Intensification of extreme cold events in East Asia in response to global mean sea-level rise
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Today, the global mean sea level(GMSL) stands ~20cm higher than at the beginning of the last century, and the rate of sea-level rise has been accelerating in recent decades. Even a slight, globally uniform sea-level rise can notably impact atmospheric and oceanic circulations at climatic and potentially synoptic scales. However, the extent to which sea-level rise will influence extreme weather remains largely unknown. Here, we specifically focused on East Asia and conducted experiments to investigate the effects of GMSL rise. Our experiments demonstrate that GMSL rise, even in tens of centimeters, promotes stronger and more frequent extreme cold events. This effect is attributed to weakened mid-latitude westerly winds and increased occurrence of blocking events over Eurasia. Our study presents the first evidence that GMSL rise will modify synoptic systems and intensify extreme events. Both coastal and inland countries are exposed to threats arising from GMSL rise.
Source: Nature Communications
Institutions: China University of Geosciences, Nantong University, Peking University, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, University of Bergen, NORCE Research AS, Chengdu University of Information Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
OpenAlex ID: W4414650295