Kochi: Monsoon rainfall patterns change in the west coast of India, including the Kerala coast. This is due to the change in the structure of the rain clouds. Therefore, the monsoon is likely to be heavier, according to a journal published in the journal Nature. Research Says.
Studies conducted during two seasons (1980-1999 and 2000-2019) during the monsoon season have revealed a change in monsoon rainfall. Researchers have found that the last two decades have seen significant changes in the structure and behavior of clouds.
‘Clouds expand and strengthen steeply, forming ice crystals that are usually found in the upper cloud layers. The presence of ice not only accelerates the process of rain formation, but also increases the amount of rain water. This is clear from the study, “said Dr. Abhilash S., director of the Advanced Center for Atmospheric Radar Research at CUSAT. The study was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Abhilash.
Data for the period 1980 to 2019 showed that there was a strong correlation between rainfall and the steep growth of clouds. These clouds, which grow taller and stronger, are called ‘heap clouds’ and ‘high convection clouds’. The study found that this gradual change in the clouds was most pronounced in the coastal areas adjacent to Kerala.
Preliminary studies had found that the floods in Kerala in August 2019 were due to the formation of clouds and the subsequent small cloudburst. Clouds are changing on the west coast in such a way as to favor cloudbursts! New research suggests that increasing rainfall and increasing atmospheric volatility are indicative of such changes.
The researchers point out that the first reason for this change in rainfall patterns is the alarming rise in coastal surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea. In addition, the increase in the South Asian Summer Monsoon Circulation along the coast and the associated increase in the speed of the southwest wind are factors influencing the nature of rainfall.
If these trends continue, heap clouds may expand and strengthen at higher altitudes, increasing the likelihood of phenomena such as cloudbursts. In an area like Kerala, the study warns that such changes could possibly lead to unpredictable consequences and environmental problems.
The study was conducted by Srinath AV, a research student at CUSAT, under the supervision of Dr. Abhilash. Vijayakumar P, BE Maps from the University of Miami also participated in the study.