A new study shows that trace gas samples collected aboard commercial airliners can be used to determine the origin and dynamics of atmospheric air masses.
everything atmospheric
Mercury in Rain Increasing in Western and Central United States
Despite tightening emissions rules, mercury concentrations are rising in rainfall wetting western and central regions of the United States. The pollutant may waft in from Asia, scientists speculate.
Could Thinning of High Clouds Combat Climate Change?
A climate engineering technique that lets more heat escape from the atmosphere could avoid water cycle suppression associated with other radiation management approaches.
Trace Gas Exchange Offers Key Insight into Atmospheric Processes
Eddy covariance fluxes provide insight into interactions of emissions, chemistry, deposition, and transport in the atmosphere.
The Importance of Atmospheric Nutrients in the Earth System
Aerosol Impacts on Global Biogeochemical Cycles; Leeds, United Kingdom, 8 July 2015
Scientists Discover a New Source of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
In an African region where continental crust is pulling apart and fracturing—the East African Rift zone—the area's many faults are slowly releasing a large amount of carbon dioxide.
What Triggers Intraseasonal Oscillations in the Indian Ocean?
A new modeling study suggests that the triggering of the Madden-Julian Oscillation is dominated by interactions with preceding events.
Human Activities Account for Less Than a Third of Ocean Nitrogen
Researchers found that humans contribute far less nitrogen to the open ocean than previously thought.
Ancient Start of Animal Evolution Wasn't Delayed by Low Oxygen
New research finds that Earth had sufficient oxygen 1.4 billion years ago for animals to evolve. Therefore, low oxygen levels probably didn't hold back evolution, as scientists have long thought.
Peter J. Webster Receives 2015 International Award
Peter J. Webster received the 2015 International Award at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 16 December 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors "an individual scientist, group, or a small team for making an outstanding contribution to furthering the Earth and space sciences and using science for the benefit of society in developing nations."