Atmospheric effects of Tambora’s 1815 eruption

Volcanoes are nature’s dramatic sculptors, known for their power to alter landscapes and ecosystems profoundly. Among the numerous volcanic events, the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 stands unparalleled in its global impact. This eruption, the most powerful in recorded history, drastically reshaped Mount Tambora itself, reducing its height by over 4,000 feet and creating …

Discovery of Earth’s polar wind

After more than five decades since it was first proposed, scientists have finally detected the polar wind, an invisible force influencing how Earth’s atmosphere escapes from the poles. This significant breakthrough was achieved by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s principal investigator Glyn Collinson and his team, validating a phenomenon as fundamental to our planet as …

Unveiling Cloud Condensation Nuclei

A recent analysis of cloud data from the California coast, along with global satellite observations, highlights the significant role of aerosol particles as small as 25–30 nanometers in cloud formation. This challenges previous assumptions and suggests that the climate impact of tiny aerosols may have been underestimated.

Surprising sources of methane

The escalating concerns about methane emissions are driving significant attention toward their major sources of methane. A new methane-monitoring satellite has recently been deployed to observe rogue emissions, particularly from the oil and gas sectors, indicating a step forward in tracking this potent greenhouse gas. However, the complexity of methane’s impact on climate extends far …