Atmospheric Rivers Aren't Just A Problem For California; They're Changing The Arctic

CBS San Francisco

February 6, 2023

The Arctic is seeing a rapid decline in sea ice even during the cold winter months when it should be recovering from the summer melt. Scientists say that one often-overlooked factor is playing a bigger role than previously thought: Atmospheric rivers.

These long, narrow bands of moisture in the atmosphere transport warm air and water vapor from the tropics. They can extend for thousands of miles and dump rain and snow when they make landfall.

In January, atmospheric rivers brought a parade of deadly storms that unleashed heavy rain, flooding and mudslides in California.

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