Earth - Climate Topics
After Three Strikes, Is La Nina Out?
2001 — April 6, 2011
La Nina-like conditions that have persisted in the Pacific Ocean for three years might finally subside this Fall.
Giant Atmospheric Waves Sighted Over Iowa
2007 — April 6, 2011
Last week, cameras in Iowa captured a giant atmospheric wave passing over Des Moines--see the movie in today's story. Atmospheric scientists believe these waves, called undular bores, may be more common and important than previously thought.
Modeling Climate at Warp Speed
2002 — April 6, 2011
Two new NASA technologies have squeezed 10 times more power out of some supercomputers. Climate scientists are putting the extra number-crunching muscle to good use.
NASA Puts the Right Stuff in the Right Hands
2009 — April 6, 2011
All research and no application makes data a dull toy. NASA's SPoRT program brings data to life by putting it in the hands of people who can use it best--the National Weather Service forecasters who send us scurrying for cover when severe weather looms.
The Ups and Downs of Ozone
2000 — April 6, 2011
Scientists are watching carefully as the ozone layer, which protects animal and plant life from harmful solar ultraviolet radiation, begins an uncertain recovery. Ozone destroying chemicals in the atmosphere are on the decline, but the timing and nature of the expected recovery -- and even whether a recovery is occurring at all -- are controversial topics.
Here Comes Urban Heat
2000 — April 6, 2011
With summer just around the corner, NASA scientists are using space age technology to understand how characteristics of the urban environment create "urban heat islands.
Aphelion Day
2000 — April 6, 2011
The Earth will reach its greatest distance from the Sun this year on the 4th of July, but don't expect a break from the heat of northern summer. This article discusses Earth's slightly elliptical orbit and the effects (some negligible, some substantial) that lopsided orbits have on planets around the solar system.
Culprits of Climate Change
2000 — April 6, 2011
For many years, researchers agreed that climate change was triggered by "greenhouse gases," with carbon dioxide from burning of fossil playing the biggest role. However, NASA funded scientists suggest that climate change in recent decades has been mainly caused by air pollution containing non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases.
A Lot Less Snow
2000 — April 6, 2011
An instrument on board NASA's Terra satellite recorded much less snow than usual over parts of North America during the winter of 1999-2000. This story includes a snow map of North America in March 2000 and sample pictures from Terra's snow-mapping "MODIS" instrument.
Space Lasers Take Aim at the Wind
2000 — April 6, 2011
NASA scientists are studying a type of radar that uses laser light instead of microwaves to provide snapshots of the winds that travel the globe. Knowing the wind's speed and direction over large areas could help meteorologists answer the riddle of tomorrow's weather and benefit many areas of the world's economy.