Researchers take a retrospective look to see if precipitation and flooding due to El Niño could have been predicted a priori.
United States
Asphalt Volcanoes Erupt in Slow Motion
Natural asphalt seeps on the ocean floor provide a stable home for diverse marine life that sequesters greenhouse gases.
Court Delay on U.S. Climate Plan Won't Stop Clean Energy Efforts
While many states wait for judicial clarity, analysts predict that the move toward clean energy and emissions reductions will continue.
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.
Mandatory Funding Would Boost U.S. Science Budget
Much of the White House's proposed 4.2% increase for federal research and development funding next year depends on Congress agreeing to a new "mandatory" funding category not subject to a budget cap.
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.
Ensuring Coordination Among Regional Climate Science Programs
National Adaptation Forum; St. Louis, Missouri, 12–14 May 2015
P Wave Amplitude Decay Offers a Glimpse of Earth's Structure
Scientists look at deep earthquake signals to map how seismic waves lose energy in the upper mantle across the United States.
United States Still First in Science, Tech Research Spending
Although federal funding of science and engineering research has fallen behind inflation, private sector investment remains high, reports the U.S. National Science Board in its latest update.
Special Delivery: Post Office to Issue Space-Themed Stamps
Letter writers will be able to adorn their envelopes this year with full-disk images of the planets, Pluto, and the full Moon, as well as Star Trek icons.