Scientists have found that a decrease in the number of tornadoes always correlates with changes in the ice cover in the Arctic.
Dependence may seem strange, but it is a confirmed fact. The fact is that the Arctic ice directly affects the formation of a high-altitude jet stream (VST) – a narrow zone of strong wind in the upper layers of the atmosphere. When the Arctic ice “retreats” deeper into the continent, the TSA also changes its usual route, migrating to the north.
“The main factors in the formation of tornadoes are the relative displacement of air masses of different temperatures and high humidity,” explains Robert Jeff Trapp, a professor at the University of Illinois. – When the jet stream goes north, it appears in a region with less moisture. Although the chances of forming deadly vortices remain, the probability of this becomes less, since one of the key factors in the formation of a tornado is lost. ”
In order to establish such a three-stage relationship between vortices and glaciers, the scientists studied in detail the data on Arctic ice observations and tornado statistics in the United States over the past 30 years. The study will help US meteorologists more accurately predict hurricanes and tornadoes and warn people in time.
Dependence may seem strange, but it is a confirmed fact. The fact is that the Arctic ice directly affects the formation of a high-altitude jet stream (VST) – a narrow zone of strong wind in the upper layers of the atmosphere. When the Arctic ice “retreats” deeper into the continent, the TSA also changes its usual route, migrating to the north.
“The main factors in the formation of tornadoes are the relative displacement of air masses of different temperatures and high humidity,” explains Robert Jeff Trapp, a professor at the University of Illinois. – When the jet stream goes north, it appears in a region with less moisture. Although the chances of forming deadly vortices remain, the probability of this becomes less, since one of the key factors in the formation of a tornado is lost. ”
In order to establish such a three-stage relationship between vortices and glaciers, the scientists studied in detail the data on Arctic ice observations and tornado statistics in the United States over the past 30 years. The study will help US meteorologists more accurately predict hurricanes and tornadoes and warn people in time.
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