Researchers make small but important step in seasonal tornado forecasting Researchers make small but important step in seasonal tornado forecasting A new model named SPOTer (Seasonal Probabilistic Outlook for Tornadoes) shows promise in predicting active seasons 1-2 months in advance. Read more
Scientists and oyster growers are working together to understand ocean acidification Scientists and oyster growers are working together to understand ocean acidification The excess carbon dioxide responsible for global warming also increases the acidity of seawater, challenging the growth and survival of oysters and other shellfish. Read more
Is the Southern Ocean absorbing or emitting carbon dioxide? Is the Southern Ocean absorbing or emitting carbon dioxide? Robot’s epic voyage provides clues The answer is important for understanding how the Earth system is responding to climate change. Read more
Emissions of a banned ozone-depleting gas are back on the decline Emissions of a banned ozone-depleting gas are back on the decline Discovery in 2018 posed first real test of the Montreal Protocol New analyses of global air measurements show that five years after an unexpected spike in emissions of the banned ozone-depleting chemical chlorofluorocarbon CFC-11, they dropped sharply between 2018 and 2019. Read more
New NOAA ocean exploration ship to be based in Newport, Rhode Island New NOAA ocean exploration ship to be based in Newport, Rhode Island The NOAA Ship Discoverer will be a state-of-the-art ship that operates around the nation and the world to study and explore the ocean. Read more
Cooling effect of clouds generated by shipping overestimated, study says Cooling effect of clouds generated by shipping overestimated, study says Finding has implications for one potential solar geoengineering strategy New research indicates that man-made clouds formed along shipping routes dissipate too quickly to provide insight into the cooling effect of naturally occuring marine clouds. Read more
NOAA projects 30-percent maximum Great Lakes ice cover for 2021 winter 21Jan2021 Read more NOAA scientists project the maximum Great Lakes ice cover for 2021 will be 30 percent, higher than last year’s maximum of 19.5 percent, but part of a long-term pattern of declining ice cover likely driven by climate change. Read more
Emissions of a banned ozone-depleting gas are back on the decline 10Feb2021 Read more New analyses of global air measurements show that five years after an unexpected spike in emissions of the banned ozone-depleting chemical chlorofluorocarbon CFC-11, they dropped sharply between 2018 and 2019. Read more
Congress reauthorizes NOAA Sea Grant through 2025 21Dec2020 Read more The National Sea Grant College Act was reauthorized and amended by Congress and signed by President Donald J. Trump on December 18, 2020. The reauthorization, titled the “National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2020,” includes several updates to Sea Grant’s authorizing legislation. The Act serves as a guiding framework upon which Sea Grant operates and serves America’s coastal and Great Lakes communities. Read more
Congress reauthorizes law supporting partnerships to advance ocean science 13Jan2021 Read more Congress voted on January 1, 2021 to reauthorize and strengthen the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, a 23-year old program created by Congress to facilitate ocean-related partnerships between federal agencies, academia and industry to advance ocean science research and education.The reauthorization passed Congress as an amendment included in Section 1055 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Read more
Frigid Arctic air outbreaks may be predictable, new research suggests 28Jan2021 Read more Known for precipitating outbreaks of Arctic air, stratospheric events in polar regions often cause other kinds of extreme weather. Since the stratosphere takes a long time to recover after these events, scientists may be able to improve predictability of extreme weather weeks ahead of time. Read more