The American Meteorological Society continuously publishes research on climate, weather, and water in its 12 journals. Many of these articles are available for early online access–they are peer-reviewed, but not yet in their final published form.
Below is a selection of articles published early online recently. Some articles are open-access; to view others, members of the media can contact kpflaumer@ametsoc.org for press login credentials.
JOURNAL ARTICLES
The Impact of Snowoff Timing and Associated Atmospheric Drivers on the Alaska Wildfire Season
Earth Interactions
Earlier snowmelt makes for bad fire seasons in Alaska. Snow-free days are happening earlier in the year in Alaskan forests, and often precede fiery summers. The authors of this study found that many of the worst fire seasons from 1959 to 2020 saw very early snowmelt and higher spring temperatures, which then persisted into the summer as “fire weather” due to larger-scale climate patterns such as El Niño.
Are Rapidly Intensifying Tropical Cyclones Associated with Unique Vortex and Convective Characteristics?
Monthly Weather Review
“Taller and narrower” tropical cyclones more likely to intensify rapidly. Forecasting when and if a tropical cyclone will undergo “rapid intensification” (RI), a dramatic increase in wind speed, remains a major challenge for predicting hurricane damage. The authors of this study examined a database of radar data and determined that RI storms had a “significantly taller and narrower” primary circulation compared with similar storms that did not undergo RI. They also had “anomalously deep overturning circulations”characterized by strong, concentrated inflow near the surface, vigorous ascent in mid and upper levels, and stronger outflow aloft.
Assessing the Water Budget of the Arabian Peninsula and Its Internal Recycling Potential
Journal of Hydrometeorology
Irrigation won’t significantly increase rain on the Arabian Peninsula. Agricultural irrigation can sometimes lead to more rain, as more moisture evaporates into the air. Irrigation and other human water use is increasing on the Arabian Peninsula, yet much of that water is lost as evaporation. This study examines whether that water loss could be recouped in the form of increased rainfall; however, the authors’ model suggests that irrigation-induced rainfall increases will be negligible.
Arctic Sea Ice Melting Has Triggered Distinct Interdecadal Transitions since 2000
Journal of Climate
Low ice sets up temperature switches across the Arctic and Eurasia. The persistently low levels of Arctic sea ice, and its decline over the decades, have led to changes in winter atmospheric conditions over both the Arctic and Eurasia, the authors find. Specifically, low sea-ice levels have set up an alternating decadal pattern of a warm Arctic and cold Eurasia, then a cold Arctic and warm Eurasia.
Emergency Manager Preferences for Rapidly Updating Severe Weather Warnings
Weather and Forecasting
Tornado warning! Wait … no. Wait, yes. “Threats in motion” (TIM) is a forecasting innovation still being tested by the National Weather Service, in which areas facing severe weather threats are automatically added to or removed from a tornado warning as the weather system moves. This study found that emergency managers are optimistic about TIM, but concerned about how to deal with certain areas moving into and out of a warning multiple times as weather develops.
You can view all research published in AMS Journals at journals.ametsoc.org.
About the American Meteorological Society
The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of around 12,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes 12 atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic science journals; hosts more than 12 conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services. Visit us at www.ametsoc.org/.
About AMS Journals
The American Meteorological Society continuously publishes research on climate, weather, and water in its 12 journals. Some AMS journals are open access. Media login credentials are available for subscription journals. Journals include the Bulletin of the American Meteorolocial Society, Weather, Climate, and Society, the Journal of Climate, and Monthly Weather Review.
Journal
Earth Interactions