and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
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 ...
For the first time, a team of astronomers successfully studied a Kuiper Belt object during a stellar occultation, providing data to determine its size and albedo. The surface of the object is highly reflective, similar to snow and ice, suggesting it may be composed of water-ice particles.
Researchers found that semi-arid forests can counteract global warming by absorbing and retaining heat, but this effect may be cancelled out by other processes. The 'air cooling' system in these forests efficiently reduces infrared radiation, leading to a net warming effect.
By selecting crop varieties with higher solar reflectivity, researchers estimate a global cooling of over 0.1°C, equivalent to 20% of the total global temperature increase since the Industrial Revolution. The study proposes issuing farmers with carbon credits for growing such crops.
A new study suggests injecting sulfur into the stratosphere could cool the planet by reflecting solar radiation. This method, known as albedo enhancement, has been observed during volcanic eruptions and could start taking effect within six months.
Research on Earth's albedo is facing a lack of funding and resources, hindering scientists' understanding of its effects on climate change. Albedo makes up half the equation for understanding the planet's energy budget, but its impact could be off by as much as 100 percent.
Researchers confirm albedo changes in Martian soil, correlating with changes seen from Mars orbiters, providing ground-truth information. The findings indicate important variations in mineral and dust composition.
The study reveals changes in Earth's reflectance over the past two decades, with a sharp decline in albedo from 1995-2001 and subsequent brightening. These variations are comparable to those in infrared radiation observed in the tropics, influencing the Earth's radiation budget.
Researchers found that Arctic clouds and climate conditions produce a cooling effect, possibly offsetting global warming's effects. Cloud forcing, which depends on interactions among climate factors, played a crucial role in this process.
Scientists have improved weather and climate forecast models by using new Terra data to measure albedo, revealing regional variability in the Sahara Desert and Arabian Peninsula. This correlation will help fine-tune weather and climate models, enabling more accurate predictions.
A new spray-on treatment has reduced 'albedo breakdown', a condition causing unsightly puffiness in oranges, by up to 20-25% in Australian orange crops. The treatment uses mineral calcium to address the issue, which can significantly impact fruit value and quality.