Gravity waves play a key role in driving upper atmosphere circulations but are poorly understood. New high-resolution simulations are resolving complex wave behaviors with unprecedented detail.
everything atmospheric
Edmond Dewan, Citizen Science, and the Mystery of Ball Lightning
In the early 1960s, a physicist enlisted the help of the public to study a rare atmospheric phenomenon.
How Does Climate Respond to Different Forcings?
Global temperature responds in the same way to carbon dioxide as it does to methane or aerosol changes if the concept of effective radiative forcing is used to quantify the forcing strength.
Northern Europe Set for Increases in Lightning
As the climate warms across Europe, a rise in severe thunderstorms could bring a dramatic increase in related hazards, including lightning and hailstones.
How to Read Atmospheric History Written in Flowstones
Oxygen isotope ratios in cave deposits reflect past climates, but interpreting these data is not straightforward. A new study explores what these ratios really tell us.
Dust in the Atmosphere May Have Fertilized the Ancient Ocean
New research investigates dust’s role in primary production during the Carboniferous and Permian periods.
Emerging Controversy in Madden-Julian Oscillation Prediction
The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation modulates the Madden-Julian Oscillation in observations, but it does not significantly influence prediction skills in a multi-model assessment.
How the Cold Climate Shaped Scotland’s Political Climate
Tree rings reveal how severe cold and political isolation brought disaster to Scotland, inspired a colonization effort in Panama, and helped drive union with England.
Where Australia’s Smoke Goes to Die
Wildfires from Down Under contribute to airborne pollution and carbon emissions—and some particulates can stay in the stratosphere for a year.
Skywatchers Spy Rippling Waves in the Northern Lights
Not to be outdone by the discovery of STEVE sub-auroral emissions last year, citizen scientists across Scandinavia reveal dune-shaped optical features, a new atmospheric phenomenon.
