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Waterlogged Atmosphere Triggers Catastrophic Floods Globally
3 Nov
Summary
- Atmospheric moisture has increased 12% in 85 years, equivalent to 35 Mississippi Rivers
- Strongest moisture plumes have intensified by over 15% in some regions in 3 decades
- Repeated heavy rainfall events now plague vulnerable regions like South Korea
According to the latest analysis, the Earth's atmosphere has become significantly more waterlogged in recent decades, with the amount of water vapor increasing by 12% over the past 85 years. This surge in atmospheric moisture is equivalent to 35 Mississippi Rivers flowing through the air every second.
However, this moisture is not evenly distributed around the planet. The analysis found that the strongest moisture plumes, which are most likely to fuel severe storms, have intensified by over 15% in some regions like West Africa, the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Northern Europe in just the past three decades.
These zones of rising moisture are at the greatest risk of unprecedented floods. Regions where extreme rainfall events frequently coincide with large vapor plumes, such as South Korea, have seen a 7% increase in heavy rainfall days since the early 1990s. In contrast, other areas have seen no significant change.
Experts warn that as long as global temperatures continue to rise, the warmer and more waterlogged atmosphere will deliver ever-more intense floods. The amount of destruction, however, will depend on how well communities prepare for and respond to this growing threat. Proper infrastructure, early warning systems, and disaster planning will be crucial to mitigate the devastating impacts of these climate-fueled deluges.
