How climate change fuelled Hurricane Beryl’s record early intensification
- July 9, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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How climate change fuelled Hurricane Beryl’s record early intensification
Sub: Geography
Sec: Phy Geo
Hurricane Beryl’s Record-Breaking Impact:
- Hurricane Beryl became the earliest storm on record during the Atlantic hurricane season to reach Category 5.
- The storm caused at least 11 deaths and severe damage across Jamaica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and northern Venezuela.
- It made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 storm, causing extensive flooding and power outages affecting over two million people.
Unprecedented Early Category 5 Status:
- Typically, the first major hurricanes in the Atlantic form in September due to ocean temperatures.
- Beryl’s early formation as a Category 5 hurricane is linked to unusually warm ocean temperatures.
- Record-breaking ocean heat content (OHC) has contributed to the storm’s intensity.
- Deep warm water prevented cooling at the surface, allowing the storm to maintain its strength.
Formation of Hurricanes:
- Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator when warm, moist air rises, creating a low-pressure area.
- As air from surrounding areas fills in and rises, it cools, forming clouds and thunderstorms.
- This system gains strength from the ocean’s heat and water evaporation.
- Storms with wind speeds of 119 kmph and above are classified as hurricanes, using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (Category 1 to Category 5).
- Category 5 hurricanes have winds of 252 kmph or higher and are considered major hurricanes.
Climate Change and Future Hurricanes
- Scientists agree that climate change contributes to the rapid intensification of hurricanes.
- A 2023 study indicates an increase in rapid intensification events in the Atlantic from 1971 to 2020.
- As oceans warm, more powerful hurricanes like Beryl are likely to form.
- The increasing frequency and intensity of such events pose significant future risks.
Source: IE