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A recent study establishes a link between warming oceans and an increase in humid heatwaves globally.
Atmospheric processes, specifically Rossby waves, are highlighted as key influencers of these large-scale heat extremes.
Rossby waves are large horizontal atmospheric undulations that move westward and significantly impact global weather patterns.
Their formation and behavior are fundamentally influenced by the Coriolis effect.
Rossby Waves, also known as planetary waves, are large-scale meanders in the atmospheric jet streams and ocean currents. They are generated by the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect) and the variation of its strength with latitude (beta effect). These waves transport heat from the tropics towards the poles and cold air from the poles towards the tropics, thereby influencing global weather systems. When these waves become 'stuck' or amplified, they can lead to persistent weather patterns, including prolonged heatwaves or cold snaps. Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT) is the lowest temperature an air parcel can achieve through evaporative cooling. It considers both the air temperature and humidity. A high WBT (e.g., above 35°C) indicates conditions where the human body cannot effectively cool itself by sweating, posing severe health risks and potentially leading to heatstroke and death, even for healthy individuals.
Simple Analogy: Imagine a river (jet stream) flowing across a bumpy landscape (Earth's rotation). The river doesn't flow straight; it meanders. These meanders are like Rossby waves, influencing where the water (weather) goes. Wet Bulb Temperature is like a 'comfort meter' that tells you not just how hot it is, but how humid it is, indicating if your body can cool down by sweating.
Global warming and increased greenhouse gas emissions are driving ocean warming, which in turn influences atmospheric dynamics like Rossby waves and contributes to extreme heat events.
Ocean heat content, marine heatwaves, and ocean-atmosphere interactions are fundamental to understanding the genesis and intensification of humid heatwaves.
Rossby waves are a key component of large-scale atmospheric circulation, including the behavior of jet streams, which dictate global weather patterns.
The amplification and persistence of Rossby waves can lead to prolonged heatwaves, droughts, or floods, making them a critical factor in disaster management.
GS Paper I (Physical Geography - Climatology, Oceanography), GS Paper III (Environment & Climate Change, Disaster Management)
General Science (Physics, Geography), General Awareness (Current Affairs)
General Awareness (Current Affairs, Environmental Issues)
General Science (Physics, Geography), General Awareness (Current Affairs)
General Knowledge (Science & Technology, Geography)
In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following? 1. Area of the hole in the lid 2. Temperature of the flame 3. Weight of the lid Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 1 and 3 only
"The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft." The experiment in question refers to
Answer: Evolved LISA
For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Medium-High for UPSC (as part of climatology and environment), Medium for other exams (as general science/awareness).
Large-scale atmospheric and oceanic waves caused by the Coriolis effect, influencing global weather.
The lowest temperature achievable by evaporative cooling, indicating combined heat and humidity stress.
An inertial force that deflects moving objects (like air and water) on a rotating frame of reference, crucial for Rossby wave formation.
Periods of excessively hot and humid weather, posing significant health risks.