K-State Research and Extension - Environment and Weather

Workshops Planned to Help Communities Prepare for Agriculture-Affected Disasters

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

LIBERAL, Kan. -- K-State Research and Extension is teaming up with the Extension Disaster Education Network to host two Strengthening Community Agrosecurity Planning (S-CAP) workshops in Wichita, March 22-23 and Liberal, March 25-26 for individuals in Sedgwick, Seward and nearby counties.

Agricultural economist Burton English...

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The featured speaker at a climate policy forum at K-State last week, University of Tennessee agricultural economist Burton English, talks about the impact of pending climate change legislation on agriculture, based on his recent study on that issue.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp reports on Kansas agricultural weather.

SLEET, SNOW GRAINS, GRAUPEL...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp looks at the many types of frozen precipitation we see in Kansas, including sleet, snow grains and graupel.

MADDEN-JULIAN OSCILLATION...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

While many people are familiar with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, says not as many have heard of the Madden-Julian Oscillation.

CIVIL AND NAUTICAL TWILIGHT ...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As we move toward spring, we're gaining more daylight. Weather reports often list sunrise and sunset times, but State climatologist Mary Knapp says you might also hear terms like twilight, civil twilight and nautical twilight.

Kansas Environmental Leadership Program Names New Class Members

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas Environmental Leadership Program (KELP) has named its class of 2010 members.

GROUNDHOG DAY...

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Groundhog Day is February 2nd. But why? State climatologist Mary Knapp explains how folklore helped shape Groundhog Day in the U.S.

WIND DIRECTION...

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Knowing wind direction and wind speed are important for a number of activities, including aviation. State climatologist Mary Knapp explains some of the common terms associated with wind.

THE JET STREAM...

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, explains how the jet stream is influenced by temperature and pressure differences between the air masses that fuel the jet stream.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, has the latest on Kansas agricultural weather.

K-State Specialist Says Now Is Good Time to Test Homes, Businesses for Radon

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Mid-winter has settled over the nation’s heartland, and there’s no better time to test for radon in homes and businesses than right now, said Bruce Snead, Extension residential energy specialist with Kansas State University’s Engineering Extension Service.

K-State Ag Economist Studying Economic Impacts Of Drought-Tolerant Corn in Africa

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – It’s not unusual for researchers to try to determine the best crops to plant in a particular climate, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist will go a step further.

HOW QUICK CAN SNOW MELT?...

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As we patiently -- or not-so-patiently -- wait for all the snow to melt, State climatologist Mary Knapp was asked just how quickly can snow melt? As you might expect, it depends on a number of factors.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp of K-State provides her weekly update on Kansas agricultural weather.

CAN THERE BE A MOON DOG?...

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After the recent appearance of sun dogs in Kansas, State climatologist Mary Knapp was asked if there's such a thing as a moon dog. The answer: Yes!

CHINOOK: THE “SNOW EATER”...

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The most dramatic weather changes during winter in the Plains are brought on by a chinook. State climatologist Mary Knapp explains the wild temperature swings that can be brought on by a chinook.

Know the Agency When Donating to Haiti Effort

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- The Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti devastated that nation and has many people wondering what they can do to help. In the years since Hurricane Katrina, the process for managing donations has become more efficient, effective, and secure, according to the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), a national network comprised of land grant and sea grant universities.

Weather Wonders: Climatologist Discusses Oft-Used Weather Phrase

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- “Cold wave” is a commonly-heard phrase this time of year, but under what conditions do meteorologists use the expression?

FREEZING FOG OR FROST FOG?...

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The fog associated with the recent snow in Kansas was most likely a freezing fog. State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at Kansas State University, explains why.

CAN ICE MAGICALLY DISAPPEAR?...

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you've had ice almost magically disappear, state climatologist Mary Knapp says it was probably caused by sublimation.

IS THIS A RECORD COLD START?...

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It was certainly a frigid start to 2010, but was it a record cold start for Kansas? State climatologist Mary Knapp looks at how the start of 2010 compares to previous years.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp of K-State reports on the Kansas agricultural weather scene, which seems to be improving following a bitterly cold start to the new year.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp of K-State covers Kansas agricultural weather, and the outlook for next week and the remainder of January.

SNOW CRYSTALS AND SNOWFLAKES...

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp explains the difference between snow crystals and snow flakes.

WHAT IS ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE?...

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at Kansas State University, explains why atmospheric pressure is reported at station level and at sea level.

LOTS OF SNOW AND BITTERLY COLD...

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Although Kansans have been battling heavy snows and dangerously frigid temperatures this winter, state climatologist Mary Knapp says it was worse in January, 1979.

Sundog Pillars Found in Kansas

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

According to Mary Knapp, Climatologist for the state of Kansas, sundogs are sunlight, reflected off ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Weather Wonders: Climatologist Discusses ‘Glare Ice’

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Winter arrived with a vengeance in the nation’s heartland, prompting Midwesterners to keep a closer eye on weather forecasts than usual.

Century Mark for State Forest Service Shows Kansans’ Abiding Love of Trees

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Kirk Schulz, left, Kansas State University’s recently inaugurated 13^thpresident, tries out his new, official Kansas Forest Service cap as State Forester Larry Biles kicks off a 100^th anniversary celebration. The KFS is the outcome of a forestry division instituted at K-State in 1909.

- Kansas Forest Service photo

DEW POINT TEMPERATURE...

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp discusses the connection between dew point temperature and fog.

THE TEMPERATURE OF ICE...

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Liquid turns to ice at approximately 32-degrees...but state climatologist Mary Knapp says determining the temperature of ice is more complicated than you might think.

THERE IS A JANUARY THAW...

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at Kansas State University, says there is documented evidence of a January thaw occuring between the 20th and the 23rd in New York, Boston and Washington. D.C.

Kansas Profile - Now That's Rural - Dan Abitz - ViroCon

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Let’s go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, to a high-tech laboratory facility which was commissioned by a company out in Kansas. What does “commissioned” mean? It’s not like paying for a painting. In this case, it is a process of testing and preparing the critical operating systems in a building to make sure they work properly. This remarkable Kansas company has made commissioning of key facilities one of its specialties. It’s today’s Kansas Profile.

DEFINING A “COLD WAVE”...

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We've been hearing the phrase "cold wave" a lot this winter. But, what is a cold wave? Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at Kansas State University, explains the factors that mark a cold wave.

SNOW-RELATED HAZARDS...

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Two snow-related hazards that Kansans don't typically have to deal with are snow burn and snow blindness. But, state climatologist Mary Knapp says it's important to be familiar with these snow-related hazards...especially this year.

NEW YEAR’S EVE WEATHER...

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In Kansas, you can experience just about any type of weather for ringing in the New Year. State climatologist Mary Knapp explains.

Funding for Climate Change Research In Agriculture Gets Major Boost

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for research on greenhouse gas mitigation in agriculture will increase by more than 10-fold, according to an announcement on Dec. 16, 2009, from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

K-State has been a national leader in this field of research, including extensive work on agricultural soil carbon sequestration, said Chuck Rice, K

Wood Ash a Chancy Fertilizer

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

COLUMBUS, Kan. – For generations untold, gardeners have been adding ashes to their vegetable plots as a fertilizer and soil amendment. For them, it’s been a second use for the wood burned in cooking and staying warm.

Use Caution When Gauging Ice Thickness

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- With the recent extremely cold weather, ice has begun to form on Midwest lakes, ponds and even rivers and streams. Often that tempts people to use the surfaces as impromptu skating rinks.

Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees Deserve Another Wonderful Life

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The reusing and recycling that many people practice throughout the year can inspire a new “green” holiday tradition: giving that fresh Christmas tree a second life.

Reducing Solvent Emissions is Topic of Jan. 20 Workshop in Olathe

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State University Pollution Prevention Institute will host a free workshop Wednesday, Jan. 20 in Olathe, designed to help small businesses reduce solvent emissions. The workshop is planned from 7:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at the Johnson County Sunset Drive Office Building at 11811 S. Sunset Dr. in Olathe.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp of K-State reports on the Kansas agricultural weather scene.

Plants Don’t Care if the Wind Chill Tanks

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

COLUMBUS, Kan. – When wind chill temperatures plummet, gardeners chafe about their landscape and fruit plants’ odds for survival. Some gardeners actually worry too much.

Kansas Climatologist Reviews Winter Weather Terminology

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Like the terminology in many businesses, the words used among weather forecasters can be confusing. What is the difference between an ice storm warning and a winter weather warning? What triggers a blizzard warning?

White Christmas for Northeast Kansas? What are the Chances?

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Is this the year? Thanks to holiday movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" and songs like "White Christmas," snow is an expected feature of the season. But how do you define a White Christmas?

K-State Agronomist Discusses Vertical Tillage – What It Is and How it Works

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – There’s a new trend in tillage equipment called “vertical tillage” and a Kansas State University scientist says it could also be described as “mulch till.”

K-State agricultural economist Bill Golden...

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State agricultural economist Bill Golden reports on a new review of the cost-benefit studies on the House climate change bill, and how it would affect the agricultural economy...this effort attempting to arrive at some conclusions about that impact.

Weather Wonders: Climatologist Explains Wind Chill Index

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – In the summer, forecasters and weather watchers refer to the heat index. But there is the other side to that in the wintertime. It’s what is known as the wind chill, according to Mary Knapp.

David Barfield, KDA water resources division...

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The chief engineer with the Kansas Department of Agriculture's division of water resources, David Barfield, talks about a recent meeting with groundwater management district leadership in western Kansas, the objective being to develop answers for extending the life of the Ogallala Aquifer for agricultural and other use.

Weather Wonders: Snow Blindness, Burn Are Hazards to Recognize

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kansans generally don’t see enough snow on the ground to risk two common snow-related hazards. But, knowing how to recognize the problems can be helpful during trips to ski or snow country, said Mary Knapp, state climatologist of Kansas.

Weather Wonders: Glare Ice a Wintry Road Hazard

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – “Glare ice” is a winter weather term that many don’t know about, although they may have observed it, said State of Kansas Climatologist Mary Knapp.