An increase in the amount of particles in the stratosphere since 2000 appears to have reduced surface warming from increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, according to new research published in Science. The increase in stratospheric particles is not due to large volcanic...
In The News
More Particles in the Stratosphere Have Reduced Surface Warming
July 26, 2011 |
Science
Lake Mead’s Current Rise Cannot Solve Future Water Woes
July 19, 2011 |
Climate Central
The rising water levels of Lake Mead and abundant snow in the Colorado River Basin this year is likely just a brief respite from drought. Climate Central provides a good synopsis of the past winter’s bounty in the context of projected climate change in the region...
June 2011 was the 7th warmest since 1880
July 19, 2011 |
NOAA
Average global temperature in June 2011 was 60.94°F, 1.04°F above the average June temperature for the 20th century, reports NOAA. However, there were large regional temperature differences (see map), with pronounced...
Expect Frequent El Niño, La Niña Events in the Future
July 19, 2011 |
Paleoceanography
The last time the Earth was much warmer than today—during the Pliocene, 3.3 million to 3 million years ago—El Niño and La Niña events occurred more frequently, according to new research published in Paleooceanography. These results suggest that we may expect more frequent El Niño...
New Straw Going Into Lake Mead
July 19, 2011 |
Las Vegas Review Journal
Work has begun on a new tunnel into the bottom of Lake Mead, the main water source for the Las Vegas Valley, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. When completed, the tunnel will house the third—and deepest—water intake in the reservoir, allowing sufficient water to be withdrawn to...
Arizona Monsoon Arrives On Time
July 12, 2011 |
CLIMAS
The monsoon rains arrived on time in southern Arizona this year, according to the July 2011 edition of the Southwest Monsoon Tracker from the Climate Assessment for the Southwest. However, the onset still has not reached southern New Mexico. The monsoon has yet to improve drought conditions across Arizona and New Mexico...
Recent Fires Leave Legacy on Southwest Landscape
July 12, 2011 |
Arizona Republic
The impact of the recent Southwest wildfires will be felt long after the fires are out, according to a recent article by Shaun McKinnon of the Arizona Republic. For starters, the removal of shrubs, trees, and other vegetation that typically hold water will likely translate into...
Nevada Research Aids Geothermal Energy Development
July 12, 2011 |
ScienceDaily
Nevada’s potential to be the “Saudi Arabia of geothermal” energy is improving, due to the work of scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno. According to ScienceDaily, researchers are creating an essential database of new knowledge, such as the locations of fractures and faults associated with...
Embracing Green Viewpoint Garners Votes
July 12, 2011 |
Woods Institute for the Environment
A new study by Stanford University researchers has found that politicians who have ”green” talking points on climate change—admitting it is real, and a problem—gain more votes among Democrats and independent voters. For Republican voters, it made no difference whether a potential candidate expressed...
Flood Worries Follow Record NM Fire
July 6, 2011 |
msnbc
The Las Conchas fire near Los Alamos in north-central New Mexico has become the largest in state history. The fire consumed 130,691 acres as of Wednesday, July 6, and is 30% contained. Now, with the arrival of the monsoon rains, those living in the burned areas are worried about flooding, according to...