Understanding a unique tsunami event caused by the Tonga volcano eruption Understanding a unique tsunami event caused by the Tonga volcano eruption Two Saildrones were approximately 3,500 nautical miles away when the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted off the coast of Tonga on January 15, capturing key data on the major eruption. Read more
Scientists recommend a system of checkpoints to help guide climate engineering research Scientists recommend a system of checkpoints to help guide climate engineering research As research into engineering techniques that might one day be employed to artificially cool the planet advances, some scientists are calling for adoption of an oversight framework to guide what to study... and when to stop. Read more
Ocean Exploration education grants to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion announced Ocean Exploration education grants to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion announced NOAA Ocean Exploration and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation have awarded seven education grants to help engage and inspire the next generation of ocean explorers by supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI&A) efforts related to ocean literacy, stewardship, and workforce development. Read more
Air pollution from wildfires, rising heat affected two-thirds of U.S. West Air pollution from wildfires, rising heat affected two-thirds of U.S. West Large wildfires and severe heat events are happening more often at the same time, worsening air pollution across the western United States, according to a new study led by Washington State University, with CIRES and NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory. Read more
Environmental DNA sampling gets an upgrade with new open-source technology Environmental DNA sampling gets an upgrade with new open-source technology Scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) have engineered a new instrument that will provide valuable information about the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. Read more
Smoke from wildfires influences ozone pollution on a global scale Smoke from wildfires influences ozone pollution on a global scale New NOAA analysis of a ground-breaking global atmospheric airborne research mission shows that smoke from biomass burning substantially contributes to one of the most common and harmful constituents of urban air pollution: ozone. Read more
Study: Reducing human-caused air pollution in North America & Europe brings surprise result: more hurricanes 11May2022 Read more A new NOAA study published today in the journal Science Advances about four decades of tropical cyclones reveals the surprising result that reducing particulate air pollution in Europe and North America has contributed to an increase in the number of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic basin and a decrease in the number of these storms in the Southern Hemisphere. The study also found that the growth of particulate pollution in Asia has contributed to fewer tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific basin. Read more
Greenhouse gas pollution trapped 49% more heat in 2021 than in 1990, NOAA finds 23May2022 Read more The Annual Greenhouse Gas Index serves as a measure of global society's progress - or lack of progress - in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read more
Projected increase in space travel may damage ozone layer 21Jun2022 Read more Scientists from NOAA and The Aerospace Corp. modeled the climate response of the stratosphere to increased future emissions of black carbon from rockets burning kerosene fuel. Read more
NOAA’s observations help EPA track emissions of a family of greenhouse gases 22Apr2022 Read more NOAA atmospheric measurements are helping to support a national inventory of emissions from an important family of greenhouse gases. Read more
NOAA wind forecasts result in $150 million in energy savings every year 18May2022 Read more Accurate, high resolution weather forecasts equate to cost savings across many different industries, but it is not always clear exactly what those cost savings are. Read more