Tag Archives: storms

Localized Dust Storms on Mars May Lead to Significant Water Loss, New Study Reveals

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Evidence suggests that Mars once hosted significant amounts of water. Past studies indicate that the majority of atmospheric water loss occurs during the Martian southern summer. During this season, warm and dusty conditions allow water vapor to ascend to high altitudes, where it escapes into space without condensing. A groundbreaking study has unveiled a previously unidentified pathway for water loss, observed for the first time in the Martian northern summer. This research highlights how a localized, short-lived sandstorm in Mars Year 37 (August 2023) caused a surge in water vapor.

Close-up color image of a small dust storm on Mars, captured by ESA’s Mars Express’ HRSC instrument in April 2018. Image credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin / CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO.

Dr. Adrian Brines, a researcher at the Andalusian Institute of Astronomy and the University of Tokyo, stated, “Our findings reveal the impact of this type of storm on Earth’s climate evolution and open new avenues for understanding how Mars has lost water over time.”

While dust storms have long been recognized as significant contributors to water escape on Mars, previous discussions primarily focused on large-scale dust events occurring on a planetary scale.

In this study, Dr. Brines and colleagues demonstrated that smaller, localized storms can significantly enhance the transport of water vapor to high altitudes, where it is lost to space more readily.

Prior research concentrated on the warm and dynamic summers of the Southern Hemisphere, as this is the primary period for water loss on Mars.

The recent study detected an unusual spike in water vapor in Mars’ middle atmosphere, attributed to a localized dust storm during the northern hemisphere summer of Martian year 37.

Diagram demonstrating the atmospheric response to localized sandstorms in the Northern Hemisphere during summer. High dust concentrations significantly enhance solar radiation absorption, promoting atmospheric warming, especially in the middle atmosphere. This increased circulation enhances the vertical transport of water vapor, facilitating its injection at high altitudes and increasing hydrogen efflux from the exobase. Image credit: Brines et al., doi: 10.1038/s43247-025-03157-5.

This surge in water vapor was unprecedented, reaching levels up to 10 times higher than normal—an occurrence not predicted by existing climate models or observed in previous Martian epochs.

Following this event, the amount of hydrogen in Mars’ exobase—where the atmosphere transitions into space—also rose significantly, increasing by 2.5 times compared to the previous year.

Understanding how much water Mars has lost over time hinges on measuring the hydrogen that escapes into space, as this element is produced when water decomposes in the atmosphere.

Dr. Shohei Aoki, a researcher at the University of Tokyo and Tohoku University, noted, “These results provide a crucial piece to the incomplete puzzle of how Mars has persistently lost water over billions of years, demonstrating that brief but intense episodes can significantly influence the evolution of Mars’ climate.”

Discover more about these findings in the featured study, published this week in Communication: Earth and Environment.

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A. Brines et al. 2026. Unseasonal water escape during summer in Mars’ northern hemisphere caused by localized strong sandstorms. Communication: Earth and Environment 7, 55; doi: 10.1038/s43247-025-03157-5

Source: www.sci.news

Perseverance Identifies Triboelectric Discharges Between Martian Dust Devils and Storms

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Over two years of data collected on Mars by the SuperCam microphone on NASA’s Perseverance rover has led planetary scientists to identify 55 triboelectric discharge events linked to dust devils and dust storms.

Detection of electrical discharges in dust devils by the SuperCam instrument aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars. Image credit: Nicholas Sarter.

Lightning and electrical phenomena have been observed on Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter within our solar system.

While the possibility of electrical activity on Mars has been hypothesized, it has never before been directly recorded.

The Martian surface, characterized by frequent dust activities and phenomena such as wind-driven dust, sandstorms, and dust devils, can lead to electrical charges similar to those seen on Earth.

Determining whether such electrification occurs on Mars is vital for understanding the planet’s surface chemistry and assessing the safety of future robotic and human exploration missions.

To investigate this, Baptiste Chide and colleagues from the University of Toulouse examined 28 hours of audio recordings from the Perseverance rover’s SuperCam microphone gathered over two years.

The researchers categorized 55 electrical events by detecting interference and acoustic signatures typical of lightning.

Notably, 54 of these events were linked to the strongest wind events recorded during the study, indicating that winds significantly contribute to Martian electrification.

In two encounters with dust devils alone, the spacecraft documented 16 events, suggesting the likelihood of additional, more distant discharges that may have escaped detection by the microphone.

These findings imply that the Martian atmosphere is particularly electrically active during localized dust activity, rather than during wider dusty seasons.

“On Earth, atmospheric electricity primarily results from charge accumulation in clouds and storms, which burst forth as lightning,” remarked Dr. Ricardo Hueso from the University of the Basque Country.

“Conversely, on Mars, atmospheric electricity is dry, generated through collisions between dust particles in whirlwinds and sandstorms, leading to much smaller electrical discharges compared to Earth.”

Dr. Agustín Sánchez Labega, also from the University of the Basque Country, noted: “Mars’ cold, dry, dusty environment features a thin atmosphere of carbon dioxide and can generate very strong winds, creating gusts, whirlwinds, and dust clouds.”

“These phenomena can form extensive storm fronts that stretch hundreds of kilometers and sometimes envelop the entire planet in dust.”

“Thus, we anticipate these once-elusive discharges to be particularly prevalent under such conditions.”

The authors concluded, “Our study raises many questions regarding the impact of natural electricity on the Martian atmosphere.”

For more details, check their paper, published in the Journal on November 26, 2025, in Nature.

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B. Chide et al. 2025. Triboelectric discharges detected during Martian dust events. Nature 647, 865-869; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09736-y

Source: www.sci.news

Hurricane Melissa: One of the Most Powerful Atlantic Storms Ever Recorded

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Satellite image capturing Hurricane Melissa on October 28th

Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo

Jamaica is experiencing severe impacts from Hurricane Melissa, which is forecasted to be the most powerful hurricane to strike the Atlantic Ocean, bringing up to 1 meter (40 inches) of rainfall. It is virtually certain that global warming has intensified Hurricane Melissa.

According to studies, the warm waters that fueled the storm’s rapid intensification are 500 to 700 times more likely to be influenced by climate change. This was highlighted by Daniel Guilford and his team at Climate Central, a non-profit based in the US.

“The figure of ‘500 to 700 times more likely’ is substantial,” Guilford noted. “This clearly indicates that the extreme temperatures witnessed around Melissa wouldn’t be possible without human-induced climate change.”

Tropical cyclones like Melissa derive their energy from warm ocean waters. When storms pass over warmer surfaces, more water vapor is generated. As this moist, warm air rises and cools, condensation occurs, releasing latent heat. This process generates energy that fuels tropical cyclones.

In the central Caribbean, where Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, sea surface temperatures were recorded at 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than typical for October. These elevated temperatures extend to significant depths, resulting in an abundance of thermal energy within the oceans.


As Melissa stirs the ocean, sea surface temperatures remain elevated, bringing deeper, warmer water to the surface. Conversely, if only a shallow warm layer exists, colder water rises, depleting the storm’s energy.

“Hurricane Melissa is shaping up to be a perfect storm. The warm ocean has been rapidly escalating in intensity recently, while its slow movement could lead to extensive rainfall as it makes landfall,” said Lianne Archer, a researcher at the University of Bristol in the UK. “These conditions are largely intensified by the additional heat present in the oceans and atmosphere driven by climate change.”

The combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall poses a severe threat to Jamaica. Reports indicate that three individuals have already lost their lives as preparations continue for the storm, anticipated to make landfall around 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. local time.

“This presents one of the most alarming scenarios,” commented Hannah Cloke, a researcher from the University of Reading in the UK. “The nation will bear deep and lasting scars from this storm, making recovery a challenging endeavor for impacted regions.”

Historical studies of past disasters indicate that such events can stifle economic growth for years. Though some economists speculate a quick recovery could spur growth, this notion has often proven to be unfounded.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Hurricane Melissa Ranks Among the Most Powerful Atlantic Storms in History

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Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa captured on October 28

Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo

Jamaica is facing severe impacts from what is possibly the strongest hurricane to hit the Atlantic Ocean. Current forecasts predict up to 1 meter (40 inches) of rainfall. There’s little doubt that global warming has intensified Hurricane Melissa.

According to the authors, the warm waters that sped up Melissa’s intensification are 500 to 700 times more likely due to climate change. Initial assessments by Daniel Guilford and his colleagues at Climate Central, a U.S. non-profit organization, reveal this.

“‘500 to 700 times more likely’ is an astonishing figure,” Guilford stated. “This clearly indicates that the extreme temperatures observed around Melissa would not be feasible without human-induced climate change.”

Tropical storms like Melissa draw their energy from warm ocean waters. The hotter the sea surface, the more water vapor is generated when a storm passes above it. As the warm, moist air rises, the vapor condenses and releases latent heat, warming the air and encouraging further condensation. This process fuels tropical cyclones.

In the central Caribbean, where Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, sea surface temperatures were 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 degrees Fahrenheit) above the October average. Since these extreme temperatures penetrate to significant depths, there is abundant excess thermal energy available in the ocean.

This indicates that sea surface temperatures remain elevated as Melissa churns the ocean and draws up cooler, deeper water. Conversely, if only a thin layer of warm water exists, the storm brings up cold water, cutting off its energy supply.

“A perfect storm continues to build for Hurricane Melissa. The warm ocean has been rapidly strengthening over recent days, and its slow movement may bring additional rainfall as it makes landfall,” stated Lian Archer, a researcher at the University of Bristol in the UK. “Many of these conditions are being exacerbated by heightened heat in the oceans and atmosphere attributable to climate change.”

The combination of powerful winds and extreme rainfall poses a significant risk of severe damage to Jamaica. So far, three lives have been lost as preparations for the storm continue, which is expected to make landfall around 11 a.m. or noon local time.

“This is one of the most troubling scenarios,” remarked Hannah Cloke, a researcher at the University of Reading in the UK. “The entire nation will suffer long-term and potentially permanent damage from this storm, and recovery will require significant effort for those affected.”

Research into past disasters suggests that such events can depress economic growth for decades. While economists propose that quicker recovery or even growth driven by recovery efforts is possible, these notions have generally proven to be overly optimistic.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Climate Change Heightens the Threat of Rapidly Intensifying Storms: Hurricane Erin as a Case Study.

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Hurricane Erin has regained strength, returning to a Category 4 storm over the weekend.

The recent hurricane activity has led to the formation of one of the most rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricanes on record, suggesting that climate change is elevating the threat of quickly strengthening storms.

Erin was the first hurricane of this Atlantic season, rapidly escalating from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm in just over 24 hours. Even after fluctuations in intensity, Erin’s transformation back to a Category 4 storm is among the five fastest transitions from Category 1 to Category 5.

The hurricane is anticipated to grow stronger on Monday as it moves east of the Bahamas. For more information, refer to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory. Heavy rainfall is expected in Hispaniola on Monday, as well as in parts of the Turks and Caicos, and the southeastern and central Bahamas until Tuesday.

However, experts are focusing closely on the phenomenon of the storm’s “rapid strengthening.”

The National Hurricane Center defines rapid strengthening as an increase in sustained wind speed of at least 35 mph within 24 hours.

In Erin’s case, its maximum sustained wind speed surged by approximately 75 mph over a 24-hour period from Friday morning to Saturday.

Climate change is heightening the risk of rapidly intensifying storms, primarily due to elevated sea surface temperatures and increased moisture in the atmosphere.

As Erin approaches the Bahamas on Monday, it is expected to further intensify in the warm waters that are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A warmer atmosphere caused by global warming is capable of holding more moisture, allowing the storm to gain strength and enhance rainfall.

Research published in 2023 in the Journal Scientific Reports indicates that the likelihood of rapid intensification for tropical cyclones in the Atlantic has increased by about 29% from 2001 to 2020 compared to the 1971 to 1990 period.

Rapid intensification has been well-documented in recent years, with Hurricane Dorian reaching peak winds of 150 mph to 185 mph in just nine hours in 2019. Additionally, Hurricane Ian experienced rapid strengthening before making landfall in Florida in 2022.

Last year, Hurricane Milton’s sustained wind speed astonishingly rose by 90 mph over approximately 25 hours. Other notable instances of rapid strengthening include Hurricanes Harvey (2017), Laura (2020), Ida (2021), and Ian (2023).

Despite these observations, predicting rapid intensification remains a challenge. Scientists understand that warm sea surface temperatures, high humidity, and favorable atmospheric conditions play crucial roles, but further research is essential to comprehend the specific mechanics at play in individual storms.

In the coming days, the National Hurricane Center indicated that Erin will track between Bermuda and the US East Coast.

While the storms are not forecasted to make direct landfall, they can still generate dangerous surf, strong currents, and other hazardous conditions affecting the Bahamas, Bermuda, the US East Coast, and Canada’s Atlantic region.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Increasing Economic Impact of Wildfires, Severe Storms, and Earthquakes

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A report published on Tuesday by German multinationals revealed that weather-related disasters in the first half of this year caused $93 billion in damages within the United States. insurance company.

An analysis from Munich RE, the largest reinsurer in the world, indicated that over 70% of the global damages from this year’s weather disasters occurred in the United States, leading to a burden of $22 billion on uninsured Americans and their local governments.

The report underscores the increasing economic impact of wildfires, severe storms, and other extreme weather events both in the US and globally. It also highlights the escalating insurance crisis in nations frequently afflicted by such disasters.

“Approximately 90% of all industry losses were observed, with $72 billion out of $80 billion occurring in the US,” stated Tobias Grimm, chief climate scientist at Munich RE. “That is remarkable.”

The catastrophic wildfires in Southern California in January ranked as the most expensive disaster in the country during the first half of 2025. The two major fires, responsible for at least 30 fatalities and displacing thousands, swept through the Pacific Ocean’s Pallisad and Altadena neighborhoods.

Munich RE estimated the wildfire losses at $53 billion, including costs affecting uninsured residents. The reinsurer noted that these flames in the Los Angeles area resulted in “the highest wildfire loss ever recorded.”

The significant economic and social impacts of wildfires can be partly attributed to the increasing development in fire-prone areas.

“In many instances, losses are growing due to property developments causing damage,” Grimm explained. “People continue to reside in high-risk zones.”

Urbanization in disaster-prone areas can similarly escalate the costs associated with other weather-related events, like hurricanes and floods, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.

Research indicates that climate change is becoming increasingly frequent as temperatures rise and drought conditions worsen. Consequently, the intensity of wildfires is also increasing.

A report by the World Weather Attributes Group issued in late January found that high temperatures, along with dry and windy conditions conducive to fire spread in Southern California, could be approximately 35% more likely due to human-induced global warming.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

We Compressed 1,000 Years of Storms into Four Years in Just One Week

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The flooding began in Texas before rains hit North Carolina, New Mexico, and Illinois.

In just one week, at least four events classified as 1,000-year rainfalls occurred across the United States, a phenomenon expected to take place only about 0.1% of the time each year.

“It’s rare for these intense rainfall events to occur in any given year,” stated Kristina Dahl, vice president of science at Climate Central.

Some experts noted that this is a significant statistical observation, likely linked to climate change, and may become more frequent.

Last week, heavy rains led to catastrophic flash floods in central Texas, claiming at least 120 lives across six counties. The Guadalupe River near Carville rose over 20 feet within just 90 minutes, causing widespread destruction.

Days later, Tropical Storm Chantal brought heavy rain to North Carolina, with reports of severe flooding in the central region, where some locations received nearly 12 inches of rain within a mere 24 hours. Local officials are still assessing the death toll from the Thursday floods amidst ongoing monitoring.

In New Mexico, three individuals lost their lives on Tuesday due to a devastating flash flood that swept through a remote village in Ruidoso, situated approximately 180 miles south of Albuquerque.

On the same day in Chicago, 5 inches of rain fell in merely 90 minutes around Garfield Park, necessitating multiple rescue operations in the west side of the city.

While experts acknowledge that 1,000-year floods are statistically rare, they also highlight that significant rain events happen every year in the U.S.

“The probability for any specific location is only 0.1% annually, meaning it’s highly unlikely to experience such an event in your area, yet they do occur somewhere in the country each year,” explained Rus Schumacher, director of the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University.

He emphasized that climate change is likely to increase the frequency of these extreme flood incidents.

While pinpointing the exact impact of climate change on specific weather events can be challenging, scientists concur that a warmer atmosphere leads to more intense rainfall and severe storms.

“This area demonstrates a strong correlation because the underlying physics is relatively straightforward,” Schumacher noted.

A warmer environment can retain more water, leading to storms that can unleash vast amounts of rain. Research suggests that for every degree Fahrenheit that the planet warms, the atmosphere can hold about 3% to 4% more moisture.

“It’s mathematically certain that as the atmosphere retains more water, it can release more during storms,” stated Dave Gouchs, a hydrologist who directs forecast services for a company based in Mammoth Lake, California, focusing on snow and water resource measurements.

However, terrain also plays a critical role during heavy rainfall events, Gouchs added.

In Texas, the hills and canyons are particularly prone to flash flooding, as the thin soil above the bedrock limits water absorption, according to Gouchs.

In New Mexico, the village of Ruidoso was severely affected by last year’s wildfires, leaving burn scars that exacerbate runoff and heighten the risk of flash floods.

The recent events highlight the devastating consequences of climate change on extreme weather, as well as the urgent need for community protection measures both before and after such incidents, remarked Dahl from Climate Central.

She emphasized that recovery efforts could take years, with ongoing public health implications that may last even longer.

“These events come and go in the news cycle. We move on to the next story before fully grasping the impact,” Dahl pointed out. “For those affected, it’s easy to forget that healing from such events is a prolonged process.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Solar Storms Disrupt Communication and Power Systems

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The sun has unleashed its power with two significant flares occurring early Wednesday, just a day after NASA’s Observatory captured a stunning image of another solar flare.

These consecutive eruptions are among the strongest recorded, reportedly causing shortwave radio blackouts across at least five continents. This week’s explosive activity may signal an increase in solar activity.

The Sun Storm reached its peak around 4:25 AM ET on Wednesday, when a massive X-class flare ejected plasma streams and charged particles into space.

“Flares of this magnitude are uncommon,” stated an official from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. I included this information in the event summary.

Solar flares are categorized into five classes based on their intensity. The smallest flares are A-class storms, followed by B-class, C-class, M-class, and the most potent X-class. Each letter represents a tenfold increase in energy compared to the previous class, as explained by NASA.

In addition to the letter classification, scientists use a scale from 1 to 9 to describe the intensity of solar storms.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare on May 13, 2025.
NASA/SDO

During the solar tempest on Wednesday, the Space Weather Prediction Center recorded an X2.7 flare before 4:30 AM and an M5.3 flare just hours earlier.

Another X1.2 flare erupted the previous day around 11:38 AM ET, according to NASA. The Solar Dynamics Observatory, launched in 2010, captured a breathtaking image of this fiery event, showcasing the X-Class flares’ dramatic tendrils.

Intense solar storms pose dangers to astronauts in space and can disrupt GPS systems and satellites. If these storms are directed towards Earth, they send a surge of charged particles that can interfere with radio communications and even the power grid.

Since Tuesday, shortwave radio blackouts have been reported in parts of North America, South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. According to Spaceweather.com, a website managed by astronomer Tony Phillips, the daily activities of the Sun are closely monitored.

Sean Dahl, a forecaster at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, noted that the X2.7 flare impacted the Middle East, resulting in disruptions of high-frequency radio signals in the area for about 10 minutes during the storm’s peak.

Aside from the potential for “[high-frequency] Communication Disruptions Due to shortwave fading issues, we are not aware of any other significant effects,” Dahl stated.

However, solar storms can also have more benign consequences for Earth, such as enhanced displays of the Aurora. When charged particles collide with the Earth’s magnetic field and interact with atoms in the upper atmosphere, they can create spectacular auroras at lower latitudes than usual.

Scientists indicated last year that we have entered a busy phase of the sun’s natural 11-year cycle. This period of heightened activity, known as the solar maximum, is expected to continue until this year, suggesting more solar storms may occur in the coming months.

Dahl mentioned that this Wednesday’s flare was the strongest so far, but not the largest in the current solar activity cycle. That title belongs to the Monster Flare – an X9.0 Eruption that occurred on October 3, 2024.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Rising Weight: Climate Change Muffles Storms and Rainfall

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The heavy storm system that floods the central and southeastern US with heavy rain and winds fits a wider pattern as rainfall has increased over the eastern US half has increased in recent decades.

Data from the National Maritime and Atmospheric Administration from 1991 to 2020 show that on average the eastern part of the country received more rain, on average, than in the 20th century. At the same time, precipitation decreased in the west.

The sharp East-West division is consistent with predictions from climate scientists who expect wet areas to be wet, with dry areas becoming dry as the world warms.

Without further analysis, individual storms cannot be linked to climate change, but warming the air will result in greater rainfall. This is because warm air has the ability to retain more moisture than cooler air, and has the potential to be fueled due to overall average precipitation, and more intense storms.

The world’s temperatures are increasing year by year, driven by the combustion of fossil fuels that send greenhouse gases that warm the planets into the atmosphere. According to a recent report, the 10 people have been the hottest recordkeeping for nearly 200 years. World Weather Organization.

“When there are these very heavy rain events, trends refer to the heavy trends of these intense events,” said Deanna, an associate professor of climate and atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign University.

Severe flooding could be an indirect effect of warming air and increased moisture, according to Gerald Brotzge, a Kentucky national climate scientist and director of the Kentucky Climate Center. If conditions stall a storm system, it can cause heavy rain in the same area, increasing the risk of flooding.

This is what happened when the storm recently stagnated in the region. “I think it’s a once-at-a-time event based on the amount and area covered,” Brotzge said.

Mark Jarvis, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Louisville, Kentucky, described the storm as two. It brought tornadoes, strong winds and hail to the front end, then stalled and dropped historic amounts of rainfall. Western Kentucky, who saw some of the most serious effects of the storm, “it was in the eyes of the bull,” he said.

Heavy rain and flooding are common in Ohio Valley in late winter and early spring, but the system is as common as it is “very rare” for rain. “That’s what you normally see in hurricanes and tropical systems,” he said..

Storm damage is constantly happening, but the possibility that climate change is increasing them is Observed weather trendstherefore Mr.

She said that even in the western half of the United States, which is generally dry, the coming precipitation tends to drop at more extreme levels.

She called it “very eye-opening,” adding, “it’s not particularly comfortable to think we have more of this.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Acidic storms forecasted to increase aquifer levels

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Have you ever visited a cave? Most caves are formed from rocks made of calcium and carbonates, Limestoneand includes vast passages beautifully decorated with unique minerals in columnar formation. for example, Mammoth Cave Kentucky has 426 miles (or 686 kilometers) of corridors, with over 100 rooms lined with giant titro stones and stalagies.

Where the caves are located there are often underground reservoirs. Aquifer. Aquifers are also commonly formed from limestone, conserving enormous amounts of water in cracks and other pore spaces in the rock. The population harvests billions of gallons of water from the aquifer every day.

Chemical reactions between limestone and acid dissolve the limestone, resulting in caves and aquifers being formed in limestone. The most common acids that react with limestone to form caves and aquifers are Carbonated. Carbonated acids are weak acids that naturally form when carbon is indicated as CO.2dissolves in water. However, other naturally occurring acids such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid can also dissolve limestone.

Scientists have shown that limestone melting affects the world's climate. Carboxylic acids dissolve limestone and consume Co2this is a powerful greenhouse gas. However, when other acids dissolve the limestone, Co is released2 For the atmosphere. In particular, sulfuric acid and nitric acid are produced during human activities such as agriculture and other industrial processes. Scientists want to know if these acids dissolve a significant amount of limestone in aquifers and other underground areas.

Recently, a team of researchers in Florida used chemical analysis and mathematical models to measure the amount of limestone dissolution caused by acids other than carbonic acid in large aquifers known as the Floridan aquifer. Researchers explained that the Suwanee River is above the Floridan Aquifer and that there is water from the Suwanee River refill. charging Aquifer. They wanted to determine how much dissolution would occur in the aquifer with this charged water.

First, they measured the co2 and the concentration of acid in water samples from various surfaces and underground locations of the Suwanee River Basin, collected over five years. This data was then used to create a mathematical model that calculates the amount of limestone dissolved within the aquifer if all molecules of acid in the aquifer react with the limestone molecule.

Using this model, the researchers estimated that acid input to the aquifer could dissolve 100-10,000 kilograms (or 220-220,000 pounds) of limestone in six months. This corresponds to the weight of melting at least two humans or three or more rocks! Based on the model output, they also found that only carboxylic acids cannot drive the dissolution of all estimated limestones. Researchers concluded that other acids, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid, must contribute to the dissolution of limestone.

The team also explained that water can flow through the aquifer in just a few hours or years. They reported that several storms had occurred while sampling the river. It increased charging and produced a surge that pushed water through the aquifer faster than usual. They calculated that the most limestone dissolved during these storm surges, suggesting that the storm could exacerbate aquifer growth.

For many Florida people, the Florida aquifer is the main source of clean water. Therefore, the researchers emphasized that how this aquifer interacts with the environment affects millions of livelihoods. The researchers concluded that acids released from human activity could affect the dissolution of all limestones from the aquifers we rely on from the caves we visited. They suggested that future researchers would consider weathering rocks when studying carbon dioxide dynamics in other limestone-dominated regions.


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Source: sciworthy.com

Predicting Major Storms with Hand-Sized Hail

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A massive ice ball plummeting from the sky gives off an apocalyptic vibe rather than signaling a festive white Christmas. Due to climate change, we are witnessing an increase in hailstones larger than a fist descending from above.

A recent analysis of the internal structure of these colossal hailstones has unveiled how they attain such significant size. This breakthrough could assist scientists in predicting hailstorms before they pose a threat.

Hailstones form during storms when raindrops freeze in extremely cold parts of clouds. The particles then grow in size as they descend due to gravity, eventually reaching the Earth.

In a new study, Researchers in Catalonia, an autonomous region in northern Spain, gathered giant hailstones measuring 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) in diameter, equivalent to a soda can in height.

To examine the inside of the hailstones, CT scans were used. While CT scans are commonly used in a medical context to create 3D images of the human body, in this case, a machine borrowed from a dental clinic was utilized to study the structure of the giant ice ball intact.

“We sought a technique that would provide detailed information about the internal layers of the hailstone without damaging the sample,” said senior author Professor Xavier Ubeda from the University of Barcelona. “We were surprised by the clarity of the images we obtained.”

The research team obtained 512 images of the internal structure of a hailstone, known as a “slice,” revealing the density of each layer and illustrating the growth of the hailstones during various stages of the hailstorm.

The study revealed that even the most spherical hailstones have internal irregularities, indicating an absence of a core in the center. Strangely, this was especially true for the nearly perfect-looking sphere, whose center was the most off-center.

Contrary to previous assumptions, researchers found that hailstones do not grow uniformly in every direction.

The hailstones examined were collected after severe thunderstorms in Spain during the summer of 2022, vacuum-packed, and preserved. The hot conditions in Spain during that summer may have intensified the tropical cyclone.

The new findings could aid in predicting similar storms in the future and potentially limiting the damage caused by hail outbreaks.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Forecasts Predict a High Number of Storms for Hurricane Season

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Initial predictions for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season indicate that it could be particularly severe and potentially break records.

Colorado State University, a renowned center for hurricane and tropical weather forecasting, has released forecasts stating that there could be 11 hurricanes, with five of them potentially reaching Category 3, 4, or 5 status, which means wind speeds of at least 111 mph. In total, researchers anticipate 23 named storms for this season.

“This is the most accurate forecast we’ve made for April,” stated Colorado meteorologist and Atlantic hurricane forecaster Philip Klotzbach during a video news conference.

On average, an Atlantic hurricane season typically sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher), according to the National Hurricane Center.

The primary reasons for the above-average expectations for the upcoming season (June 1 to November 30) are the unprecedented levels of warmth in the Atlantic Ocean and the natural fluctuations caused by La Niña. Ocean temperatures have hit record highs in the past year, enhancing the probability of potent storms and potentially intensifying them at a faster rate.

According to Colorado’s forecast, there is a 62% likelihood of a major hurricane striking the U.S. coastline, an increase of about 19% from the norm. However, this projection was disclosed earlier this year and will be updated as the season progresses. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has yet to release its forecast.

Other hurricane experts also express concerns about the combination of unnatural ocean warming and La Niña’s natural impacts.

“All signs point towards what could potentially be a highly active hurricane season in 2024, with very powerful hurricanes. That’s definitely something to be worried about,” remarked meteorologist and hurricane expert John Morales from NBC 6 South Florida.

Sea surface temperatures are climbing globally, setting new daily records for over a year. This trend has baffled marine scientists and is likely influenced by climate change. Some of the most significant temperature anomalies have been observed in the waters off the west coast of Africa, where many Atlantic hurricanes that hit the U.S. East Coast originate.

“The ocean heat content in the tropical eastern Atlantic is currently *3 months* ahead of the norm,” noted Brian McNoldy, a senior research scientist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Ocean, Atmospheric, and Earth Sciences, in a tweet. In simpler terms, the ocean’s current heat levels resemble those of a typical July.

Ocean heat serves as fuel for extreme storms. If a hurricane’s winds intensify suddenly as it nears the coast, there is a heightened risk of rapid intensification. In recent years, there has been an observed uptick in such intensification. Last year, Hurricane Idalia rapidly strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 4 storm within 24 hours.

Morales expressed that this swift intensification is “one of the greatest concerns I’ve had to keep to myself over the past 15, 20 years as a hurricane forecaster.”

“Eventually, we’ll witness a mundane tropical storm transform into a Category 4 hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Miami 36 hours later,” he warned. “And individuals may not have made the essential preparations.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Storms in California contribute to the creation and maintenance of lakes in Death Valley.

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Following the recent historic heavy rains in California, an unusual event continues to unfold at the lakes of the famous Death Valley.

Officials from the park confirmed that a lake formed in the Badwater Basin in August, typically a salt flat, after heavy rains and flash flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Hillary in Death Valley National Park.

Thanks to atmospheric river events over the past two weeks, heavy rain across much of California has caused the lake to last longer than it would have under normal conditions. According to the park’s statement on Thursday, “Most of us thought the lake would be gone by October,” park ranger Abby Wines said in a statement. “We were shocked to see it still here after almost six months. Rain this week will extend the length of time the lake is here. It’s too shallow for kayaking, but It gives us great reflections of the mountains.”

People walk along Lake Manly, a temporary shallow lake in Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, California, on December 24.Abbey Wines/NPS Photo

Death Valley typically only receives about 2 inches of precipitation a year, but in the past six months it has seen just under 5 inches of rain, almost entirely due to Hillary and recent atmospheric river events. This was announced on Thursday.

During Hurricane Hillary, about 2.2 inches of rain fell per day, hitting California as a rare tropical storm, resulting in floods that damaged roads and other infrastructure.

The lake, which at one point was 11 miles long, 4 miles wide and 2 feet deep, spilled out following the heavy rainfall, as reported by the National Park Service.

Death Valley received 1.66 inches of rain earlier this week, according to the National Weather Service said earlier Wednesday. With a 72 hour precipitation report.

Park officials say temporary lakes in Badwater Basin are rare. Once an inland lake named Lake Manly, the basin has long since dried up. The park states that it has existed in the geologic past, and the most recent one dried out approximately 10,000 years ago.

Known for having some of the hottest, if not record-setting, scorching summer temperatures ever recorded on Earth, this week’s highs in Death Valley are in the 50s to 60s. The average high temperature in Furnace Creek usually begins to reach 90 degrees in April. According to the park.

The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was July 10, 1913, at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, reaching 134 degrees, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

California’s recovery from last year’s storms hindered by new atmospheric river floods

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As California prepares for another strong atmospheric river storm on Sunday, Lake Tulare serves as a reminder of the impactful effects these extreme storms can have.

The lake’s floodwaters, which were formed after approximately 12 atmospheric river storms hit California in 2023, are still present 9 months after the resurgence of the “ghost lake.” More than a month later, they still cover thousands of acres of prime farmland.

This summer, the stagnant water of the lake became a gathering place for wild birds and caused an outbreak of avian botulism. Wildlife officials had to patrol daily by airboat and collect hundreds of dead birds. Submerged flooded vehicles and communication equipment at the bottom of the lake left farmers unable to access their fields.

The continuing presence of the lake in this part of the Central Valley emphasizes how the environmental impacts of last year’s extreme rainfall are still affecting California. While this weekend’s storms could bring heavy precipitation to other parts of the state, most flooding effects are not expected to last long.

Currently, Lake Tulare is rapidly shrinking despite recent rainfall. As of Thursday, about 4,532 acres of farmland were still underwater, but the floodwaters have subsided, according to Kings County spokesman Justin Caporusso. This means the lake is now less than 20 times smaller than last year’s peak, and life is returning to normal for nearby residents.

Sgt. Nate Ferrier of the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, who visited the lake in late January, noted that much of the lake has been cleaned up.

“The farming community was already revitalized,” he said. “There were tractors everywhere.”

The lake was a natural feature of the southern San Joaquin Valley until settlers dug irrigation canals to reroute water and drain agricultural land more than a century ago. Last year, the Tulare Basin flooded after a series of storms because reservoirs could not handle heavy snowmelt runoff from the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Caporusso stated that this week’s atmospheric river storms, expected to be accompanied by a significant storm on Sunday, are unlikely to have a significant impact on Tulare Lake. The reservoir upstream of the lake has the capacity to handle the precipitation, and the California Department of Water Resources found that about 45% of normal snow falls in the southern Sierra Nevada during this period.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The United States is experiencing a snow deficit despite recent storms

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The storm is pummeling much of the northern United States, a welcome relief for some areas that have seen little snow in recent months.

A late start to winter until early January limited ski resort operations and raised early concerns about water supplies for the summer.

“We’re playing catch-up now,” said Dan McEvoy, a regional climatologist at the Desert Research Institute in Reno, Nevada.

About 800 monitoring stations track snowfall across the West. More than 90% of those stations reported measurements below the median. Mr McEvoy said it was perfect for this time of year. It’s not unusual for parts of the West to be below seasonal averages, but it’s unusual for so many areas to be below them at once.

In Western states, the size of the snowpack affects how much water farmers can use, how severe the wildfire season is, and how much electricity hydroelectric dams can generate. Climate scientists predict that as the climate warms, snowpack will decrease, further threatening already tight supplies in much of the West.

Scientists have struggled to quantify the impact of climate change on snowpack, but the results of the study were published Wednesday. Published in Nature magazine They found that climate change is the cause of the decreasing trend in snowfall.

“Our analysis reveals that many of the world’s most populated basins lie on cliffs of rapid snowfall,” the authors write.

Previous studies have shown that snowfall is decreasing. Quantifying snow cover (the amount of water stored as snow) is more difficult because it varies significantly from year to year and is difficult to measure. In some cases, the atmosphere warms and can hold more water, leading to more snowfall or more extreme events.

“Snow is a very bad canary for a coal mine,” said Justin Mankin, an author of the Nature paper and a climatologist at Dartmouth College, who continued the study because the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change did not cooperate. . We were able to talk clearly about how the overall snowpack had changed.

For the study, Mankin and Dartmouth Earth System Scientist Alexander Gottlieb analyzed snowpack in 169 river basins in the Northern Hemisphere. They identified clear snowpack trends in 82 of these basins and sharp declines in the snowpack that supplies water to populated areas. Researchers were able to confirm that human influence, or global warming, is causing changes in 31 watersheds.

Their research suggests that many watersheds in the Northern Hemisphere are nearing rapid loss, with the potential to rebuild water supplies for more than 2 billion people.

“When snow falls off a cliff, it accelerates and falls off the cliff,” Mankin said. “We are fundamentally unprepared.”

In most parts of the country, winter has just begun. On January 1st, after a mild December, snow fell on just 20% of the continental United States. Based on satellite analysis of the National Operational Hydrological Remote Sensing Center. The recent storm surge has increased by about 45% as of Wednesday.

McEvoy said a ridge of high pressure blocked moisture in December, leaving areas in the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains with dry conditions. Snow fell in parts of the Midwest, including Chicago, Minneapolis, and the Dakotas.

“Normally in late December we have snow on the ground. We really didn’t have any,” McEvoy said of those cities, adding that some parts of the Midwest saw average monthly temperatures in December that were below normal in degrees Fahrenheit. He pointed out that the temperature was 10 to 15 degrees higher.

Meanwhile, warmer temperatures and several storms in the Pacific Northwest hindered snowpack development. Rain wiped out the snow after the storm in the Northeast.

Recent storms have put 164 million people in the United States under weather warnings, and the situation will improve, not ease.

“From what we’ve seen so far, it doesn’t look like a pattern that will completely eliminate the snow drought,” McEvoy said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center predicts a warm and dry winter for most northern states, due in part to strong El Niño conditions. El Niño is a naturally occurring pattern associated with warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that slow trade winds. .

“El Niño is a double whammy, with warmer waters from the Pacific Ocean adding more heat and energy to the atmosphere as a result of warming due to climate change,” McEvoy said. “This combination allows us to have a warm year ahead.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com