Tropical Cyclones are getting intensified by Climate Change. Image Courtesy – Carbon Brief
A new research by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA disclosed that tropical cyclones get intensified due to climate change of the Earth. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) was also in the research jointly; they analyzed enhanced infrared satellite imagery for nearly 40 years.
The report of their research published in the activities of the Academy of Sciences, USA on Monday. Their research reflected that the intensity of tropical cyclones increased throughout the world over the period from 1979 to 2017.
A tropical cyclone is actually a low-pressure area formed due to hot air going upwards and cold air hurrying to fill up the gap, thus creating a form of circular airwave. This circular air then gradually increases its strength covering a wider area along with concentrated shower and thunderstorm activity. It is called by various names like hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, tropical storm on the basis of its strength and the connection of its origin i.e. ocean basin.
The research of the scientists of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with their lead author James Kossin focused on the trends of the cyclone intensity over a period of 28 years. They felt that the previous records were less conclusive than the recent records; it needed more hurricane case studies to reflect outstanding statistical results.
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This new research added about 10 years of satellite data of the Earth-orbiting satellites. This data included countless information on tropical cyclone, including infrared temperatures to gauge its intensity. The scientists also have utilized the development of technology like higher-resolution imagery from the latest satellites.
Their observation revealed the connection between the Earth’s warm surface temperature and intensity of the cyclones in a significant way. The study revealed a development in the amount in case of the major hurricanes belonging to category 3, 4 and 5 intensity according to the ‘Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale’.
The scientific research indicated that major hurricanes according to category 3, 4 or 5 of the discussed table has increased in quantity in comparison to the hurricanes of category 1 or 2. The study with almost 40 year-dataset showed a clear shift toward a stronger intensity.
The report said that tropical cyclones having intensity of 178.63-207.60 Km/hr (category 3) increased by 15%. Similarly, all the tropical cyclones have shown an increment of 6%-8% per decade of their respective speeds according to the ‘Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale’.
With the base of this scientific research, it is assumed that global warming is the main reason for the change in character of the cyclones. We frequently discuss the global warming and climate change. But, how far can we take major decisions to stop it or control it?
Reference: The Weather Channel
