2024-08-15 18:13:42
Wellington: A swirling mass of cold air over Antarctica has raised concerns among scientists. It is known as the Antarctic polar vortex. Scientists say that this Antarctic polar vortex looks unprecedentedly unstable. The risk of the vortex breaking up for the first time in more than two decades is increasing after a dramatic jump in the temperature of the Earth’s stratosphere. According to the New Scientist report, this can increase the heat in Antarctica significantly. Apart from this, the weather in Australia and South America can become unusually hot and dry.
Antarctica polar vortex weakened
Usually, the Antarctic polar vortex remains stable every year. But this year, the vortex has weakened dramatically. Wind speeds have slowed significantly, allowing cold air to escape while warm air enters Antarctica. As a result, the vortex has shifted from its normal position, bringing cold weather to parts of Australia, New Zealand and South America.
The weather pattern can change
Scientists warn that repeated wind slowdowns could lead to sudden and dramatic changes in the direction of the vortex. This is known as a sudden stratospheric warming. This, combined with the potential splitting of the Antarctic polar vortex, could make already extreme conditions even worse. Simon Lee of the University of St. Andrews in the UK says even relatively small disruptions to the vortex can have big effects. He said, “Sometimes a small warming can trigger a major event later in the vortex. The main reason for this is that the variability of the Antarctic vortex is quite low. If anything slightly unusual happens, it can become an extreme event very quickly.”
What did the scientists say about the vortex?
Chantel Blachut, who studies the behavior of the southern polar vortex at the University of Adelaide in Australia, says that the structure of the Antarctica polar vortex is quite unusual this year. He said that the warm air is having a serious effect on this vortex. This is increasing the drag on the two structures on either side of the vortex. If this continues, something unusual may happen this year. However, it is still uncertain whether the vortex will actually split or not.
What is the danger to the world from the Antarctic polar vortex?
The Antarctic polar vortex has the potential to affect global weather patterns. This has raised concerns for scientists all over the world. Climate change factors such as reduced sea ice and the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption are contributing to the instability of this vortex. This phenomenon can have far-reaching consequences. Not only could Antarctica face record-breaking heat, but Australia and South America could face extreme heat and drought.