Atmospheric Rivers: Impact on Antarctic Temperature Records and Glaciers
A two-year study by international researchers, including Istanbul Technical University, reveals atmospheric rivers as key contributors to record temperatures and glacier melting in Antarctica. The research highlights their dual impact: causing coastal glacier melting while also promoting inland snowfall. Climate models must account for these phenomena to predict sea level rises accurately.
A recent two-year collaborative study involving global universities, including Istanbul Technical University, has identified atmospheric rivers as significant contributors to record temperatures and rapid glacier melting in Antarctica. Published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, the research emphasizes the role of these weather phenomena in triggering heatwaves along coastal regions, which subsequently leads to sudden glacier melts and elevated sea levels, while also contributing to heavy snowfall in the continent’s interior.
Deniz Bozkurt, a researcher from Valparaiso University and Istanbul Technical University, explained that atmospheric rivers are narrow currents of air transporting moisture from tropical regions to the poles, occurring three to four times annually. Their effects are profound in coastal areas, prompting temperature records and accelerated glacier melting, with added snowfall in higher terrains. Bozkurt documented three major storms attributed to atmospheric rivers during an Antarctic field research expedition, utilizing various datasets for analysis.
The study underscores the escalating intensity of atmospheric rivers due to climate change, as increasing evaporation enhances moisture levels in the atmosphere. Bozkurt noted that these conditions could lead to more frequent and impactful atmospheric rivers, contributing significantly to sea level rises. The findings highlight that climate models must incorporate atmospheric rivers as they are crucial in predicting both temperature records and sea level changes.
Despite aiding in glacier melting along coastlines, Bozkurt acknowledged the dual impact of atmospheric rivers, noting their beneficial effect of promoting glacier stability through inland snowfall. This necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of their influences, advocating for updated climate models inclusive of both positive and negative repercussions. He emphasized that atmospheric rivers affect areas from tropical to polar regions, illustrating their widespread influence.
Burcu Boza, a Ph.D. student at Istanbul Technical University, stated that the study offers valuable insights into the future evolution of atmospheric rivers in Antarctica, crucial for understanding global sea level changes. While Antarctica contains extensive freshwater reserves, it resembles a desert due to minimal precipitation, largely attributed to atmospheric rivers which uniquely transport moisture to this region, affecting ultimate precipitation levels.
Emir Toker, also from Istanbul Technical University, highlighted the predictive challenges posed by atmospheric rivers, noting the inherent complexities of existing earth system models. However, the study revealed these weather events could be predicted three to five days in advance, a significant development in understanding Antarctic environmental processes. Toker stressed the importance of early prediction in maintaining the integrity of Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem.
The study conducted by researchers from various global institutions, particularly Istanbul Technical University, sheds light on the crucial role of atmospheric rivers in influencing temperature records and glacier dynamics in Antarctica. It underscores the complex relationship between these weather phenomena and the environment, reflecting the need for updated climate models that recognize both their positive and negative impacts. Understanding atmospheric rivers is essential for accurately forecasting future global sea level shifts and managing the ecological balance in Antarctic regions.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
