Study Reveals Rising Cloud Heights Alter India’s Monsoon Weather Patterns
A new study indicates that deep convective clouds in India’s summer monsoon have risen by approximately one kilometer over the past two decades, resulting in heightened extreme weather events, including severe rainfall and flooding, particularly influenced by the warming Indian Ocean. Conducted by a team from Cusat, EUMETSAT, and the UK Met Office, this research utilized satellite data from 2000 to 2020 and was published in the Geophysical Research Letters journal.
A recent study reveals that the height of deep convective clouds during India’s summer monsoon has increased by about one kilometer over the last two decades, influencing extreme weather patterns. Collaboratively conducted by experts from Cochin University of Science and Technology, EUMETSAT, and the UK Met Office, the research underscores critical changes in monsoon dynamics due to rising cloud heights. The findings were published in the esteemed Geophysical Research Letters journal.
Analyzing satellite data from 2000 to 2020, researchers observed that the elevation of deep convective clouds correlates with intensified convective activity, heightening the risk of extreme rainfall. This elevated cloud activity facilitates conditions ripe for heavy rainfall events, particularly in northwestern India and along the country’s western and eastern coasts due to the warming influence of the Indian Ocean.
The study indicated that these shifts result in increased rainfall across northeastern India, enhancing the risks of flooding during the monsoon. The research was spearheaded by doctoral fellow Roshni Antony and included significant contributions from Prof. Dr. Satheesan, Dr. Viju O. John, and Dr. Prince Xavier, under Dr. Ajil Kottayil’s supervision from the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cusat.
The study highlights a critical shift in monsoon dynamics, revealing that an increase in cloud height is linked to more severe weather events across India. By linking convective cloud activity to extreme rainfall patterns, the findings emphasize the need for enhanced climate monitoring and predictive strategies to mitigate the impacts of such phenomena in the region.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
