Analysis of lightning within a February 2011 snowstorm reveals that 73% of lightning flashes occurred close to tall, human-built structures.
Research Spotlights
Research spotlights are plain-language summaries of recent articles published in AGU’s suite of 24 journals.
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As Forests Age, Their Climate Effects Shift
The amount of moisture transpired from leaves increases for some tree species but drops on average.
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Glacial Debris Hints at Ancient Climate Change
Interspersed layers of debris in some of Antarctica's glaciers give clues to ancient swings in climate.
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Large-Scale Electric Currents May Flow Through Mercury’s Crust
NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft discovered electric currents in Mercury's magnetosphere directed toward and away from the planet. Do the currents reach the planet? If so, where do they go?
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Gravity Waves Drive Global Changes in Earth's Upper Atmosphere
Deep convective objects such as the plumes in thunderstorms can trigger gravity waves, which disturb the wind and temperatures hundreds of kilometers above Earth's surface.
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Shape of Stream Channels Gives Clues to Sediment Size
The shape can also reveal information on the force required to carve sediment from its bank.
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Unusual Echo Signal in Atmospheric E Layer
Metallic plasma layers in Earth's ionosphere interfere with radio communications and produce odd echo behavior at specific frequencies.
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Satellite Data Yield Detailed Picture of the Lunar Wake
Researchers use satellite data to characterize the physical properties of the lunar wake and the processes that govern it.
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How Do Tiny Ice Crystals Help Sea Ice Stay Thick?
Supercooled water contributes to sea ice growth in Antarctica.
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Precooled Aerosols Are Better Raindrop Nuclei
Cooling inorganic and organic aqueous solutions makes the particles into more robust seeds of clouds.