Influence of Anthropogenic Climate Change on Planetary Wave Resonance and Extreme Weather Events

Abstract

Persistent episodes of extreme weather in the Northern Hemisphere summer have been shown to be associated with the presence of high-amplitude quasi-stationary atmospheric Rossby waves within a particular wavelength range (zonal wavenumber 6–8). The underlying mechanistic relationship involves the phenomenon of quasi-resonant amplification (QRA) of synoptic-scale waves with that wavenumber range becoming trapped within an effective mid-latitude atmospheric waveguide. Recent work suggests an increase in recent decades in the occurrence of QRA-favorable conditions and associated extreme weather, possibly linked to amplified Arctic warming and thus a climate change influence. Here, we isolate a specific fingerprint in the zonal mean surface temperature profile that is associated with QRA-favorable conditions. State-of-the-art (“CMIP5”) historical climate model simulations subject to anthropogenic forcing display an increase in the projection of this fingerprint that is mirrored in multiple observational surface temperature datasets. Both the models and observations suggest this signal has only recently emerged from the background noise of natural variability.

High‐frequency monitoring of catchment nutrient exports reveals highly variable storm event responses and dynamic source zone activation

“…Our modeling results highlighted the importance of key hydroclimatological variables, notably rainfall intensity and antecedent conditions, which drive the mobilization and transport of nitrogen and carbon through stream catchments. Given that precipitation regimes in many parts of the world are expected to shift to higher frequencies, and with more extreme events, in the near future [Kendon et al, 2014;Mann et al, 2017], this finding is important for developing predictive models to assess the potential implications for catchment water quality parameters. As such, our results suggest that management interventions to improve downstream water quality should focus not only on reducing contemporary catchment nutrient inputs (i.e., fertilizer application) but also on developing measures aimed at mitigating the impact of legacy sources that are activated under certain hydroclimatological conditions until their eventual depletion in future.…”

“…Such information is also needed to generate predictions of how river nutrient loads and catchment exports are likely to change under future climate regimes. This latter point is particularly important given that most climate change scenarios suggest an increase in the magnitude and frequency of episodic precipitation events and soil drying through drought across many areas of the world [Kendon et al, 2014;Mann et al, 2017], particularly where local temperatures are <25°C [Wang et al, 2017], which in turn are likely to drive changes in other hydrological variables that influence nutrient flux and in-channel processing through river catchments [Garner et al, 2015].…”

How does climate change influence extreme weather? Impact attribution research seeks answers

“…-Peter Stott Rahmstorf, working with Michael Mann, at Pennsylvania State University, showed that the last 120 years or so have brought an uptick in favorable conditions for large-scale planetary waves (8). "That strengthens the conclusion that climate change is making .…”

Commentary: Heat stress-induced neuroinflammation and aberration in monoamine levels in hypothalamus are associated with temperature dysregulation

“…Uncompensated heat stroke is characterized by hyperthermia associated with the systemic inflammatory response that leads to multi organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), in which central nervous system (CNS) dysfunctions prevail 1 . Heat stroke related deaths have increased worldwide as extreme weather events are the consequences of anthropogenic climatic changes [2][3][4][5] . Cases of dehydration, low physical fitness, obesity, lack of acclimatization, drug abuse, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular insufficiency, skin disorders, malignant hyperthermia should be regarded a priority as predisposing factors for heat intolerance [6][7][8] .…”

“…Uncompensated heat stroke is characterized by hyperthermia associated with the systemic inflammatory response that leads to multi organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), in which central nervous system (CNS) dysfunctions prevail 1 . Heat stroke related deaths have increased worldwide as extreme weather events are the consequences of anthropogenic climatic changes [2][3][4][5] . Cases of dehydration, low physical fitness, obesity, lack of…”