precipitation

Scientist: Less rain across southern Australia a long term climate trend

Submitted by takver on Sat, 09/07/2011 - 9:35pm

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations is increasing atmospheric temperatures changing the dynamic of the sub-tropical jet stream and thus the number and intensity of storms bringing autumn and winter rainfall to southern Australia, according to CSIRO climate scientist Dr Jorgen Frederiksen. He was addressing the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics conference in Melbourne this week regarding recent research on changes to atmospheric circulation, storm intensity and reduction in winter rainfall in Australia.

Geography: 
Australia
Keywords: 
climate change
science
global warming
rainfall
precipitation

Warming Arctic air temperatures causing more rain, less snow, faster ice melt

Submitted by takver on Sat, 09/07/2011 - 1:17pm

Arctic air temperatures are warming faster than anywhere else on Earth. Although the level of precipitation is remaining unchanged, there is reduced snowfall in summer which is being replaced by increasing rain. The loss of summer snow and increase in rain is resulting in a positive feedback mechanism increasing warming and melting of the Arctic ice.

Geography: 
Global/International
Keywords: 
climate change
global warming
arctic
Albedo feedback
precipitation