Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For July 17 – 24, 2020 #science #environment #pollution #astronomy #weather #hurricane #tropics #heatsafety #covid19 #drought #emergencyprep

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, seven 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.

Looking into the eye of the beast. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS

Let’s start with a thought provoking read on risk. We live in a very different world than we did just a few months ago. Few of us will ever forget 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Living in this world requires very serious choices and decisions. With each choice and decision, there’s a risk. Choose wisely.
This is a very intriguing astronomy read. “We don’t know how fast the universe is expanding, and that’s a problem.“
While we’re on astronomy, take a look at these spectacular images from the European Space Agency’s new solar orbiter!
European cities are often on the cutting edge of new technology to increase the quality of life for city dwellers. Here’s a fantastic example.
A new study that was partly undertaken with the World Health Organization has new data on potentially lethal air pollution that can affect up to 55% of the world’s population.
Heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths around the world. In the USA alone, over 600 people die from heat annually. The actual number is probably twice that figure. Heat is called the ‘Silent Kiler’ and there’s a good reason for that. Add the challenges of climate change, and the human body is struggling to adapt to a potentially lethal weather phenomenon.
Speaking of heat, as an urban dweller, I’ve been familiar with the urban heat island effect for a very long time. Planted in the proper locations and well maintained, trees can help a great deal in offsetting the heat island effect that plagues so many urban areas during the hot summer months.
It will be interesting to see how this forecast model works out and lives up to it’s intended potential. “New tropical cyclone outlook model has potential to save lives in the Pacific.”
The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Drought levels running from moderate to extreme are affecting as much as 26% of the USA and Puerto Rico.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_2557.png — Graphic courtesy NIDIS/Drought.gov

The Atlantic has become quite active in the past week. We now have Gonzalo which, regardless of it’s changing intensity, can have significant impacts on landfall. Now is the perfect time to prepare for the hurricane you hope never happens. 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 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.

So far in 2020, eleven children have died across the USA from heat illnesses while in automobiles. Two of these deaths occurred in Tulsa, OK after a brother and sister were in a car for approximately five hours. All of these deaths are even the more tragic since they were all preventable. Temperatures as low as 78F-80F can become lethal.

This is an infographic explaining the symptoms of the two most common kinds of heat illnesses. Heat stroke is especially deadly and paramedics should be summoned as quickly as possible.

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!

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 July 10 – 17, 2020

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, six named storms having taken place. We’ll also take a look at summer heat safety and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Misinformation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic spreads as fast as the virus itself. This spread of misinformation has a lot to say about human behavior.
Take a look at this amazing image of our Sun. The more we study this amazing star, the more we realize that it is anything but a bright light in the sky.
A sobering read on a new study that shows a previously undiscovered source of microplastic pollution…road traffic.
Methane is the most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Its concentration reached a new record in 2019 that is more than two and a half times preindustrial levels.
Many facets to this study. “Climate change will cause more extreme wet and dry seasons, researchers find.“
The deadly heat wave that killed over 700 people in the Chicago metro areas in 1995 was a watershed event in summer heat disasters for the USA. Lessons learned from that lethal heat event are now being used to prepare urban areas which, for a variety of reasons, tend to take the brunt of heat waves.
It’s hurricane season in the Atlantic. These amazing floating robots are set to send back to meteorologists amazing data that isn’t available from weather satellites.
The Arctic recently has seen unprecedented high temperatures. This not only means melting ice, but ocean waves that are higher than ones previously seen.
The Atlantic basin has no active hurricanes as of this post. It’s still early in the season and that means it’s the perfect time to prepare for the hurricane you hope never happens. 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.
Summer heat is responsible for up to 600 deaths annually in the USA alone. Most of these deaths and heat illnesses are preventable. NOAA has a very comprehensive Heat Safety and Resources page that has excellent information. Check out the inforgraphics below for more summer safety tips.

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

The summer heat is fully settled in across much of the Northern Hemisphere. With that comes an increase in heat related illnesses. These handy infographics from NOAA will help you stay safe in the coming weeks.

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross is an excellent starting point for anyone assembling an emergency kit. Even if you live in an area that is not prone to severe weather or hurricanes, an emergency kit is an essential part of a home and workplace.

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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 June 26 – July 3, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #emergencyprep #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic #astronomy

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historical start but is on a temporary hiatus due to unfavorable conditions for tropical cyclone formation and a large amount of Saharan desert dust that has crossed over from the Saharan desert region. Speaking of tropical cyclones, we’ll take a look at hurricane safety and preparedness information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Hurricane Michael making landfall on the Florida panhandle. Image courtesy NOAA.

Fortunately, the USA’s NIST website is still up and running. If you want the true and official time, you’ll find no more accurate source of information.
It wouldn’t be 2020 without weirdness of some kind…and here’s a look at a long-standing pseudoscience that has no validity whatsoever.
One of the interesting social aspects of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is how this global health crisis has exposed humans tendency to believe in or trust facts that coincide with their perspective on social/political events.
We know little about the atmosphere on other planets outside of our own solar system. Here’s fascinating read on new information concerning the atmosphere on three exoplanets.
Misinformation is rampant on the world wide web. When it comes to climate change, it is commonplace with claims from denialists running amok. How does climate change misinformation spread on the internet? Easily and quickly.
The more we look for plastic pollution, the more we find…including places where we never would have guessed we’d find remnants of a substance that will be around for thousands of years.
In countries where air-conditioning is the exception rather than the rule, this heat would be brutal & potentially lethal. “Climate change: UK could hit 40C ‘regularly’ by end of this century.”
Florida has had it’s fare share of devastating hurricanes with the most recent being the Category 5 Michael. As some people continue to struggle to recover while dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, the threat of the current Atlantic hurricane season looms large.
Could the Covid-19 pandemic lead to longer power outages caused by a land-falling hurricane? By some accounts, the answer is, ‘yes.’
The Atlantic basin is quiet for now with no tropical cyclones forecast for development. It’s still early in the season and that means it’s the perfect time to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. 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.

HURRICANE AND SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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 June 19 – 26, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #summersafety #heatsafety #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The North American spring severe weather season has slowed a bit, but and uptick in activity will inevitably take place. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historical start. We’ll also take a look at summer heat safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

A vast dust plume from the Sahara Desert in Africa starts a trek across the Atlantic towards the Americas. Image courtesty NOAA

Many a youngster during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s had dreams of becoming an astronaut during the height of the USA’s Apollo mission program. Many more dreamed of becoming one with the advent of the Space Shuttle. That dream continues today for many. Question is, do you have what it takes?
We’re very familiar with dust storms on our own planet. Studying dust storms and how they for on Mars is another story.
Misinformation, pseudoscience, & conspiracy theories run amok for almost every field of science. Weather and climate are prime examples. The current COVID-19 pandemic is another very apt example. “Coronavirus misinformation, & how scientists can help to fight it.”
To say that the USA has been brought to its knees by the COVID-19 pandemic is an understatement. To add insult to injury, as of this post, the states are in the worst shape so far in this horrible health crisis.
“What greater good? COVID-19 is unmasking America’s collective action problem.” Face masks can slow the spread of COVID-19. The issue? Mask-wearing has become a giant collective action problem & many Americans refuse to cooperate hence the dramatic increase in cases in the past few days.
As if the ongoing global pandemic isn’t enough, the smoke from wildfires that may happen this summer across much of North America will pose additional health hazards to many people.
This is a mammoth and time-consuming task, but it’s very important. “One-fifth of Earth’s ocean floor is now mapped.”
A recent summer temperature record was set in Siberia. If verified, this would be the northernmost 100-degree reading ever observed, and the highest temperature on record in the Arctic.”
Imagine if you will a lightning bolt that’s 440 miles long or last just over 16 seconds. The World Meteorological Organization has identified two megaflash events in South America.
A very good read from The New Yorker archive that will give you a renewed appreciation of the hard work of meteorologists. “Why Weather Forecasting Keeps Getting Better.”

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Is it heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Both are dangerous…and heat stroke is all to often fatal. Here’s the difference.

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, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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 June 5 – 12, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #hurricane #drought #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The North American spring severe weather season has taken a momentary lull, but and uptick in activity will inevitably take place. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historical start. We’ll also take a look at flood safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Science communication is fraught with hazards of many kinds. This excellent series of podcasts addresses the issue that many of us in the sciences face with increasing frequency.
While on the topic of communication, you will be besieged with information from many science fields and on many outlets…some mainstream, some are personal social media contacts…and they will be full of misinformation. How do you tell the truth from the riffraff?
Blue-sky thinking: how cities can keep air clean after COVID-19. Many urban dwellers gaze in awe at their newly clean cities in the last few months. But three cities, Copenhagen, Oakland, & Mexico City lead the way in making such transformations.
As for the months ahead with COVID-19, they could get very interesting…and not a little challenging to our health care system…as the ongoing pandemic intensifies along with the annual influenza season.
By this account, the USA has a lot of catching up to do. “We’re (the USA) Number… 24.” US near back of pack among developed nations on environment.“
“Ocean data need a sea change to help navigate the warming world.” Scientists also call for improvements in how we collect, share & access that data to power a global response to climate change, overfishing & pollution.
After studying 71 lakes in 33 countries, researchers found that phytoplankton and algae blooms are generally increasing around the world.
The latest drought information for the USA shows a substantial area covering several states that is in an ongoing drought that, if current conditions persist, will likely worsen and spread.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK does a stellar job year round forecasting severe weather and giving valuable input on many other weather events. The severe weather outlook criteria and categories are simple to understand for those of us who use them on a daily basis. For some of the general public, there exists a certain amount of confusion. “The National Weather Service issues highly accurate thunderstorm forecasts. The public doesn’t understand them.“
With the arrival of June comes the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. The interesting factor for 2020 is that we have, as of June 11, already had three named storms. What the rest of the season will bring remains to be seen but, by many valid viewpoints, this could be an exceptionally active and hazardous tropical cyclone season.

SEVERE WEATHER AND HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

The power of flood waters is all too often underestimated. People loose their lives every year to even minor flooding events. Regardless of what you think, that flood water is more dangerous than you think. Flooding is responsible for more deaths annually than any other weather related hazard.

Knowing where to get reliable, accurate, and timely weather information can be a daunting task, especially for folks who are new to a region that may be prone to a hurricane risk, winter storms, or episodes of severe weather (large hail, damaging straight line winds, and tornadoes). This infographic from NOAA’s National Weather Service will help you through the murky haze of misinformation and hype and is valid year round for every kind of weather situation.

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, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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 Picks For May 29 – June 5, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #hurricane #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic #astronomy

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is faring well in this midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The North American spring severe weather season is peaking and the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is just days away. Well take a look at some severe weather safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

For the first time in over a decade, American astronauts took to space in an American made rocket from American soil. The trampoline is working very well!
While on the topic of American spacecraft, we can look forward to many more in the next few years.
The more scientists study our universe, the more discoveries we make. “Astronomers Watch as Planets Are Born.“
Satellites are an invaluable tool for a wide myriad of applications. In a few instances, they can get in the way of your view of some astronomical events.
Over the years, I”ve always enjoyed attending science conferences for various reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic will change how many of us convey knowledge and network with our peers.
Considering the mosquito is the critter that poses the most dangers to humans, this is some important info. “7 reasons mosquitoes bite some people more than others.”
For astronomers, both professional and amateur, light pollution has been an irritant for many years. “Psychedelic skies over Chile reveal the full extent of light pollution.“
In spite of our world coming to a crawl due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CO2 levels remained high in our atmosphere. What will happen after the pandemic remains to be seen.
Ice sheets have been melting in Antarctica for some time, but recent events don’t paint a rosy picture for future ice sheet status as our planet continues to warm.
The Atlantic hurricane season has officially commenced for North America. Flooding is almost always an issue upon landfall even with modest tropical storms. Unfortunately, many people living in areas prone to the effects of tropical cyclones do not have flood insurance.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Doppler radar has revolutionized the warning process in less than thirty years. This timeline and concise overview of how the National Weather Services network of radars work will convey just how important this invaluable tool is regardless of the weather or climate.

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 the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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

Copyright Tornado Quest 1998-2020

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For May 22 – 29, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #climate #climatechange #environment #recycling #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #health

Here’s a very intriguing astronomy read. “The sun may have formed because a small galaxy passed by the Milky Way.“
Recycling is very beneficial, but there are caveats as well as advancements that all of us who recycle on a daily basis should be aware of. “Less than 10% of all plastic trash ever produced has been recycled. Is this the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?“
If there’s one thing that the USA has learned from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s how ill prepared we are as a nation for disasters of many scales, sizes, and intensities. Lessons can be learned from this life-and-death scenario…but are we willing to muster enough courage to make the necessary sacrifices?
Preparing for a pandemic or natural disaster is best done with lots of solid factual knowledge. This excellent read is one of the most comprehensive articles on staying safe against this very insidious virus. “At work, school and seeing friends: How to lower your coronavirus risk.“
Conspiracy theories and misinformation go hand-in-hand with all fields of science. Examples: tornadoes cause homes and buildings to explode and don’t cross rivers or mountains. Lightning never strikes the same place twice. Contrails are chemicals being spread across the world by the “deep state.” There are only three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. The rubbish goes on and on and on. Unfortunately, the current global COVID-19 pandemic is no exception.
Summer is basically here across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Many people wonder how the warmer weather will affect the COVID-19 pandemic. Truth be know, the patterns of infection, illnesses, deaths, and stress on medical facilities will be linked to our indoor environments at home, work, etc. rather than those outside.
Will our humble home remember the COVID-19 pandemic in its own unique way? For the sake of future generations, let’s hope so.
Agricultural interests have been dealing with climate change for much longer than the general population. At our current pace, many farmers will have to make substantial changes including choices regarding the kind of crops they grow.
Our planet’s Arctic region is warming rapidly and is now a global ‘hotspot’ in terms of climate change. Trees growing in the region could give scientists valuable clues as to the extent and pace of warming.
Before a hurricane makes landfall, meteorologists try their best to anticipate flooding that is almost always a major killer. Here’s an interesting read on a new tool to help with an already daunting forecast.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

The criteria for a severe thunderstorm is understandably very strict. Frequent lightning and torrential downpours do not make for a severe thunderstorm. The main basis is sensibly put on straight line winds, hail, and/or a history of producing tornadoes.

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 the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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

Copyright Tornado Quest 1998-2020

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For May 15 – 22, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #health

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is faring well in this middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. We also will have some interesting weeks ahead as many areas are opening up while the pandemic statistics numbers keep increasing with no end in sight. The North American spring severe weather season is in full swing and the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is just days away. Well take a look at some severe weather safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Conspiracy theories: Conceived, nurtured, and spread world-wide by the dullest tools in the shed. “Cell-tower attacks by idiots who claim 5G spreads COVID-19 reportedly hit US.”
Diplomacy on the Earth’s moon is now a reality. “NASA’s Artemis Accords aim to lay down the law of the land on the moon.”
Since Mount St Helens erupted in 1980, changes in scientific research on volcanoes has revolutionlized our understanding of these powerful geological phenomenon. “The new science of volcanoes harnesses AI, satellites and gas sensors to forecast eruptions.“
This is the first peer-reviewed analysis of the pandemic’s impact on emissions. “Coronavirus set to cause biggest emissions fall since second world war.“
“Climate change is turning parts of Antarctica green, say scientists.” In some areas, the algae is so dense it turns the snow bright green & can be seen from space.
A recent analysis of nearly 40 years of hurricane satellite imagery shows their maximum sustained winds are getting stronger. This will obviously have substantial ramifications for any tropical cyclone making landfall regardless of the location.
Speaking of hurricanes, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could proved to be very problematic and dangerous if we have an active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.
Dust bowl conditions were previously thought to occur no more frequently than every 100 years. According to new data, with our current climate change scenario, those devastating droughts could occur as often as every 40 years.
As our global climate warms, life will become more challenging for we humans. “Global warming now pushing heat into territory humans cannot tolerate.”
Last but not least, Dr. Ted Fujita was featured on a recent episode of PBS’s American Experience. If you missed it, you will definately enjoy watching it, especially if you have an interest in meteorology and the history of science. Dr. Marshall Shepherd has written an excellent essay on Dr. Fujita and his most important scientific work…the research on microbursts which had no doubt saved thousands of lives over the decades.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

What would you consider the leading weather related killer in the USA? It’s not tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, or high winds. Flooding, specifically flash flooding, is the leading weather killer and most of these deaths are preventable. Knowing if you live in a flood zone is key. Also being aware of roads that are frequently flooded during heavy rain events is equally important. It takes less than a foot of water to sweep away many vehicles These NOAA infographics have good tips on staying safe in flood conditions.

Knowing where to get reliable, accurate, and timely weather information can be a daunting task, especially for folks who are new to a region that may be prone to a hurricane risk, winter storms, or episodes of severe weather (large hail, damaging straight line winds, and tornadoes). This infographic from NOAA’s National Weather Service will help you through the murky haze of disinformation. This infographic is valid year round for every kind of weather situation.

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 the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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 Picks For May 8 – 15, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #health

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center and will be for many years as humanity grapples with the best path of adaptation. The coronavirus and Covid-19 situation is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. Additionally, the spring severe weather season is in full swing across the contiguous USA. Well take a look at some severe weather safety information and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

“Galileo’s story is always relevant.” With science denialism stronger than ever, Galileo’s grapple with heresy charges is chillingly relevant.
If you think the weather on our planet is wild, we’re going to learn some amazing things about Jupiter’s weather that will make you change your mind.
New research is showing that microplastics are everywhere on our planet…even in sea spray.
As stay-at-home recommendations relax during the current COVID-19 pandemic, delusions of safety increase exponentially. The inevitable result has the potential to be even more lethal than what we’ve already experienced worldwide.
This blog post on Covid-19 has gone viral…& for very good reason. “The Risks – Know Them – Avoid Them.”
Yet another fine example of manipulating misinformation and cherry picking at its finest. “Climate Deniers Argue Carbon Pollution Is Beneficial, Again Take Aim at EPA’s Endangerment Finding.“
Here’s a very cool teaching resource for educators or at-home schoolers. NOAA has a very nice website where your students can learn a lot about weather. Check out SciJinks!
Hurricane forecasting and preparedness has come a long way in just a few short decades. Here’s an fantastic look back at how life saving meteorological advancements took place.
“Coronavirus Could Disrupt Weather Forecasting.” A vast amount of atmospheric data routinely gathered by commercial airliners has dropped sharply due to the coronavirus the World Meteorological Organization announced.
Climate change is already a daunting challenge for humanity. For the USA, add climate change to the variety of frequent extreme weather events, and you have a particularly volatile recipe.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Regardless of where you live or the weather that is common to your region, make your NOAA weather radio an essential part of your information sources. Not only can it save your life, but at anytime of the day or night you can get your local forecast and special forecast updates on any potential weather hazards for up to a week in advance. They should be as common in home and workplaces as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

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, so am I and I invite you to enjoy me. Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late. 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 an excellent website with further information. As for the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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 Picks For May 1 – 8, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #health

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center and will be for many years as humanity grapples with the best path of adaptation. The coronavirus and Covid-19 situation is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. Additionally, the spring severe weather season is in full swing across the contiguous USA.. We’ve some tornado safety information and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

If you’re interested in citizen science and are looking for projects in weather and climate, check out the mPING project and help National Severe Storms Laboratory scientists collect weather data. The CoCoRaHS project is a citizen science endeavor that is well established. I’ve been an observer for many years. Your daily reports of precipitation, or lack of, is very important to long-term climate data records. The apps for mPING and CoCoRaHS are free and available for both iOS and Android.
This is an excellent long-read that’s worth the time. “Why Weren’t We Ready For The Coronavirus?”
A fascinating astronomy read on our planet’s only local companion. “The moon is emitting carbon, raising questions about how it was formed.”
Microplastics are almost everywhere on our planet. Small and strange looking creatures in our oceans are even using them to make ‘shelters.’
Scientists and the general public have taken note of the startling drop in air pollution and urban noise during the ongoing pandemic. “Rather than let this time be forgotten, the United Nations and environmental campaigners are urging governments to “build back better, to invest in the future not the past”, to ensure that our global recovery has sustainable legacy.“
After consideration, this really makes perfectly good sense. “Forget the TP: Here’s what you really need to get through a disaster.”
The pestilence of pseudoscience runs rampant among many science topics, including weather and climate. When it comes to COVID-19, it has taken on absolutely bizarre dimensions.
A new state of the art NASA satellite has taken a good look at Greenland and Antarctica. The data doesn’t lie. Both are losing billions of tons of ice into the ocean each year and that contributes significantly to global sea-level rise.
This new climate change study takes a look at how it affects the human habitat. “One billion people will live in insufferable heat within 50 years.”
One of the biggest earth science stories as of late has been the opening of the ozone hole over the North Pole. New data shows that after nearly a month, that hole has now closed.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Here’s a concise reminder on taking shelter during a tornado warning. Where you take shelter is quite often a matter of life and death or serious injury.

An emergency kit is also an essential part of severe weather preparedness. This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you get started. Since severe weather and other weather-related disasters can occur year round, it’s an excellent idea to have this at the ready regardless of where you live or the month/season.

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, so am I and I invite you to enjoy me. Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late. 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 an excellent website with further information. As for the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…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

Share this:

Like this:

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

Share this:

Like this:

HURRICANE AND SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

SEVERE WEATHER AND HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this: