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

    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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. Climate

    Scientists Say: Albedo

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

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  12. Earth

    Oxygen-rich air emerged super early, new data show

    Scientists had thought animals were slow to emerge because they would have needed oxygen-rich air to breathe. A new study finds that plentiful oxygen may have developed early. So animals may have been late on the scene for another reason.

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