NOAA: Gulf of America or Gulf of Mexico?

Yellowstone's Volcanic Future: Insights from Recent ResearchMeteorology Matters reviews research concerning volcanic activity at Yellowstone National Park. The sources provide insights into the likelihood of future eruptions, the structure of the magma system beneath the park, and the potential shift in volcanic activity.Key Findings:Yellowstone is not "overdue" for an eruption. Despite past supereruptions, volcanoes don't operate on predictable schedules. (Source: USGS)The magma chamber under Yellowstone is largely solid. Only 5-15% is molten, raising questions about the feasibility of a large-scale eruption. (Source: USGS)New research using magnetotellurics reveals a different picture of the magma system. Instead of one large reservoir, there are multiple, segregated pockets of magma with low melt percentages. (Source: Fox Weather & The Washington Post)This finding suggests that eruptions are unlikely in the foreseeable future, particularly in the northeastern region. (Source: Fox Weather)The research pinpoints the heat source driving Yellowstone's volcanic activity in the northeast region. This area also houses the largest magma storage, suggesting future eruptions may be concentrated there. (Source: Fox Weather)The study confirms a shift in volcanic activity towards the northeast. This aligns with the movement of the North American plate over the Yellowstone hotspot. (Source: The Washington Post)Scientists emphasize that future eruptions are likely thousands of years away. The park's volcanic activity is dynamic but does not pose an immediate threat. (Source: The Washington Post)Important Considerations:Supereruptions are rare events. Most volcanic systems that experience them do not have multiple occurrences. (Source: USGS)Even if Yellowstone erupts again, it may be a smaller, non-explosive event. The most recent eruption 70,000 years ago was a lava flow. (Source: USGS)Continued monitoring of Yellowstone is crucial. Seismographs and GPS help scientists understand stress changes in the Earth's crust, which could trigger earthquakes and influence volcanic activity. (Source: USGS)Quotes:"When we used magnetotellurics, we were able to see, actually, there’s not a lot there… There are these segregated regions where magma is stored across Yellowstone, instead of having one sort of large reservoir." - Ninfa Bennington, lead author of the study (Source: Fox Weather)"Nowhere in Yellowstone do we have regions that are capable of eruption. It has a lot of magma, but the magma is not connected enough." - Ninfa Bennington (Source: The Washington Post)"By no means is Yellowstone 'due for an eruption.' There will be eruptions, but it will probably be thousands of years before we can expect an eruption." - Erik Klemetti Gonzalez, associate professor of earth and planetary sciences (Source: The Washington Post)Conclusion:Recent research provides a more nuanced understanding of Yellowstone's volcanic system. While the potential for future eruptions remains, the current scientific consensus suggests that such events are unlikely in the near term. Continued monitoring and research are essential to further refine our understanding of Yellowstone's volcanic activity and its potential impacts.

5 Jan 14min

Florida's Roofing Conundrum:Overview: Meteorology Matters explores Florida's ongoing insurance crisis, focusing on the debate surrounding asphalt shingle roofs and their role in escalating premiums and homeowner vulnerability.Main Themes:Asphalt Shingle Roofs Under Scrutiny: Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky has sparked controversy by suggesting asphalt shingle roofs may need to be phased out due to their vulnerability to Florida's harsh weather conditions. He argues they don't last the promised 30 years and contribute to insurance claims and rising premiums.Industry Pushback: Roofing industry representatives, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association and the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, disagree with Yaworsky's assessment. They argue that properly installed, high-quality asphalt shingles can withstand hurricanes and offer a more affordable option for homeowners.Search for Solutions: In light of the insurance crisis, various stakeholders are seeking solutions:New Insurance Programs: Security First Insurance and Embark MGA have partnered to create a new program specifically for new construction homes, offering comprehensive HO5 policies with streamlined claims processing.Legislative Action: House Bill 13 proposes a radical change to Citizens Insurance, making it a windstorm-only insurer available to all Floridians. This model mirrors California's approach and aims to lower rates, though some experts raise concerns about its financial feasibility.Focus on Mitigation: State officials emphasize strengthening building codes and incentivizing homeowners to invest in storm-resistant features through programs like My Safe Florida Home.Exploring Alternatives: While cost remains a barrier, metal and concrete tile roofs are gaining attention as more durable and storm-resistant alternatives to asphalt shingles.Key Facts and Quotes:Asphalt Shingle Dominance: Asphalt shingles cover an estimated 80% of roofs nationwide and 60-65% in Florida. (Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel)Durability Concerns: "These products that are guaranteed to last for 30 years. They don't last for 30 years in Florida. They just don't." - Michael Yaworsky (Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel)Cost Factor: "Metal or tile roofs can last 50 years or more but cost two to three times the price of asphalt tile." (Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel)Industry Perspective: "Clearly, when it comes to wind performance, we're improving every single cycle, and every time we get a storm, we’re seeing more and more evidence of that." - Mike Silvers, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel)New Insurance Program: "The new HO5 policy comes with a broader scope of protection for new homebuyers than the standard, with streamlined claims processing." (Source: Newsweek)Legislative Proposal: "It provided insurance for all claims and only claims related to natural disasters and left the private market to pick up the rest. The result is rates dropped like a stone." - Former Rep. Spencer Roach on the proposed windstorm-only Citizens model (Source: WPTV)Funding for Mitigation: The Department of Financial Services plans to seek an additional $500 million for the My Safe Florida Home program. (Source: The Palm Beach Post)

4 Jan 12min

Meteorology Matters: Social media is abuzz with conspiracy theories surrounding reports of an unusual fog across the US, UK, and Canada, dubbed "Fogvid-24." This document summarizes the main themes, important facts, and contributing factors to this phenomenon.Summary of Events:Starting December 29, 2024, social media users, particularly on TikTok and X, began reporting a thick fog with unusual visual and olfactory characteristics.Some individuals claim this fog is accompanied by a chemical, electrical, or burning smell.Subsequent reports link exposure to the fog with flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, headaches, and fatigue.Conspiracy Theories:The unusual appearance of the fog and reported symptoms have fueled conspiracy theories, with some alleging it is a government-engineered bioweapon or a form of chemical attack.The term "Fogvid-24" emerged, drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated conspiracy theories.Some users point to historical examples like the US military's bacteria fog experiments in San Francisco (1949-1969) as evidence of the government's capacity for such actions.Quote: "None of this means that the government is pouring pathogens on its populace now, but we can’t say it’s impossible to do so." (Daily Dot)The discovery of a 1916 patent for an "intense artificial cloud" machine, though expired, has further fueled speculation.Theories linking the fog to the December drone incidents and Smart Dust technology developed by DARPA are also circulating.Quote: "Could this strange fog happening in multiple states and cities be Smart Dust? DARPA has a patent on Smart Dust back in the ‘90s I’m sure it’s been perfected in 2024 and the use of AI now," (X user)Skeptical Viewpoints:Skeptics, often leaning left politically, attribute the perceived abnormalities to the normal properties of fog and seasonal illnesses.Quote: “The delusional throbbers that believe this stupidity need to give their heads a massive wobble,” (X user @BSmithBenS)They highlight the fact that shining a light through fog naturally reveals individual water droplets, creating the illusion of "particles."They argue that the reported symptoms are likely due to the prevalence of common respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, especially during the holiday season.Scientific Explanations:The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dense fog advisories for affected areas, suggesting a meteorological explanation.Scientists explain that the fog can trap and concentrate pollutants, leading to a stronger perception of chemical smells.Quote: “When fog forms, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and other polluting gases are taken up or ‘scavenged’ by fog water droplets,” (Rudolf Husar, Washington University atmospheric scientist)Fog can also exacerbate respiratory problems due to its high moisture content, potentially leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.Conclusions:While the scientific community attributes the fog and associated symptoms to natural phenomena, conspiracy theories continue to spread on social media.This situation underscores the need for critical thinking and reliance on credible sources of information.The "Fogvid-24" phenomenon serves as a reminder of the powerful influence of social media and its potential to amplify unfounded fears and anxieties.

2 Jan 14min

Helene Aftermath: NC Recovery 3 Months LaterMeteorology Matters analyzes the lingering impacts of Hurricane Helene, three months after its devastating sweep through western North Carolina in September 2024. We examine the storm's enduring consequences on infrastructure, tourism, community life, and recovery efforts.Devastation and DestructionHurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm upon landfall in Florida, brought catastrophic flooding and landslides to the mountainous region of western North Carolina. Vivid imagery from the sources depicts the extent of the damage

1 Jan 13min

Meteorology Matters reviews the key findings from several recent sources regarding the subsidence of buildings along the Miami coastline. The research, primarily based on satellite-based Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations, identifies alarming trends in ground settlement potentially linked to construction practices and geological factors.

31 Des 202414min

Jimmy Carter's Environmental Legacy: meteorology Matters provides a comprehensive overview of President Jimmy Carter's environmental legacy, highlighting his commitment to conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, while also acknowledging the complexities and criticisms surrounding his approach.

30 Des 202413min

January Cold Snap: Accuracy, Limits, and the Looming Winter WeatherMeteorology Matters analyzes recent weather reporting regarding forecast accuracy, the intrinsic limits of predictability, and the potential for a severe cold snap in early to mid January 2025.

29 Des 202414min

Briefing Document: Holiday Traditions with a Military TwistThis document reviews two unique holiday traditions involving the US military: NORAD Tracks Santa and Operation Christmas Drop.NORAD Tracks SantaOrigin: The tradition began in 1955 when a Sears advertisement mistakenly printed the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) hotline number as Santa's phone number. Colonel Harry Shoup, the commander on duty, received calls from children and, rather than dismissing them, decided to provide updates on Santa's location.Operation Christmas DropOrigin: Operation Christmas Drop started in 1952 when a WB-29 aircrew, seeing islanders waving from Kapingamarangi, decided to drop a bundle of supplies attached to a parachute.

25 Des 202416min