changing climate

Ice storms, January rain showers, heavy snow, no snow: diagnosis of ‘warming winter syndrome’

by

One of the most robust measures of Earth’s changing climate is that winter is warming faster than other seasons. The cascade of changes this brings, including ice storms and rain in areas that were once reliably below freezing, are symptoms of what I call “warming winter syndrome.” Winter warming represents the global accumulation of heat. … Read more

New study examines the threat of ‘watermelon snow’ to mountain glaciers

by

A unique ecosystem of microorganisms such as algae and fungi are responsible for sometimes giving snow an unusual reddish hue. (Submitted by Lynne Quarmby – image credits) The Rocky Mountains conjure up images of gray, rugged peaks with white peaks. But in the upper reaches of the rugged mountain landscapes, a pinker hue often blooms. … Read more