Attribution Studies About Extreme Heat Waves
Attribution Studies About Extreme Heat Waves
The World Weather Watch is a collaboration of 17 countries that work together to monitor the activity in various areas around the Earth and keep each country’s weather records current and up-to-date. The members of the World Weather Watch include the eighty-two countries that make up the World Weather Organization (WMO), also known as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Among these countries are Australia, Bolivia, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom. In addition, the United States is a full member.
WMO also monitors the Global Atmosphere Vertical Station (GAPS) in Monterey, CA, one of the two major scientific centers conducting climate change research and studies using satellites. This is the second largest ballooning station after the orbiting Mauna Loa, located on Hawaii. GAPS also assists in the tracking of hurricanes and severe weather events.
There are many attribution studies being done in the field of extreme events and climate change. One such study is being done by Dr. Thomas R. Lohn, who is a climatologist at Lamaze Corporation, neareca, CA. Dr. Lohn is currently conducting a study on the connection between the El Nino heat wave and its corresponding extreme weather event. Another study being conducted this year is being done by Dr. Lynn Stucky, who is a research meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Stucky is looking into the possibility of linked extreme precipitation during the heatwave with changes in atmospheric circulation due to high altitude wind. Additionally, Dr. Stucky is studying the link between the event and unusual cold temperatures at the poles.
There are also studies being performed that delve into the human influence on climate change. These studies try to determine if climate change is really caused by humans. A great deal of research has been conducted and results are being published in many fields. Although there is still disagreement among scientists, there is no doubt that human influence on climate change is real. The question that remains is how much of that effect is caused by humans and how much is caused by natural climate fluctuations.
For those looking for information on attribution studies looking at extreme heat waves in the United States, there are many. Among the more popular research interests is studying precipitation patterns and trends. It is a well-known fact that climate change can greatly impact precipitation. Some studies looking at precipitation have shown a decrease in heavy downpours over time, which could reduce the risk of flash flooding during the summer months. Other attributions to this phenomenon have been attributed to increased humidity and lower humidity levels.
When looking at attribution studies about drought and extreme heat waves in the United States, it is important to remember that some of these events are likely to occur again. Drought is a natural occurrence that we are perhaps accustom to. Heatwaves occur due to atmospheric conditions that are too extreme for the atmosphere to handle. It is human nature to find a way to put themselves out of harm’s way. Drought may be gone for a while, but when it comes back it will not be gone forever.