Is it possible that global warming is the primary cause behind longer, harsher winters in North America and Europe? Even though it doesn’t quite make sense that global warming is causing colder, longer winters, many scientists have stated that it is precisely the reason we are colder. Scientists who believe that global warming is a real concept say it makes perfect sense because as the earth’s surface temperature continues to rise, the polar air is being displaced and moving further south. This is the scientific reason behind harsher winters caused by global warming.
Does that make sense?
Many might ask if that really makes sense or not. But whether or not you boast above normal scientific knowledge, the theory does seem to have some validity. As the earth’s overall temperature warms, the Arctic is slowly melting away. This is true especially during the summer months. This actually causes more of the Arctic ice to melt. As the ice melts, the ice caps can no longer provide a reflective shield. This means that the dark sea will absorb more solar radiation. Of course, when this happens, it means that the ice melts more since the water is warmer.
Why it Snows in North America
The increased heat over the Arctic area will increase the air pressure as well as the moisture in the Arctic region. This causes the polar vortex to grow weaker. The polar vortex is a circular wind which spins the arctic air keeping it at the “top of the world.” As the vortex weakens it releases moister, colder air that shoots down toward the south which makes North America and Europe cool off drastically. Because of the jet stream, it tends to just sit there. This means that the affected regions have a later and longer than usual winter season; and lots more snow.
Why Experts Can’t Agree
Not everyone agrees with the theory of global warming and its effect on the climate. Some experts are saying that it is not supported if one looks at the long-term data. Some of these scientific experts state that weather trends can last for years and it’s simply a trend that is soon to pass.