Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As usual, we’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be a continuing daunting challenge and finding a long-term path of human adaptation is far easier said than done. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historic start with, as of this post, eight named storms for the 2020 season. We’ll also take a look at heat safety and a checklist for assembling an emergency kit…so let’s get started.
- Let’s start off with some very good news…and get excited over anticipating the future discoveries of Perseverance. “NASA has launched the most ambitious Mars rover ever built: here’s what happens next.“
- Lightning is a dangerous atmospheric phenomenon that takes place year round all over the planet. This study takes a look at how lightning has an effect on ecosystems in tropical regions.
- As strange as it may seem, facts & data may not be enough. “The surprising reasons why people ignore the facts about climate change.”
- While on the topic of climate change and social psychology, it may appear that media coverage of climate change is skewed towards deniers while pro-climate information is scarce. If it looks that way to you, you’d be correct.
- A new study on climate change takes a look at best and worst case scenarios with a conclusion that a middle ground is a very likely outcome.
- Arctic wildfires have been raging through parts of Siberia as of late…and what is called an area of “blocking high pressure aloft” is largely to blame.
- A new study says sea level rise, storm surges, and high tides will put trillions of dollars of assets at risk around the world by the end of the century. “Extra 23 million people could face coastal flooding within 30 years even with emission cuts.”
- Here’s a very interesting read on getting weather satellites into a lower orbit. “Earth Observation Satellites Could Be Flown Much Lower Than Current Altitudes And Do Better Science.“
- If the Earth’s atmosphere could make a sound, it would vibrate like a giant bell with, “various large-scale resonant waves traveling in both directions around the globe.”
- Here’s a very important climate read from NOAA. “National Climate Assessment: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will save thousands of lives in the U.S.” This further proves the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones in July. In the central Pacific, Douglas took a swipe at Hawaii. The Atlantic has been unusually active. Hanna made landfall in southern Texas. As of this post, Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Southeastern USA coast as it intensifies. Time is running out on preparations that are further made more difficult by the pandemic conditions in Florida and several surrounding states. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.
This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. For those in regions prone to hurricanes, now is the time to assemble your kit for home and/or your place of work.
That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!
Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!
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