NOAA Great Lakes researchers join U.S.-Canadian study of Lake Huron ecosystem NOAA Great Lakes researchers join U.S.-Canadian study of Lake Huron ecosystem Visitors to Lake Huron this summer may have a unique opportunity to glimpse science in action. During July and September, scientists will crisscross Thunder Bay, Saginaw Bay, and the open waters of Lake Huron, collecting samples of sediment, water, mussels, microscopic organisms, and fish. Read more
Underwater ‘ears’ heard rumblings before 2011 undersea volcano eruption Underwater ‘ears’ heard rumblings before 2011 undersea volcano eruption A team of scientists that last year created waves by correctly forecasting the 2011 eruption of Axial Seamount years in advance now says that the undersea volcano located some 250 miles off the Oregon coast gave off clear signals hours before its impending eruption. Read more
NOAA: Carbon dioxide levels reach milestone at Arctic sites NOAA: Carbon dioxide levels reach milestone at Arctic sites NOAA cooperative measurements in remote, northern sites hit greenhouse gas milestone in April The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of Barrow, Alaska, has reached a new milestone this spring, according to NOAA measurements. Read more
New Bering Sea research reveals how changing ecosystem impacts America's most valuable fisheries New Bering Sea research reveals how changing ecosystem impacts America's most valuable fisheries NOAA and partners also examine ecosystem changes on sea birds and marine mammals Bering Sea marine mammals, birds, and fish are shifting where they eat, bear their young, and make their homes in response to changes in sea ice extent and duration. Read more
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
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