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Deep ocean warming as climate changes

New research suggests that 62% of warming in the subtropical North Atlantic is stored in the deep ocean below 700m. The study estimates a further 0.2°C warming in the next 50 years due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2022

Unprecedented cyclone activity potentially clouds future forecasts

A recent analysis reveals a unprecedented increase in Atlantic tropical cyclones and a decrease in Western North Pacific storms, with greenhouse gas-induced global warming potentially playing a role. The study suggests that climate models need to be evaluated to predict future changes in tropical cyclone numbers between the two basins.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 9, 2022

Melting ice caps may not shut down ocean current

Researchers revised their understanding of the relationship between Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and freshwater from melting polar ice. A new model simulation suggests that AMOC is less sensitive to freshwater forcing than previously thought, contradicting long-held assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2022

Simulations explain Greenland’s slower summer warming

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cooler summer temperatures across Greenland are triggered by changes in the El Niño climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery will help improve future predictions of Arctic ice sheet and sea ice melting.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

Tropical methane emissions contribute largely to recent changes in global atmospheric methane growth rate

A recent study reveals that tropical terrestrial methane emissions account for over 80% of the observed changes in global atmospheric methane growth rate between 2010 and 2019. This finding underscores the significant impact of methane on climate change, with methane concentrations more than doubling since the pre-industrial era.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2022

Major gaps in understanding of climate impacts on tropical cyclones identified

Researchers identify significant gaps in knowledge about climate impacts on tropical cyclones, including the dynamics of storm formation and track changes. To address these limitations, they recommend extending historical datasets and improving understanding of natural variability to inform adaptive strategies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 23, 2022

New bacteria in UK waters as temperatures rise

A new study by the University of Exeter reveals two previously unknown Vibrio species in UK waters, which can cause gastroenteritis and skin infections in humans. The increasing range of these bacteria also threatens marine biodiversity and the seafood industry, with potential economic costs estimated at £6 billion annually.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalWater Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Researchers find climate change record in clam shells

Scientists have discovered a way to extract monthly and weekly ocean temperature records from the shells of tiny surf clams, revealing clues to Earth's past climate. The study uses a species of short-lived clam that has not been used before, allowing researchers to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and past climates with precision.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalChemical Geology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2021

Tectonic shift in Southern Ocean caused dramatic ancient cooling event

A new study suggests that the tectonic opening of Southern Ocean seaways led to a sudden cooling event 34 million years ago, contributing to the formation of Antarctic ice sheets. High-resolution simulations showed that this event caused a dramatic drop in coastal temperatures and initiated the Earth's transition into an Icehouse world.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021

Restoring coral health

Researchers at KAUST develop adaptive framework to increase coral resilience, combining tools like selective sexual propagation, coral probiotics, and environmental hardening. They also investigate the potential of genetic adaptations and beneficial microorganisms to enhance coral's stress resilience.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 3, 2021

Precipitation in central Asia shaped by sea surface temperature over tropical pacific and north Atlantic: Study

Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that tropical Pacific decadal variability and Atlantic multidecadal variability drive Central Asian precipitation changes. Warmer SSTs in these regions favor wetter conditions, especially in southern and northern parts of Central Asia.

Igniting plasmas in liquids

Researchers develop underwater plasmas using high-voltage pulses, creating extreme conditions with pressures and temperatures similar to the Pacific Ocean's deepest point. The ignition process challenges conventional theories and demonstrates the potential for re-oxidising catalytic surfaces in electrochemical cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 7, 2021

Influence of sea surface temperature in the Indian Ocean on air quality in the Yangtze River Delta region

Researchers found a significant positive correlation between December sea surface temperature in the Indian Ocean and haze days in January over the Yangtze River Delta region. The study reveals that favorable local meteorological conditions, including increased air temperature and southerly winds, facilitate haze formation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2021

Quantum leaps in understanding how living corals survive

Researchers used non-invasive microscopy to study coral-algal symbiosis, tracking changes in algal concentrations and biomolecules under varying environmental conditions. Shallow water corals produce more algae to compensate for reduced sunlight, while deeper waters rely on algal partners for photosynthesis.

Reconstruction shows increased global warming trends since 1850s

A newly merged global surface temperature dataset, including reconstructed land and marine measurements, reveals a consistent increased warming trend compared to previous estimations. The study provides evidence that the globe has warmed at a significantly faster rate than previously thought, with improved coverage of the Earth's surface.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 28, 2021

Using ancient fossils and gravitational-wave science to predict earth's future

A team of scientists used ancient marine fossils and gravitational wave astronomy to develop a more accurate palaeo-thermometer for predicting climate change. The improved thermometer uses machine-learning tools to extract temperature from GDGT concentrations with an accuracy of just 3.6 degrees, nearly twice that of previous models.

Human-induced climate change caused the northwestern Pacific warming record in August 2020

A new study reveals that human-induced climate changes have increased the occurrence probability of record-high SSTs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean from once-in-1000 years to once-in-15 years. The warming trend, accelerated since the 1980s, may intensify tropical cyclones and cause severe damages to East Asian countries.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2021

Warm central equatorial pacific sea surface temperatures and anthropogenic warming boosted the 2019 severe drought in East China

A severe drought in East China from August to October 2019 was exacerbated by warm central equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures and global warming. The study suggests that while natural climate variability played a role, human-induced climate change amplified the droughts likelihood.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 14, 2020