Effects on extreme weather events Flashcards
What impact does climate change have on weather systems?
It increases the incidence of extreme weather events, affecting human life and activity.
What is uncertain about the increase in extreme weather events?
The extent to which they are increasing in frequency due to complex interactions in the atmosphere and oceans.
How do scientists believe climate change will impact extreme weather events?
It will likely impact the severity of extreme events more than their frequency.
What notable trend has been observed in meteorological events from 1980 to 2018?
Meteorological events such as tropical storms have more than doubled in frequency.
What has happened to hydrological events from 1980 to 2018?
They have increased the most, from just less than 100,000 to just short of 400,000.
What is the trend in extreme temperature events like droughts and forest fires?
They have more than doubled but are less frequent compared to meteorological and hydrological events.
What is the relationship between ocean temperatures and storm systems?
Increasing ocean temperatures lead to stronger storm systems due to enhanced convection.
What has happened to storms with maximum wind speeds above 175 km/h?
They have significantly increased, with storms of 200 km/h doubling and those of 250 km/h tripling.
What effect does wind shear have on tropical storms?
It can disrupt convection and the supply of heat and moisture, making it harder for systems to mature.
What impact does sea level rise have on tropical storms?
It leads to more severe storm surges associated with tropical storms.
What is the global trend in drought occurrence over the last 60 years?
There has been little change, with droughts affecting up to 25% of Earth’s surface area.
What is the Palmer Drought Severity Index criticized for?
It is only based on precipitation and temperature changes, neglecting other factors.
What regions are being exposed to increased risk of drought due to climate change?
Regions not normally exposed to drought, such as Brazil’s tropical rainforest and tropical Southeast Asia.
What is the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?
A periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
How does climate change affect the waters of the Western Tropical Pacific Ocean?
It is disproportionately warming these waters, impacting the Trade Winds and increasing ENSO events.
Which countries suffer from severe droughts during ENSO events?
- Australia * India * Indonesia * The Philippines * Brazil
What is one documented consequence of climate change regarding forest fires?
There is an increased frequency and magnitude of forest fires in regions like California and Southern Europe.
Fill in the blank: Climate change is leading to increased _______ and _______ of forest fires.
[frequency] and [magnitude]
What significant impact has climate change had on biodiversity?
It has led to rapid loss of biodiversity due to forest fires.
True or False: The frequency of severe drought shows a definitive pattern.
False
What effect does climate change have on the timing and spatial distribution of Monsoon?
It is becoming less predictable.
