Modern dog breeds have little in common genetically with their ancient ancestors, according to a study published May 21, 2012 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.

An international team of scientists, led by researchers from the University of Durham, analyzed data of the genetic make-up of modern-day dogs, alongside an assessment of the global archaeological record of dog remains.

Breeds such as the Akita, Afghan Hound and Chinese Shar-Pei, which have been classed as 'ancient', are no closer to the first domestic dogs than other breeds due to the effects of lots of cross-breeding, the study found. Photo credit: BD Ungard

Although many modern breeds look like those depicted in ancient texts or in Egyptian pyramids, cross-breeding across thousands of years has meant that it is not accurate to label any modern breeds as “ancient”, the researchers said.

Breeds such as the Akita, Afghan Hound and Chinese Shar-Pei, which have been classed as “ancient”, are no closer to the first domestic dogs than other breeds due to the effects of lots of cross-breeding, the study found.

Other effects on the genetic diversity of domestic dogs include patterns of human movement and the impact on dog population sizes caused by major events, such as the two World Wars, the researchers added.

In total, the researchers analyzed genetic data from 1,375 dogs representing 35 breeds. They also looked at data showing genetic samples of wolves, with recent genetic studies suggesting that dogs are exclusively descended from the grey wolf.

Lead author Dr. Greger Larson, an evolutionary biologist in Durham University’s Department of Archaeology, said the study demonstrated that there is still a lot we do not know about the early history of dog domestication including where, when, and how many times it took place.

Dr. Larson said, 'Both the appearance and behavior of modern breeds would be deeply strange to our ancestors who lived just a few hundred years ago.' Photo credit: Shawn Leishman

Dr Larson added:

We really love our dogs and they have accompanied us across every continent.

Ironically, the ubiquity of dogs combined with their deep history has obscured their origins and made it difficult for us to know how dogs became man’s best friend.

All dogs have undergone significant amounts of cross-breeding to the point that we have not yet been able to trace all the way back to their very first ancestors.

Several breeds, including Basenjis, Salukis and Dingoes, possess a differing genetic signature, which previous studies have claimed to be evidence for their ancient heritage, the research found.

However the study said that the unique genetic signatures in these dogs was not present because of a direct heritage with ancient dogs. Instead these animals appeared genetically different because they were geographically isolated and were not part of the 19th Century Victorian-initiated Kennel Clubs that blended lineages to create most of the breeds we keep as pets today.

The study also suggested that within the 15,000 year history of dog domestication, keeping dogs as pets only began 2,000 years ago and that until very recently, the vast majority of dogs were used to do specific jobs. Dr Larson said:

Both the appearance and behavior of modern breeds would be deeply strange to our ancestors who lived just a few hundred years ago.

And so far, anyway, studying modern breeds hasn’t yet allowed us to understand how, where and when dogs and humans first started this wonderful relationship.

Bottom line: According to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA on May 21, 2012, modern dog breeds have little in common genetically with their ancient ancestors.

Via EurekAlert

The remains of Joplin High School one year after the deadly EF-5 tornado pushed through the city. Image Credit: Daniel Dix

May 22, 2011 was a sunny day in Joplin, Missouri, with people going to church and graduation. It was a Sunday, a day of rest. Initially, there was no heightened threat for severe weather across the region in the morning hours of May 22. A slight risk area was highlighted across the area, but there was nothing that warranted a huge threat for large, violent tornadoes. By that evening, the city of Joplin was bracing for a violent tornado that struck at 5:41 p.m. CDT. Not only was the city shocked, but meteorologists were shocked of the fast developments of this storm. Today – May 22, 2012 – is the one-year anniversary of the tragedy that took place in Joplin, Missouri. The EF-5 tornado killed 161 people, making it the deadliest single tornado to hit the United States since modern tornado record keeping began in 1950. With over three billion dollars in damage, the EF-5 tornado is the costliest tornado in world history. The city is still picking up the pieces one year later, but the city still remains and is rebuilding.

Take a look of a 360 perspective of the Joplin High School on the backside via Daniel Dix

The U.S. Navy helped with cleanup in Joplin, Missouri. Image Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Ryan Sullivan/Released

This post includes videos of these experiences that many people in Joplin, Missouri experienced. Watch a few at least. They are powerful.

The EF-5 Joplin, Missouri tornado will be the tornado meteorologists will talk about for years to come. Prior to Joplin, we talked about the EF-5 tornado that destroyed the city of Greensburg, Kansas on May 4, 2007. The important message behind Joplin, Missouri for all of us is: what went wrong? Why did so many die, and how can we prevent a similar loss of life in future tornadoes? The warning process was very poor in this situation, and unless you were at home, watching radar, the chances of knowing a tornado was approaching Joplin was very slim. Many people were out and about on the roads when the tornado struck, which contributed to more injuries and deaths. The tornado was large – over a mile wide – and was rain wrapped. Once the tornado got close to the area, it was too late for many to take shelter.

How it happened:

Radar images (reflectivity/velocity) showing the tornado signature and debris ball as the EF5 tornado pushes out of Joplin, MO

The first tornado warning was issued for northern Jasper county that did not include the city of Joplin around 5:10 PM. The sirens were initiated throughout the county. However, by 5:17 PM, another tornado warning was issued south of the current one that extended into Joplin. At this time, however, no sirens were turned on. The tornado was clearly on the southern branch of the storm, and the main focus was on the northern part of the storm in Jasper county. By 5:41 PM, the tornado pushes through downtown Joplin. In the image above, you can see the debris ball on radar, which practically shows the debris from the storm that is lodged into the air. As debris is flying in the air, radar picks it up and shows high reflectivity, thus showing us a debris ball on radar.

Watch the full evolution of the Joplin, Missouri tornado as it starts as a funnel cloud and quickly ramps up into a large, destructive wedge tornado. Amazing video:

Another group of storm chasers, Jeff and Kathryn Piotrowski was targeting this storm as it was pushing through Joplin. Amazing footage as the storm hits and just devastating reactions (4:45) from Jeff Piotrowski as he walks into the aftermath of destruction:

Perhaps out of all of the videos, this one hits close to home. Many people were driving on the roads and interstate when this supercell thunderstorm pushed through Joplin. In this video, a truck driver was blindly driving directly into the tornado without knowing it. WARNING: I will admit, this is probably one of the scariest youtube videos I have ever seen from a tornado. Viewer discretion is advised.

The truck driver writes:

“Yeah im ok,i was driving a 18 wheeler,and i don’t have any other footage,i didn’t even know i was going into a tornado,i was just recording it testing out my camera on my phone. My camera/ my phone was mounted on the windshield on a stand and when i flipped my windshield broke and got torn out so that i lost my phone! but when the moved my truck my phone was under the truck which i was able to salvage the memory card to get the video ? i was flipped [around 3:26 in the video] and then pushed until my trailer hit the ditch and could go no more.”

As the tornado ravaged through Joplin, Missouri, the hospital and other businesses were able to capture its intensity. Check out these security cameras that caught the debris flying into the air. The first video was just released this past week from St. Johns emergency waiting room. The second video shows the power of the tornado outside a yard.

What we have learned:

Although this was a tragedy, it was also a learning experience. The people of Joplin and neighborhoods surrounding the city banded together to help those who were homeless, hurt, or needed help searching for loved ones and valuables. According to the website “Joplin Tornado Anniversary”, 130,009 volunteers have provided 810,476.5 hours to the rebuilding of Joplin. The one-year anniversary makes today the “Day of Unity”. Throughout the day, the city of Joplin will band together as they have the entire past year to remember and reflect on the ones they have lost. Joplin continues to look into the future, and rebuilding is their top priority. They want to make Joplin better than it was prior to the tornado. You know what? I know they can do that. For the full lineup of events of the Day of Unity, please click here.

Complete destruction after an EF-5 tornado hits Joplin, Missouri. Image Credit: xpda on flickr

On May 21, 2012, President Obama visited the graduating senior class of Joplin High School and made a commencement speech. He focused on the hardships they have encountered the past year, and how those experiences will only make the students stronger as they become adults in the real world.

President Obama:

The job of a commencement speaker – aside from keeping it short and sweet – is to inspire. But as I look out at this class, and across this city, what’s clear is that you’re the source of inspiration today. To me. To this state. To this country. And to people all over the world.

Last year, the road that led you here took a turn that no one could’ve imagined. Just hours after the class of 2011 walked across this stage, the most powerful tornado in six decades tore a path of devastation through Joplin that was nearly a mile wide and 13 miles long. In only 32 minutes, it took thousands of homes, hundreds of businesses, and 161 of your neighbors, your friends, and your family members. It took Will Norton, who had just left this auditorium with a diploma in his hand. It took Lantz Hare, who should’ve received his diploma next year.

By now, most of you have probably relived those 32 minutes again and again. Where you were. What you saw. When you knew for sure that it was over. The first contact you had with someone you love. The first day you woke up in a world that would never be the same. And yet, the story of Joplin is the story of what happened the next day. And the day after that. And all the days and weeks that followed. As your city manager, Mark Rohr, has said, the people here chose to define the tragedy “not by what happened to us, but by how we responded.”

That story is part of you now. You’ve grown up quickly over the last year. You’ve learned at a younger age than most that we can’t always predict what life has in store for us. No matter how we might try to avoid it, life can bring heartache. Life involves struggle. Life will bring loss.
But here in Joplin, you’ve also learned that we have the power to grow from these experiences. We can define our own lives not by what happens to us, but by how we respond. We can choose to carry on, and make a difference in the world. And in doing so, we can make true what’s written in Scripture – that “tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope.”

Of all that’s come from this tragedy, let this be the central lesson that guides you and sustains you through whatever challenges lie ahead.

You can read the full speech from President Obama here via MSN.

Damage in the heart of Joplin, Missouri. Image Credit: NOAA

On May 22, 2011, 161 lives were lost in Joplin as the deadly EF-5 tornado, with wind speeds over 200 mph, pushed through the center of the city. Since this event, meteorologists have been trying to figure out ways to improve the tornado warning system to help save lives. We can learn from our mistakes, and hope that events such as this do not occur with any frequency. Unfortunately, an event like Joplin, Missouri will happen again. It is only a question of when and where will it occur. Since the deadly tornado outbreaks of 2011, we are trying to figure out new ways to warn people from deadly weather. Experimental warnings with stronger wording has been used to help warn residents in Kansas and Missouri this spring. Starting in June 2012, a new emergency system will send out texts to all cellphones using GPS technology.

Bottom line: Joplin, Missouri is stronger than it has ever been. The entire community has worked together to rebuild the city. Although it will take many more years to fully complete the transformation of the city, I fully expect it to grow bigger and better. The people of Joplin will never forget the fear and destruction as this tornado pushed into their area. They will never forget those who they lost from this tragic event. But the Joplin High School will be rebuilt. The city will be rebuilt. Joplin is full of survivors, hard workers and passionate people. They’ll make their city stronger than before. Prayers go out to everyone that were affected by this disaster a year ago. On Joplin’s Day of Unity – May 22, 2012 – Joplin not only reflects on its past, but looks to a stronger future.

Missouri and Kansas to try new tornado warning system

Wireless Emergency Alerts coming soon to your phone

Rely on a NOAA Weather Radio, not a tornado siren

Everything you need to know: Tornado safety

Hurricane season 2012 officially begins June 1 in the Atlantic, but the first named storm swept near the U.S. East Coast this weekend. Tropical Storm Alberto formed off the coast of South Carolina on May 19. NASA’s Terra satellite captured its image that same day. This storm was never expected to make landfall, but it did cause a storm watch along the U.S. East Coast, which was discontinued yesterday (May 20) at 5 p.m. EDT.

Tropical Storm Alberto as seen on May 19, 2012 by NASA's Terra satellite. Image via NASA Earth Observatory

Read more about Tropical Storm Alberto from EarthSky weather blogger Matt Daniel

Read more about Tropical Storm Alberto from NASA Earth Observatory

The value of citizen-generated science is growing exponentially. In early May 2012, citizen scientists reached a major milestone by contributing over one million observations on the environment to Nature’s Notebook. Nature’s Notebook is an online observation program run by the USA National Phenology Network that collects information on the annual timing of important life cycle events such as when birds migrate, when plants flower in the spring and when leaves turn color in the fall.

Jake Weltzin, a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey and director of the USA National Phenology Network commented on the growth of citizen scientist contributions to Nature’s Notebook in a press release. He said:

Hitting the one millionth observation is exciting because researchers and decision-makers need more information to understand and respond to our rapidly changing planet. More information means better-informed decisions that ensure the continued vitality of our natural areas that we all depend on and enjoy.

The one millionth observation was contributed by Lucille Tower, a citizen scientist from Portland, Oregon who tracked the emergence of maple vines this spring.

Lucille Tower records the one millionth observation of maple vines for the USA National Phenology Network. Image Credit: USGS.

Contributions to Nature’s Notebook are encouraged from people of all ages and backgrounds and the data they are collecting are forming a robust and sensitive indicator of environmental change. Data are made freely available to scientists, resource managers and the public to support decision-making and projects are already underway to use the data for examining the impacts of climate change on ecological communities, for forecasting the allergy season, for predicting the severity of western wildfires and for controlling invasive species.

Not only are the data being collected for Nature’s Notebook important, but people are also reporting that they enjoy participating in the process. Gwen Lundburg, a citizen scientist from Seattle, Washington and frequent contributor to Nature’s Notebook said:

Just noticing small changes like tiny purple lilac buds suddenly turning green has taught me to look more closely at my plants. I see things in my garden I never saw before.

Funding for the USA National Phenology Network is provided in part by the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the National Science Foundation and the University of Arizona.

Marcia McNutt, director of the U.S. Geological Survey commented on the value of contributions from citizen scientists in the press release. She said:

My dream is that through the wonders of modern technology and the National Phenology Network we could turn the more than six billion people on the planet into components of our scientific observation system. We could make giant leaps in science education, and all while making ordinary citizens feel a part of the scientific process.

John Wingfield, National Science Foundation’s assistant director for biological sciences added:

So much of our improved understanding about global environmental changes is driven by varied and valuable sources of information that include networks of citizen scientists. The public at large has played an important role collecting observations and data for a hundred years and more. Knowledge and data gained from their work will continue to have a lasting effect on how we understand regularly recurring biological phenomena for hundreds of plant and animal species and contribute to the policy arena.

Congratulations to everyone on hitting the one million mark. Can’t wait to see what next year will bring.

Bottom line: In early May 2012, citizen scientists reached a major milestone by contributing over one million observations on the environment to Nature’s Notebook. Nature’s Notebook is an online observation program run by the USA National Phenology Network that collects information on the annual timing of important life cycle events such as when birds migrate, when plants flower in the spring and when leaves turn color in the fall. Data from Nature’s Notebook are improving the scientific understanding of important environmental changes that are taking place on our planet.

Citizen scientists uncover a galaxy of bubbles

Citizen scientists monitor the sea

Picture a turtle the size of a Smart car, with a shell large enough to double as a kiddie pool. Paleontologists have found just such a specimen – the fossilized remains of a 60-million-year-old South American giant that lived in what is now Colombia.

The turtle in question is Carbonemys cofrinii, which means “coal turtle.” The fossil was named Carbonemys because it was discovered in 2005 in a coal mine that was part of northern Colombia’s Cerrejon formation. The specimen’s skull measures 24 centimeters, roughly the size of a football. The shell which was recovered nearby – and is believed to belong to the same species – measures 172 centimeters, or about five and half feet long.

Image Credit: Artwork by Liz Bradford

Smaller relatives of Carbonemys existed alongside dinosaurs. But the giant version appeared five million years after the dinosaurs vanished, during a period when giant varieties of many different reptiles – including Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the largest snake ever discovered – lived in this part of South America.

Researchers believe that a combination of changes in the ecosystem, including fewer predators, a larger habitat area, plentiful food supply and climate changes, worked together to allow these giant species to survive. Carbonemys’ habitat would have resembled a much warmer modern-day Orinoco or Amazon River delta.

In addition to the turtle’s huge size, the fossil also shows that this particular turtle had massive, powerful jaws that would have enabled the omnivore to eat anything nearby – from mollusks to smaller turtles or even crocodiles.

Thus far, only one specimen of this size has been recovered. Dr. Dan Ksepka, co-author of the paper in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology that describes the find, believes that this is because a turtle of this size would need a large territory in order to obtain enough food to survive. He said:

It’s like having one big snapping turtle living in the middle of a lake. That turtle survives because it has eaten all of the major competitors for resources. We found many bite-marked shells at this site that show crocodilians preyed on side-necked turtles. None would have bothered an adult Carbonemys, though – in fact smaller crocs would have been easy prey for this behemoth.

Bottom line: Paleontologists have found the fossilized remains of a 60-million-year-old South American giant turtle – Carbonemys cofrinii, which means “coal turtle” – that lived in what is now Colombia.

Via EurekAlert

Grand Isle, Louisiana pair of waterspouts taken on May 8, 2012. Image Credit: WVUE-TV

Everyone has probably heard of the term “waterspout”, but do you know or understand how it forms? In general terms, a waterspout is simply a tornado over an open body of water. If a tornado forms over an ocean, lake, or even a river, it is considered to be a waterspout. Waterspouts are typically weaker than most tornadoes, and usually are short lived. In this post, we will look at various images and videos of waterspouts and learn about how they form and the types that can occur.

Waterspout off Miami, Florida. Image Credit: Neal Dorst OAR/AOML

There are two types of waterspouts we commonly see: A fair weather waterspout and a tornadic waterspout.

Fair weather waterspouts form during “fair” and relatively calm weather. These waterspouts typically occur in the early to mid morning hours, and sometimes in the early afternoon. Fair weather waterspouts typically form along dark flat bases of a line of developing cumulus clouds. Everyone associates tornadoes and waterspouts with thunderstorms, but in a fair weather waterspout, thunderstorms are nonexistent. When fair weather waterspouts form, they typically occur during light wind conditions. Because of this, these waterspouts typically move very little. When these form under fair conditions, circulations typically form at the surface of the water and develops upward.

There are five stages that occur for fair weather waterspouts:

Stage 1 is the formation of a disk on the surface of the water, known as a dark spot.
Stage 2 is a spiral pattern on the water surface.
Stage 3 is a formation of a spray ring.
Stage 4 is where the waterspout becomes a visible funnel.
Stage 5 is the last and final stage of the life cycle where the waterspout decays. When the waterspout decays, it likely does so because a cool rain falls near the spout. This cool air typically disrupts the supply of warm, humid air that allows to keep the waterspout going.

Waterspout in the Gulf of Mexico. Image Credit: NWS Collection

Tornadic waterspouts are simply tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water. They typically occur with afternoon and evening thunderstorms. The two main ingredients for waterspout development is warm, moist air that provides an unstable atmosphere. Trade winds from boundaries can also influence the formation of a waterspout. Unlike fair weather waterspouts, tornadic waterspouts typically develop downward in a thunderstorm, and begin to appear initially as funnel clouds. The storms that develop these waterspouts are typically non-supercell thunderstorms. According to NWS, a supercell thunderstorm is defined as a large severe storm occurring in a significant vertically-sheared environment; contains quasi-steady, strongly rotating updraft (mesocyclone); usually moves to the right (perhaps left) of the mean wind; can evolve from a non-supercell storm; and contain moderate-to-strong vertical speed and directional wind shear in the 0-6 km layer. We typically think of supercell thunderstorms as the one that produce the large, violent tornadoes. In non-supercell thunderstorms, tornadoes that typically form are due to a boundary layer. Spin ups that do occur in the storm are typically short and do not last long. Obviously, every waterspout is different and some could last longer than others.

Check out this amazing video of a waterspout pushing ashore on Grand Isle, Louisiana last week (May 8, 2012). This video went viral on the internet this past weekend. Just spectacular footage of multiple waterspouts and a tornado hitting the coast around 4 minutes into the video. Scary stuff! FYI: Do not do this at home! If you know a tornado is about to strike near you, go inside and take shelter. It is not the tornado itself that will hurt or kill you. Instead, it is the flying debris in the air that is dangerous!

Waterspouts typically occur in tropical regions, but they can form almost anywhere. They can occur in the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, western coast of Europe, Mediterranean Sea, and the Baltic Sea. It is important that this phenomenon is common throughout the world, and other countries can easily see these develop. The most common place that typically sees the most waterspouts than anyone else is along the Florida Keys. They typically form during the late spring and summer months, with tornadic waterspouts forming after 2pm in the afternoon. Florida is considered to be most prone area to see tornadoes in the United States. However, many of them end up being waterspouts. The best place in Florida to see and experience a waterspout is in the Florida Keys. According to an article from USA Today, waterspouts in the Florida Keys are generally from around to 18,000 to 22,000 feet high. It is not unusual to see 400 to 500 waterspouts a year in this area, and sometimes, there are many that go unreported. In rare instances, more than one waterspout can form from a storm off shore. The more that develops, the rarer the situation becomes.

Here is a video of two waterspouts forming off Honolulu, Hawaii back in May of 2011:

Waterspouts are typically weaker than tornadoes, but as seen in the videos above, they can still cause a decent amount of damage. It is important for those in the ocean to constantly monitor the weather each and every day. For instance, it could be a smart idea to avoid being in the Florida Keys in the afternoon or evening time when there is a chance for thunderstorms at the coast. If you are on a boat or ship and a waterspout develops, try to navigate and escape the area by going at right angles of its path. NOAA recommends those who are on boats or ships to monitor special marine warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Of course, they highly recommend to avoid navigating through a waterspout. They can cause decent damage, and could hurt or kill you.

Bottom line: Waterspouts can be harmless as long as you understand and avoid them. If you live along the coast, you should treat all waterspouts as tornadoes on land and assume they might come ashore. Waterspouts form off non-supercell thunderstorms, and typically are short-lived. Some waterspouts can reach the coast line and become tornadoes, so it is important for everyone to monitor the weather as it evolves. Waterspouts can occur anywhere in the world, and the most common place they form in the United States is across the Florida Keys and across the Gulf of Mexico.

Earthquake Italy May 20, 2012

What seismologists say is “one of the strongest earthquakes to shake northern Italy” shook the region around Bologna early Sunday. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is now reporting it as a magnitude-6.0 temblor. It took place at 2:03 UTC, or 4:30 a.m. at the epicenter. Various media outlets are reporting that it killed at least four people, toppled buildings and sent residents running into the streets. At least one strong aftershock (5.1-magnitude) and one smaller aftershock has occurred since then.

Castello Estense, a medieval tower in northern Italy, suffered damaged in the May 20, 2012 earthquake that shook the region.

Initial reports say that the dead included a worker at a factory in Ferrara. Several churches in towns around the epicenter are reported to have suffered damage. A tower of Castello Estense, a moated medieval structure in the center of Ferrara (see image above), was damaged in the earthquake.

The earthquake struck about 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of the city of Bologna, Italy. Image Credit: USGS

Details of the quake from the USGS are as follows:

Date Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 02:03:52 UTC
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 04:03:52 AM at epicenter
Location 44.800°N, 11.192°E
Depth 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
Region
NORTHERN ITALY
Distances
36 km (22 miles) NNW of Bologna, Italy
69 km (42 miles) E of Parma, Italy
72 km (44 miles) SSE of Verona, Italy
339 km (210 miles) NNW of ROME, Italy

AP reported that initial television footage showed older buildings with roofs collapsed, church towers with cracks and the bricks of some stone walls that had tumbled into the street. As dawn broke over the region earlier today, residents milled about the streets inspecting the damage.

Today's sunrise over Italy. The earthquake took place in darkness at 4:03 a.m. local time in Italy, about an hour and a half before this picture was taken. Photo by EarthSky Facebook friend Statuti Claudio, who lives in central Italy. He says he did not feel the quake.

Bottom line: A strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake shook northern Italy early this morning. At least four deaths have been reported so far. The earthquake created cracks in buildings and stone walls. Seismologists say it was one of the strongest earthquakes to strike this region.

Tropical Storm Alberto is very small and disorganized near the South Carolina coast. Yellow box indicates the possible storm track. Image Credit: CIMSS

The first named storm for the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season has formed across the western Atlantic Ocean. Tropical Storm Alberto developed during the afternoon hours of Saturday, May 19, 2012. The 5 p.m. EDT advisory reported a tropical storm with sustained winds of 45 miles per hour and a barometric pressure of 1007 millibars. Two hours later, a special weather advisory was issued around 7 p.m. EDT reporting that a ship recorded a much stronger storms with winds sustained at 60 mph and a barometric pressure of 995 mb. As of now, Alberto is slightly weaker and will likely fluctuate in intensity since the storm is so small and outside forces can greatly impact the system. Alberto should not be a direct threat to land, and will eventually push northeastward out to sea.

Forecast track from the National Hurricane Center on May 20, 2012 at 5 AM EDT. Image Credit: NHC

As of Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 5 a.m. EDT (9:00 UTC), here is the latest information regarding Tropical Storm Alberto:

Maximum sustained winds: 50 mph
Barometric pressure: 998 mb (29.47 inches in mercury)
Moving: West-Southwest at 6 mph
Location: 31.7°N 78.9°W
100 miles (160 Kilometers) southeast of Charleston, South Carolina
About 130 miles (210 kilometers) east-southeast of Savannah, Georgia

A disorganized and poorly shaped Tropical Storm Alberto (Rainbow/Infrared image). Image Credit: NHC

Tropical Storm Alberto should not directly impact land across the eastern coast of the United States. It will likely hover across the South Carolina and North Carolina coastline for the next 48 to 72 hours before it encounters a trough in the eastern United States that will eventually steer the system out into the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Tropical storm watches have been issued from the Savannah River to South Santee River, South Carolina. For a tropical system to be rated as a tropical storm, it must have sustained winds of 39 mph or greater. Once a storm reaches sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, the storm is classified as a hurricane. Fortunately, Alberto appears to show very little change in structure or intensity for the past 12-15 hours. Alberto is currently over the warm Gulf loop current (aka the Gulf Stream) that forms in the Gulf of Mexico, moves around Florida, and pushes northeast along the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Since tropical systems use warmer ocean waters as a source for strengthening, this area should stay monitored. However, there are other outside forces that impending the strength of the system. For instance, there is plenty of dry air to the north of the system. Dry air can interact with a tropical cyclone and prevent it from strengthening can actually allow weakening. Also, wind shear around 20 to 30 knots are evident south of the storm, which is also another factor that weakens tropical cyclones. With that said, the National Hurricane Center forecasts very little change in the strength of Alberto. It is important to note that Alberto is a very small tropical storm, and small systems such as this can fluctuate in intensity fairly fast. There is only a 5-10% probability that Alberto will reach hurricane strength in the next 48 to 72 hours. In my opinion, Alberto does not look very organized at this time, and I highly doubt it will reach hurricane intensity.

The biggest concerns along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina will be strong rip currents and rough ocean waters. Everyone is urged to avoid the waters this weekend as Alberto spins in this area for the next 48-72 hours. Squalls from the tropical storm will likely impact parts of the South Carolina coast. Tropical Storm winds are possible this evening, which is why the Tropical Storm Watch has been issued along the coast. As of now, it appears as if all of the heavy precipitation will occur offshore.

In 1994, residents in Alabama and Georgia remember another storm called Alberto. It produced heavy rains and significant flooding that cost millions in damage. Image Credit: National Climatic Data Center

Tropical Storm Alberto is a name that many people remember in the southeast, particularly Georgia. Back in 1994, Alberto formed as a weak tropical storm that slowly pushed northward into Alabama and Florida from the Gulf of Mexico. As if moved northward, it eventually stalled and produced heavy rains across Alabama and Georgia. Flooding was a huge problem across these areas, and parts of southern and Central Georgia received rainfall totals around 10 to even 25 inches. The storm ended up costing 500 million dollars in damaged and killed 28 Georgians. Typically when storms produce that much damage and loss of life, the National Hurricane Center retires the system. Unfortunately, this storm was never retired. Alberto 2012 will be nothing like Alberto 1994. The 2012 Alberto will likely remain off shore and eventually be steered out to sea.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 every year. With that said, Tropical Storm Alberto is the earliest-forming storm in the Atlantic basin since Tropical Storm Ana formed in 2003. This past week, the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season started a few days early as Tropical Storm Aletta formed. The Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season begins on May 15 each year. With early formations of tropical storms such as Alberto and Aletta, it makes it the first time that a tropical storm has formed before the official start of the hurricane season in both the Atlantic and East Pacific basins.

Bottom line: Tropical Storm Alberto will likely stay off the coast of South Carolina and only cause rip currents across the eastern coast of the United States. The storm is very disorganized at this time, and I highly doubt it will strengthen into a hurricane. As of now, the intensity forecast is for the system to maintain its strength, slow down in movement, and eventually be picked up by a trough sometime Tuesday that will push the entire storm out to sea. Rainfall rates will be likely low as most of the rainfall will occur offshore. Dry air to the north and wind shear to the south will likely keep this system from truly organizing, even though it is currently over the warm Gulf Stream. All residents should monitor this storm as it continues to spin offshore. EarthSky will keep you up to date on this storm if anything changes. For now, no immediate threats or worries along the Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina coasts. If anything, avoid the waters! Rip currents are the biggest threats!

In a previous post, I mentioned that NOAA weather radios are the way to go to receive weather warnings and updates when you are inside and asleep. However, on Monday, May 14, 2012, I got word of a brand new system – launched by wireless carriers and the federal government – that will send weather warnings to your phone. It’ll be implemented later this month. You can receive updates regarding extreme weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, tsunamis, and blizzards. The system is called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The alerts will be automatic and free for everybody who uses a major network.

Via MSNBC

Because the system is GPS sensitive, text alerts may vary, according to your location. If a tornado warning is issued for Dallas, Texas, for example, then mobile phone subscribers currently in that city will receive a text with a tornado warning. On the other hand, if your hometown is affected by a tornado warning, and you are elsewhere at the time, you will not receive a text.

All major wireless carriers have agreed to offer the WEA system to their subscribers. Companies that will support and implement these weather and disaster alerts include AT&T, Cellcom, Cricket, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless. These companies make up 97% of mobile phone subscribers in the United States.

Image Credit: Alan Wolf

You will have an option to opt out of receiving weather and AMBER alerts, but you will not be able to opt out of Presidential emergency alerts.

If a warning or some type of disaster occurs, you will be notified with a 90 character text that will briefly update you on the situation. As always, do not rely on just one warning feature to keep you up to date on the weather. If you were to receive an emergency warning text by phone, your next step ideally might be to find another source – such as a NOAA weather radio, local television, or the Internet to find out more. That’s assuming you don’t have to take shelter immediately.

Typically when tornado warnings are issued, they are drawn into a polygon that outlines a particular area of where that storm will travel. If you are in that polygon area, then you will receive a text on your phone. Basic tornado watches will not be sent via your phone, by the way.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? So what’s the catch? Is there a fee? How do you sign up?

It is a free service. No sign up is required. WEA will issue not only weather warnings, but it will also issue AMBER alerts and Presidential alerts for emergency situations. Presidential alerts sent via text will not be political, according to those who are implementing this system. Instead, they say, Presidential alerts will address the nation on an emergency situation that could threaten lives, such as a terrorist attack, should one occur.

The Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Weather Service and other agencies collaborated to create this system.

Since the system is new, it will likely be a work in progress. It will be interesting to see how it works and how people will respond to the texts that are issued.

What are your thoughts? Good idea? Bad idea?

Bottom line: A new system called the Wireless Emergency Alerts service will be implemented around the end of May 2012 that will automatically send out text alerts about weather warnings, AMBER alerts, or Presidential alerts for emergency situations. The system will be implemented automatically on all major wireless carriers. You will have the option to opt out of receiving weather and AMBER alerts, but not Presidential emergency alerts. It is important not to rely on one source for weather updates or emergency situations. People should also own and utilize a weather radio and television/Internet for emergency updates.

The biggest volcanic eruption in Yellowstone’s long geological history may have been made up of two distinct events 6000 years apart, say scientists.

The findings suggest the huge super-volcano that sits just beneath the U.S.’s Yellowstone National Park may be less super, but more active, than previously thought.

Yellowstone's caldera, a remnant of an ancient volcano. Credit: Photo by Robert B. Smith, University of Utah/National Science Foundation

They might also give researchers a better idea of when we might expect the next eruption. Dr. Darren Mark from NERC Argon Isotope Facility is co-author of the study, published in Quaternary Geochronology. He said:

We’re still uncertain about when the next eruption will happen, but what we can say is that where before we knew we were overdue one, now we know we’re long overdue one.

If the volcano did erupt, the effect would almost certainly be catastrophic.

The northeastern part of Yellowstone Caldera. Image Credit: National Park Service

The Yellowstone region has seen three super-eruptions in the past few million years. The biggest went off two million years ago, and is thought to be the fourth largest eruption in Earth’s history.

It spewed a massive 2500 cubic kilometers of ash into the sky – around 2500 times bigger than the devastating Mount St Helens eruption in 1980 – and probably led to a volcanic winter for years on end.

The colossal volume of ash generated by this Yellowstone super-eruption created what’s known as the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, which is a huge area of rock made up of consolidated volcanic ash that stretches across a vast swathe of the US running from southern California to the Mississippi.

It also led to the collapse of an enormous volcanic cone, creating a crater some 70 kilometers (40 miles) wide. A large part of Yellowstone National Park now sits in this crater.

Since then, the Yellowstone region has seen two more massive eruptions: one about a million years ago, then another 640,000 years ago.

Now researchers think the ash from the two million-year-old eruption was composed of two events. The first ejected the majority of the ash – 2200 cubic kilometres – thousands of years before the second event. This second, new eruption produced a much smaller, but still substantial 290 cubic kilometres of ash.

Geologists have long known that the two-million-year-old Huckleberry Ridge Tuff ash bed deposit is made up of what looks like three layers of rock. Mark said:

People had assumed that they were deposited within days, which in geological terms is instantaneous. But the deposits are made of the same rock, which all look different to the naked eye, which made us wonder if they might have been laid down at different times.

Until now, scientists didn’t have the necessary tools to question this assumption. But recently, these tools have improved, giving them the opportunity to investigate the precise ages of the various deposits.

Mark, lead author Dr Ben Ellis and colleagues from Washington State University and Western Washington University did this using a sophisticated isotope-dating technique. This relies on the known rates of decay of various isotopes to date objects. Isotopes are different forms of the same chemical element – they have the same properties, but just differ in their mass.

They found that of the three layers they looked at, two of the lower layers were laid down about 6000 years before the top layer. Mark said:

We now realise that other super-eruptions from Yellowstone, and Toba volcano in Sumatra may also be made up of multiple eruptions at different times. We’re now analysing the rock to find out.