Scientists from NASA and Columbia University, New York, have used computer modeling to successfully reproduce an abrupt climate change that took place 8,200 years ago. At that time, the beginning of the current warm period, climate changes were caused by a massive flood of freshwater into the North Atlantic Ocean.
The loss of ice from Greenland doubled between 1996 and 2005, as its glaciers flowed faster into the ocean in response to a generally warmer climate, according to a NASA/University of Kansas study.
Remains of the ancient Maya culture, mysteriously destroyed at the height of its reign in the ninth century, have been hidden in the rainforests of Central America for more than 1,000 years. Now, NASA and university scientists are using space- and aircraft-based "remote-sensing" technology to uncover those ruins, using the chemical signature of the civilization's ancient building materials.
Millions of lives were changed by the record-setting 2005 Atlantic hurricane season--a "worst case scenario" for the United States. The 27 named tropical storms beat the old record of 21 in 1933. Five hurricanes (Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita and Wilma) and three tropical storms (Arlene, Cindy and Tammy) directly impacted the country: destroying lives, demolishing homes and wrecking the landscape.
Can the workaholic patterns of "the city that never sleeps" affect New York City's weather? A recent NASA study reports that they do. Researchers have detected for the first time in an American city a workweek pattern of tiny particles in the air called aerosols, believed to be generated by the comings and goings of people working in the city.
A huge thunderstorm is headed your way. The ground is saturated from previous rains. A flash flood is likely. If you are in a flood zone, it would be nice to know these things before the flood waters arrive at your doorstep.
NASA and the US Geological Survey (USGS) have published detailed aerial imagery of the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Internet viewable on Google Earth. The images show changes that Katrina made to the Gulf coast from Panama City, Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana.
A study by NASA and university scientists is shedding new light on a mysterious, cyclical wave in Earth's atmosphere that at times profoundly affects our planet's weather and climate.