Global Warming Spurs Intensified Rainfall in Mountainous Regions
High-Elevation Regions at Increased Risk: Study Highlights Amplified Rainfall Extremes in a Warming Climate
A recent study by Ombadi et al published in Nature indicates that extreme precipitation events are expected to intensify in a warmer climate, posing challenges to water sustainability in both natural and built environments. The research focuses on rainfall extremes, which trigger rapid runoff and are associated with floods, landslides, and soil erosion.
However, previous research has not examined the separate intensification of liquid (rainfall) versus solid (snowfall) precipitation. The study reveals that in high-elevation regions of the Northern Hemisphere, the increase in rainfall extremes is amplified by 15% per degree Celsius of warming, which is twice the rate expected from atmospheric water vapor increases. This amplified increase is attributed to a shift from snow to rain due to warming.Â
The researchers utilized climate reanalysis data and future model projections to demonstrate this shift, and they found that intermodel uncertainty in projections of rainfall extremes can be significantly explained by changes in the partitioning of snow and rain. The study identifies high-altitude regions as vulnerable "hotspots" for extreme-rainfall-related hazards, requiring robust climate adaptation plans. Furthermore, the results offer a pathway to reducing model uncertainty in projections of rainfall extremes.
To read more about the research published at Nature, click here.