Daniel Swain gets to explain "hydrological whiplash", a #climatechange feature proudly brought to you by the Fossil Fuels abd related industries and their purchased political brokers
https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-01-09/climate-whiplash-study-california-fires
This whiplash also occurred in Southern California and laid the ground for #LAfires :
the 2 wettest years on record locally - with atmospheric rivers and flooding - let grass and brush grow tremendously.
All this unusual amount of biomass became tinder in the 2nd phase of the hydrological whiplash: the hottest summer on record locally, with a thirsty atmosphere that stole all the water it could from soil and plants. These perfect fire conditions got exasperated by a climatechange-induced prolonged fire season, abnormally low=0 rainfall locally since October, and the bone dry #SantaAna wind phenomenon now in January.
One spark from anywhere - whoosh!
In his 2 YT live streams yesterday, Daniel explained all this too. He also showed nighttime footage from a burning suburb where he highlighted another feature of this larger-than-normal fuel load paired with strong wind. Billions of glowing ambers swirling thru the air and on the ground. They look like snowflakes in a blzzard!
And they're tiny. They sail long distance on the wind. And find their way into buildings via small cracks or holes in the shell and there, undisturbed by wind, they settle down and burn houses from within.
He is among my most favorite if not the most favorite cli-sci_doing_scicomm. His YT live sessions are calm but engaging, well structured, multi-media, and his eloquence without any of the usual "Ehm, ah, " or meandering and so on. And he has an unusual holistic approach to climate stuff, combined with empathy. Both make him point out important, interesting things you never hear from physics-focussed #scicomm. Guess, I'm a fan 
Oh, and he has a paper out today on that very hydrological whiplash, here with a global perspective
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00624-z
![The alt text for the image depicts a historical scene of an outdoor setting with two individuals standing near a simple, industrial-looking building. The environment appears to be arid or semi-arid with sparse vegetation and dry ground.
In the foreground, there is a sandy terrain with some brush and small plants scattered around. Two people can be seen: one closer to the camera on the right side of the image wearing dark clothing and standing near an open doorway, while another further back appears smaller due to distance.
The building has a flat roof, and its structure includes multiple walls creating enclosed spaces within what looks like a single complex. A ladder leans against part of the construction, possibly indicating maintenance or access for work purposes. Above them is a clear sky with no visible clouds, suggesting it might be midday when shadows are shorter due to direct sunlight.
In front of the building stands an electricity pole and lines extending across the top edge of the photo, which gives context that this location has some form of modern utilities despite its rustic appearance. There's also another structure in the background on the left side resembling a warehouse or storage facility with a pitched roof.
The image carries historical significance as it is labeled "Photo by Harrie" and includes text indicating the date as 1936, suggesting this was taken during that year. The location noted is near [...]](https://mastodon.ozioso.online/system/media_attachments/files/114/221/120/937/804/914/original/3c07713797225372.jpeg "The alt text for the image depicts a historical scene of an outdoor setting with two individuals standing near a simple, industrial-looking building. The environment appears to be arid or semi-arid with sparse vegetation and dry ground.
In the foreground, there is a sandy terrain with some brush and small plants scattered around. Two people can be seen: one closer to the camera on the right side of the image wearing dark clothing and standing near an open doorway, while another further back appears smaller due to distance.
The building has a flat roof, and its structure includes multiple walls creating enclosed spaces within what looks like a single complex. A ladder leans against part of the construction, possibly indicating maintenance or access for work purposes. Above them is a clear sky with no visible clouds, suggesting it might be midday when shadows are shorter due to direct sunlight.
In front of the building stands an electricity pole and lines extending across the top edge of the photo, which gives context that this location has some form of modern utilities despite its rustic appearance. There's also another structure in the background on the left side resembling a warehouse or storage facility with a pitched roof.
The image carries historical significance as it is labeled \"Photo by Harrie\" and includes text indicating the date as 1936, suggesting this was taken during that year. The location noted is near [...]")
![This image is a black-and-white photograph featuring an older man in profile, looking down at two large wooden objects that appear to be the upper parts of old-fashioned doors or windows. The man wears round glasses and has a contemplative expression as he examines these items closely.
The setting seems rustic with natural light illuminating his face from one side, which casts subtle shadows on the other half. He is dressed in what appears to be a work shirt with visible stains, possibly paint or dirt marks, suggesting that he may be engaged in manual labor or craftsman's work.
In terms of context provided by additional information mentioned: This photograph captures Henry Lotz closing the gate at one of the barns owned and operated as part of the Midway City Dairy Association near Santa Ana. The dairy association was a cooperative established with financial aid from the Resettlement Administration, which supported rural development projects during that era.
The image conveys a sense of history and nostalgia, providing insight into mid-20th-century American life through its depiction of an older man engaged in what seems to be manual work related to maintenance or construction. The details such as his glasses, stained shirt, and the weathered wooden objects suggest authenticity and perhaps hardship associated with rural living during that period.
The overall composition, lighting, and subject matter combine to create [...]](https://mastodon.ozioso.online/system/media_attachments/files/114/213/099/245/848/001/original/befdbf0365815ce9.jpeg "This image is a black-and-white photograph featuring an older man in profile, looking down at two large wooden objects that appear to be the upper parts of old-fashioned doors or windows. The man wears round glasses and has a contemplative expression as he examines these items closely.
The setting seems rustic with natural light illuminating his face from one side, which casts subtle shadows on the other half. He is dressed in what appears to be a work shirt with visible stains, possibly paint or dirt marks, suggesting that he may be engaged in manual labor or craftsman's work.
In terms of context provided by additional information mentioned: This photograph captures Henry Lotz closing the gate at one of the barns owned and operated as part of the Midway City Dairy Association near Santa Ana. The dairy association was a cooperative established with financial aid from the Resettlement Administration, which supported rural development projects during that era.
The image conveys a sense of history and nostalgia, providing insight into mid-20th-century American life through its depiction of an older man engaged in what seems to be manual work related to maintenance or construction. The details such as his glasses, stained shirt, and the weathered wooden objects suggest authenticity and perhaps hardship associated with rural living during that period.
The overall composition, lighting, and subject matter combine to create [...]")
![The black and white photograph shows two men standing beside a vintage car. The man on the left is wearing casual clothing, including shorts and a light-colored shirt with rolled-up sleeves, while the other man wears military-style attire, complete with a cap and jacket bearing insignia that suggests he may be in uniform or associated with an official capacity.
They are positioned next to a vehicle labeled "March Field District C.C." which is likely related to California Highway Patrol. The car appears old-fashioned, possibly from the early 20th century, given its design features such as spoked wheels and large side mirrors.
The setting seems rural or semi-rural with an unpaved ground and what looks like a simple brick building in the background, indicating that this might be taken during a time of transition between urbanization and modern infrastructure.
This image is captioned "Resettlement Administration Photographs," which suggests it was part of a series documenting efforts related to resettlement or land administration. The specific mention of Midway Dairy cooperative near Santa Ana, California indicates the location where the photograph might have been taken as part of such documentation work during that era in American history.
The timestamp on the photo shows "1:23 PM" and is identified with a handwritten notation which seems to be related to its cataloging or archival information. The image provides histo [...]](https://mastodon.ozioso.online/system/media_attachments/files/114/185/967/395/629/092/original/09cd8ad0c0dab376.jpeg "The black and white photograph shows two men standing beside a vintage car. The man on the left is wearing casual clothing, including shorts and a light-colored shirt with rolled-up sleeves, while the other man wears military-style attire, complete with a cap and jacket bearing insignia that suggests he may be in uniform or associated with an official capacity.
They are positioned next to a vehicle labeled \"March Field District C.C.\" which is likely related to California Highway Patrol. The car appears old-fashioned, possibly from the early 20th century, given its design features such as spoked wheels and large side mirrors.
The setting seems rural or semi-rural with an unpaved ground and what looks like a simple brick building in the background, indicating that this might be taken during a time of transition between urbanization and modern infrastructure.
This image is captioned \"Resettlement Administration Photographs,\" which suggests it was part of a series documenting efforts related to resettlement or land administration. The specific mention of Midway Dairy cooperative near Santa Ana, California indicates the location where the photograph might have been taken as part of such documentation work during that era in American history.
The timestamp on the photo shows \"1:23 PM\" and is identified with a handwritten notation which seems to be related to its cataloging or archival information. The image provides histo [...]")
![The image is a black and white photograph depicting six individuals, presumably workers or laborers, standing outside of what appears to be an agricultural structure. Four men are dressed in aprons, with one wearing overalls as well, suggesting their involvement in manual work related to farming or food production.
They seem engaged in discussing something important or receiving information from a man holding papers and gesturing towards another individual, possibly conveying instructions or sharing details about the dairy operation. The central figure appears attentive and focused on what is being communicated.
The setting includes a large barn-like structure with visible metal roofing, indicative of rural farmland architecture common to mid-20th-century America. There are hints of vegetation in the background but no other significant structures nearby.
In terms of historical context provided by the caption, this photograph relates to The Self-Help Cooperative Dairy near Santa Ana, California, which was taken over by the Resettlement Administration as part of a program under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives during the Great Depression era in America (1930s). This initiative aimed at improving living conditions and providing support for those affected by economic hardship.
The photograph is credited to photographer Margaret Bourke-White, who documented various aspects of life across different re [...]](https://mastodon.ozioso.online/system/media_attachments/files/113/945/185/468/416/518/original/00995ca8c39d54e6.jpeg "The image is a black and white photograph depicting six individuals, presumably workers or laborers, standing outside of what appears to be an agricultural structure. Four men are dressed in aprons, with one wearing overalls as well, suggesting their involvement in manual work related to farming or food production.
They seem engaged in discussing something important or receiving information from a man holding papers and gesturing towards another individual, possibly conveying instructions or sharing details about the dairy operation. The central figure appears attentive and focused on what is being communicated.
The setting includes a large barn-like structure with visible metal roofing, indicative of rural farmland architecture common to mid-20th-century America. There are hints of vegetation in the background but no other significant structures nearby.
In terms of historical context provided by the caption, this photograph relates to The Self-Help Cooperative Dairy near Santa Ana, California, which was taken over by the Resettlement Administration as part of a program under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives during the Great Depression era in America (1930s). This initiative aimed at improving living conditions and providing support for those affected by economic hardship.
The photograph is credited to photographer Margaret Bourke-White, who documented various aspects of life across different re [...]")
![This black and white photograph captures a man in mid-action, seemingly adjusting his cap with one hand while the other rests on his hip. He wears glasses perched atop his nose and is dressed in what appears to be casual work attire—a light-colored shirt with vertical stripes and rolled-up sleeves revealing short-sleeved undershirt beneath. The collar of his shirt stands out due to its stiff, unsoftened texture.
The man's expression conveys a sense of focus or concern as he looks slightly off-camera to the side. His posture suggests movement and perhaps an interruption in whatever activity he was engaged with before this captured moment. There is no discernible background detail; it fades into an indistinct gray backdrop, emphasizing the subject at hand.
The image bears handwritten annotations that include "Molino," possibly indicating a location or context related to the photograph's origin, and some numbers which might be part of a date stamp but are not clearly legible. The overall quality and style of the photo suggest it could have been taken during an earlier era when black and white film was commonly used for documentary photography.
The provided link directs viewers to additional information about this image within a collection hosted by someone named Dorothea Lange, as indicated in the alt text description. However, further context regarding her work or why she captured this specific moment is not available f [...]](https://mastodon.ozioso.online/system/media_attachments/files/113/913/704/601/613/429/original/554092c4ac44358e.jpeg "This black and white photograph captures a man in mid-action, seemingly adjusting his cap with one hand while the other rests on his hip. He wears glasses perched atop his nose and is dressed in what appears to be casual work attire—a light-colored shirt with vertical stripes and rolled-up sleeves revealing short-sleeved undershirt beneath. The collar of his shirt stands out due to its stiff, unsoftened texture.
The man's expression conveys a sense of focus or concern as he looks slightly off-camera to the side. His posture suggests movement and perhaps an interruption in whatever activity he was engaged with before this captured moment. There is no discernible background detail; it fades into an indistinct gray backdrop, emphasizing the subject at hand.
The image bears handwritten annotations that include \"Molino,\" possibly indicating a location or context related to the photograph's origin, and some numbers which might be part of a date stamp but are not clearly legible. The overall quality and style of the photo suggest it could have been taken during an earlier era when black and white film was commonly used for documentary photography.
The provided link directs viewers to additional information about this image within a collection hosted by someone named Dorothea Lange, as indicated in the alt text description. However, further context regarding her work or why she captured this specific moment is not available f [...]")
