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 Reads For February 14 – 21, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #airquality #health #noaa #nasa #antarctica #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.

The more we study Mars, the more amazing discoveries we make about this spectacular planet.
A look at the vast changes recent brushfires have brought about. “The End of Australia as We Know It.”
The importance of indoor air quality can never be underestimated. “Opening your windows doesn’t help reduce indoor air pollution.”
In case you missed it, this is one of the biggest nuggets of climate news from NOAA in recent months. “January 2020: Earth’s Warmest January on Record.”
Speaking of warmth, this is a disconcerting read on research that’s ongoing at Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier. What scientists observed dramatically increased fears of a collapse that could raise global sea levels by more than half a meter.
A very disturbing scenario that clearly illustrates how low climate change deniers will go. “Don’t @ Me: What Happened When Climate Skeptics Misused My Work.”
Just as people often confuse climate and weather, there’s a great deal of confusion over the difference between climate change and global warming. Here’s an excellent explanation from NASA.
As of 21 February 2020, the year has gotten off to an active start in the USA for tornado activity. U.S Tornadoes has a comprehensive look at a year that may well be above average in tornado occurrence.
Here’s some excellent news from NOAA that’ll put the USA back on top! “U.S. to triple operational weather and climate supercomputing capacity.”
Finally, here’s one of the coolest maps you’ll ever see of our planet. Take a look at the winds whipping around our world in this amazing interactive global wind map!

With the recent increase in severe weather activity across parts of the contiguous USA, now’s the time to make sure your NOAA weather radio is in good working order. Regardless of where you live, be sure it’s at the ready year round. Infographic 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, 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. 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 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 February 7 – 14, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #stateoftheclimate #environment #education #airquality #pollution #spaceweather #dinosaur

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. Antarctica may have set an all-time record high temperature and, according to some sources, we may see a repeat in 2020 of the devastating 2019 USA floods. 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.

Let us start off with a look at space weather and the spectacular views it can give us…the magnificent auroras that can be seen around the Earth’s north and south poles.
Here’s a real treat for my fellow dinosaur fans. The majestic Tyrannosaurus Rex has a newly discovered fearsome cousin who has been labeled the “Reaper Of Death.”
Mindset is often one of the most powerful tools for humans to use in order to adapt and deal with significant events. Attitudes of many young people regarding climate change are understandingly pessimistic…and we need to listen to them.
Speaking of mindset and young people, here’s an encouraging read on educators that are courageously conveying scientific knowledge of climate change into the classroom.
The Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 saw nearly 800 million litres of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, which satellite tracking suggested covered an estimated 149,000 square kilometres. New data indicates that it may have been much larger than we thought.
Air pollution doesn’t remain in the location where it originates. Quite often it travels great distances…and affects your health.
Flooding across several contiguous USA states during 2019 was devastating. There’s a clear signal that we may get a repeat performance in 2020.
If verified, Antarctica may have set an all-time high temperature. If current climate change trends continue, this will only be one of many records to come.
Thunderstorms are no stranger to northern Europe. What is problematic would be the increase in the many facets of severe thunderstorms in regions that are not familiar with how violent these storms can be.
Last but not least, here’s the latest NOAA State Of The Climate report. “January 2020 average global land & ocean temperature was the highest for January since records began in 1880.”

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

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

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

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

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

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 9 – 15, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #pollution #wildfire #windchill #astronomy #movember

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

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

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

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Safety Guidelines

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