Emissions growth of carbon dioxide has suddenly slowed, but atmospheric methane concentrations continue to soar after a long hiatus. Both trends have a bearing on climate pacts sought this week.
everything atmospheric
Model of Solar Cycle's Impact on Climate Gets Upgrade
A new model of how the Sun's 11-year cycle affects climate leads to slight changes in model results on atmospheric chemistry, but temperature and wind results are consistent with the previous model.
Cloud Overlap Observations Put Simulations to the Test
Fine-scale simulations of cumulus cloud layers could help improve weather and climate models.
Aerosols May Play a Big Part in Atmospheric Absorption
A new study shows that aerosols have a strong impact on the reflectivity of the Earth's atmosphere, absorbing more solar radiation within the atmospheric layers than previously thought.
Convection Cycles, Atmosphere, and Ocean Work Symbiotically
Scientists review studies of the tropical Madden-Julian Oscillation to better frame its role in air-sea interactions.
New Insights into the Complicated World of Tropical Convection
New study identifies key variables that move solar heat from the ocean to the troposphere in the tropics.
An Ionospheric Index to Predict Earthquakes Falls Short
Scientists disagree about the validity of the spatial scintillation index, a tool that aims to forecast earthquakes based on atmospheric disturbances.
Reservoirs Act as a Source for Greenhouse Gases
Scientists examine nitrous oxide production in aquatic environments and the conditions that drive it.
Imagers Seek Big Bang Signatures, Also Find Gravity Wave Effects
Imagers aboard a scientific balloon in the stratosphere serendipitously captured images of thin ice clouds that reveal instability and turbulence flows in remarkable detail.
Setting the Stage for a Global Science of Atmospheric Rivers
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography International Atmospheric Rivers Workshop; La Jolla, California, 15–17 June 2015