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All explainers

Powerful eruption from the surface of the sun captured on June 20, 2013.

Space weather: Storms from the Sun

June 23, 2016

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Powerful eruption from the surface of the sun captured on June 20, 2013.

A 231-foot hydrographic survey vessel with the NOAA emblem on its bow plows through the water with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Arctic charting: Mapping a new frontier

June 21, 2016

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charts and maps

nautical charts and maps

A 231-foot hydrographic survey vessel with the NOAA emblem on its bow plows through the water with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Lake Oroville, the second-largest state reservoir in northern California, experienced low water levels during the recent exceptional California drought.

Drought in America: Slow moving, far reaching

June 15, 2016

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Lake Oroville, the second-largest state reservoir in northern California, experienced low water levels during the recent exceptional California drought.

The Point Arena lighthouse watches over the northern part of Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Greater Farallones expanded in 2015 to encompass more than 3,000 square miles off the coast of California, including the rich upwelling zone that originates off of Point Arena and flows south.

How does NOAA designate a national marine sanctuary?

June 1, 2016

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The Point Arena lighthouse watches over the northern part of Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Greater Farallones expanded in 2015 to encompass more than 3,000 square miles off the coast of California, including the rich upwelling zone that originates off of Point Arena and flows south.

A National Weather Service meteorologist in Norman, Oklahoma, tracks a super cell tornado outbreak.

Improving weather forecasts

May 11, 2016

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A National Weather Service meteorologist in Norman, Oklahoma, tracks a super cell tornado outbreak.

Recreational fishing for species such as swordfish is a major industry in the U.S.

Sustaining our nation’s fisheries

May 3, 2016

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Recreational fishing for species such as swordfish is a major industry in the U.S.

Satellite view of 2011 massive Lake Erie algal bloom, caused chiefly by phosphate runoff from agricultural fertilizer.

What is a harmful algal bloom?

April 27, 2016

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harmful algal blooms (HABs)

Satellite view of 2011 massive Lake Erie algal bloom, caused chiefly by phosphate runoff from agricultural fertilizer.

Flooding at the Hooper Strait Lighthouse in St. Michaels, Maryland, due to heavy rain and storm surge after the eye of Hurricane Isabel passed south of Chesapeake Bay on Sept. 11, 2003.

NOAA Sea Grant: 50 years of science serving America’s coasts

April 20, 2016

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Flooding at the Hooper Strait Lighthouse in St. Michaels, Maryland, due to heavy rain and storm surge after the eye of Hurricane Isabel passed south of Chesapeake Bay on Sept. 11, 2003.

Tsunamai Hazard Zone.

U.S. tsunami warning system

April 19, 2016

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Tsunamai Hazard Zone.

Healthy coral reefs, like this one in Swains Island in American Samoa, support an impressive array of marine life.

Coral reefs: Essential and threatened

April 14, 2016

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Healthy coral reefs, like this one in Swains Island in American Samoa, support an impressive array of marine life.