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Monthly Archives: December 2014
What are geomagnetic storms?
Our sun is an active star that has storms. Sometimes the sun ejects a cloud of gas, called a coronal mass ejection or CME. CMEs are often associated with solar flares, and it takes about two to three days for the charged particles in this gas to reach Earth. Earth’s magnetic field deflects these particles toward the North and South Poles.
Unfortunately, solar electrons and protons from CMEs collide with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere and can stir up electromagnetic storms in the Earth’s magnetosphere. These geomagnetic storms can result in the Northern Lights but also disrupt satellite-based navigation, communications, air travel, power grids and even pipelines. A geomagnetic storm in March 1989 shut down the Hydro-Quebec electric grid in Canada, leaving people without electricity. Continue reading
Are ‘atmospheric rivers’ and the ‘Pineapple Express’ related?
Last week, central and southern California got hit with a substantial rain event, welcome news for a severely drought-stricken area that has not seen heavy rains in many months.
A high-profile element of the storm system that affected the region was a so-called “atmospheric river,” or the local variant of this feature sometimes known as the “Pineapple Express.”
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Category: Meteorology, Severe Weather
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What is a ‘panhandle hooker,’ and why is it called that?
A panhandle hooker, also called a Texas hooker, is a name for a storm that forms in the panhandles of Oklahoma or Texas. These storms bring interesting weather to the Midwest and Great Lake regions. The weather system gets its … Continue reading
Category: Meteorology, Seasons, Severe Weather
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What is the windchill temperature?
What is the windchill temperature? The windchill describes the increased loss of heat by the movement of the air. The windchill is relevant to humans and other animals that need to maintain a constant temperature that is higher than their … Continue reading
