Nationwide study measures short-term spike in particulate matter due to Independence Day fireworks Nationwide study measures short-term spike in particulate matter due to Independence Day fireworks Particulate matter linked to short and long-term health effects From our nation’s founding, the Fourth of July has been synonymous with fireworks. While many grew up learning that fireworks can be dangerous to the eyes and hands if not handled properly, fireworks also produce air pollutants, including particulate matter, that are linked to short-term or long-term health effects. NOAA has authored a new study appearing in the journal Atmospheric Environment that quantifies the surge in fine particulate matter – particles that are two and one half microns in diameter (PM2.5) – on July 4, using observations from the 315 U.S. air quality monitoring sites that operated from 1999 to 2013. The new study is the first nationwide quantitative analysis of the effects. Read more
Low-oxygen waters off Washington, Oregon coasts risk becoming large 'dead zones' Low-oxygen waters off Washington, Oregon coasts risk becoming large 'dead zones' A large area of poorly oxygenated water is growing off the coast of Washington and Oregon. Scientists say oxygen levels may fall low enough to create "dead zones." Read more
Deforestation, warming flip part of Amazon forest from carbon sink to source Deforestation, warming flip part of Amazon forest from carbon sink to source The study area, which represents about 20 percent of the Amazon basin, has lost 30 percent of its rainforest New results from a nine-year research project in the eastern Amazon rainforest finds that significant deforestation in eastern and southeastern Brazil turned what was once a forest that absorbed carbon dioxide into a source of planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions. Read more
Earth has two different stratospheres, and aviation may be to blame Earth has two different stratospheres, and aviation may be to blame Findings suggest aircraft emissions may alter the stratosphere at mid-high latitudes Findings of a new study of aerosols in the remote atmosphere finds that the northern stratosphere is significantlly more polluted than the south. Analysis of the aerosols suggests aviation is to blame. Read more
Richard W. Spinrad sworn in as NOAA administrator Richard W. Spinrad sworn in as NOAA administrator Richard (Rick) W. Spinrad, Ph.D., an internationally renowned scientist with four decades of ocean, atmosphere, and climate science and policy expertise, was sworn in today by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo as the under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and the 11th NOAA administrator. This follows his confirmation by the U.S. Senate on June 17, 2021. Read more
NOAA Ocean Exploration heads out to sea NOAA Ocean Exploration heads out to sea NOAA Ocean Exploration's operations on Okeanos Explorer are back in full swing - which means live-streaming from the sea floor is back! Read more
4 ways NOAA is studying the ocean's role in climate 4 ways NOAA is studying the ocean's role in climate For World Ocean Month, here are four ways NOAA is tracking ocean health and our changing climate. Read more
Carbon dioxide peaks near 420 parts per million at Mauna Loa observatory 7Jun2021 Read more In May, NOAA's measurements at the Mauna Loa observatory averaged 419.13 parts per million. Scientists at Scripps calculated a monthly average of 418.92 ppm. It's the highest level since accurate measurements began 63 years ago. Read more
NOAA index tracks how greenhouse gas pollution amplified global warming in 2020 24May2021 Read more The annual analysis of samples collected by NOAA’s Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network provides an updated measure of the excess heat trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gas pollution. Read more
Meet 5 NOAA buoys that help scientists understand our weather, climate and ocean health 2Jun2021 Read more Keeping track of ocean health is critical for understanding climate change, weather patterns, and the health of important fisheries. But how do NOAA and partner scientists gather data on such a vast environment? Read more
NOAA, Boeing team up to test greenhouse gas-measuring technology 3Jun2021 Read more Scientists with NOAA's Global Monitoring Laboratory will evaluate the optimal placement of greenhouse-gas sampling inlets on a Boeing 737 flying testbed owned by Alaska Air during Boeing's 2021 ecoDemonstrator technology development program. Read more
NOAA initiatives among the first round of Ocean Decade endorsed actions 11Jun2021 Read more NOAA scientists and priorities are well reflected in several of the first Ocean Decade actions endorsed and announced this week by the United Nations Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC). Documents to download NOAA Blue Carbon Inventory Project.4.21.21(.pdf, 1.09 MB) - 119 download(s) Read more