8/16/2023: Increased ozone reduces rain over South Asia

A landscape on the Tibetan Plateau. Credit:flickr

Plate tectonics roundup
In honor of the recently deceased W. Jason Morgan, who helped advance the theory of plate tectonics, explore more recent developments in this evolving field:

Featured research

Increased ozone reduces rain over South Asia
Stratospheric ozone depletion in the late 20th century enhanced deep convection and increased rainfall over the Tibetan Plateau, a region where the local population is already vulnerable to hydrological disasters like flooding. However, successful measures to reduce ozone depletion in the early 21st century have begun to decrease rainfall, potentially reducing hazard risks. [Geophysical Research Letters research]

Noise exposure negatively impacts overall human health, not only hearing
A recent study compiled the most comprehensive review on noise exposure’s effects on human health to date. While most research focuses on auditory health, this study reports on noise exposure in relation to extra-auditory systems, including circulatory and nervous disorders, gastrointestinal and endocrine dysfunction, and cancer risk. [GeoHealth research]

Climate change to cause snow drought in western US
Rising temperatures will reduce snow water storage in the western U.S., decreasing the volume of snowmelt downstream in the spring and summer. The reduction in snowmelt will not be uniform throughout the western U.S., making it difficult for populations to prepare for changes in water resources. [Water Resources Research research]

Detecting hurricane-triggered tornadoes
It’s difficult to forecast tornadoes that accompany tropical cyclones post-landfall, but a new study finds that subtle changes in low-level rotation and convergence could improve prediction. Their findings suggest that rotation and convergence are more useful than lightning for detecting tropical cyclone-triggered tornadoes in real-time, as most of the tornadoes are not preceded by lightning. [JGR Atmospheres research]

Visualizing deep inside planets and moons
Scientists are using a new method, dubbed THeBOOGIe, to determine where density anomalies lie inside planetary bodies. The flexibility and statistical strength of THeBOOGIe may help scientists visualize the interiors of planets and moons for which seismic and geophysical data are lacking. [Earth and Space Science research] [Eos research spotlight]

Biogeochemical insights from a major Amazonian river
To track human-driven environmental changes of rivers and their basins, scientists first need detailed evaluations of a river’s chemical composition. A new study reveals seasonal changes in the Amazon’s Tocantins River carbon and nitrogen content, reflecting a source shift from terrestrial to riverine organic matter. [JGR Biogeosciences research] [Eos research spotlight]

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