Simulations show increased jet stream waviness due to asymmetric rise in global temperatures

Bob Yirka is a research scientist at Phys.org.

A group of simulations of changes to the jet stream have been created by a group of researchers. The group describes how math theory can be used to describe wind motion under certain circumstances.

The jet stream has become heavier over time. The peaks and valleys are no longer the same. There have been more extended hot and cold spells around the globe as a result of this. The reason for the increased waviness is thought to be due to the rise in global temperatures. The northern part of the world is heating up faster than the southern part. Changes in winds in the upper atmosphere are caused by the result.

The researchers tested their theory by using math formulas to represent wind flow. The impact of warming air was taken into account. The jet stream is made up of wind flow from the north. More waviness was shown in the simulations.

The researchers found that the winds that circle the globe have become weaker due to warmer conditions in the northern part of the globe. Changes in the upper atmosphere are amplified when that happens. The changing of the jet stream has resulted in higher peaks and lower troughs, as well as more waves in general. They note that the result is less stability along with an increase in extreme weather events such as bigger and stronger storms that can lead to damage and flooding.

More information: Woosok Moon et al, Wavier jet streams driven by zonally asymmetric surface thermal forcing, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2022). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200890119 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

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