Our world is hugged by complex layers of gases that make up the atmosphere. They protect and nurture all life as we know it. Now, we re shrinking an entire one of those layers – the stratosphere – thanks to the profound impacts we are having on
Australia s Black Summer Fires Have Left a Shocking Effect on Earth s Atmosphere
12 APRIL 2021
The scorching destruction of Australia s Black Summer bushfires between 2019 and 2020 provided an ominous glimpse of fire s reach in our hotter, dryer world, and the impact of the unprecedented inferno is still being measured.
Just weeks ago, scientists observed that the amount of smoke spewed from the blaze into the atmosphere rivaled that of a great volcanic eruption. Now, researchers say the giant smoke cloud was so immense, it measurably heated the stratosphere for months on end.
In a new study led by first author and climate modeler Pengfei Yu from China s Jinan University, scientists simulated the plume s emergence and evolution, showing the worst documented wildfires in Australian history left a lasting impact on the region s skies.
The researchers tested the endurance of micro-organisms to Martian conditions by launching them into the Earth s stratosphere, as it closely represents key conditions on Mars.Publ
Hawke s Bay s million dollar suburbs revealed
21 Jan, 2021 05:00 PM
4 minutes to read
Hawkes Bay Today
By: Louise Gould
Hawke s Bay now has two $1 million suburbs as house prices in the region move into a stratosphere never seen before. The latest OneRoof Valocity figures show the average sale price of a home in the coastal Hastings village of Waimarama and semi-rural hillside settlement of Poraiti in Napier was more than $1 million in 2020.
The growth in the median house price of each area in the past five years is more than $500,000, according to the OneRoof statistics.
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Waimarama s median house price is $1.2m and had a post Covid-19 price jump of 20.7 per cent.
Wrap up warm: Polar vortex brings freezing cold
The polar vortex is contributing to an icy winter in the Northern Hemisphere after all. Here s how the weather phenomenon comes about.
The fearsome-sounding polar vortex could be playing a role in cold spells but it s complicated
Let s not waste time. You will need: warm clothes, plenty of firewood and enough supplies (flour, yeast, toilet paper the usual) to not have to leave the house for the next week or two.
No, just kidding. For pandemic control, it would be helpful if we all stayed home, but as a precautionary measure against the approaching polar vortex, this would really be over the top. It s probably indeed going to be bitterly cold in much of the Northern Hemisphere, but we re not in for an apocalyptic winter scenario.