A sea change in the Arctic atmosphere A sea change in the Arctic atmosphere Thinning sea ice in spring affects ozone chemistry with implications for mercury contamination Arctic warming has thinned springtime sea ice across the Arctic Ocean. A new study shows that this alters the chemistry of the atmosphere near the Earth’s surface and may increase the amount of toxic mercury contaminating the region. Read more
Introducing EMILY and other innovations to improve hurricane forecasts Introducing EMILY and other innovations to improve hurricane forecasts 2012 Hurricane Research News Briefs NOAA researchers will be using several innovative tools, techniques, and research results during the 2012 hurricane season to continue to improve hurricane forecasting. Read our 2012 hurricane research news briefs to learn more. Read more
NOAA, BOEM: Historic, 19th century shipwreck discovered in northern Gulf of Mexico NOAA, BOEM: Historic, 19th century shipwreck discovered in northern Gulf of Mexico During a recent Gulf of Mexico expedition, NOAA and partners discovered an historic wooden-hulled vessel which is believed to have sunk as long as 200 years ago. Read more
NOAA, partners kick off multi-state study of how thunderstorms affect upper atmosphere NOAA, partners kick off multi-state study of how thunderstorms affect upper atmosphere Scientists will explore role of storms in forming ozone chemicals that affect weather, climate Today marks the beginning of a large-scale, comprehensive field project to measure how thunderstorms transport, produce and process chemicals that form ozone, a greenhouse gas that affects Earth's climate, air quality and weather patterns. Read more
Do Not Disturb: Quiet, unmanned planes may help NOAA survey marine mammals Do Not Disturb: Quiet, unmanned planes may help NOAA survey marine mammals NOAA and University of Alaska researchers recently tested a promising technology to survey Steller sea lions -- unmanned aircraft. Read more
Invasive Fish Becomes Nutritious Dish for Haitians in Need Invasive Fish Becomes Nutritious Dish for Haitians in Need Some innovative thinking by Louisiana Sea Grant is turning invasive Asian Carp into a high-quality protein source for the children living in a Haitian orphanage. 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
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
Towering wildfire clouds have big impacts on the stratosphere 23Feb2023 Read more Smoke from wildfire-generated thunderstorms has greater impacts on the stratosphre, lasts longer and acts differently than scientists previously thought, a new research paper in the journal Science concludes. Read more
Low ice on the Great Lakes this winter 17Feb2023 Read more Ice coverage has reached a record low in the Great Lakes for this time of year. Read more