Rainfall patterns around the tropics, the regions encircling the Earth’s equator, are crucial for understanding global water and energy cycles. These tropical rain belts migrate seasonally, following the sun’s path north and south. Scientists have long struggled to accurately model these complex dynamics using traditional climate models.

The study, „Learning by Doing: Seasonal and Diurnal Features of Tropical Precipitation in a Global-Coupled Storm-Resolving Model“ by Hans Segura and colleagues, offers a breakthrough. Their research utilizes the new generation of high-resolution simulations that nextGEMS is developing, which incorporate both atmospheric and oceanic interactions. This level of detail allows for the explicit representation of convection (the process by which warm, moist air rises and cools, forming clouds and precipitation) and mesoscale ocean eddies (large, swirling currents).

In this research video, produced by Latest Thinking, researcher Hans Segura highlights the promising results. On one hand, the simulations accurately capture the seasonal migration of the rainbelt over land, including its movement north and south, east and west, and expansion during summer. This is particularly true for the eastern Pacific and Atlantic regions. However, Segura clarifies that the model struggles to replicate these patterns over the Eastern Hemisphere’s oceans. The researchers suggest this discrepancy might be due to limitations in representing sea surface temperature patterns in these areas. In that sense, Segura points out that the model needs to be further developed, in addition to theoretical work and observations to understand the mechanisms influencing sea surface temperature.

Hans Segura is currently pursuing post doctoral research in the Climate Physics department of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology. Previously, he completed his doctorate at Université Grenoble Alpes  and conducted research at the Geophysics Institute of Peru. His research interests include precipitation-convection, clouds, and tropical climatology. 

Atmospheric turbulence refers to the irregular, chaotic flow of air in the Earth’s atmosphere. Although the majority of flows in nature are turbulent, our understanding of this phenomena remains surprisingly limited. Moreover, the complex and dynamic nature of atmospheric turbulence within the Earth’s atmosphere poses significant challenges to scientists. 

Jakub Nowak and Marta Wacławczyk explain their scientific work on atmospheric turbulence in one of the research videos developed by Latest Thinking. This video is based on the study „Detecting Nonequilibrium States in Atmospheric Turbulence“, in which scientists Holger Siebert and Szymon P. Malinowski contributed as well. The authors shed light on the temporal changes of turbulence and its implications for atmospheric modeling. In fact, before this study, changes of turbulence were only an assumption based on controlled experiments. Specifically, the authors focused on the behavior of turbulence within stratocumulus clouds over the ocean. 

Stratocumulus clouds are low-level clouds, varying in color from bright white to dark grey, and are the most common clouds on Earth. They have well-defined bases with varying shades, often featuring gaps but sometimes merging together. Typically, they form from a layer of stratus clouds breaking up and signal an upcoming weather change.

Marta Wacławczyk is an Assistant Professor at the University of Warsaw’s. With a PhD from Gdańsk and a rich background in fluid flow mechanics, she brings extensive expertise in the statistical analysis and modeling of turbulentflows. Jakub Nowak, on the other hand, is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Warsaw’s. His research, deeply rooted in the properties of turbulence within stratocumulus clouds, reflects his commitment to advancing our understanding of atmospheric dynamics.

Understanding atmospheric turbulence is essential for improving weather prediction models, climate simulations, and aviation safety. Furthermore, by exploring the temporal changes in turbulence within stratocumulus clouds, the work projected in this research video not only advances scientific knowledge, but also holds promise for improving climate modeling and weather prediction.

In the dynamic landscape of Climate Science, the concept of „storylines“ has emerged as a crucial framework for understanding and communicating complex data and findings. Therefore, research on this topic is playing an important role in the transmission of knowledge and many scientists are curious about how to incorporate them. One of those scientists is Eulàlia Baulenas, a researcher from the Barcelona Supercomputing Center in Spain and a project partner of the nextGEMS project. In a recent video analysis she explains the scientific publication „Assembling the climate story: use of storyline approaches in climate-related science“, a study developed by a team of which she was an integral member, through a visual and explanatory format.

Baulenas clarifies the multifaceted nature of storylines and their significance across various disciplines. Through a semi-systematic literature review, she uncovers three primary approaches to utilizing storylines: the discourse analytical approach, the story and simulation approach, and physical climate storylines. Each approach offers unique perspectives and methodologies, contributing to a more profound understanding of climate-related phenomena.

One notable aspect highlighted by Baulenas is the importance of interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity in crafting effective storylines. By drawing insights from diverse fields, researchers can enrich their narratives and offer comprehensive interpretations of Climate Science data. This research not only sheds light on existing practices but also encourages scholars to explore alternative approaches to storytelling in the field. As we continue to navigate the complexities of Climate Change, embracing diverse perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques will be instrumental in fostering collaboration and driving meaningful progress in the field.