The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is the only ocean current to circle the planet and the largest wind-driven current on Earth. It's also 30% more powerful than scientists realized.
Research Spotlights
Research spotlights are plain-language summaries of recent articles published in AGU’s suite of 24 journals.
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How Global Warming's Effect on Clouds May Make It Rain Harder
More clustering of clouds due to higher temperatures increases the likelihood of heavy downpours.
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Tracking Trends in U.S. Flood Risk
As floods become more frequent around the globe, scientists work to pinpoint what puts certain regions at risk.
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Major Ocean Circulation Pattern at Risk from Greenland Ice Melt
The current warming trend could mean the collapse of ocean's global conveyor belt, which would have far-reaching effects on climate around the world. But this collapse could still be avoided.
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Probing the Source Properties of Deep Earthquakes
A global review of earthquake rupture parameters reveals that deep earthquakes have larger fracture energies and may have different rupture mechanisms than shallower seismic events.
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Using Isotope Fingerprints to Solve a Methane Mystery
Atmospheric methane levels are rising, and isotopic ratios within the greenhouse gas suggest that the tropics may be to blame.
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Earth's Ground Heat Flux Should Not Be Overlooked
Scientists compare models of how much heat Earth's surface gives off and absorbs from the atmosphere.
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Reading Raindrops: Microphysics in Typhoon Matmo
Quantitative predictions about tropical storms require an understanding of even their smallest physical processes. A new study observes unusual microphysics in 2014's Typhoon Matmo.
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Buzzing Ice Shelf Makes Waves in the Air Above
The resonant vibrations of the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica are disturbing the atmosphere above it, creating huge ripples.
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East of Japan, Upper Ocean Waves Follow a Seasonal Cycle
The seasonality of fine-scale, near-surface ocean dynamics raises important considerations for an upcoming satellite mission to measure global sea surface height.