Antarctic Sea Ice Grows as Result of Warming
The Arctic may be shrinking as the world warms but Antarctic sea ice is expanding. Blame global warming for that, too, say Dutch scientists. The paradox is that increasing temperatures have set in motion a chain of events in the southern seas that have the opposite effect. Engineers call this negative feedback. So do Richard Bintanja and colleague… Read More
In Wake of Sandy, NOAA Alters Hurricane Warning Policy
Ahead of the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season and in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the National Weather Service announced today that it is changing its policy on the issuance of tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings. Beginning on June 1, the agency will be permitted to leave these watches and warnings in effect even if a hurricane transiti… Read More
U.S. Dominated Global Disaster Losses in 2012: Swiss Re
The insurance industry had its third-most expensive year on record in 2012, with global economic losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters totaling $186 billion, according to a report released March 27 by the reinsurance giant Swiss Re. The total insured losses for the year was $77 billion, which was well below the losses seen in 2011… Read More
For Engineers, Climate Failure Becomes an Option
Civil engineers build rugged things designed to last for decades, like roads, bridges, culverts and water treatment plants. But a University of New Hampshire professor wants his profession to become much more flexible. In a changing climate, civil engineer Paul Kirshen argues, facilities will have to adapt to changing conditions over their useful … Read More
Ramifications of Extreme Weather Tops Climate News
Katrina-like storm surges, drought and heavy rains, and what we can learn from the ancient past. … Read More
Study Shows Canada’s Far North Glaciers Are Melting Fast
Canada’s Arctic Archipelago glaciers will melt faster than ever in the next few centuries, research by European-funded scientists has shown. They say 20 percent of the Canadian Arctic glaciers may have disappeared by the end of this century, which would mean an extra sea level rise of 3.5cm The results of the research, part of the EU-funded … Read More
Warming Has Doubled Risk of Katrina-like Storm Surges
Clearly, the question of how global warming will influence tropical storms and hurricanes, which are nature's most powerful storms, remains a focus of active scientific research. Using a variety of techniques, scientists are honing in on the most likely scenarios.… Read More
Storm That Wouldn’t End Takes Toll on New England
As expected, the Friday morning high tide brought major coastal flooding to the Massachusetts shoreline, from Cape Ann to Nantucket, as high seas driven by four straight days of gale force winds eroded beaches and damaged homes. More coastal flooding is anticipated during Friday evening's high tide, but it may be less severe than what has occurred … Read More
