Published on Jul 23, 2013

The average temperature across the continental U.S. could be 8 degrees Fahrenheit warmer by

Published on Jul 23, 2013

The average temperature across the continental U.S. could be 8 degrees Fahrenheit warmer by the end of the 21st century under a climate scenario in which concentrations of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide rise to 800 parts per million. Current concentrations stand at 400 parts per million, and are rising faster than at any time in Earth's history.

"These visualizations communicate a picture of the impacts of climate change in a way that words do not," says Allison Leidner, Ph.D., a scientist who coordinates NASA's involvement in the National Climate Assessment "When I look at the scenarios for future temperature and precipitation, I really see how dramatically our nation's climate could change."

These visualizations -- which highlight computer model projections from the draft National Climate Assessment -- show how average temperatures could change across the U.S. in the coming decades under two different carbon dioxide emissions scenarios.

Published on Jul 23, 2013

The climate of the southwestern U.S. could be a lot drier by 2100.

Published on Jul 23, 2013

The climate of the southwestern U.S. could be a lot drier by 2100. The climate of the northeastern U.S. could be a lot wetter.

"These visualizations communicate a picture of the impacts of climate change in a way that words do not," says Allison Leidner, Ph.D., a scientist who coordinates NASA's involvement in the National Climate Assessment "When I look at the scenarios for future temperature and precipitation, I really see how dramatically our nation's climate could change."

New visualizations of computer model projections show how precipitation patterns could change across the U.S. in the coming decades under two different carbon dioxide emissions scenarios.

The date seen in the bottom-right corner is the mid-point of the 30-year average being shown. To learn more about the National Climate Assessment, due out in 2014, visit here.

Snow melt from the snow pack in the Sierra Nevada mountain range provides drinking water to about 30% of California's

Snow melt from the snow pack in the Sierra Nevada mountain range provides drinking water to about 30% of California's residents, irrigates key crops in the San Joaquin valley, and runs hydroelectric power plants that supply at least 15% of the state's electricity. Scientists Martha Conklin and Tom Harmon of the University of California, Merced are conducting research at the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory, using wireless sensor technology to more accurately measure snow pack and snow melt so that state water managers can make better decisions on how to allocate this precious resource. Published on Jul 12, 2013

Part of the earth's largest surface freshwater system, Lake Erie is a vital source of drinking water for 11 million people.

Part of the earth's largest surface freshwater system, Lake Erie is a vital source of drinking water for 11 million people. Researchers Anna Michalak, Tom Bridgeman, and Pete Richards are studying how farming practices and severe weather can increase the amount of fertilizer-derived nutrients in the water, which diminishes water quality and threatens the lake's ecosystem and the public's health.

Published on Jul 12, 2013

This video uses animation, graphics, and video clips to illustrate and explain each of the "flow" and "storage" processes in

This video uses animation, graphics, and video clips to illustrate and explain each of the "flow" and "storage" processes in the Hydrologic Cycle, more commonly known as the Water Cycle: precipitation, interception, runoff, infiltration, percolation, groundwater discharge, evaporation, transpiration, evapotranspiration, and condensation.

Published on Jul 12, 2013

Bernie Krause has been recording wild soundscapes -- the wind in the

Bernie Krause has been recording wild soundscapes -- the wind in the trees, the chirping of birds, the subtle sounds of insect larvae -- for 45 years. In that time, he has seen many environments radically altered by humans, sometimes even by practices thought to be environmentally safe. A surprising look at what we can learn through nature's symphonies, from the grunting of a sea anemone to the sad calls of a beaver in mourning.

Published on Jul 15, 2013

Allan Savory is President and Co-founder of the Savory Institute

Allan Savory is President and Co-founder of the Savory Institute in Boulder, Colorado.

"Desertification is a fancy word for land that is turning to desert," begins Allan Savory in this quietly powerful talk. And terrifyingly, it's happening to about two-thirds of the world's grasslands, accelerating climate change and causing traditional grazing societies to descend into social chaos. Savory has devoted his life to stopping it. He now believes -- and his work so far shows -- that a surprising factor can protect grasslands and even reclaim degraded land that was once desert. Published on Mar 4, 2013