For the first time, scientists have explained how volcanic eruptions may influence the formation of hurricanes.
Understanding this connection had long been a challenge. In the age of advanced monitoring technology, most of the major volcanic eruptions have coincided with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) periods, which themselves are known to increase hurricane activity. This overlap made it difficult to isolate the specific impact of volcanic activity alone.
To overcome this lack of isolated data, researchers turned to detailed computer modeling, running large-scale simulations of volcanic eruption scenarios to see how they might influence global hurricane formation. The results revealed that such eruptions can affect both the intensity and frequency of hurricanes.
“This is the first study to explain the mechanism by which large volcanic eruptions can impact hurricanes on a global scale,” said Suzana Camargo, a researcher at Columbia University in New York.
A key player in this connection is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which plays a central role in thunderstorm activity. It’s here that the link between volcanoes and hurricanes comes into play. The research team found that the effects of major eruptions could still be felt up to four years later.
As the planet continues to warm, it’s more important than ever to understand how different climate events interact. Hurricane forecasting remains notoriously complex, with a vast number of contributing factors. But one thing is certain: these massive storms have serious consequences for people, animals, and infrastructure in their path.
This research was published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).
Source: Cerebro Digital