Something in the Air: Meteorological Research: Challenges for the Future
Although a great deal of progress has been made in the field of meteorological research, there is much that remains a mystery, at least in part because the climate system is so unpredictable.
Something in the Air: Heat, Pressure and Atmospheric Circulation Cells
The movement of heat around the globe is one of the most critical components of Earth's climate system. The circuits of air that move as part of the circulation process are known as cells.
On the Coast: Coastline Changes Over Time
Whatever a coastline's shape today, it was probably different yesterday, as it will no doubt be tomorrow. Coastal zones are among the most dynamic areas on Earth, subject to a host of factors that make every coast a work in progress.
On the Coast: Coastline Classification
There is no single, universally agreed upon system of classifying coastlines. Given the large number and variety of classification approaches, oceanographers often gravitate towards the method they consider to be most useful in studying coastal zone...
Something in the Air: Storms
Often, a storm begins as the result of air masses that have collided. There remains a good deal of uncertainty as to why some storms are stronger than others.
Something in the Air: Meteorology and Hurricanes
Some of the most important research currently underway in the field of meteorology involves hurricanes.
Something in the Air: Monsoons
Monsoons are seasonal patterns of wind circulation associated with large amounts of summer rainfall and thus favorable conditions for agriculture. Monsoon climates exist in Africa, Asia, Northern Australia and, to some extent, the Americas. About si...
The Ocean's Memory: Biogenous Sediments
While most sediments are terrigenous, there are other sediments that are also found in the marine environment. Biogenous sediments are those that form from the shells or skeletons of marine animals.
Look Out Below: Tsunami and Tectonic Events
Tsunami are usually the product of a tectonic event, such as an earthquake. They most commonly take place in the Pacific Rim region, because of the relatively higher frequency of large, shallow earthquakes in this area.
Look Out Below: Impact of Rising Sea Level
Sea level is rising about two millimeters per year. For those people and structures located along shorelines, this could eventually be a serious problem.