New research suggests that sea-salt aerosols seed large raindrops that starve clouds of water needed to make lightning. But not all scientists are convinced it’s simply about salt spray.
everything atmospheric
Posted inResearch Spotlights
When Winds and Currents Align, Ocean Mixing Goes Deep
Slantwise convection in the Irminger Sea off Greenland appears to mix ocean water to deeper depths than previously thought, representing an important contribution to Atlantic overturning.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Tracking Water in the Tongan Volcano’s Massive Eruption Plume
The recent eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai volcano blasted sulfate aerosols and a record-breaking amount of water vapor into the stratosphere.
Posted inFeatures
Setting the Stage for Climate Action Under the Montreal Protocol
Twelve papers formed the scientific basis for fast action to strengthen the treaty, which was already safeguarding stratospheric ozone, so it also protects the climate by reducing super pollutants.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Modeling Stratosphere-Troposphere Coupling in a Changing Climate
Climate models have disagreed on the future evolution of the stratospheric polar vortex and links to the troposphere, but a new study revisits this problem with state-of-the-art climate models.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Tracing Anthropogenically Emitted Carbon Dioxide into the Ocean
Researchers labeled anthropogenically emitted carbon and tracked it with an ocean circulation model to determine whether it winds up in the sky or sea.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
How Can Nuclear Plumes Reach the Stratosphere?
A new study shows how moist convection can lift sooty air from firestorms to the stratosphere, potentially leading to a nuclear winter.
Posted inNews
Rain Makes Skulls Bigger—in Mice
New research shows how regional weather, shaped by towering mountain ranges, might influence the size and shape of local rodents.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Satellites Can Accurately Take Earth’s Temperature
Satellite-based measurements of land surface temperature may prove to be an essential pairing with near-surface air temperatures to understand global warming and cooling trends.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Exploring Carbon Emissions in Peatland Restoration
Rewetting bogs can increase methane emissions in the short term, but ultimately the approach helps restore peatlands and create larger carbon sinks.