Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For December 6 – 13, 2019 #weather #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #publichealth #wintersafety

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a more concise overview of my intro from the last few weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog of my choice of top ten science reads from the past week. This will be published every Friday between 2:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (2000 UTC to 2100 UTC). Coverage will be what my followers in social media are interested in and other topics that are of scientific importance; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. To say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. A medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

First, let’s start with a bit of winter weather safety. It may be a given that dressing warm in cold weather is sensible, but there’s actually a bit of ‘science’ behind dressing properly. As the above infographic shows, dressing in layers is far better than one thick layer.
In spite of best efforts, it was inevitable that climate change would eventually enter the political arena.
Earlier this week, a volcano reminded us just how dangerous these seemingly benign geological phenomenon are. “Why deadly New Zealand volcano eruption was hard to predict.”
Of all the Earth’s continents, Antarctica is the one we know the least about. “The Antarctic: Study provides data about the structure of the icy continent.”
Speaking if icy regions, Greenland has lost a tremendous amount of ice in less than thirty years.
New research done on the Arctic sea ice has ominous overtones. A journal reference to the study is included in the article.
Even though large countries and major international corporations are contributing greatly to climate change, it’s still up to the individual to do the best that they can.
No surprises here. The health benefits to you and your loved ones is almost immediate. “Measures to reduce air pollution quickly result in big health benefits.”
Here’s some very important, new information based on research from the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) indicates what atmospheric scientists have suspected for some time; there’s a substantial connection between climate change, global warming, and extreme weather events. For further study, here’s a link to the original AMS study. “Explaining Extreme Events from a Climate Perspective.”
Last but certainly not least, one of the most quixotic elements of our contemporary society. Say ‘hello’ to the ‘Hurricane Truthers’ who, in no small way, are irresponsibly endangering the lives of millions doing what they do best…malevolently spreading lies.

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so is Tornado Quest. I’d like to thank so many of you again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. As of this post, I’m still recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be an automatic death sentence and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. 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 only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For November 29 – December 6, 2019 #science #weather #climate #climatechange #environment #COP25 #wildfire #drought #movember

Our solar systems Sun is not an easy object to study. Recently, NASA made some startling discoveries about solar wind which has a direct effect on our planet Earth.
The UN climate talks have been taking place in Madrid. Here’s a concise overview of some of COP25’s most important topics.
Whether before the climate talks started, or after they’ve finished, many ask, “What is the UN’s COP25 climate summit, and why does it matter?“
According to new data from the World Meteorological Organization, “The last decade has been one of “exceptional” heat around the world, and was almost certainly the hottest on record, while the oceans have also warmed to record levels and grown far more acidic.”
Along with the aforementioned exceptional heat is a startling increase in global CO2 emissions.
Finally, with global warming in mind, the polar regions are not going to fare well.
Fire tornadoes are not uncommon in wildfires. There are many mechanisms that will lead to fire tornado formation. Here’s a look at how one fire tornado with the California Camp Fire formed.
From the Capital Weather Gang, an excellent review of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. “Freak storms of 2019 Atlantic hurricane season left trail of destruction and revealed climate change fingerprints.”
The latest North American Drought Portal is out. During October 2019, drought conditions increased substantially across much of the contiguous USA.
Last but certainly not least, #Movember has officially wrapped up. But, that doesn’t mean that physical and mental health issues for men could or should take a back seat to any other concern. Men around the globe (including yours truly) continue grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For November 22 – 29, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #airquality #pollution #hurricane #wintersafety #movember

It’s the holiday season and many of you will be buying or receiving a mobile device or a NOAA weather radio as a gift. That device or radio could save your life. There are many ways to receive potentially life-saving weather information and a decent app or a NOAA weather radio can provide you with more weather information than you may realize. NOAA weather radios should be as common in households and workplaces as smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. So, if you get a mobile device, find a reliable, high-quality weather app with the capability to send warnings. If you get a NOAA weather radio and already have a mobile device with a good weather app, you’re far ahead than most folks.
The scientific method along with critical thinking have led to substantial scientific progress especially since the Enlightenment. Unfortunately, there is a certain subculture and strain within 21st century society that would gleefully take civilization back to the Dark Ages.
The gigantic storm on Jupiter known as the Great Red Spot has been raging for hundreds of years. In spite of recent concerns, this storm has no plans of dissipating in any way.
This is a legitimate concern. “Global 5G Wireless Deal Threatens Weather Forecasts.” Meteorologists say international standards for wireless technology could degrade crucial satellite measurements of water vapour.
In spite of sincere efforts, air quality across the USA has gotten worse since 2016 according to a new study. Obviously, that has substantial health ramifications.
While on the topic of air quality, there is an uptick in hospital visits with an increase in air pollution.
This is a socially awkward scenario that frequently happens during the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday, but truth be known can happen year round. “Help! There’s a climate denier at my dinner table.”
The beginning of December brings the start of the meteorological winter in the northern hemisphere. With that comes the beginning of certain hazards that are often overlooked. Here’s an excellent publication from NOAA’s National Weather Service that thoroughly covers winter storms safety. Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killer. (12 page PDF file.)
The end of November brings the official end of the Atlantic hurricane season. By all metrics, it was an above average year and not a little influenced by climate change. Here’s a very nice & concise overview of an Atlantic hurricane years that will go in the record books.
Last but certainly not least, #Movember continues! This is one month of the year when men around the globe grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For November 15 – 22, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #pollution #airquality #wildfire #wintersafety #movember

In spite of the focus on winter weather, this infographic is an excellent start to an emergency supply kit for your car. Regardless of the season and how far you may be traveling, many of these items are essential for your safety while traveling in a variety of weather conditions. Don’t forget your NOAA weather radio too!
Contrary to popular opinion, water has been found to be a quite common element in our solar system. “NASA Scientists Confirm Water Vapor on Europa.”
A very important health read on a vastly underrated hazard to your well being. “Ultrafine Particles are an Emerging Environmental Health Risk.”
While on the topic of unhealthy air, a recent study has evidence that the air pollution in your location may be coming from another state. Furthermore, the study also found that exposure to the toxic pollutants can vary by race and income.
This is a tornado of a very different variety. Having seen one in person, I can attest to their ferocity and potentially fatal nature. “Can Scientists Predict Fire Tornadoes? Inside The Effort To Understand Wildfire Season’s Scariest Phenomenon.”

Burning boards arranged in a rough triangle allow air to swirl into the central area, where another fire gathers the rotation into a vortex. Forest or urban fires of certain shapes can similarly generate fire tornadoes.
Credit: Spencer Lowell

Every year, we are seeing very powerful tropical storms in the regions that are prone to these powerful storms. Recently, we may have witnessed and documented the eighth strongest tropical cyclone on record.
According to recent date, winds across our home planet are increasing in many areas. For the time being, that’s good for wind energy.
Tackling the myriad of challenges concerning climate change is a daunting task. While some industries are doing their best, others (steel and concrete production) have far to go in terms of carrying their own weight.
Myths and conspiracy theories don’t age well…especially when scrutinized under the rigors of the scientific method. Here is three ridiculous gems of climate change denialists that didn’t pass the muster in any way, shape, or form.
Last but certainly not least, #Movember continues! This is one month of the year when men around the globe grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For November 9 – 15, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #pollution #wildfire #windchill #astronomy #movember

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a more concise overview of my intro from the last few weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog of my choice of top ten science reads from the past week. This will be published every Friday between 2:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (2000 UTC to 2100 UTC). Coverage will be what my followers in social media are interested in and other topics that are of scientific importance; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. To say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead and a medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

Winter has already made its presence known across much of North America. Wind chill is a significant and underrated hazard for those who have to be out in the cold on windy days. These helpful infographics from NOAA will help you understand wind chill and how to dress to protect yourself. The American Red Cross also has an excellent read on winter weather preparation and safety.

Wildfire activity hasn’t been isolated to California. Here’s a concise overview of why this has also been a devastating wildfire year in Australia.
There are many obvious dangers with wildfires. The smoke close to the fires is an obvious threat. Now that smoke hazard includes many people who live some distance from the fires.
Satellites are crucial to many parts of our day-to-day life. But where does one draw the line on too many satellites?
Here’s a fascinating read on the planet in our solar system that is most like our own. “Molecular Oxygen on Mars is Behaving Unusually Through the Seasons. A Sign of Life?”
New restrictions on the USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are not only censoring what studies the agency can cite in making regulations, but also endanger the public’s safety and health.
A career as an atmospheric scientist isn’t always spent in a comfortable office setting. Quite often, it takes one to some of the most remote regions of our planet to collect valuable data.
Get used to this new norm. “Climate Whiplash: Wild Swings in Extreme Weather Are on the Rise.”
In this contentious day and age, we can take solace in this. “Americans maintain high levels of trust in science.”
Last but certainly not least, #Movember continues! This is one month out of the year when men around the globe grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For November 2 – 9, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #cafire #pollution #movember

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a more concise overview of my intro from the last few weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog of my choice of top ten science reads from the past week and will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (1700 UTC to 2000 UTC). Coverage will be what my followers in social media are interested in and other topics that are of scientific importance; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery and to say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead and a medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life. And on that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

SOMIS, CA – NOVEMBER 01: The Maria Fire burns on a hillside as it expands up to 8,000 acres on its first night on November 1, 2019 near Somis, California. Southern California has been hit by a series of dangerous, fast-moving wildfires this week as Santa Ana Winds ushered in strong gusts up to 80 mph and extremely low humidity. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Unlike the plethora of grandstanding storm chasers, these folks are doing serious research into the beast they’re chasing…only this time it’s wildfires. “Wildfire chasers are the new tornado chasers.”
If you’ve been following the California wildfires closely, you’ve certainly seen fire retardant being dispersed from aircraft. Here’s a good read on that chemical, what it does, and its possible hazards.
NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft has had an incredible journey over several decades and has revealed some surprising discoveries as it moved into interstellar space.
There’s no way to describe this situation other than heartbreaking. “Huge amounts of abandoned fishing gear litter the world’s oceans.”
This animation will give you a startling visualization of just how bad and widespread the air pollution is in India and other countries around the globe. To put it more succinctly, “The map shows the forecast amount of tiny particulate matter in the air, also known as PM 2.5. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the blood. They have been linked to heart disease, strokes and cancer.”
The discussion on climate change has taken on very serious tones this year…not because of histrionics, but because of rock solid facts.
Speaking of rock solid facts, a stern message was conveyed by climate scientists backed by decades of research. “11,000 Scientists: Please Panic, Climate Change Will Kill Us All.”
Despite anticipated precipitation increases for places like the United States and Europe, populous regions already facing water stresses. “The world is getting wetter, yet water may become less available for North America and Eurasia.”
How far into the future are weather forecasts reliable and accurate? One recent study says approximately ten days is a reasonable limit…and I wholeheartedly concur.
Last but certainly not least, it’s Movember…one month out of the year when men around the globe grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so is Tornado Quest. I’d like to thank so many of you again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. As of this post, I’m still recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be a automatic death sentence, and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. 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 only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For October 26 – November 2, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #cafire #lightning #movember

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a review of my intro from the last three weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog which contains my personal choices of the top ten science reads from the past week. This post will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (1700 UTC to 2000 UTC). The subject matter will be subjective, but catered towards what my followers in social media are interested in and cover topics that I feel are of scientific importance. There will be seasonal emphasis on the severe weather season across North America and the Atlantic hurricane season. During the next few weeks, there will be a few things to be ironed out, so the usual bugs and/or changes are likely to happen. The topics will be from a wide variety of science interests; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery. I am in the middle of a long rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery and to say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead and your kind and caring words mean the world to me. A medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life.

On that note, let’s get started and take a look at this week’s reads.

The California fire season has gotten a devastating start…and it’s likely to only get worse. “Grab your apocalypse bag — it’s fire season in California.”
Speaking of California, a myriad of hazards to residents is making life in the USA’s most populous state challenging and potentially dangerous to millions.
The ramifications of the wildfires in California have given biologists a chance to study a very important topic…the health risks to humans from all that potentially lethal smoke.
Nothing good can come from this. “Formal U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement Looms.”
This scenario was inevitable. “Cape Canaveral launch sites threatened by rising seas.”
As many as 630 million people are currently living on land masses that are under threat from flooding due to rising sea levels. As of 2019, the greatest increase in risk has been found in Asian megacities.
While on the topic of flooding and climate change, it’s no surprise that even the dead cannot escape the effects of sea level rise in certain regions that are prone to flooding or near/below sea level.
Lightning is one of the most elusive, difficult to study, fascinating, and yet deadly elements of even the most modest of thunderstorms. A type of lightning known as a ‘megaflash’ is a new area of study. One 2017 megaflash traveled from Texas, crossed Oklahoma, and ended in Kansas…more than 500 kilometers!

The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Several areas in the southern half of the contiguous USA have become quite dry in recent weeks.

Last but certainly not least, it’s Movember…one month out of the year when men around the globe grow some facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, pay me a visit and let us connect. I’d like to thank so many of you again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. As of this post, I’m recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be a automatic death sentence, and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss with your doctor about getting your PSA tested. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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