EurekAlert! News by Subject: Atmospheric Science - News by Subject: Atmospheric Science

Atmospheric Science

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 7-May-2025 09:09 ET (7-May-2025 13:09 GMT/UTC)

Physics-based modeling identifies cross-pollination vulnerabilities for hemp farms

The relatively new industry has been challenged by wind-blown cross-pollination between neighboring hemp fields.

Journal: Scientific Reports

The Amazon rainforest as a cloud machine: How thunderstorms and plant transpiration produce condensation nuclei

Goethe University Frankfurt
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The rainforest in the Amazon basin transpires vast amounts of gaseous isoprene. Until now, it was assumed that this molecule is not transported far up into the atmosphere, as it rapidly declines when exposed to light conditions. The CAFE-Brazil measurement campaign provided data for two studies – now published as the Nature cover story – which demonstrate, however, that nocturnal thunderstorms transport the isoprene to an altitude of up to 15 kilometers. There, it reacts to form chemical compounds capable of forming vast numbers of new aerosol particles. These grow further and contribute to cloud formation as condensation nuclei. This mechanism is likely to affect the climate, too.

Journal: Nature

Rainforest emissions linked with new particle formation at high altitudes

University of Helsinki
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Why are there so many newly formed aerosol particles in the upper troposphere over tropical regions such as the Amazon? Tropical forests play an important role in global climate regulation; however, the high concentrations of new particles above these areas have puzzled atmospheric scientists for the past 20 years. Recent research has identified that isoprene, a naturally occurring organic compound emitted by vegetation, significantly contributes to the formation of new particles in the upper troposphere. These findings enhance our understanding of atmospheric processes and potentially aid in climate modelling.

Journal: Nature

Scientists embark on first study of Antarctica’s underwater avalanches

University of Plymouth
Grant and Award Announcement

The Antarctic Canyon Experiment (ACE) is a five-year £2.4m project through which scientists will use state of the art technology to assess the causes and effects of the currents – also known as underwater avalanches – occurring deep in the Southern Ocean. Led by the University of Plymouth, it will also involve an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), Northern Illinois University (USA), the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand), National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (Italy), The Australian National University (Australia) and the Alfred Wegener Institute (Germany).

Funder: European Research Council

What triggered Nepal’s catastrophic 2021 flood – and could it happen again

University of Southern California
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Heavy monsoon rainfall, excessive snowmelt and unstable terrain combined to cause the 2021 Melamchi Valley flood disaster in Nepal, according to new USC Dornsife research. The findings highlight how a mix of climate and geological factors intensify disaster risks. The study also shows the value of using high-resolution satellite imagery and digital models of Earth’s surface to map landscape changes, create early-warning systems and improve flood preparedness, especially in remote areas.

Journal: Nature Geoscience
Funder: US NSF Frontier Research in Earth Sciences program

Ocean density identified as a key driver of carbon capture by marine plankton

University of Oxford
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New findings, published today in Royal Society Open Science, have revealed that changes in ocean density have a significant impact on the rate at which marine plankton incorporate carbon into their shells. This has profound implications for carbon cycling and the ocean’s ability to absorb atmospheric CO₂ in response to climate change.

Journal: Royal Society Open Science

‘Alaska’s Changing Environment’ — a new report

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Reports and Proceedings

The University of Alaska Fairbanks released a new report this week highlighting environmental changes and extremes that impact Alaskans and their livelihoods. “Alaska’s Changing Environment” provides people with timely, reliable and understandable information on topics ranging from temperature and precipitation changes to salmon and polar bears.

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