Our Continents are Drying, Threatening Global Water Cycle: Study
The world is facing a severe water crisis, and it’s not just a local issue. A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that continents are drying out at an alarming rate, with far-reaching implications for the global water cycle. The research highlights four mega-drying zones across the Northern Hemisphere, while only parts of East and Western Sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing increased rainfall. This imbalance is having devastating effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and human societies.
The study, led by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), analyzed data from 2002 to 2019 and found that 75% of the world’s population lives in areas that are experiencing significant freshwater loss. This staggering statistic is a wake-up call for policymakers, scientists, and the general public to take immediate action to address this crisis.
So, what’s causing this alarming trend? The researchers identified several factors contributing to the drying of continents. One of the main culprits is climate change, which is altering global weather patterns and leading to more frequent and intense droughts. Additionally, human activities such as deforestation, land use changes, and over-extraction of groundwater are also playing a significant role.
The study’s findings are based on a comprehensive analysis of satellite data, which revealed four mega-drying zones across the Northern Hemisphere:
- The Mediterranean region, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
- The southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, and Nevada
- The Canadian Prairies, spanning across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
- The Black Sea region, covering parts of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus
These zones are experiencing unprecedented droughts, with some areas experiencing dryness levels that are 50% or more above normal. The consequences of these droughts are far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also human societies and economies.
In contrast, parts of East and Western Sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing increased rainfall, which is creating an imbalance in the global water cycle. This regional variation is due to changes in the African Easterly Jet, a weather phenomenon that is influenced by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The AMO is a natural climate cycle that affects the North Atlantic Ocean and has significant impacts on global weather patterns.
The researchers also found that the drying of continents is having a disproportionate impact on certain regions. For example, the Mediterranean region is facing a severe water crisis, with some countries experiencing water scarcity levels of over 90%. This is exacerbated by the fact that many Mediterranean countries rely heavily on groundwater, which is being depleted at an alarming rate.
The study’s lead author, Dr. A. Marina Altamirano, emphasized the urgent need for action to address this crisis. “Our research highlights the critical importance of understanding the global water cycle and its impacts on human societies and ecosystems,” she said. “We need to take immediate action to address the root causes of this crisis, including climate change, and work towards sustainable solutions to ensure a water-secure future for all.”
The implications of this study are far-reaching and have significant consequences for global food security, economic development, and human well-being. As the world’s population continues to grow, the pressure on the global water cycle will only intensify. It is essential that policymakers, scientists, and the general public work together to address this crisis and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Source:
Altamirano, A. M., et al. (2022). Continental drying and the global water cycle. Science Advances, 8(12), eabx0298. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adx0298
