Thin, low Arctic clouds played an important role in the massive 2012 Greenland ice melt Thin, low Arctic clouds played an important role in the massive 2012 Greenland ice melt New study shows clouds will be important in region’s future Clouds over the central Greenland Ice Sheet last July were “just right” for driving surface temperatures there above the melting point. Read more
Introducing a new resource to help our nation's 'working waterfronts' flourish Introducing a new resource to help our nation's 'working waterfronts' flourish Experts in several NOAA Sea Grant programs helped develop the new Sustainable Working Waterfront Toolkit. Read more
Record-breaking 2011 Lake Erie algae bloom may be sign of things to come Record-breaking 2011 Lake Erie algae bloom may be sign of things to come The largest harmful algae bloom in Lake Erie’s recorded history was likely caused by conditions that are expected to become more common in the future due to climate change. Read more
Researchers develop method to better predict severity of tornado outbreaks Researchers develop method to better predict severity of tornado outbreaks NOAA researchers have developed a method to help forecasters better predict the severity of tornado outbreaks. Read more
Scientists size up black carbon in snow Scientists size up black carbon in snow Scientists have measured – for the first time – the size of black carbon particles in snow. Read more
Volcanic aerosols, not pollutants, tamped down recent Earth warming Volcanic aerosols, not pollutants, tamped down recent Earth warming In the search for clues as to why Earth did not warm as much as scientists expected between 2000 and 2010, researchers have discovered the answer is hiding in plain sight. Read more
Atmospheric Rivers: What are they and how does NOAA study them? 11Jan2023 Read more You may have heard of atmospheric rivers in the news lately due to the intense rainfall and flooding along the U.S. West Coast. These naturally occurring air currents can bring both severe disruption and great benefit through the heavy rain and mountain snows that contribute to regional water supply. NOAA studies atmospheric rivers to improve forecasting capabilities as well as to improve our understanding of atmospheric river impacts on communities and the physical environment. Read more
Global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to rise 14Nov2022 Read more Global carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 remain at record levels and natural carbon sinks are being impacted by climate change, according to a report published last week by the Global Carbon Project. Read more
NOAA Research's top accomplishments from 2022 20Dec2022 Read more Major hurricanes, intense wildfires, increasing concentrations of greenhouse gasses, deep sea discoveries, and more made 2022 an eventful year for NOAA Research. As we enter the final days of the year, we’re taking a look back at some of our biggest accomplishments from the last 12 months. Read more
One facility makes a big contribution to Salt Lake’s winter brown cloud 25Jan2023 Read more The 2.4 million people who live along Utah’s Wasatch Front experience some of the most severe winter particulate matter air pollution in the nation. Now, analysis of measurements taken during NOAA research flights in 2017 indicates that emissions from a single source, a magnesium refinery, may be responsible for a significant fraction of the fine particles that form the dense winter brown clouds that hang over Salt Lake City. Read more
When volcanoes roar: protecting the public and tracking long-term climate impacts 5Jan2023 Read more 2022 was a busy year for volcanic eruptions with Hawaii's Mauna Loa and Kilaeau erupting simultaneously, along with Mount Semeru, Indonesia and the Hunga undersea volcano in Tonga. While the United States Geological Survey is the primary agency that monitors volcanic activity in the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees safety systems for tsunamis and other volcano-related threats, as well as studies the impact of volcanic gasses on our global climate. Read more