HS-ESS2-4

Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth systems result in changes in climate.

  1. Climate

    How to curb the climate heating by contrails

    Contrails are narrow clouds left behind in the sky by jets. They add to climate change. But a new study suggests a way to curb their contribution.

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  2. Climate

    5 things to know about the climate-saving benefits of tree planting

    A recent analysis of the benefits of massive efforts to plant more trees triggered a firestorm of controversy.

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  3. Climate

    Hotspots found for lightning’s superbolts

    A nine-year survey reveals where and when the most energetic lightning strikes — and it’s not what scientists expected.

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  4. Climate

    Explainer: Why some clouds glow in the dark

    A surprise space rock lit up the night sky over California — and left behind a rare type of cloud. Such glowing beauties may become more common with climate change.

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  5. Climate

    Explainer: What is attribution science?

    A relatively new, developing field of science investigates possible links between climate change and extreme weather events.

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  6. Climate

    Supercell: It’s the king of thunderstorms

    Not every thunderstorm has the potential to give birth to a tornado. It usually takes this special type.

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  7. Physics

    Explainer: What is thundersnow?

    Wacky weather produced lots of thundersnow during New England’s recent winter storms. Some scientists now suspect Mother Nature got some human help.

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  8. Physics

    Explainer: Winds and where they come from

    Temperature and pressure are critical factors affecting why the wind blows where it does. Understanding the nature of wind can teach us a lot about weather.

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  9. Science & Society

    Explainer: Weather and weather prediction

    The sun and Earth combine to create the planet’s weather systems. And science is getting good at predicting what they’ll do.

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  10. Earth

    Explainer: Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons

    Hurricanes are some of the most destructive forces on the planet. Here’s how they form and why they are so dangerous.

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  11. Environment

    Arctic Sea could be ice-free by 2050

    Everyone contributes to the melting of Arctic sea ice, and all are in danger of making summer ice disappear there completely by 2050, a new study finds.

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  12. Climate

    Scientists Say: Albedo

    To measure how much light reflects off an object, scientists measure its albedo.

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