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!

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 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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For October 19 – 26, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #airquality #public health

Greetings again to one and all! Here’s a review of my intro from the last two 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 selection will be subjective, but lean heavily towards what my followers in social media are interested in. 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 ‘good vibes’ and 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 take a look at this week’s reads.

Infographic courtesy World Health Organization

There are many weather and climate hazards that are life threatening and make for big headlines. One that is all to often overlooked and affects virtually every human on this planet is air quality. Here’s an excellent site from the World Health Organization on air quality, pollution, and how it affects your health.
It is not a matter of ‘if’ citizen science can contribute to science…the answer is a resounding ‘YES!’
As our climate changes, the likelihood of a catastrophic wildfire in California increases dramatically year after year.
The discussion in California of wildfires and electrical power grids continues. “Electric Utilities Can’t Blame Wildfires Solely on Climate, Experts Say.“
While on the topic of wildfires, lets take a look from a global perspective at the unusual and disturbing increase in fires worldwide.
On 20 October 2019, a strong tornado moved across parts of the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area. The autumn months typically bring an uptick in severe weather activity across much of the USA’s Great Plains. This story from the Guardian is a good overview of the situation. Unfortunately the headline, which implies that one tornado moved from Dallas into Arkansas, is all too common.
Are you stressed out by the daunting challenges of climate change? You’re not alone. Here are a list of eight actions you can take, some are better than others, other like ‘fight shaming’ are ridiculous, most important is the realization that every small action you can take adds up to big changes…and a better quality of life.
According to new data from NOAA and NASA, the Earth’s ozone hole is the smallest it has ever been since its discovery.
A recently released study says, “Antarctic ice sheets have been melting rapidly for hundreds of years, much longer than scientists previously thought.“
The Atlantic hurricane season will be coming to an official end very soon, but it’s never too late, early, our ‘out of season’ to have a preparedness plan and supplies in place. My Hurricane Preparedness Page can be a helpful starting point to prepare for the storm you hope never happens.

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross can be very helpful in putting together a disaster preparedness kit. This emergency kit can also be applicable in many different climates and for all seasons.

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, pay me a visit and let us connect. A million ‘thank you’ again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. 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 getting your PSA tested. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers!

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 6 – 12, 2019 #science #climate #weather

Greetings to one and all! After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume the weekly blog with a subjective view of the top ten science reads from the past week. This post will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 2:00pm Central USA Time (1800 UTC – 200 UTC). As I mentioned, the selection will be subjective, but lean heavily towards what my followers in social media are interested in. 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 kinks to be ironed out, so expect a few bugs and/or changes to come along. 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 more personal note, I appreciate the ‘good vibes’ and wishes for a speedy recovery as I am in the middle of a long rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery. I have a daunting challenge ahead of me 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.

Without further delay, let’s get started on this week’s links.

A thought provoking and very timely read on how the ‘echo chamber’ that exists in mass media and social media can work against us. You’ve heard it before, so it must be true.
Here’s an important read on just one of many diseases that’s spread by the most dangerous creature that we share our planet with…the mosquito. “West Nile Virus: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention.“
Have you ever wondered how a compass at the South Pole can point to the North Pole?
Most of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. The question is, how did it get here in the first place?
While on the topic of oceans…”Return of warm water ‘blob’ in the Pacific threatens marine life.“
The phrase “climate change” has never been more volatile. The history behind this loaded term is explained in this essay. “What Should We Call ‘Climate Change’? It’s Political.”
Speaking of climate change, coastal flooding resulting from sea level rise is a topic that will become very important in the years to come. In California, it has become a particularly volatile topic.
Here’s a detailed look at how the Greenland ice sheet fared in 2019. As you can see on the map below, the red tinted areas are regions that have gone under a loss of ice.

While the focus of this article in on hurricanes, it can easily apply to many other disasters; tornadoes, flash floods, blizzards, earthquakes, etc. “Cell Phone Service Must Be Restored Quicker after Hurricanes.“
Last but not least, there are several more weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season. While the tropics are quiet for now, it’s never too late to have a preparedness plan in place. My Hurricane Preparedness Page can be a helpful starting point to prepare for the storm you hope never happens.

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect. The links for my accounts are below. And thanks so much again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. 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.

Cheers!

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

This is the Bay Area alone. Imagine what it’s like where you live. “’Everywhere we looked’: trillions of microplastics found in San Francisco bay.” @Guardian #environment #pollution #SanFrancisco

Most comprehensive study to date finds plastic in sediment collected from bay and tributaries and digestive tracts of fish: www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/04/san-francisco-microplastics-study-bay

Here’s some good news for a change. “Ocean cleanup device successfully collects plastic for first time.” @Guardian #environment #pollution

Floating boom finally retains debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, creator says: www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/03/ocean-cleanup-device-successfully-collects-plastic-for-first-time

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