Tag: rising sea level

bookmark_borderClimate Change, Inflation, and You

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Currently, a major contributor to inflation is the surge in homeowners’ insurance costs, propelled by the unprecedented number of climate disasters in 2023. California, Louisiana, and Florida are now dependent on government assistance to manage the financial burden of residential property insurance.

Flood insurance will become expensive and difficult to obtain.

NOAA: A historic year of U.S. billion-dollar weather and climate disasters

In 2023, the U.S. experienced 28 separate weather and climate disasters costing at least 1 billion dollars. That number puts 2023 into first place for the highest number of billion-dollar disasters in a calendar year and included:

  • 1 winter storm/cold wave event (across the northeast U.S. in early-February).
  • 1 wildfire event (firestorm destroying town of Lahaina on Maui Island of Hawaii).
  • 1 drought and heat wave event (focused across the central and southern U.S.).
  • 4 flooding events (in California, Florida, and across the eastern and northeastern U.S.).
  • 2 tornado outbreaks (across the central and eastern U.S.).
  • 2 tropical cyclones (Idalia in Florida and Typhoon Mawar in Guam).
  • 17 severe weather/hail events (across many parts of the country).

2023 was also deadly, causing at least 492 direct or indirect fatalities — the 8th most disaster-related fatalities for the contiguous U.S. since 1980.

* Our climate model employs chaos theory to comprehensively consider human impacts and projects a potential global average temperature increase of 9 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

What Can I Do?
There are numerous actions you can take to contribute to saving the planet. Each person bears the responsibility to minimize pollution, discontinue the use of fossil fuels, reduce consumption, and foster a culture of love and care. Be a butterfly and affect the world. The Butterfly Effect illustrates that a small change in one area can lead to significant alterations in conditions anywhere on the globe. Hence, the frequently heard statement that a butterfly in China can cause a hurricane in the Atlantic.

Here is a list of additional actions you can take.

How is All Real Estate at Risk From Climate Change?

bookmark_borderCoral Reefs’ Tipping Point

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by Daniel Brouse
February 14, 2024

Coral reefs confront unprecedented challenges arising from various stressors, many of which are directly tied to human activities. Some of these stressors possess critical tipping points, surpassing which can lead to the collapse of coral ecosystems. According to the European Geosciences Union’s statement on January 2, 2024, specific tipping points include a temperature increase of 1.2℃ above pre-industrial levels and atmospheric CO2 concentrations exceeding 350 parts per million. Disturbingly, as of February 2024, the Earth’s yearly average temperature has already risen to +1.5℃, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate-related threats to coral reefs.

Climate change is having significant and detrimental effects on coral reefs around the world. Some of the key impacts include:

  1. Coral Bleaching:
    • One of the most immediate and visible impacts of climate change on coral reefs is coral bleaching. Elevated sea temperatures cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living within their tissues. Without these algae, corals lose their vibrant colors and become more susceptible to stress, disease, and death. While corals can recover from mild bleaching events, severe or prolonged bleaching can lead to widespread coral mortality.
  2. Ocean Acidification:
    • Increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere not only contribute to global warming but also lead to ocean acidification. The absorption of excess CO2 by the oceans results in a decrease in pH, making the water more acidic. This acidification can weaken coral skeletons and hinder the ability of corals to build and maintain their calcium carbonate structures.
  3. Sea Level Rise:
    • Rising global temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise. Elevated sea levels can lead to increased stress on coral reefs, especially those located in shallow waters. This can result in reduced sunlight reaching the corals and increased sedimentation, impacting their growth and survival.
  4. Extreme Weather Events:
    • Climate change is linked to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and cyclones. These events can physically damage coral reefs by causing coral breakage, dislodgment, and destruction of the reef structure. The recovery time for damaged reefs is often extended, making them more vulnerable to subsequent disturbances.
  5. Changes in Ocean Circulation:
    • Climate change can alter ocean currents and circulation patterns. Changes in water flow can affect the distribution of nutrients and impact the resilience of coral reefs. Some regions may experience altered temperature regimes, nutrient imbalances, and disruptions in the supply of food sources for corals and their associated ecosystems.
  6. Shifts in Coral Species Distribution:
    • As sea temperatures change and habitats are modified, the distribution of coral species may shift. Some species may migrate to cooler waters, while others may struggle to adapt or face local extinctions. These shifts can disrupt the balance of ecosystems and affect the biodiversity associated with coral reefs.

The cumulative impact of these climate-related stressors poses a severe threat to coral reefs worldwide. It’s crucial to address the root causes of climate change and implement conservation measures to enhance the resilience of coral ecosystems. Protection of coral reefs involves both local and global efforts, including sustainable fishing practices, marine protected areas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting coral reef restoration initiatives.

Coral reef ecosystems can be influenced by several feedback loops that contribute to reaching tipping points. These feedback loops often involve interactions between various environmental stressors and the responses of coral reefs. Here are some feedback loops associated with the coral reef tipping point:

  1. Coral Bleaching Feedback Loop:
    • Mechanism: Elevated sea temperatures, driven by climate change, can trigger coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic algae.
    • Effect: As bleaching occurs, corals become stressed and more susceptible to diseases. If bleaching is severe or occurs frequently, it weakens coral resilience and can lead to widespread coral mortality, reducing the ability of the reef to recover.
  2. Ocean Acidification and Coral Growth Feedback Loop:
    • Mechanism: Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) leads to ocean acidification, hindering the ability of corals to build and maintain their calcium carbonate structures.
    • Effect: Weakened coral skeletons make corals more vulnerable to physical damage and limit their capacity to recover from disturbances. This feedback loop can contribute to a decline in overall coral reef health.
  3. Storm Damage and Reef Structure Feedback Loop:
    • Mechanism: Intense tropical storms, hurricanes, or cyclones, influenced by climate change, can cause physical damage to coral reefs.
    • Effect: Damaged coral structures provide less protection for the reef against future storms. If storms become more frequent or severe, the cumulative impact can compromise the structural integrity of the reef and hinder recovery.
  4. Overfishing and Algae Overgrowth Feedback Loop:
    • Mechanism: Overfishing of herbivorous fish, such as parrotfish, reduces their population, leading to increased algae growth on coral reefs.
    • Effect: Algae can outcompete corals for space, hindering coral growth and recovery. Reduced herbivory exacerbates the overgrowth of algae, creating a feedback loop that undermines the resilience of the coral reef ecosystem.
  5. Disease Spread and Coral Health Feedback Loop:
    • Mechanism: Climate change and environmental stressors can weaken coral health, making them more susceptible to diseases.
    • Effect: As diseases spread among stressed corals, the overall health of the reef declines. Weakened corals are less able to withstand additional stressors, leading to a feedback loop of declining health and increased vulnerability.
  6. Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function Feedback Loop:
    • Mechanism: Environmental stressors, such as coral bleaching and disease, can lead to the loss of key species and a decline in overall biodiversity on the reef.
    • Effect: A reduction in biodiversity weakens the resilience and functioning of the coral reef ecosystem. This can create a feedback loop where the loss of key species further compromises the ability of the reef to recover from disturbances.

Mitigating these feedback loops requires comprehensive conservation strategies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing sustainable fishing practices, establishing marine protected areas, and addressing local stressors to enhance the resilience of coral reefs.

ALSO SEE:

Toppled Tipping Points: The Domino Effect / Brouse and Mukherjee (2023)

Sea-level Rise: Greenland and the Collapse of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet / Mukherjee and Brouse (2022 and 2023)

Sea Level Rise: Then and Now / Mukherjee and Brouse (2023)

Feedback Loops / Daniel Brouse and Sidd Mukherjee (2016)

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderHow is All Real Estate at Risk From Climate Change?

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By Daniel Brouse and Sidd Mukherjee

Climate change poses risks to real estate in the United States in various ways, and these risks can affect property values, insurance costs, and overall property resilience. Here are some ways in which all US real estate is at risk from climate change:

  1. Sea Level Rise and Coastal Properties:
    • Coastal properties are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion. As sea levels continue to rise due to global warming, properties near coastlines may experience increased flooding and damage from more frequent and severe storms. Storm surges in Florida are an example.
  2. Extreme Weather Events:
    • Climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and droughts. Properties in regions prone to these events are at risk of damage, destruction, and increased insurance costs.
  3. Temperature Extremes:
    • Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent and prolonged heatwaves, affecting property infrastructure, energy demand, and potentially decreasing property values in areas with extreme heat.
  4. Changes in Precipitation Patterns:
    • Changes in precipitation patterns, including increased violent rainfall or prolonged droughts, can impact properties by causing flooding, landslides, or water scarcity. These changes may affect property values and increase maintenance costs.
  5. Wildfires:
    • Increased temperatures and changing precipitation patterns contribute to the risk of wildfires. Properties in wildfire-prone areas face threats to both their physical structures and the surrounding environment.
  6. Homeowners and Flood Insurance Costs:
    • Flood insurance will become expensive and difficult to obtain. Climate-related risks can lead to higher insurance premiums and deductibles, particularly in high-risk areas. As the frequency and severity of climate-related events increase, insurance companies may reassess risk models and adjust pricing accordingly.
  7. Infrastructure Vulnerability:
    • Climate change can impact infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities. Properties relying on vulnerable infrastructure may face challenges related to accessibility, reliability, and potential increases in repair and maintenance costs.
  8. Health Risks:
    • Humans will experience greater loss and damage to life and quality of life from air pollution, decreasing supply of potable water, extreme weather events, and disease. The greatest short term climate change risk to human health is deadly humid heat (wet-bulb temperature). Climate change can affect human health, and properties in areas prone to heatwaves, air pollution, or vector-borne diseases may face increased health risks. This could influence property values and community desirability.Almost all survivors of climate-related disasters suffer from mental distress. Of those who have not experienced climate disasters, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) have reported climate change anxiety.
  9. Regulatory Changes:
    • Governments may implement stricter building codes, zoning regulations, and disclosure requirements related to climate-related risks. Non-compliance could affect property values and lead to increased costs for property owners. Loss and damage litigation against oil companies and governments will change world economics.
  10. Shifts in Property Demand:

It’s important to note that the degree of risk varies by region and property type. Some areas may experience more immediate and severe impacts, while others may be more resilient. Assessing and mitigating these risks require a comprehensive understanding of local climate vulnerabilities and the implementation of strategies to enhance property resilience. Policymakers, real estate professionals, and property owners are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing climate risks to ensure the long-term sustainability and value of real estate assets. Thus, our recommendation to evacuate Florida now (i.e. Managed Retreat).

Create a Climate-Resilient Environment in and Around Your Home Brouse (2024)

Managed Retreat: Relocating Due to Climate Change Extreme Weather Events Brouse (2023)

Stormwater Runoff Management for Your House Brouse (2024)

Tree Extinction Due to Human Induced Environmental Stress Mukherjee and Brouse (2005-present)

Soil Degradation and Desertification Brouse (2024)

Atmospheric Rivers Mukherjee and Brouse (2022-2023)

Violent Rain and the Substrate Brouse and Laden (2024)

The Long-term Breathing Experiment Brouse (2023)

Health Impacts of Air Pollution Brouse (2023)

Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania and the Substrate Daniel Brouse (2023)

Real Estate Underwater: A Florida Climate Change Case Study Daniel Brouse (2023)

Climate Change Impacts on Flood Risks and Real Estate Values Sidd Mukherjee and Daniel Brouse (2023)

Real Estate and Climate Change: Stranded on an Island Daniel Brouse (2023)

Tipping Cascades, Social-Ecological Systems, and the Hottest Year in History Brouse (2024)

All About Flood Insurance Brouse and Mukherjee (1995-present)

The Age of Loss and Damage Brouse (2023)

bookmark_borderClimate Change and Chaos Theory

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By Daniel Brouse
February 5, 2024

Global warming is caused by an increase in thermal energy. Atmospheric circulation together with ocean circulation is how thermal energy is redistributed throughout the world. Chaos theory offers insights into the complex, nonlinear dynamics of climate systems role in the redistribution of thermal energy. The Earth’s climate is a highly complex and dynamic system, influenced by various factors such as ocean currents, atmospheric circulation, and feedback loops.

Circulation systems of air and/or water include:
* doldrums, trade winds, horse latitudes, prevailing westerlies, polar front zone, and polar easterlies
* each hemisphere has three cells — Hadley cell, Ferrel cell and Polar cell in which air circulates through the entire depth of the troposphere
* usually each hemispheres has two jet streams — a subtropical jet stream and a polar-front jet stream
* waves, tides, currents, downwelling, upwelling move water
* there are over 24 currents — Benguela Current, California Current, Falkland Current, Labrador Current, Brazil Current, Florida Current, Gulf Stream, West Australian Current, Canary Current, Kuroshio Current, North Pacific Current, Somali Current, Antarctic Circumpolar Current, Antarctica Current, Antilles Current, Mozambique Current, North Atlantic Drift, Norwegian Current, Oyashio Current, West Wind Drift, Agulhas Current, South Equatorial Current, Humboldt or Peruvian Current, Monsoon Current
* five major ocean-wide gyres —- the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, and Indian Ocean
* thermohaline (temperature and salinity) circulation systems — Gulf Stream, Atlantic Meridional Overturning circulation (AMOC), Pacific Meridional Overturning Circulation (PMOC)
* ocean-atmosphere oscillations — La Nina / El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Antarctic Oscillation (AAO), Arctic Oscillation (AO), Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO),
Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Pacific-North American (PNA) Pattern

How does chaos theory explain thermal energy redistributed throughout the world?

  1. Nonlinear Dynamics:
    • Chaos theory emphasizes the nonlinear dynamics of complex systems, meaning that small changes in initial conditions can lead to disproportionately large and unpredictable outcomes. In the context of climate, this nonlinearity is evident in how the redistribution of thermal energy is influenced by factors like ocean currents and atmospheric circulation, which can exhibit chaotic behavior.
  2. Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions:
    • Chaos theory also highlights the concept of sensitive dependence on initial conditions, commonly known as the butterfly effect. In climate systems, small variations in initial conditions, such as temperature or atmospheric pressure, can lead to significant changes in the distribution of thermal energy over time.
  3. Complex Feedback Loops:
    • Climate systems involve intricate feedback loops, where changes in one component can influence others. These feedback loops contribute to the complexity and unpredictability of thermal energy redistribution. Chaos theory helps us understand how these feedback mechanisms can amplify or dampen the effects of perturbations in the system.
  4. Emergent Patterns:
    • Chaos theory recognizes the emergence of complex patterns from seemingly chaotic systems. In climate science, emergent patterns may include large-scale phenomena like El Niño or the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which play roles in redistributing thermal energy on a global scale.
  5. Climate Variability and Change:
    • Chaos theory is particularly relevant in studying climate variability and change. While long-term trends such as global warming are discernible, the inherent chaos in the climate system introduces variability and uncertainty, making it challenging to precisely predict how thermal energy will be redistributed over shorter timescales.
  6. Atmospheric Rivers and Droughts:
    • Atmospheric rivers are concentrated bands of moisture in the atmosphere, and their behavior is influenced by various atmospheric factors. Chaos theory comes into play when trying to predict the exact paths and intensities of atmospheric rivers, especially as small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes over time. Droughts result from complex interactions between atmospheric conditions, precipitation patterns, land use, and water management. Chaos theory highlights the sensitivity of drought conditions to initial conditions and the potential for nonlinear responses, making it difficult to precisely predict the onset, duration, and severity of drought events.

Complex Feedback Loops:

Complex feedback loops in climate science refer to interactions between different components of the Earth’s climate system that can amplify or dampen the effects of initial changes, leading to non-linear and often unpredictable outcomes. These feedback loops play a crucial role in shaping the behavior of the climate system and can influence various climate phenomena, including temperature changes, ice melt, and precipitation patterns.

Tipping points are Critical Milestones that directly impact the rate of acceleration in climate change by multiplying the number and intensity of feedback loops. Identifying and understanding these tipping points is crucial for climate science and policymaking. Crossing multiple tipping points could lead to a domino effect, resulting in a much more rapid and severe climate change than currently projected.

  1. Ice-Albedo Feedback:
    • As the Earth warms, ice and snow melt, reducing the surface area covered by highly reflective materials (high albedo). This leads to a decrease in the Earth’s overall reflectivity, or albedo, as darker surfaces (like open water or bare ground) absorb more solar radiation. The increased absorption of sunlight further warms the surface, accelerating ice melt in a self-reinforcing loop.
  2. Water Vapor Feedback:
    • Warmer temperatures can lead to increased evaporation of water from oceans and other bodies of water. Since water vapor is a greenhouse gas, higher atmospheric water vapor concentrations can enhance the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat and further raising temperatures. This positive feedback loop can contribute to the amplification of global warming.
  3. Carbon Cycle Feedback:
    • The carbon cycle involves the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) between the atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial ecosystems. As the climate warms, it can influence processes like the release of carbon from thawing permafrost or changes in vegetation. The additional release of carbon dioxide can amplify the greenhouse effect, leading to further warming and affecting the carbon cycle in a feedback loop.
  4. Ocean Circulation Feedback:
    • Changes in temperature and salinity affect ocean circulation patterns. Alterations in ocean circulation can, in turn, influence heat distribution across the globe. For example, a slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could impact regional climate patterns and further affect ocean circulation in a complex feedback loop.
  5. Vegetation-Climate Feedback:
    • Climate changes can affect vegetation patterns, altering the amount of sunlight absorbed and the release of water vapor through transpiration. Changes in vegetation cover can influence local and regional climates, creating feedback loops that may further impact ecosystems and climate patterns.
  6. Cloud Feedback:
    • Changes in temperature and atmospheric composition can affect cloud cover and properties. While clouds can both reflect sunlight and trap heat, the net effect depends on factors like cloud altitude and type. Changes in cloud cover and properties can influence the Earth’s radiation balance, creating feedback loops that can either amplify or dampen climate changes.

Chaos theory provides a framework for understanding the inherent complexity, sensitivity, and unpredictability of climate systems, including the redistribution of thermal energy. The interconnectedness of various factors and the nonlinear interactions within the Earth’s climate contribute to the intricate patterns observed in thermal energy distribution on a global scale. Climate models use principles from chaos theory to simulate these dynamic interactions.

The Earth is a climate system. Many subsystems make up our climate. Perhaps the most important factor impacting our climate is us. The biggest influence on climate change is the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere, primarily driven by human activities. The largest drivers of human induced climate change include: burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and land use, industrial processes, agriculture, waste management, and use of fluorinated gases.

Human induced climate change is an exponential component of an unordered system (chaos theory).Chaos theory plays a role in understanding the dynamics and potential unpredictability of social-ecological systems’ impact on climate change. Social-ecological systems encompass the interconnectedness of human societies and the ecosystems they are part of, and their behavior is influenced by a myriad of factors, including human activities, policies, resource use, and environmental changes. Chaos theory contributes insights into the complexity, sensitivity to initial conditions, and potential nonlinearities within these systems.

Here are several aspects in which chaos theory can be relevant to forecasting the impact of social-ecological systems on climate change:

  1. Nonlinear Interactions:
    • Social-ecological systems involve nonlinear interactions between human activities and environmental responses. Small changes in policies, resource management, or societal behaviors can lead to disproportionately large and unpredictable outcomes in terms of climate change impacts.
  2. Sensitivity to Initial Conditions:
    • The sensitivity of social-ecological systems to initial conditions highlights the importance of understanding how small changes or decisions can lead to significant and sometimes unexpected consequences over time. This sensitivity is crucial when forecasting the trajectory of climate change impacts resulting from human activities.
  3. Feedback Loops:
    • Feedback loops within social-ecological systems can amplify or dampen the effects of interventions or changes. For example, policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions may lead to unforeseen economic or social consequences, creating feedback loops that influence climate change impacts.
  4. Emergent Properties:
    • Chaos theory recognizes emergent properties that arise from the interactions within complex systems. In the context of social-ecological systems, emergent properties may include new social norms, economic trends, or environmental patterns that affect and potentially amplify or mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  5. Thresholds and Tipping Points:
    • Social-ecological systems can exhibit thresholds and tipping points, where small changes gradually accumulate until a critical point is reached, leading to abrupt and sometimes irreversible changes. Chaos theory helps to understand the potential for sudden shifts in behavior within these systems.
  6. Adaptive Capacity:
    • Chaos theory encourages consideration of the adaptive capacity of social-ecological systems. The ability to adapt to changing conditions, learn from experiences, and adjust strategies is essential for forecasting and managing the impacts of climate change within these systems.
  7. Uncertainty and Systemic Risks:
    • Chaos theory underscores the inherent uncertainty in complex systems. Social-ecological systems are subject to systemic risks, where interconnected factors can amplify vulnerabilities. Understanding and managing these uncertainties are crucial for forecasting and responding to climate change impacts.

Incorporating chaos theory into forecasting models for social-ecological systems helps researchers and policymakers recognize the limitations of linear thinking and deterministic approaches. Embracing complexity and uncertainty can lead to more robust and adaptive strategies for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change within the context of human societies and ecosystems.

Our model attempts to adequately account for humans and forecasts an increase of 9 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Toppled Tipping Points: The Domino Effect Brouse and Mukherjee (2023)Tipping Cascades, Social-Ecological Systems, and the Hottest Year in History Brouse (2024)
The Reign of Violent Rain Brouse and Mukherjee (2023)
The Age of Loss and Damage Brouse (2023)
Climate Change Impacts on Flood Risks and Real Estate Values Sidd Mukherjee and Daniel Brouse (2023)

bookmark_borderClimate Change, the Jet Stream, and East Coast Atmospheric Rivers

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by Daniel Brouse

How is climate change impacting the jet stream and atmospheric rivers on the East Coast of the USA?

The interactions between various factors, including ocean currents, sea surface temperatures, and atmospheric circulation, contribute to the overall climate patterns experienced on the East Coast.

Climate change can influence the jet stream and atmospheric rivers, impacting weather patterns on the East Coast of the USA. Here are some key ways in which these changes may occur:

Jet Stream:

    1. Amplification and Slowing:
      • Climate change can lead to the amplification of atmospheric patterns, including the jet stream. This can result in larger north-south swings, which may contribute to more persistent weather conditions. Additionally, a warming Arctic relative to the mid-latitudes may slow down the jet stream.
    2. Stalled Weather Patterns:
      • A slower, more meandering jet stream can lead to the persistence of weather patterns, causing prolonged periods of extreme conditions such as heatwaves, cold spells, or heavy rainfall.
    3. Shifts in Track:
      • Climate change may alter the typical track of the jet stream, influencing where it tends to position itself. These shifts can impact regional weather patterns, including precipitation and temperature distributions.
    4. Increased Amplification:
      • As the Earth’s poles warm faster than the mid-latitudes, the temperature difference between the Arctic and lower latitudes decreases. This reduction in temperature gradient may lead to a more meandering and slower jet stream with larger north-south waves, a phenomenon known as “jet stream amplification.”
    5. Wavier Jet Stream:
      • The reduced temperature contrast between the Arctic and mid-latitudes can make the jet stream more susceptible to large, slow-moving waves. This wavier pattern can result in more persistent weather conditions, including prolonged periods of heatwaves, cold spells, droughts, or heavy rainfall.
    6. Increased Blocking Patterns:
      • A wavier and slower jet stream can lead to the formation of blocking patterns, where high or low-pressure systems persist in a particular location for an extended period. Blocking patterns can contribute to prolonged and extreme weather events.
    7. Slower Movement:
      • Some studies suggest that the jet stream is slowing down as a result of climate change. A slower jet stream can cause weather systems to move more slowly across the landscape, potentially intensifying the impacts of extreme events such as storms, heatwaves, or heavy rainfall.
    8. Changes in Zonal Flow:
      • The jet stream typically flows from west to east in a relatively straight line, a pattern known as zonal flow. Climate change may lead to more frequent disruptions of this zonal flow, causing the jet stream to meander and creating conditions for more extreme weather events.
    9. Impacts on Weather Extremes:
      • Changes in the jet stream can influence the occurrence and characteristics of weather extremes, including heatwaves, cold snaps, and intense storms. These changes can have significant implications for local and regional climate patterns.

    Atmospheric Rivers:

    1. Increased Moisture Content:
      • Warmer temperatures associated with climate change can enhance evaporation, increasing the moisture content of the atmosphere. This, in turn, can contribute to the development of more intense atmospheric rivers, which are channels of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere.
    2. Changes in Intensity and Frequency:
      • Climate change may lead to alterations in the intensity and frequency of atmospheric rivers. There is evidence suggesting that these phenomena could become more common and more potent, leading to heavier rainfall events and an increased risk of flooding.
    3. Altered Trajectories:
      • Changes in the jet stream’s position and behavior can influence the trajectories of atmospheric rivers. Variations in the jet stream can result in altered paths for these moisture-laden systems, affecting the regions that experience heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
    4. Extreme Weather Events:
      • Atmospheric rivers are often associated with extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding. Changes in the characteristics of atmospheric rivers due to climate change can contribute to an increased likelihood of severe weather events on the East Coast.

East Coast Atmospheric Rivers and AMOC (Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation) Brouse (2024)

Extreme Rainfall–surge Hazard Risk Basics and Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2022)

West Coast Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2023)

East Coast Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2023)

Greenland Atmospheric Rivers Mukherjee (2023)

Owning a Shore Property and Flood Insurance

ALSO SEE:
The Reign of Violent Rain Brouse and Mukherjee (2023)
The Age of Loss and Damage Brouse (2023)
Climate Change Impacts on Flood Risks and Real Estate Values Sidd Mukherjee and Daniel Brouse (2023)

bookmark_borderAtmospheric Rivers and Coastal Erosion

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Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that transport large amounts of water vapor. When these atmospheric rivers make landfall, they can bring heavy rainfall over an extended period, leading to increased runoff and potentially contributing to coastal erosion through several mechanisms:

  1. Intense Rainfall: Atmospheric rivers can bring intense and prolonged rainfall, leading to increased runoff from rivers and streams into the coastal areas. This influx of water can contribute to soil erosion and sediment transport, impacting coastal ecosystems.
  2. Flooding: The heavy rainfall associated with atmospheric rivers can cause inland flooding, leading to an increased discharge of water into coastal regions. This excess water can erode coastal land, especially in areas with vulnerable soils.
  3. Storm Surges: In some cases, atmospheric rivers may coincide with storm systems, leading to storm surges along the coast. Storm surges, combined with high winds and heavy rainfall, can intensify erosion along the shoreline.

The image shows the Ocean City, New Jersey, shore after an atmospheric river coincided with storm surge.

beach erosion in Ocean City, NJ / December 2023
beach erosion in Ocean City, NJ / December 2023

It’s essential to note that the impact of atmospheric rivers on coastal erosion can vary depending on local topography, land use, and other factors. Coastal erosion is a complex process influenced by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, including sea level rise, human activities, and changes in weather patterns.

Owning a Shore Property and Flood Insurance

Extreme Rainfall–surge Hazard Risk Basics and Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2022)

West Coast Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2023)

East Coast Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2023)

Greenland Atmospheric Rivers Mukherjee (2023)

ALSO SEE:
The Reign of Violent Rain Brouse and Mukherjee (2023)
The Age of Loss and Damage Brouse (2023)
Climate Change Impacts on Flood Risks and Real Estate Values Sidd Mukherjee and Daniel Brouse (2023)

bookmark_borderViolent Rain and the Substrate

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Daniel Brouse asked:
As the sea levels rise, how far “inland” might we see salinization of fresh water? Is it possible saltwater could infiltrate the Great Lakes?

  • Lake Superior has an elevation of 600 feet above (current) sea level and a depth of 1,332 feet.
  • Lake Ontario is 243 feet above sea level with a depth of 802 feet.
The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes

Greg Laden:
Would not reach the Great lakes, but with a little erosion, the Hudson, Lake Champlain, and the St Lawrence could become contiguous, so New England becomes an Island.

Daniel Brouse:
Thanks! I am particularly interested in the Kennebecasis River (a tributary of the Saint John River in southern New Brunswick, Canada.) Your answer is what I was looking for. Do you have any thoughts on this process… in particular, the changing topography caused by extreme rain events? You can kind-of imagine Eastern and Western North America as giant beaches with ever increasing atmospheric waves splashing down on us. The Gulf Coast will be hit from both sides. We to see increasing intensity and/or frequency in a wide variety of violent rain events including: downpours, flooding, hurricanes, cyclones, monsoons, coastal flooding, storm surges, lightning and wildfires, hail, extreme wind, and concurrent extremes. The reign of violent rain has already begun. More hillsides and shorelines are collapsing. Atmospheric rivers are dramatically increasing flash flooding in the Northeastern USA. Worldwide, stormwater systems are becoming overwhelmed. Ironically, the streets of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE, flooded days before the COP28 Climate Conference. Nowhere is safe from violent rain, not even in the desert preparing for a UN meeting on the climate crisis. As a result of increasing violent rain, new drainage culverts are forming. Eventually, the culverts will transform into recurring streams, carving new canyons, creating new landscapes and islands. Increased wildfires and landslides will transform topography. At the same time as the violent rain makes its way to the sea, the sea is rising to meet the violent rain. What do you think will happen to the floodplains in North America?

Greg Laden:
I have many thoughts on this, and this has been part of my research and study for a very long time, having done coastal archaeology in North America, etc. The basic question is what is the substrate? Sea level rise of 1 meter in Maine means the sea goes up to the top line that is currently 1 meter above the sea (we are ignoring tides) and that’s it for thousands of years. That is because Maine is made out of granite. Sea level rise of 1 meter along Cape Cod, which is glacial till, means that the sea will erode horizontally many many meters. In fact, Cape Cod is a dead-peninsula walking, even given pre-AGW sea level rise. It will all wash away eventually, except any rocky bits of bedrock that might be there (but they aren’t there AFIK) So, given that, yes, storms come in to play. The rate of erosion of Cap Cod, to continue with that example, accelerated in about 1979, due to increased severe coastal storm. What happens to a given floodplain will depend totally on local conditions. Many of our floodplains are not that often flooded, especially in glacial zones where they are filled up, and lower reaches of the giant rivers, and there is a lot of infrastructure in place that will initially control things.

Daniel Brouse:
You might be interested in King of Prussia and Plymouth Meeting, PA. The train derailment in Plymouth Meeting (July 17, 2023) was caused by extreme rainfall and flash flooding that resulted in sinkholes developing in the carbonate rock under the railroad tracks. In July and December of 2023, extreme rainfall resulted in sinkholes being exposed in the carbonate rock under Route 202 in King of Prussia, PA. I guess this is part of the local conditions that vary widely from location to location?

ALSO SEE: Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania and the Creation of the Climate Crisis / Daniel Brouse (2023)

The Reign of Violent Rain

Greenland and the Collapse of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Sea Level Rise: Then and Now

Climate Change: Rate of Acceleration

Flood Insurance

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderGravity, Sea Level Rise and Surge

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by Daniel Brouse and Sidd Mukherjess

In general, the coasts that are seeing the largest storm surges are the same areas that are experiencing the fastest rate of sea level rise. The sea level does not rise at the same rate for most coastlines. Some of the conditions that determine the sea level at any given location include: water temperature (thermal expansion), circulation, ocean floor contour, ice melt, ocean dynamics, and Earth’s uneven gravity field.

Idalia Storm Surge 2023
Idalia Storm Surge 2023

The Shape of Things to Come
For the foreseeable future, storm surges will offer a good forecast of future sea level rise. Hurricane Idalia’s storm surge (pictured / 2023), brought a 10-15 storm surge to the northern coast of Florida. In 2022, Hurricane Ida brought a 14-20 foot storm surge to the southern coast of Florida. Ida also made landfall in Southeastern USA. Plaquemines Parish on the east bank of the Mississippi River had an estimated storm surge of at least 14 feet. Grand Isle, Louisiana, which was located just east of the landfall, was struck by 10.2 feet and rendered uninhabitable after the storm.

We know these areas of the United States will see sea levels rise at least 10-15 feet because it has already happened. Although it was only for hours, you wouldn’t want to live there during those hours. Not to mention, the frequency of these extreme weather events is rising exponentially. Thus, our recommendation to evacuate Florida now (i.e. Managed Retreat.) The billions of dollars spent to rebuild after Hurricane Ida will all be for naught. Allowing building will needlessly endanger property and lives. Parts of the world have already seen storm surges of 40 feet. I expect most North American coastlines will see sea levels rise, if only temporarily, by 20-40 feet this century. Within a generation, these areas could be submerged most of the time.

Don’t Be Fooled by Relative Variations
The level of the oceans is rising; however, some climate change deniers may try to claim that sea level is receding. Yes, in some instances certain areas will see a decline in the relative sea level. As ice melt accelerates, gravity and glacial isostatic adjustment will have a greater impact on where the sea level rises the most. Greenland is a good example. Greenland has one of the largest land ice sheets. You might think the sea would rise the fastest closest to the melt. “Greenland is like a bowl with large cracks in its sides.” The giant ice mass has sunk the ground, as well as, added a huge mass on top of it. Much of Greenland’s ice melt is just kind-of hanging out in the bowl. Two things are happening to change that:
1) As the ice mass melts, it exerts less gravitational pull on the surrounding water and the water gets pulled toward the equator.
2) At the same time, the Earth is rebounding under the bowl as the mass moves away. Much will depend on the extent and speed of the rebound. Though we don’t know how fast the rebound will happen, NASA has a satellite program gathering better data by measuring the gravitational pull on the satellite (GRACE Tellus Gravity Recovery & Climate Experiment).

At the same time that Greenland is “rising”, many cities are sinking. Alexandria, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Charleston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Chicago, and Norfolk are all “caving in.” Houston is the 10th-fastest sinking city in the world, and the U.S. city sinking the fastest.

Sidd added, “As the ice melts off Greenland, sea level will rise around Antarctica and drop around Greenland, and as the ice melts in Antarctica, sea will rise around Greenland and drop around Antarctica. In general, sea levels fall where the ice is melting and rise on the other side of the world. There is a small effect on earth rotation and polar direction, but not enough to worry about.”

Measuring Sea Level Rise
So, one of the biggest questions in the future is how do you measure sea level rise? From where the land was pre-industrial, where the land is today, or where the land is tomorrow? In any event, the Earth crossed tipping points which make extreme sea level rise inevitable and irreversible. Planners should plan on it.

Sidd reiterated, “That 270 feet of sea level rise will take a long time. I would be more careful about the violent rain than the ice melt.”

Greenland and the Collapse of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Sea Level Rise: Then and Now

Climate Change: Rate of Acceleration

Flood Insurance

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderClimate Change: Atmospheric Rivers

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Extreme Rainfall–surge Hazard Risk Basics and Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2022)

West Coast Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2023)

East Coast Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2023)

Greenland Atmospheric Rivers Mukherjee (2023)

ALSO SEE:

Real Estate and Flood Insurance Brouse and Mukherjee (1999 to present)
The Reign of Violent Rain Brouse and Mukherjee (2023)
The Age of Loss and Damage Brouse (2023)
Climate Change Impacts on Flood Risks and Real Estate Values Sidd Mukherjee and Daniel Brouse (2023)

bookmark_borderGreenland Atmospheric Rivers

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by Sidd Mukherjee

Historically in the United States, atmospheric rivers (AR) have been associated with the West Coast. Now, AR activity is getting more attention on the East Coast.

Atmospheric rivers have been putting serious rainfall melt on Greenland for the last decade, too.

Darker snow surfaces absorb more sunlight and melt quicker. This effect is visible in Greenland. Box et al.,”Greenland ice sheet albedo feedback: thermodynamics and atmospheric drivers,” The Cryosphere, v6, pp821 et seq., doi:10.5194/tc-6-821-2012 state: ” Thus, intraseasonal summer albedo variability exceeds 0.50 over parts of the ice sheet where a snow layer ablates by mid-summer, exposing an impurity-rich ice surface …” Prof. Box is now investigating soot from North American wildfires as a factor in the darkening of Greenland.
— from News from the Ice Wars:An Occasional Bulletin

“Furthermore, our investigation of the short- and long-term relationships between moisture transport vents and modeled GrIS surface properties proves that this correspondence between the years of enhanced AR activity and anomalous GrIS mass loss is not a coincidence. Strong AR impacts cause increased melt in all areas of the GrIS and decreased SMB in the ablation zone during summer, and warm seasons with above-average GrIS melt extent are characterized by anomalously strong moisture transport by ARs over Greenland. ARs typically result in SMB gains in the GrIS ablation zone during nonsummer seasons and in the accumulation zone during all seasons. However, the intense summer SMB losses in the ablation zone during years of enhanced moisture transport outweigh the positive AR contributions to SMB in other regions and seasons. The scaling of melt versus snowfall in Figures 9 and 11 shows that the magnitude of mass loss from summer melt in the ablation zone has a much greater upper limit than mass gain from snowfall.”

In this paper see especially Fig. 9.

Then in 2018, Neff publishes again: more on atmospheric rivers causing the full surface melt in greenland in 2012.
— from Atmospheric River Impacts on Greenland Ice Sheet SurfaceMass Balance

“Rainfall at the Greenland ice sheet Summit 14 August 2021, was delivered by an atmospheric river (AR). Extreme surface ablation expanded the all-Greenland bare ice area to near-record-high with snowline climbing up to 788 ± 90 m. Ice sheet wet snow extent reached 46%, a record high for the 15–31 August AMSR data since 2003. Heat-driven firn deflation averaged 0.14 ± 0.05 m at four accumulation area automatic weather stations (AWSs). Energy budget calculations from AWS data indicate that surface heating from rainfall is much smaller than from either the sensible, latent, net-longwave or solar energy fluxes. ”

“Rainfall heat transfer contributed just 2% to the calculated melting at a 2,200 m elevation western ice sheet site (CP1 a.k.a. Crawford Point). Condensation or sensible heat transfer from the warm air mass was a far more powerful heat source. The observed amount of melting delivered by the AR could have happened without rain- fall. Yet, the impacts of rain and meltwater refreeze are considerable provided that percolation delivers the melt below where the heat can be radiated away and that refreeze-at-depth occurs. We found no evidence for the latter condition because the rainfall amount was not extreme and the surface was already melting hours before the rain- fall. Understanding any changes to the frequency and intensity of ARs appears to be a more important research target than the heat content of the liquid precipitation ARs may or may not produce Further, while rainfall that does not percolate and refreeze may not have strong surface thermodynamic impacts, rainfall contribution to the hydraulics of Greenland ice (Doyle et al., 2015) may be more consequential to ablation through ice sheet flow acceleration.”

open access, read all about it. The Watson river discharge described in the paper drains the saddle between north and south domes and is an area that i watch closely for signs of collapse. I suppose this is one.
— from Greenland Ice Sheet Rainfall, Heat and Albedo Feedback Impacts From the Mid-August 2021 Atmospheric River

ALSO SEE:
West Coast Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2023)

East Coast Atmospheric Rivers Brouse (2023)

The Reign of Violent Rain Brouse and Mukherjee (2023)

The Age of Loss and Damage Brouse (2023)

Climate Change Impacts on Flood Risks and Real Estate Values Sidd Mukherjee and Daniel Brouse (2023)