Extreme Climatic Conditions Cause Fundamental Ecological Changes in Greenland

Extreme Climatic Conditions Cause Fundamental Ecological Changes in Greenland

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that extreme weather events have caused Greenland's lakes to shift from being carbon sinks to major sources of carbon dioxide, with emissions increasing by 350%.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Transformation of Western Greenland Lakes: In 2022, over 7,500 lakes in Western Greenland turned brown and began emitting carbon due to extreme weather and the thawing of permafrost, which released stored organic carbon. This change transformed the lakes from carbon sinks to carbon emitters.
• Drivers: Atmospheric rivers led to above-normal temperatures and increased rainfall in 2022.

What is an Atmospheric River?
Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands in the atmosphere, often described as "rivers in the sky," that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
They typically form within the low-level jet stream, an area of strong winds in the lower atmosphere, ahead of a cold front in an extra-tropical cyclone.

Impact of Atmospheric Rivers:

• Precipitation Role: While atmospheric rivers provide crucial rainfall, they can also lead to flooding and heat hazards, significantly impacting the environment.
• For example, atmospheric rivers were responsible for 70% of major floods in India between 1985 and 2020, including the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand and 2018 Kerala floods.

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