Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Definition, relationship to hurricanes, potential benefits, and answers to more FAQs

A hurricane created by an atmospheric river is approaching California in 2023.NOAA Goes West Atmospheric rivers are rivers of low water vapor in the Earth’s atmosphere. They can drop heavy rain or snow on parts of the United States, causing flooding. Milder versions can alleviate droughts, but stronger ones can be dangerous. Two atmospheric rivers… Read More »

A massive dump of World War II-era munitions has been discovered off the coast of Los Angeles

It’s not just toxic chemical waste and mysterious barrels polluting the seabed off the coast of Los Angeles. Oceanographers have discovered what now appears to be a massive military weapons dump. Scientists have found scores of discarded ammunition boxes, smoke buoys and depth charges hidden 3,000 feet underwater, as part of an unprecedented effort to… Read More »