Tornado Quest Top Science Links For September 10 – 17, 2022

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. The tropical Atlantic has been much more active as of late. This week, we’ll continue with helpful infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. As usual, there are many other essential and important reads to review on climate, weather, and other science related topics, so let’s get started.

Well said. “The past is not radically discontinuous from the present. The past has given us everything that we have, including the ideas we use to criticize it. We must, then, give past people their due.“
This is a very novel idea that has been a long time coming. Making recyclable plastics out of CO2 to slow climate change.
Could switching to renewable energy sources save us money? According to a new Oxford University study, the answer is definitely ‘yes!’
Easier said than done to keep this daunting challenge in check. “How to stop cities and companies causing planetary harm.”
The Interior Department and NOAA have a new website that clearly shows how climate change is hurting the USA in more ways than many of us are aware.
Considering how deadly heat waves have been for many years, perhaps it’s time to revise our current heat index to one that more accurately reflects heat effects on the human body and climate change.
If you thought the summer of 2022 was exceptionally hot across many areas of the globe, you’d be exactly right…it was on of the hottest ever.
It’s well past time that this issue was addressed. Better late than never. “‘None Of Us Are About Hype.’ How To Recognize And Avoid Fake Weather Forecasts.” The NOAA/NWS infographic below also speaks on this widespread issue.

Last but not least, if you’re looking for hurricane preparedness information, here’s your one stop for everything you need to know for before, during and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA will help you prepare for the storms that we hope never happen.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Infographic courtesy FEMA/Ready.gov/Red Cross

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or Facebook, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, stay safe, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for September 10 – 17 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For February 5 – 12, 2022 #science #weather #climate #wintersafety #astronomy #tonga #volcano

Greetings to everyone! I hope this weeks post finds all of you healthy an having a good week. From the Tonga volcano to increasing levels of atmospheric methane, we’ve a lot to cover this week…so let’s get started.

Satellite imagery of the 15 January 2023 Tonga volcano. Image credit NASA.

A fascinating and thought provoking history and history of science read. “How the Dutch Created Europe’s First Free-Speech Zone More than 400 years Ago.“
The planets Uranus and Neptune share many similarities. Why is it that they are two very different colors?
As far as volcanology goes, this was a watershed event. “Why the Tongan eruption will go down in the history of volcanology.”
An earthquake in the Pacific northwest of North America could produce a devastating tsunami across several USA states.
It’s time to recycle those old plastic cups, water bottles, etc. “Americans exposed to toxic BPA at levels far above what European Union considers safe.“
Speaking of recycling and cutting back on waste…I certainly have my share. “How to cut material use in buildings, clothes, electronics & plastic.”
Some very sobering results from this new study. ‘Barely 15% Of The World’s Coastal Regions Remain Ecologically Intact.‘
A new study from NOAA presents information about ‘dangerously fast’ growth in atmospheric methane.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

Even in winter, a safety/emergency kit can be a life saver. This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you get started.

Please keep in mind that ONLY your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving, information on winter storm watches, warnings, and other related weather advisories! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas, USA

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a good fitting quality mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for February 5 – 12, 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For November 20 – 27, 2020

#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #covid19 #pandemic #wearamask

With the changing of the seasons in the northern hemisphere, attention will shift to winter weather safety. We’ll touch on that topic with plenty of information for the next several weeks. There are many other good stories to cover, so lets get started.

Communicating scientific data to the general public is a daunting task…even for the most seasoned scientist who is used to dealing with public relations. How that information and data is conveyed is just as important as the content. “Five rules for evidence communication.”
2020 is a rough year for most of us no matter what your perspective is. To put it in a historical perspective makes a great deal of difference. Here’s a timely and thought provoking essay that does just that.
Ignorance, whether with the pandemic or a tornado warning, isn’t bliss…or clever. “This Pandemic Must Be Seen.” If we could watch what’s really going on in hospitals, there would be no more complacency
For some time astronomers have known that water once flowed on Mars. Here’s a look at evidence of a ‘megaflood’ that occurred on the planet.
The Earth’s atmosphere hasn’t always been like the sky and weather that we see every day. In fact, at one point it may have more closely resembled the toxic and hot atmosphere on Venus.
There’s a substantial amount of rebuilding to do after a devastating USA wildfire year. However… “Rebuilding After A Wildfire? Most States Don’t Require Fire-Resistant Materials.”
Not even Earth’s highest mountain is free of this pestilence. “Microplastic pollution discovered near the top of Mount Everest.”
Rising sea levels present a substantial danger along low lying coastal areas. According to new research, some areas as far as 50 miles inland are under great danger as well.
Here’s a very sound concept with long term benefits if it comes to fruition. “We Need a National Institute of Climate Change & Health.” 2020 reinforced a very powerful lesson. If we don’t prepare for health disasters & manage them skillfully, informed by the best evidence, then people suffer & die needlessly.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is one that won’t be forgotten soon. So many records were broken that it’s hard to fathom just how active a year it was. Here’s a fantastic NOAA infographic looking at a remarkable year by the numbers.

WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will officially end on 30 November 2020. This year will go down in the record books for having many elements of an extraordinary year. Now, across much of the northern hemisphere, attention turns to winter weather hazards. The same preparedness plans and supplies that are helpful for tropical cyclones are beneficial to have for winter weather. NOAA has a very nice Winter Weather Safety website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and information you may need. NOAA also has an excellent publication that covers one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. A kit like this is very helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes and hurricanes.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is red-cross-emergency-preparedness-checklist.jpg — Graphic courtesy American Red Cross

Misinformation and disinformation is running rampant across social media platforms of all kinds as of late. I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are often equipped with sources of important information that is specific to your locale. Here’s an excellent and concise video on spotting misinformation you might see online. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_1223-1.jpg — Graphic courtesy NOAA/NWS

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! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, sport a spiffy mask as often as you can, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For January 31 – February 7, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #antarctica #australia #brushfire #environment #droughtmonitor #histsci

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. The Australian brushfires are still a big story if for no other reason that it is a watershed event. 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. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

First, a little history of science. The National Weather Service has come a long, long way since it’s humble beginnings. Here’s a look back at the fascinating history of how computers were devised to play a major part in forecasting.
What would our planet look like without its oceans? This eye-opening view shows a very new perspective.
The daunting challenges that climate change brings to many professions are obvious. For young farmers, it’s a particularly precarious hazard.
With the help of a cadre of climate skeptics, Australia presented itself as far less capable than it actually is. “Australia’s Decade of Burning Environmental Apathy.”
On the brighter side of the Australian brushfires, a realization that we may be closer to a tipping point in climate change may be the ‘wake-up-call’ that’s needed.
This is a change in the commute and/or running errands that I could get used to! “Make room for the e-bikes, the top-selling electric vehicles for the next decade.”
By some accounts, January 2020 set yet another record. “Goodbye, January — goodbye, another heat record.”
The latest US Drought Monitor has been released. Here’s a region-by-region view of the USA.
As the planet warms, permafrost—landscapes of frozen soil and rock—begins to thaw. In addition to the vast amounts of CO2 that is released, another event happens that you’ve probably never heard of. It’s called thermokarst. That’s the land that gets ravaged whenever permafrost thaws rapidly.
While on the topic of warming, temperatures at parts of Antarctica have risen at a rate that scientists find not a little alarming.

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 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

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Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For March 30 – April 6, 2019

Greetings to one and all! Here in North America, the severe weather season is well underway and there have been several very active days so far…and we’ve many, many weeks of potentially volatile activity. There are plenty of other topics to cover as well as severe weather preparedness links…so let’s get started.

One of the most crucial environmental challenges that we face is the recycling dilemma. With China now refusing to take much of the world’s recyclable materials, it’s up to other countries to step up and take the lead.
Copenhagen has just raised the bar when it comes to embracing sustainability.
The much touted “Green New Deal” may be well intended may have good intentions, but it’s based on politics rather than science. As is always the case when ideology takes center stage, there are hidden agendas.
While this air pollution research is based on data in Asia, it is applicable to cities worldwide…and your children.
Toxic pollution knows no borders. This is clearly demonstrated in how Canadian coal mines send pollution into the United States.
Understanding the link between history and climate is crucial to having a comprehensive knowledge of how societies…past and present…have been affected in economic and social behaviors.
Whether or not this concept will come to fruition is a matter of great speculation. “This Self-Sustaining Hurricane-Proof City Could Be Just What The World Needs.”
Here’s a very, very early look at speculative forecasts for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. It’s important to remember than there are many variables involved and this essay, while interesting, is exceptionally preliminary.
The Polar Vortex played plenty of tricks up its sleeve in the winter just past. Some USA cities saw temperature swings during January and February of up to 70 degrees.
This is an excellent essay by Dr. Marshall Shepherd that addresses a topic that needs to be fully attended to. “How Meteorologists Compare To Other Professions That Predict The Future.”

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Many thunderstorms that are a part of the severe weather season may seem “severe” but there is actually a strict criteria that a thunderstorm must meet before being classified as “severe.” For the most part, severe criteria is a matter of hail, high winds, and tornadoes. Frequent lightning or heavy downpours does not make for a severe thunderstorm.

Here are some links that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climates on our planet.

National Weather Service Homepage

Storm Prediction Center

National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

Sky Watcher Cloud Chart: An excellent 2 page PDF file from NOAA and NASA on cloud types and and information on how clouds form.

Tornadoes, Lightning, & Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (PDF file)

Tornado Safety Rules from the Storm Prediction Center

Highway Overpasses As Tornado Shelters (Slide Presentation)

The Online Tornado FAQ

Facts About Derechos

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

Infographic courtesty American Red Cross

Please keep in mind that ONLY your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving weather information, watches, and warnings! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

That’s a wrap for this post! To my new followers, I’d like to extend a very warm “Welcome” and thank you for being a part of the fun. For my long-time followers, here’s a sincere “Thank You!” I appreciate all of the support and kind words!

Cheers!

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

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Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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