Though global warming has not been proven to increase the number or ferocity of Atlantic hurricanes, enough research has been done to move the theory beyond mere speculation.
However, Katrina, Rita and Ike were all more damaging and catastrophic than most storms in the past few decades and warmer water is the cause of it (as it is with all hurricanes).
Now, we have El Nino Modoki (a Japanese word for similar but different). El Nino traditionally warms waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean and reduces hurricanes, but the Modoki variety works its magic westward, upping the chances for hurricanes in the Atlantic.
But don't take my word for it.
An article in The Economic Times lays it out.
In the past, El Nino has caused fewer hurricanes, La Nina more.
In 2004, El Nino was strong, "causing forecasters to expect fewer hurricanes.
"But instead it turned out to be one of the Modoki years. There were 15 named storms, including six major hurricanes. Overall activity was nearly two and a half times the long-term average, resulting in more than 3,100 deaths in the region including 60 in the United States. There was record property damage in the United States."
But is global warming the culprit?
National Geographic says yes.
However, Katrina, Rita and Ike were all more damaging and catastrophic than most storms in the past few decades and warmer water is the cause of it (as it is with all hurricanes).
Now, we have El Nino Modoki (a Japanese word for similar but different). El Nino traditionally warms waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean and reduces hurricanes, but the Modoki variety works its magic westward, upping the chances for hurricanes in the Atlantic.
But don't take my word for it.
An article in The Economic Times lays it out.
In the past, El Nino has caused fewer hurricanes, La Nina more.
In 2004, El Nino was strong, "causing forecasters to expect fewer hurricanes.
"But instead it turned out to be one of the Modoki years. There were 15 named storms, including six major hurricanes. Overall activity was nearly two and a half times the long-term average, resulting in more than 3,100 deaths in the region including 60 in the United States. There was record property damage in the United States."
But is global warming the culprit?
National Geographic says yes.
No comments:
Post a Comment