What is an Atmospheric River?
Atmospheric rivers are long, powerful portions of the atmosphere that carry large amounts of water from the tropical regions near the Earth’s equator towards the poles. They are invisible to the naked eye and move through the atmosphere in streams between 250 and 375 miles wide. This is equivalent to the distance between LA and San Francisco.
Each atmospheric river can move an astonishing 10.5 trillion gallons of water per day. The strongest atmospheric rivers can move seven to 25 times as much water as the flow of the Mississippi River, which is the second longest river in North America.
How Do Atmospheric Rivers Form?
Atmospheric rivers form when moisture in the atmosphere is concentrated over the equator. Temperatures at the equator tend to be hotter, causing water to evaporate into the atmosphere. The circulation of the atmosphere then pulls streams of moisture away from the equator, forming "atmospheric rivers." These "rivers" of moisture can be pushed towards land by weather systems.
Why are Storms Fueled by Atmospheric Rivers so Powerful?
Atmospheric rivers form and move close to the surface of the Earth, at an altitude of below 10,000 feet. As the water vapor in the rivers moves up, it cools with the temperature of the atmosphere, turning into water droplets and eventually leading to heavy precipitation.
Conclusion
Atmospheric rivers play a significant role in California’s rain season, with 25 to 50% of the state’s annual precipitation produced by these natural phenomena. The exact location, timing, and moisture content of the rivers can lead to varying amounts of rain and snow. Understanding atmospheric rivers is crucial for predicting and preparing for severe weather events.
FAQs
- What is an atmospheric river?
An atmospheric river is a long, powerful portion of the atmosphere that carries large amounts of water from the tropical regions near the Earth’s equator towards the poles. - How do atmospheric rivers form?
Atmospheric rivers form when moisture in the atmosphere is concentrated over the equator, and the circulation of the atmosphere pulls streams of moisture away from the equator. - Why are storms fueled by atmospheric rivers so powerful?
Atmospheric rivers are powerful because they move close to the surface of the Earth, allowing the water vapor to cool and turn into water droplets, leading to heavy precipitation. - Can atmospheric rivers be predicted?
Yes, atmospheric rivers can be predicted with the help of advanced computer models and satellite imagery. - What is the impact of atmospheric rivers on California’s weather?
Atmospheric rivers play a significant role in California’s rain season, with 25 to 50% of the state’s annual precipitation produced by these natural phenomena.
