Weather
What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs
What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs A downburst is a powerful wind storm that can be as destructive as tornadoes, with winds reaching over 150 miles per hour and causing widespread damage to buildings, power lines, and trees. Downbursts form when […]
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NASA 3D Wind Measuring Laser Aims to Improve Forecasts from Air, Space
NASA 3D Wind Measuring Laser Aims to Improve Forecasts from Air, Space NASA’s Aerosol Wind Profiler (AWP) instrument aims to improve weather forecasts by collecting precise measurements of wind direction, speed, and aerosol concentration. The AWP uses a coherent Doppler wind lidar technology to gather data on atmospheric conditions, which can significantly improve weather forecasts, […]
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How do waves form? New research provides insights
How do waves form? New research provides insights Researchers conducted a first-of-its-kind study to understand how waves form and increase in windy and hurricane conditions. The study used high-resolution measurements to analyze air pressure, airflow, and water elevation, capturing up to 1,000 data points per second. The researchers found that wind speed alone can be […]
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Two key ingredients cause extreme storms with destructive flooding – why these downpours are happening more often
Two key ingredients cause extreme storms with destructive flooding – why these downpours are happening more often Extreme storms with destructive flooding are caused by two key ingredients: moisture and atmospheric instability. The amount of moisture in the air depends on its temperature, with higher temperatures allowing for more moisture to be held, leading to […]
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Why some storms brew up to extreme dimensions in the middle of America – and why it’s happening more often
Why some storms brew up to extreme dimensions in the middle of America – and why it’s happening more often Extreme storms like the one that hit the Midwest and Southern states in April 2025 are formed by a combination of two key ingredients: moisture and atmospheric instability. The air needs to contain enough moisture, […]
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What causes the powerful winds that fuel dust storms, wildfires and blizzards? A weather scientist explains
What causes the powerful winds that fuel dust storms, wildfires and blizzards? A weather scientist explains When huge dust storms like this one in the Phoenix suburbs in 2022 hit, it's easy to see the power of the wind. Christopher Harris/iStock Images via Getty Plus Windstorms can seem like they come out of nowhere, hitting […]
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