Weather & Climate Articles

Sudden big chill

By Stephen Ornes / February 28, 2012
When a volcano erupts, it shoots ash and debris into the air. This material can stay airborne, reflecting sunlight and temporarily cooling the Earth. Now, scientists say a series of volcanic eruptions centuries ago may have started a cooling period known as the Little Ice Age. Credit: Cyrus Read/AVO/USGS When a volcano erupts, it shoots ash and debris into the air. This material can stay airborne, reflecting sunlight and temporarily cooling the Earth. Now, scientists say a series of volcanic eruptions centuries ago may have started a cooling period known as the Little Ice Age. Credit: Cyrus Read/AVO/USGS

Earth’s climate cooled quickly at the beginning of the Little Ice Age, hundreds of years ago

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Dirty clouds change rainfall

By Stephen Ornes / November 30, 2011
cloud

Scientists find a link between air pollution and extremes in rainfall

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Did Columbus contribute to a Little Ice Age?

By Stephen Ornes / November 2, 2011
These are replicas of the Pinta (left) and the Niña (right), two of the three ships that accompanied Columbus and his crew in 1492. Recent research finds that the explorers’ arrival in the Americas may have contributed to a cooling of temperatures known as the Little Ice Age. Credit: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Scientist shows a surprising link between the explorer and a dip in temperatures

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Germy Weather

By Stephen Ornes / June 15, 2011
In June 2010, a powerful hailstorm pummeled the city of Bozeman, Mont. The hailstones were as large as golf balls, and they inspired a local scientist to peek inside and look for bacteria.

Bacteria high in the sky could be causing rain, snow and hail

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In Antarctica watch the heat (and your step)

By Douglas Fox / September 8, 2008
The author took this picture of scientists as they prepared to camp on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to study lakes and rives deep below. Credit: Douglas Fox

Behind the scenes: news detective

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The Best Defense Is a Good Snow Fence

By Emily Sohn / July 16, 2007

Science fair superstar Erica David shows how fences that trap snow can help the environment.

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Catching Some Rays

By Sarah Webb / July 2, 2007

In a world with increasing energy needs, scientists are turning to plants for help in using solar power.

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A Stormy History

By Emily Sohn / June 8, 2007

The number of severe hurricanes in recent years may be normal, it turns out.

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Earth’s Poles in Peril

By Emily Sohn / May 25, 2007

Scientists are paying increased attention to changes in Earth’s polar regions, which are in danger because of global warming.

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Warmest Year on Record

By Carolyn Gramling / February 2, 2006

Last year’s worldwide average temperature was the highest ever recorded by scientists.

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