Many people use tree ring records to see into the past. But redwoods – the iconic trees that are the world’s tallest living things – have so far proven too erratic in their growth patterns to help with reconstructing historic climate. A University of Washington researcher has developed a way to use the trees as a window into coastal conditions, using oxygen and carbon atoms in the wood to detect fog and rainfall in previous seasons.
Read more »The next big earthquake on the Seattle fault could trigger destructive landslides in the city, potentially affecting a much larger area than previously thought, and in areas outside those currently considered to be landslide prone, a new University of Washington-led study shows. “A major quake along the Seattle fault is among the worst-case scenarios for the area, since the fault runs just south of downtown.”
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In a recent paper published in Nature Geoscience, College of the Environment researchers discuss why the northern hemisphere of our planet experiences more rainfall than the southern hemisphere. The story involves ocean circulation, the Earth’s poles, warmer climates – and how they all connect to influence rainfall patterns. Read more in UW Today.
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The state of the planet has been in the news with the release of the 2013 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment report. Not surprisingly, a key finding is that our planet’s frozen landscapes and seascapes face an uncertain future. This is an issue of global concern because the glaciers and sea ice at high latitudes are not only crucial sources of fresh water, habitats for unique species, and home to many diverse cultures, but also play a key role in the climate system.
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1,152 donors for 152 years Celebrate UW’s 152 years and help us reach the goal of 1,152 donors with a gift to any fund during our 48-hour online giving event. Whether you give $5 or $152, don’t miss out on this chance to join in, make an impact and show your love for UW! Join us any time between 1:52 p.m.
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