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    Irish Chronicles Document Links Between Volcanoes and Weather

    A study of over 40,000 written entries in Irish Annals and ice core measurements shows a strong correlation between the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and extreme cold weather in Ireland over a 1200 year period. Data analyzed in this study cover the period from 431 to 1649, during which time up to 48 volcanic eruptions are identified in Greenland ice core records through deposition of volcanic sulfate in annual layers of ice. You can find the study (open access), published on 6 June 2013 in IOP Publishing's journal Environmental Research Letters, at http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/8/2/024035/article. Find out more about how volcanoes can influence climate.
  • EF-5 Tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma Widest Ever Recorded in US
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    EF-5 Tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma Widest Ever Recorded in US

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  • Atmospheric CO2 Level Tops 400 ppm
    During the week of May 13th, the CO2 level at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii topped 400 ppm rep...Read more

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    Atmospheric CO2 Level Tops 400 ppm

    During the week of May 13th, the CO2 level at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii topped 400 ppm repeatedly. Daily levels of CO2 can vary due to weather, and there are seasonal trends as well. The level of atmospheric greenhouse gases continues to increase, now over 120 ppm since the Industrial Revolution began. For more on the Keeling Curve, see http://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/. Find out more about greenhouse gases and warming.

    Image Courtesy of Brad Clement

From: James McKee
Boulder, Colorado, September 23, 2008

Storm Breaks, allows team to ascend to Camp I

Hello all:

This is just a quick update to inform you that the blizzard that kept the team pinned to the Annapurna IV base camp has lifted and allowed the expedition team to ascend to Camp I.

Brad reports they arrived at Camp I early Tuesday morning. Ascending was a difficult task as the route is very steep and is covered in snow and slimy rock. Despite the challenges, it was a fun day, especially since the team had to wait seven days for the monsoon storm to clear. They also spent another two days getting the climbing route ready for the trip to Camp I.

The team is currently perched on a ridge, safe and sound, but avalanches are still present all around them. In between the clouds they can see great views of Manaslu, one of the peaks in the region. Hopefully the next update will be from Camp II!

Postcards from the Field: Annapurna

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