POLAR VORTEX EVENTS |
Because of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, the Earth is warming, and the Arctic is warming at a rate three times faster than any other place on earth. This quickening warming rate is referred to as "Arctic Amplification" and has a direct impact on the weakening of a Polar Vortex: |
- As the Earth warms, the Ocean temperatures rise
- Warmer Oceans melt the Arctic Ice
- Without the cover of Ice, Oceans absorb more Heat Energy from the Sun
- The Ocean's Heat Energy escapes and enters into the atmosphere of the Polar Vortex
- The pulses of Heat Energy disrupt the Polar Vortex which weakens it and causes it to shift away from the Pole
- The Ocean's Heat Energy escapes and enters into the atmosphere of the Polar Vortex
- Without the cover of Ice, Oceans absorb more Heat Energy from the Sun
- Warmer Oceans melt the Arctic Ice
Washington Post:
"A study, led by Marlene Kretschmer of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, sought to find patterns in the stratospheric polar vortex over the past 37 years, categorizing its behavior into seven states, ranging from a tight loop around the Arctic to “a weak distorted vortex.” And it determined that the stronger and more defined vortex has been occurring less frequently, while distorted states have been growing more common."
When the Polar Vortex is strong it creates a consistent circular space for a strong Jet Stream path. But when the Vortex is weak, the Jet Stream gets thrown off kilter and the circle becomes a wobbly spidery wave pulling cold air to the South and dragging warm air to the North.
On Jan. 26, 2014, it was 54° in Homer, Alaska. On that day, Homer was the third hottest place in the United States following behind southern Florida and southern California. |
During the Winters of 2014 and 2015, the warmth of the Pacific Ocean along the west coast affected the Polar Vortex which brought about the Jet Stream dropping at times far down into North America. In turn this Polar Vortex Event created the dichotomy of extremely cold winters across the US while at the same time, Alaska experienced a Heat Wave. The event ultimately caused mild conditions in the Arctic which led, of course, to more Ice melting and warmer seas. |
NOAA:
"The events of 2018 show no indication that the Arctic will revert to the cool and icy conditions of the past any time soon."
As Stephen Hawking warned, "We are close to the tipping point where Global Warming becomes irreversible."
Let's hope not.
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