News
September 15, 2011- The blanket of sea ice that floats on the Arctic Ocean appears to have reached its lowest extent for the year. Arctic sea ice extent fell to 4.33 million square kilometers (1.67 million square miles) on September 9, 2011. This year's minimum was the second lowest in the satellite record, which started in 1979. The lowest extent was recorded in 2007.
NOAA: Blanket of sea ice is measured every September
Over the last thirty years, ice extent, a two-dimensional measure of the ice cover on the Arctic Ocean, has declined in all months, with a more pronounced drop in summer. Scientists attribute this decline in large part to climate change. Arctic sea ice melts and refreezes in an annual cycle, reaching its lowest point in late summer, and its highest point in late winter. For more background, read the NSIDC Icelights article, Heading towards the summer minimum.
For more details on the minimum ice extent, see the Arctic Sea Ice News and Analysis Web site. The site provides regular updates by NSIDC scientists on the condition of the Arctic sea ice.
Please note that this number is preliminary--changing winds could still push the ice extent lower. During the first week of October, NSIDC will issue a full analysis of the possible causes behind this year's ice conditions, including a discussion of how the summer's low ice extent may affect the winter ice growth season ahead, and graphics comparing this year to the long-term record.
Contact:
Katherine Leitzell
National Snow and Ice Data Center
University of Colorado Boulder
(303) 492-1497
leitzell@nsidc.org
Article Courtesy of NSIDC
NCDC scientists also reported that the average land surface temperature for September was the second warmest on record, behind 2005. Additionally, the global ocean surface temperature was tied for the fifth warmest on record for September. more >>
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change..."We need to act now reduce GHG."
February, 2009- The U.S. Climate Change Science Program and Inter govern- mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) announced that climate change will accelerate unless dramatic reductions in green house gas emissions begin immediately.
Climate scientists around the world have been rushing to analyze the newest satellite images as others revolutionize process reactions of carbon absorption while software designers create gigantic Exascale computers systems needed calculate the behavior of future complex solutions.
We can help them out!
Americans can do amazing things when they work together and its time to pull together and put the brakes global warming today!
Our collective ability to reduce carbon emissions today will create immediate, staggering measurable improvements for Global Warming! Show that you care... learn how energy use in our homes causes global warming and then demonstrate that you care and pass it on.
Read more....
Quick facts : *data source: www.eia.doe.gov
Energy- Carbon Connection
* 98% CO2 emissions come from burning fossil fuels
* 85% electric power plants burn fossil fuels
* 70% Building Energy- Wasted
* 50% Lighting Energy - Wasted
% Energy Used -Appliance Cost/ Total Energy
10% Big Screen TVs Centers
% Energy Savings/Total Energy-
10%Saved-efficient lighting!
15% Saved-turn off lights!
The best energy dollar you ever spent
* Energy Information Agency (EIA)
Wilkins Ice Shelf April 2009
Wilkins Ice Shelf February 2009
Wilkins Ice Shelf
Feburary, 2009
News of the Wilkens Ice Shelf Collapse is another warning sign for Americans as contributors of carbon emissions that we have more to worry about than profit ratios as rising temperatures on the peninsula have increased 3 degrees Celsius since 1950.
To blame are gases like CO2 released when burning fossil fuels used to generate power in vehicles and in buildings for heating, cooling and lighting systems. The immediate proactive cooperation of home and business owners to reduce electric power by 25% in 2009 is critial .
The Wilkens Ice Sheet on the Antarctic Peninsula has been carefully watched since the 1930s. Climatologists since the 1970's have documented changes in glacier. Satellite imaging now details changes with pictures of the shelf's western edge this month showing new evidence of the impeding collapses of an area of over 5,200 square miles
Scientists around the world are putting themselves on the front lines in race to stop climate change within 6yrs. The goal is entirely possible as new technology developments emerge and include identifying materials that will absorb carbon from the atmosphere. While untested in the field, laboratory experiments offer some hope to reverse the steady increase in the earth's temperature.
Click NSIDC Logo for Sea Ice Video
http://nsidc.org/data/virtual_globes/images/seaice_2008_climatology_lr.mov
Stop Global Warming
REDUCE ENERGY DEMAND!
* Phantom Energy Loss
* Conduct an Energy Audit
* Seal Air Leaks and Insulate
* Mechanically Ventilate
* Test Humidity Levels
* Replace light bulbs
* Programmable Thermostat
* Water Heater @ 120 degrees
* Caulk Windows that leak
* Unplug unused appliances
* Replace inefficient appliances
Americans committed to taking action to stop Global Warming start by saving wasted energy.
Energy use is segmented into two categories: Seasonal and Base Load. Seasonal Energy is used to power season specific devices like heaters during the winter and air conditioners during the summer.
Base Load energy is what we consume everyday regardless of the season. It's where you can find energy waste that is accountable for 90 billion pounds of Green House Gases.
Take a walk through your home at night when the lights are off, chances are, your walk will be lit by a host of glowing digital devices.
Phantom Energy Management
* Rechargeable battery-powered devices that draw energy when plugged into the wall after the device is charged. (Cell phones, Cameras, etc.)
* Computers and attached devices (Screens, Printers, DVD
* Home Entertainment Centers
* TV Cable Boxes
* Stereos and radios.
* Extra Freezers
* Extra Refrigerators
The list of energy draining devices is a growing segment of our total energy use and requires management.
Plug TV Entertainment Centers, Computers and surrounding devices into "Intelligent" power strips that detect demand and power up for use when you activate TV's Remote Control or wiggle Computer's Mouse.
Most rechargeable battery powered devices can be unplugged when not in use, but you will not want to unplug your alarm clock radio or cordless telephone. For devices that require constant charging, check energy efficiency labels at time of purchase.
When you have finished your Phantom Energy Management, calculate your new carbon foot print and energy savings!
DOE Energy saving formula:
(Wattage x Hours Used Per Day / 1000 x the number of days usually plugged in x your utility's rate per kWh)
For more information: www.energysavers.gov
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center: La Niña is back
September 8, 2011
Dry lake bed Photograph Credit: NOAA
La Niña, which contributed to extreme weather around the globe during the first half of 2011, has re-emerged in the tropical Pacific Ocean and is forecast to gradually strengthen and continue into winter. Today, forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center upgraded last month’s La Niña Watch to a La Niña Advisory.
NOAA will issue its official winter outlook in mid-October, but La Niña winters often see drier than normal conditions across the southern tier of the United States and wetter than normal conditions in the Pacific Northwest and Ohio Valley.
“This means drought is likely to continue in the drought-stricken states of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director of the Climate Prediction Center. “La Niña also often brings colder winters to the Pacific Northwest and the northern Plains, and warmer temperatures to the southern states.”
Climate forecasts from NOAA’s National Weather Service give American communities advance notice of what to expect in the coming months so they can prepare for potential impacts. This service is helping the country to become a Weather Ready Nation at a time when extreme weather is on the rise.
Seasonal hurricane forecasters factored the potential return of La Niña into NOAA’s updated 2011 Atlantic hurricane season outlook, issued in August, which called for an active hurricane season. With the development of tropical storm Nate this week, the number of tropical cyclones entered the predicted range of 14-19 named storms.
The strong 2010-11 La Niña contributed to record winter snowfall, spring flooding and drought across the United States, as well as other extreme weather events throughout the world, such as heavy rain in Australia and an extremely dry equatorial eastern Africa.
Average sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (degree C) for the week centered on Aug. 31, 2011, indicate the re-emergence of La Niña in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
Graph Credit: NOAA
La Niña is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon located over the tropical Pacific Ocean and results from interactions between the ocean surface and the atmosphere. During La Niña, cooler-than-average Pacific Ocean temperatures influence global weather patterns. La Niña typically occurs every three-to-five years, and back-to-back episodes occur about 50 percent of the time. Current conditions reflect a re-development of the June 2010-May 2011 La Niña episode.
NOAA's National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA’s National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Visit us online at weather.gov and on Facebook.
NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.
Article written by NOAA
History
The scientific and historic value of The Banff Avalanche Report can not be overlooked. Released in 1976, the report includes event details, findings and conclusions recorded when scientists first recognized the existence of melting pattern that could be tracked to the 1950s.
Data from over 120 avalanche scientists at the annual Alberta meeting included discussions over 35 new studies including reports on dramatic and sudden increase in avalanches recorded since 1950.
Session topics included forecasting models as a number of scientists expressed concerned belief that the deep slab avalanches seen since 1950 were being triggered by temperature changes.
It was the first time at any avalanche workshop in North America, where government meteorologists turned out in force and where their active participation showed a deep interest in the increasing avalanche problems.
www.nsidc.org
