Climate change has increased air turbulence over Europe, particularly in the UK and northern Europe, a new GRL study finds. Hazardous clear-air turbulence contributed a significant portion of the increase. Credit: Randy Fath/unsplash
AGU News
AGU24 was a huge success!
Thank you to everyone who joined the press corps at AGU24 in D.C. With nearly 400 journalists and press officers registered, t
he press rooms were bustling. The meeting had more than 30,000 attendees from 121 countries — making it the largest ever AGU Annual Meeting!
If you want to catch up, you can watch our press events on YouTube.
We hope to see many of you next year in New Orleans for #AGU25! I
Featured Research
Climate change has increased air turbulence over Europe, especially in winter
Changes to atmospheric circulation have increased turbulence over Europe since 1979, a new study finds. Hazardous clear air turbulence increased the most. Turbulence grew the most over the UK and Northern Europe, with winter being the most turbulent season. [Geophysical Research Letters study]
Forecasting Singapore Airlines’ bumpy ride in May would have been tricky
In May 2024, a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence; one passenger died, and dozens were injured. A European forecast predicted turbulence in that general region 24 hours in advance, but pinpointing where turbulence will strike in time and space remains difficult, a new study finds. [Geophysical Research Letters study]
Lake Superior ice cover sees wild swings
Ice cover on Lake Superior varies more year to year than previously thought, a new study finds. Record-high ice years can be followed by nearly ice-free winters, and understanding why is crucial for predicting future changes to this important freshwater body. [Earth and Space Science study]
Cities in Asian megadeltas face massive flooding risks
Megadeltas in Asia, such as the Mekong and Ganges deltas, are home to half the world’s delta-dwelling populations. But they face massive flooding risks thanks to sea level rise and rapid development. This new review offers in-depth looks at what drives flooding in these densely populated regions and what humans can do about it. [Reviews of Geophysics study]
China’s pilot programs for greener industrial regions reduce emissions
China emits the most greenhouse gases of any country. Industrial regions there are the country’s primary source of emissions. To reduce those emissions, several pilot programs for making industrial zones greener have been established, and early results suggest the programs successfully reduce emissions, a new study finds. [Earth’s Future study]
What’s the future of cooperation in the Eastern Nile Basin?
Countries in the Eastern Nile Basin, including Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, face challenges in managing water, energy and food due to rapid population growth, limited resources, and a changing climate. Any upstream decisions affect downstream populations. A new study explores the degree to which these countries’ food, water, and energy needs are connected, and how those might change in the future. [Earth’s Future study]