Newly published research from College researchers Qinghua Ding, Eric Steig, David Battisti, and Marcel Küttel shows how warmer-than-usual sea-surface temperatures, especially in the central tropics, lead to changes in atmospheric circulation that influence conditions near the Antarctic coast line.  Anomalously warm waters set up westerly winds that push surface water away from glaciers lining the Amundsen Sea and allow warmer deep water to rise to the surface under the edges of the glaciers. 

A new analysis, released last week, makes the most detailed case yet that Marine Stewardship Council certification does yield environmental benefits.  Read here for an overview; SAFS’ Timothy Essington is quoted. 

Cherry blossoms, an icon of spring, are celebrated in many cultures of the temperate region. For its sensitivity to winter and early spring temperatures, the timing of cherry blossoms is an ideal indicator of the impacts of climate change on tree phenology.  Center for Urban Horticulture’s Uran Chung and others examine the phenology of cherry trees in DC, the Midwest, and here on UW campus to see how they might respond to climate change.  

UW’s Sustainability page is currently highlighting recent research from Oceanography’s Peter Rhines, who collaborated on a Science paper (abstract linked here) just released last week.  He and his colleagues found that Atlantic multidecadal ocean variability (AMV) related to clusters of short-term weather events that brought 2010’s “Snowmageddon” to the east coast of North America.  These clusters in turn affect ocean current.  

A newly published paper in Global Environmental Change demonstrates the utility of historical climate data for identifying areas that might diversify protected are networks.  Co-authors include Lisa Graumlich and Jennifer Davison. Also check out two new papers in Science, covered by this ‘perspectives’ article, that talk about the effects of climate space on biodiversity, both past and future.