A reexamination of the global water cycle shows that tropical coastlines exert a profound influence on atmospheric water circulation by wringing water vapor from the atmosphere.
precipitation
Posted inNews
Weight of Water Dropped by Hurricane Harvey Flexed Earth’s Crust
The precipitation that fell during the storm depressed the ground in parts of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi by as much as 1.8 centimeters in some places.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Lightning Data Improves Precipitation Forecasts
Short-term forecasts of precipitation and convection can be improved when lightning data are assimilated in the Weather Research and Forecasting system.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Stories in the Soil
A series of field experiments in the U.S. Midwest is investigating how past, present, and future human activities and climate affect the health of soil.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
The Microphysics of Squall Lines
Scientists tracked the distribution of raindrops of different sizes as a row of thunderstorms formed by a cold front developed and intensified over eastern China.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
California Floods Linked to Atmospheric Water Vapor “Rivers”
Narrow atmospheric streams of water vapor that deliver heavy rains are more commonly associated with floods and debris flows in northern California than with flash floods in southern California.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
When Ice and Lightning Align
A new technique can remotely sense strong electrical fields within storm clouds.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Using Multiple Satellites Gives a Fuller View of Cloud Structure
The unique strengths of different satellites reveal different facets of cloud systems and precipitation.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
How Irrigation in Asia Affects Rainfall in Africa
Up to 40% of the total rainfall in arid parts of East Africa may be caused by water vapor from farming practices in South Asia.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Climate Change Influences the Dynamics Behind Tropical Cyclones
A new model reveals how cumulus convection, humidity, and tropical circulations interact as global temperatures rise.