Forecasting air quality after a wildfire is improving, thanks to more-refined models that measure the biomass going into the blaze and the emissions coming out.
Modeling
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Atmospheric Drag Alters Satellite Orbits
A new modeling study shows how the density of the thermosphere influences the paths of satellites in low Earth orbit.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Anaerobic Activity Is a Big Contributor in Marine “Dead Zones”
Climate models that do not account for anaerobic microbial activity may underestimate future expansion of oxygen-depleted waters.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
New Isotope Model Predicts Denitrification from Riparian Zones
A new model quantifies the relative contributions of denitrification and other processes of nitrogen uptake, such as by plants, from groundwater in riparian areas around streams.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Understanding Material Movement in the Ocean’s Upper Layer
Computer simulations are advancing our understanding of how natural and anthropogenic materials are transported around the upper layer of the ocean.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Stored Nutrients and Climate Warming Will Feed More Algal Blooms
High nutrient concentrations cause water quality problems in lakes, and as the climate warms, these issues will only get worse. A new model assesses future scenarios and explores solutions.
Posted inNews
Pinpointing Emission Sources from Space
Satellite data combined with wind models bring scientists one step closer to being able to monitor air pollution from space.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Observational Data Validate Models of Sun’s Influence on Earth
Using a combination of independent models and observations over multiple timescales, scientists verify two important models that gauge the amount of solar radiation Earth receives.
Posted inScience Updates
Hackathon Speeds Progress Toward Climate Model Collaboration
Climate scientists collaborated in a nationwide event to analyze and compare archived Earth system model simulations and to generate input for the IPCC’s upcoming climate change report.
Posted inNews
Heat Waves Born of Earth and Sky
Researchers use computer simulations to uncover the significant contributions that dry soil and atmospheric wind patterns make to major heat waves.