Category Archives: Atmosphere

Record sea ice minimums and snowier winters – what’s the connection?

As the northern hemisphere prepares to enter autumn on 22 September, scientists have been looking to the Arctic to gain clues as to what type of winter may be in store.  The winters of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 produced the second … Continue reading

Posted in Atmosphere, Climate, Climate Change, Earth System Science | 2 Comments

Up in flames: high temperatures, low humidities and high winds make the perfect combination for wildfires

Each GLOBE region has been affected at one time or another by wildfires.  Last year, when we discussed the state of the climate for each region, there were mentions of wildfires specifically in the Africa region.  The fires referenced then … Continue reading

Posted in Atmosphere, Backyard Science, General Science | 7 Comments

March… In like a lion, out like a lamb.

This week, we have a guest blogger.  Ashley Kaepplinger is currently working on her master’s degree in Meteorology at Florida State University and will finish in the summer of 2012.  After she receives her master’s degree, she will begin working … Continue reading

Posted in Air Temperature, Atmosphere, Backyard Science, General Science | 2 Comments

Volcanic Eruptions and Cooling of the Planet

By Dr. Charles Kironji Gatebe, NASA Scientist for GLOBE Student Research Campaign on Climate The recent volcanic eruption in Iceland marked by the spectacular “curtain-of-fire” and near-complete shut-down of air travel in Europe in mid-April will probably earn a place … Continue reading

Posted in Air Temperature, Atmosphere, Carbon, Climate Change, Earth as a System, General Science, Scientists | Leave a comment

Atmospheric Aerosols: The Mystery Floating in the Air

By Dr. Charles Ichoku, NASA Scientist for GLOBE Student Research Campaign on Climate The following two pictures of the same place were taken on different days. Can you explain why the upper picture is clear but the lower one is … Continue reading

Posted in Atmosphere, General Science | 1 Comment