;
Feedback
What do you think about us?
Your name
Your email
Message
Exploring the impact of climate change on the global water cycle, this overview highlights significant changes since the mid-20th century. Increased precipitation, shifts in ocean salinity, and the intensification of extreme weather events are discussed. The expansion of the Indo-Pacific warm pool and its effects on regional weather, as well as the potential for abrupt water cycle shifts, are also examined.
Show More
Precipitation over land has increased since 1950, with a sharper rise from the 1980s onward, especially in higher latitudes
Extreme Precipitation Events
Extreme precipitation events, particularly those connected to tropical and extratropical cyclones, are expected to intensify due to greater atmospheric moisture
Changes in Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
Changes in extreme wet and dry conditions may alter atmospheric circulation patterns and the frequency and distribution of weather extremes
The warming of the oceans, particularly the expansion of the Indo-Pacific warm pool, has been a major driver of changes in regional weather patterns
Changes in the global water cycle can have profound implications for ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources
Projections show that in a scenario where global warming reaches 2°C, there will be altered average soil moisture
Abrupt changes in the water cycle are characterized by a swift shift in the climate system on a regional to global scale, occurring at a pace faster than historical precedents
Collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)
The collapse of the AMOC could profoundly affect regional water cycles
Complex Interactions between Ocean, Atmosphere, and Land
Rapid state changes between wet and dry conditions can occur due to complex interactions between the ocean, atmosphere, and land
While the probability of abrupt changes occurring within the 21st century is low, they cannot be completely discounted
00
Trend in global precipitation since 1950
Increase in precipitation over land, sharper rise from 1980s, especially in higher latitudes.
01
Relation between atmospheric water vapor and temperature
Atmospheric water vapor increase consistent with observed warming since mid-20th century.
02
Predicted precipitation changes and implications
Rise in global precipitation over land expected, impacting ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources.
