Scientists testing the quality of floodwater in a Florida city find potentially harmful bacteria.
Hazards & Disasters
New Solar Wind Model Could Improve Space Weather Forecasts
Real-world data drive a simulation that successfully predicts Sun structures and interplanetary solar wind dynamics.
Sun's Magnetic Fields Best at Forecasting Solar Cycle Peaks
Models based on the Sun's polar magnetic fields performed best in simulating the solar cycle and predicting solar behavior.
Fewer Tropical Cyclones Form After Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanic eruptions aren't all bad—in some cases, they can lower the frequency of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic by emitting sulfate aerosols.
Can We Predict How Volcanic Ash Disperses After an Eruption?
Researchers investigate what factors influence how particles from a plume spread following a volcanic eruption.
Tracking Radioactive Cesium Released During Fukushima Disaster
Scientists probe the Pacific to determine how far the damage from one of the largest nuclear meltdowns in history extends.
White House Showcases Earthquake Alerts, Federal Quake Readiness
A prototype ShakeAlert early warning system approaches alert-ready status as the administration issues an executive order on federal earthquake standards.
Solar Storms Are More Predictable Than Hurricanes
An encouraging new study finds that solar storms don't propagate chaotically like hurricanes—their arrivals are more predictable, which should make it easier for our planet to prepare for them.
Alaska's Semidi Segment Could Unleash a Devastating Tsunami
Study reveals structures along the Alaskan convergent margin capable of generating a powerful tsunami directed toward the United States's West Coast.
New Space Weather Forecast Technique Fails to Improve Forecasts
For years, scientists have proposed upgrading the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's solar storm forecasts to account for their tilt as they streak toward Earth. But does it help?