As global temperatures rise, so too does the ferocity of atmospheric rivers along the West Coast. Research predicts starkly different outcomes for communities from Southern California to Seattle, necessitating tailored adaptation efforts. Credit: SciTechDaily.com As the planet warms, atmospheric rivers, those mighty storms that sweep across the West Coast, are undergoing transformative changes. New research reveals that these storms will intensify differently in Southern California compared to the Pacific Northwest, bringing about varied regional impacts such as heightened flood risks and more intense storm surges. Atmospheric Rivers and Climate Impact Communities across the West Coast of the United States are likely to see significant changes in the powerful storms known as atmospheric rivers as the climate continues to warm. However, the effects will vary widely between regions. Southern California will experience one set of changes, while more northerly areas like Seattle will face a very different storm evolution. Recent research led by scientists at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) reveals that warming conditions will amplify ocean evaporation, leading to substantial changes in atmospheric rivers in Southern California. In contrast, atmospheric rivers farther north will be shaped more by increasing temperatures in both the atmosphere and the ocean. Real-World Implications for Coastal Communities While such differing processes may seem arcane, they will have real-world consequences for millions of people. By 2100, for example, atmospheric rivers that strike the Pacific Northwest could increase flooding risks by temporarily raising the heights of ocean waters as much as three times more than current storms if society continues to emit greenhouse gases at a high rate. Residents of Southern California will also experience higher storm-driven waters, but not to the extent of those living farther north. “On the ground, people will see a different response between the […]