By studying past volcanic eruptions, scientists find that the amount of water vapor reaching the stratosphere during moderately explosive eruptions may not be contributing to the greenhouse effect.
greenhouse gases
Posted inNews
The 2015 Indonesian Fires: Less Carbon Release Than Was Thought
Preliminary results from field measurements of smoldering Kalimantan peatlands suggest that the fires emitted 8% less carbon dioxide and 55% less methane than were previously estimated from lab tests.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
After a Century, Restored Wetlands May Still Be a Carbon Source
Methane emissions can drastically lower, or even reverse, the benefits of carbon sequestration in restored wetlands, according to new measurements from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
The Forgotten Water Vapor at High Altitudes
Scientists find that estimations of high-altitude atmospheric water, critical for the greenhouse effect, are not as accurate as previously thought.
Posted inNews
Greenhouse Gas Patterns Offer Promise, Puzzlement
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.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Reservoirs Act as a Source for Greenhouse Gases
Scientists examine nitrous oxide production in aquatic environments and the conditions that drive it.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
How Long Is a Bolt of Lightning?
Better calculations of bolt length could help quantify how much climate-changing nitrogen oxide gas is made when lightning strikes.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Atmospheric Waves Help Cool Our Planet
A new method makes a direct estimate of the impact of atmospheric waves on water vapor concentrations in the stratosphere.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Changing Patterns in U.S. Air Quality
Over the northeast United States, ground-level ozone will peak in the winter rather than the summer thanks to continued reductions of regional nitrogen oxide emissions from smokestacks and tailpipes.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Atmospheric Carbonyl Sulfide Hit a Minimum 5,000 Years Ago
A new ice core measurements-based record of a climate-active gas shows variability on millennial timescales.