La Niña Strengthens

    The Pacific Northwest should brace for a colder and wetter than average winter, while most of the South and Southeast will be warmer and drier than average through February 2011, according to the annual Winter Outlook released Oct. 21, 2010 by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center.   A moderate to strong La Niña will be the dominant climate factor influencing weather across most of the U.S. this winter.  La Niña is associated with cooler than normal water temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean, unlike El Niño which is associated with warmer than normal water temperatures.  Both of these climate phenomena, which typically occur every 2-5 years, influence weather patterns throughout the world and often lead to extreme weather events.  Last winter's El Niño contributed to record-breaking rain and snowfall leading to severe flooding in some parts of the country, with record heat and drought in other parts of the country.  Although La Niña is the opposite of El Niño, it also has the potential to bring weather extremes to parts of the nation. (Science Daily)

Fire-Breathing Storm Systems

    A cumulonimbus without the "pyre" part is imposing enough - a massive, anvil-shaped tower of power reaching five miles (8 km) high, hurling thunderbolts, wind and rain.  Add smoke and fire to the mix and you have pyrocumulonimbus, an explosive storm cloud actually created by the smoke and heat from fire, and which can destroy tens of thousands of acres and in the process, "pyroCb" storms funnel their smoke like a chimney into Earth's stratosphere, with lingering ill effects.  Researchers believe these intense storms may be the source of what previously was believed to have been volcanic particles in the stratosphere.   They also suggest pyroCbs happen more often than thought, and say they're responsible for a huge volume of pollutants trapped in the upper atmosphere.  Three "mystery cloud phenomena" were cited as examples that were actually the result of pyrocumulonimbus storms, including one initially attributed to the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.  The plume thought to have been from Pinatubo was, it turns out, from a pyrocumulonimbus storm in Canada. (Science Daily)

The Greenhouse Effect

    The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, for example) trap energy from the sun.  Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earth’s average temperature would be about 60ºF colder.  Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as greenhouse gases.  The Earth’s atmosphere is all around us. It is the air that we breathe. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere behave much like the glass panes in a greenhouse. Sunlight enters the Earth's atmosphere, passing through the blanket of greenhouse gases. As it reaches the Earth's surface, land, water, and biosphere absorb the sunlight’s energy. Once absorbed, this energy is sent back into the atmosphere.  Some of the energy passes back into space, but much of it remains trapped in the atmosphere by the greenhouse gases, causing our world to heat up.  The greenhouse effect is important. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would not be warm enough for humans to live.  But if the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, it could make the Earth warmer than usual.  Even a little extra warming may cause problems for humans, plants, and animals. (EPA)

New Species Found

  The findings by a team of marine biologists from Aberdeen, Tokyo and New Zealand, have found new life in the deepest places on Earth and the global distribution of fish in our oceans.  The expedition to the Peru/Chile trench in the South East Pacific Ocean revealed a new species of snailfish living at 7000m, never before caught or captured on camera.  Mass groupings of cusk eels and large crustacean scavengers were also discovered living at these depths for the first time.  During the three week expedition on the research vessel Sonne, the team of scientists employed deep-sea imaging technology, including an ultra-deep free-falling baited camera system, to take a total of 6000 images between 4500 and 8000 meters deep within the trench.  The expedition is the seventh to take place as part of HADEEP, a collaborative research project between the University of Aberdeen's Oceanlab and the University of Tokyo's Ocean Research Institute, with support from New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric research institute (NIWA).  The HADEEP team has been investigating extreme depths across the globe for 3 years. Their findings to date have included capturing the world's deepest fish on camera for the first time. (Science Daily)

Land 'Evapotranspiration' Taking Unexpected Turn

    Most climate models have suggested that evapotranspiration, which is the movement of water from the land to the atmosphere, would increase with global warming.  The new research, published online this week in the journal Nature, found that's exactly what was happening from 1982 to the late 1990s.  But in 1998, this significant increase in evapotranspiration, which had been seven millimeters per year, slowed dramatically or stopped.  In large portions of the world, soils are now becoming drier than they used to be, releasing less water and off-setting some moisture increases elsewhere.  Due to the limited number of decades for which data are available, scientists say they can't be sure whether this is a natural variability or part of a longer lasting global change.  But one possibility is that on a global level, a limit to the acceleration of the hydrological cycle on land has already been reached.  If that's the case, the consequences could be serious.  They could include reduced terrestrial vegetation growth, less carbon absorption, a loss of the natural cooling mechanism provided by evapotranspiration, more heating of the land surface, more intense heat waves and a "feedback loop" that could intensify global warming.

Underwater Robot

    Scientists predict that the sea ice area around Antarctica will be reduced by more than 33 per cent by 2100, accelerating the collapse of ice shelves.  Up to hundreds of meters thick, ice shelves are floating platforms of ice that cover almost half of Antarctica's coastline.  The mission will study the effect of ice shelves on the mixing of sea water, and will provide critical data for the Antarctica 2010 Glacier Tongues and Ocean Mixing Research Project led by investigator Craig Stevens at the New Zealand National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research.  The field site is located in New Zealand's Ross Dependency in Antarctica and the team includes scientists from New Zealand, Canada, the United States and France.  Until now, it was hard to try and even go in the icy waters to do any research but that will all change due to having the robots.  The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), named UBC-Gavia, measures 2.5 meters long by half a meter wide and is equipped with temperature and salinity sensors, current meters, mapping sonar, a digital camera and water quality optical sensors. It will navigate the deep cold waters next to, and possibly under, the floating 100-metre thick Erebus Glacier Tongue in McMurdo Sound. (Science Daily)

Facts on the Amazon Rainforest

    The Amazon rainforest, world's largest remaining natural resource, represents 54% of the total rainforests left on Earth.  It covers an area of 2.5 million square miles, touching nine South America countries: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and the Guianas - Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname, or two thirds of the South America continent.  Its live force is the Amazon river, born in the Andean mountains of Peru, flows for more than 4,000 miles to end in the Atlantic ocean near Belem, Brazil.  Along the way, it is fed by about 1,100 tributaries.  More than 20% of Earth's oxygen is produced in this area, that is why it is named "Lungs of the Planet."  Amazon rainforest birds account for for at least one third of the world's bird species, being toucan the most popular icon.  An estimated 90% of Amazon rainforest plants used by Amazon natives have not been studied by modern science.  In 1500 there were an estimated 6 to 9 million Amazon natives.  By 1900 the number has gone down to one million left in Brazil.  Today, the number is believed to be of around 250,000 Amazon natives, totalling 215 ethnic groups with 170 different languages. (USTE)

Eiffel Tower

    Once the tallest structure in the world, the Eiffel Tower is probably Europe's best known landmark and Paris's most famous symbol.  The tower rises 300 meters tall (984 ft); when it was completed at the end of the 19th century it was twice as high as the Washington Monument.  The Eiffel Tower was built for the World Exhibition in 1889, held in celebration of the French Revolution in 1789.  The construction was only meant to last for the duration of the Exposition, but it still stands today.  Today, there is not much argument anymore among the Parisians, and one could not imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, in fact it has become the symbol of the City of Light.  The man behind the Eiffel Tower was Gustave Eiffel, known for his revolutionary bridge building techniques, as employed in the great viaduct at Garabit in 1884. These techniques would form the basis for the construction of the Eiffel Tower. He was also known for the construction of the Statue of Liberty's iron framework.  Inaugurated March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower would be the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930.(aviewoncities)

Oklahoma

    Oil made Oklahoma a rich state, but natural-gas production has now relied on the most.  Oil refining, meat packing, food processing, and machinery manufacturing (especially construction and oil equipment) are major important industries.  Minerals produced in Oklahoma include helium, gypsum, zinc, cement, coal, copper, and silver.  Oklahoma's rich plains produce bumper yields of wheat, as well as large crops of sorghum, hay, cotton, and peanuts.  More than half of Oklahoma's annual farm receipts are contributed by livestock products, including cattle, dairy products, swine, and broilers.  Tourist attractions include the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, the Cherokee Cultural Center with a restored Cherokee village, the restored Fort Gibson Stockade near Muskogee, the Lake Texoma recreation area, pari-mutuel horse racing at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, and Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw.  Oklahoma has 50 state parks and 77 counties.  Oklahoma's size is 68,667 square miles.  In 2005, the estimated population for this state was 3,547,884 people.(Infoplease)

Vermont

    Vermont or the "Green Mountain State," leads the nation in the production of monument granite, marble, and maple syrup.  It is also a leader in the production of talc. Vermont's rugged, rocky terrain discourages extensive agricultural farming, but is best for raising fruit trees and dairy farming.  Principal industrial products include electrical equipment, fabricated metal products, printing and publishing, and paper and allied products.  Tourism is a major industry in Vermont.  Vermont's many famous ski areas are Stowe, Killington, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Jay Peak, and Sugarbush. Hunting and fishing also attract many visitors to Vermont each year.  Some of the points of interest are the Green Mountain National Forest, Bennington Battle Monument, the Calvin Coolidge Homestead at Plymouth, and the Marble Exhibit in Proctor.  In 2005, the estimated population was 623,050.  Vermont has 300,000 acres of state forests and 52 state parks.

Michigan

    Michigan ranks first among the states in production of motor vehicles and parts, it is also a leader in many other manufacturing and processing lines, including prepared cereals, machine tools, airplane parts, refrigerators, hardware, and furniture. The state produces important amounts of iron, copper, iodine, gypsum, bromine, salt, lime, gravel, and cement. Michigan's farms grow apples, cherries, beans, pears, grapes, potatoes, and sugar beets. Michigan's forests contribute significantly to the state's economy, supporting thousands of jobs in the wood-product, tourism, and recreation industries. With 10,083 inland lakes and 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, Michigan is a main area for both commercial and sport fishing. Some main attractions are the automobile plants in Dearborn, Detroit, Flint, Lansing, and Pontiac; Mackinac Island; Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshores; Greenfield Village in Dearborn; and the many summer resorts along both the inland lakes and Great Lakes.  Michigan covers 56,804 miles and has a population, in 2005, of about 10,120,860. (Infoplease)

Louisiana

    Louisiana is a leader in natural gas, salt, petroleum, and sulfur production. Much of the oil and sulfur comes from offshore deposits. The state also produces large crops of sweet potatoes, rice, sugar cane, pecans, soybeans, corn, and cotton.  Some of the leading manufactured items are chemicals, processed food, petroleum and coal products, paper, lumber and wood products, transportation equipment, and apparel.  The state, over time, has become a popular tourist destination for their picturesque French Quarter and the annual Mardi Gras celebration, which was held since 1838.  Some major attractions in Louisiana are the Superdome in New Orleans, historic plantation homes near Natchitoches and New Iberia, Cajun country in the Mississippi Delta Region, Chalmette National Historic Park, and the state capital at Baton Rouge.  On Aug. 29, 2005, Louisiana was hit by Hurricane Katrina, devastating New Orleans, and killing hundreds in the state.  Federal and local officials were criticized for their slow response to the initial disaster and recovery programs. (Infoplease)

California

    California is 155,959 square miles.  In 2005, there were approximately 36,132,147 people living in California.  There are 18 national forests and there are 278 state parks and beaches which cover about 1.5 million acres of land.  California became a U.S. state in 1847 when Mexico surrendered it to John C. Fremont.  James W. Marshall discovered gold on January 24, 1848 which then started the California Gold Rush and also brought a tons a settlers to the state.  Some of the major industries are agriculture, manufacturing, transportation equipment, machinery, electronic equipment, biotechnology, aerospace-defense, and tourism.  The main natural resources are timber, petroleum, cement, and natural gas.  Death Valley, located in the southeast and is 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in the nation.  There are a couple main attractions in California which are Yosemite National Park, Disneyland, Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sequoia National Park, San Simeon State Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore. (Infoplease)

Colorado

    Colorado has the highest elevation of any state, with more than 1,000 Rocky Mountain peaks over 10,000 ft high. Pikes Peak, the most famous of these mountains, was discovered by U.S. Army lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike in 1806.  Colorado has a strong manufacturing base.  The main manufactures are food products, printing and publishing, machinery, and electrical instruments.  Another important element of the state's economy is farm industry which is most focused on more towards livestock.  The primary crops in Colorado are corn, hay, and wheat.  The main tourist attractions in the state include Rocky Mountain National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, the Great Sand Dunes and Dinosaur National Monuments, Colorado National Monument, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument.  In 2005, the total population was 4,665,117.  Colorado has 64 counties.  It also has 1 state forest which covers 71,000 acres and 44 state parks which covers 160,000 acres. (Infoplease)

Niagara Falls

   

Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America.  The Falls are located between Buffalo, New York and Toronto, Ontario.  The latitude and longitude coordinates are 43.080 degrees north 79.071 degrees west.  Niagara Falls is separated, by Goat Island, into three different falls.  The two falls that are on the left side of the island are the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.  The bigger one of the three, which is on the right side of the island, is called Canadian/Horseshoe Falls.  The average height for the falls is about 170 feet.  The Niagara Falls were created from the last ice age which was called, Wisconsin Glaciation.  The last ice age also created the North American Great Lakes and the Niagara River. (FANF)

The Grand Canyon

    The Grand Canyon, located in the northwest corner of Arizona, is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion in the world. The canyon is 277 miles long and a mile deep and it's separated into the south rim village and the north rim village. The climate and vegetation between the north and south are different due to the differences in elevation. The North Rim is the coldest and the wettest. It gets up to 26 inches of precipitation a year. The South Rim only gets around 16 inches of precipitation a year. The Inner Canyon is the closest to a desert as the lower you get, the hotter and drier it becomes. The bottom of the canyon is about 35°F hotter than the temperatures above. A neat and interesting fact about the Grand Canyon is that the colors of the rock change with the changing of the sunlight. (NPS)

What is a hurricane?

    A hurricane is a powerful, swirling storm that begins near the equator and works its way towards the poles.  The winds of a hurricane swirl around a calm central zone called the eye surrounded by a band dark clouds called the eyewall. The eye is usually 10 to 40 miles in diameter and is free of rain and clouds. In the eyewall, large changes in pressure create the hurricane's strongest winds. These winds can reach up to 200 miles per hour. Damaging winds may extend 250 miles from the eye. Hurricanes are referred to by different labels, depending on where they occur. They are called hurricanes when they happen over the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, or the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Such storms are known as typhoons if they occur in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, west of the International Date Line. Storms that are near Australia and in the Indian Ocean are called tropical cyclones. (NASA)

Hurricane Earl

    According to CNN, Hurricane Earl has downsized to a category two hurricane.  Hurricane warnings and watches are all along the east coast.  Earl has had sustainable winds of 110 mph.  It is a very large storm measuring to about 166,000 square miles.  President Obama signed a disaster declaration for North Carolina on Wednesday evening. The action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts and makes federal funds available.  Maryland has also issued an emergency declaration.  Besides Hurricane Earl, there are two more tropical storms forming in the Atlantic, Fiona and Gaston, that will be closely watched.