Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For July 24 – 31, 2020 #science #perseverance #mars #climate #climatechange #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #disasterprep

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.

Looking into the eye of the best. A common feature of a powerful hurricane is a well developed eye. Photo courtesy NOAA/NWS.

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!

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

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

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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

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 Picks For March 13 – 20, 2020 – #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #severeweather #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #solar #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19

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 is the big story with the USA now under, as of 13 March 2020, a national emergency and a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s population has never seen. We’ll cover that topic with several of this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

The internet is awash with fake science…charlatans, homeopathic witch doctors, paranormal beliefs, et al. are everywhere. Sadly, many people lack the critical thinking skills that are easily learned to disseminate between real science that has survived the rigors of the scientific method and those with conspiratorial, nefarious misinformation and lies. “How Technology Can Combat the Rising Tide of Fake Science.”
In this day and age of very trying news, here’s an encouraging story on the renewable energy front. “2019 Was a Record Year for U.S. Solar Power.”
Air quality is an ever present hazard to many people around the globe. COVID-19 just made that much, much worse.
The origins of viruses is part history of medical science and (almost) part science fiction. Here’s a startling read on the origins of the coronavirus.
Is the COVID-19 like climate change? This essay points out some important similarities.
Different generations spread COVID-19 in many ways. Here’s a good read on how they differ.
Speaking of generations, for my parents generation, who endured the Great Depression & fought World War 2, ‘voluntary’ was treason, ‘loose lips sink ships,’ & sacrifices, blackouts, & rationing were the norm. “For pandemics & climate change, voluntary measures aren’t enough.”
Testing for the coronavirus is a critical technique for humans to conduct. Unfortunately, the United States has done a dismal job of testing.
Washing your hands with soap is actually more effective in keeping you from getting sick with a myriad of illnesses than using hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is good, but nothing beats the old-school soap and water.
Last but not least, here’s a read that I hope many of you will find helpful. There’s not a lot of good news from social media and the worldwide media and that can be very taxing on even the sturdiest of souls. Here’s some good advice on maintaining a less–stressed and even positive outlook in our very challenging situation.

Tornado Safety Guidelines

Severe weather and tornadoes may be the last thing many want to hear about, but it is that time of year and to deny or avoid that reality is to invite trouble. With the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, we have our biggest annual increase in severe weather activity. For much of North America, that also means a substantial increase in tornado activity. If you are in a Tornado Warning, it’s imperative that you do not ignore the warming or listen for sirens. “Tornado warning sirens” are cold-war era technology that is ineffective. When you do take shelter, please follow the following guidelines from NOAA & the National Weather Service.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU TAKE SHELTER FROM A STORM AND/OR TORNADO IN AN UNDERPASS!

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 follow good personal hygiene and prescribed by official sources, stay safe, and stay healthy!

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 Picks For February 28 – March 6, 2020 – #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #severeweather #tnwx #climate #climatechange #environment #citizenscience #citsci #weatherready #astronomy

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. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for recovery and good health during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. You folks are awesome! Now…let’s get started on this week’s reads.

One way that non-scientists can help professional scientists is through ‘citizen science’ projects. These projects gather significant amounts of priceless data. Here’s an excellent read on why we need citizen scientists and how they can increase public understanding of many complex scientific topics.
The Curiosity Mars rover recently snapped a fantastic high resolution image of Mars that has to be seen to be believed.
Keeping any data base and vast amounts of maps up to date can be quite a challenge. Unfortunately, these maps are flood plains in the USA that are badly out of date. You may live in a flood zone…and not even know it.
This is a no-brainer and more than a little obvious. “Yes, Climate Change Did Influence Australia’s Unprecedented Bushfires.”
The major news networks have quite a job on their hands handling all of the current events. By this account, their coverage of climate change in 2019 was lacking.
While climate change is a well established fact, many of the subtle nuances have still to be worked out. “Will future East Coast winters be freezing or balmy? Scientists can’t agree.”
At this rate and lack of competence and progress, this is bad news all around. “Net zero emissions target in peril as tropical forests absorb less CO2.”
Here’s the latest as of 6 March 2020 from the Nashville, TN National Weather Service on the deadly Tennessee tornadoes that killed over 20 people and heavily damaged much of the Nashville metro and neighboring counties. A review of the Storm Prediction Center’s outlooks, watches, and preliminary storm reports can be found here.
Will 2020 be an active tornado year across the USA? There are many variables involved and forecasting weeks and even months out while dealing with fluid dynamics is almost impossible. Here’s a very thorough look at some interesting data from US Tornadoes on what 2020 may…or may not…bring.
While on the topic of severe weather events, it’s important to remember that knowledge is power…and can save your life. Over the next few weeks I’ll post helpful National Weather Service infographics concerning severe thunderstorms, lightning, flooding, and of course, tornadoes. This week, lets take a look at the severe weather probabilities categories issued by the Storm Prediction Center.

Storm Prediction Center Severe Weather Risk Categories And Associated Hazards.

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.

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 January 24 – 31 , 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #australia #brushfire #environment #wintersafety #scicomm

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.

Conveying science topics to the general public can be a very daunting task, especially when the information is very complex. Here’s a very helpful read on getting your message across to members of the public.
This new satellite gives us a view of our sun that is like no other.
As expected, the Australian brushfires will add a significant amount of CO2 in 2020.
We’ve many daunting challenges ahead to offset or minimize climate change and the way it would affect our lives. Here’s an interesting read on STIs…Social Tipping Interventions that, in the decades to come, are necessary.
Facing climate change head-on has many consequences…and that includes economics. Inaction would be the most costly choice.
The next big carbon super-polluters consists of something that hasn’t been discussed much if at all…plastic plant facilities.
Yet more information on the irrevocable link between air quality and public health. “Heavy traffic pollution may affect kids’ brain development.”
Summer heat is one of nature’s most underrated dangers. Here’s a good read on reevaluating how to keep track of heat related deaths.
A broadcast meteorologist can face many daunting challenges. Here’s an inspiring read regarding those who are delving into the topics on and within climate change.
Last but not least, a quick winter weather safety reminder on dressing for cold weather. The key to staying warm is layers…and being mindful of wind chills you may encounter.

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

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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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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Tornado Safety Guidelines

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