Climate Change May Increase Heavy Rains And Extend Droughts Throughout World: 'Wetter And Drier,' Says Climatologist

The change in climate may cause extreme modifications in rainfall and drought in the certain areas of the world. According to a new study by NASA, the changes in the weather increase the risk of heavier rainfalls in tropical areas and longer droughts in temperate zones.

"These results in many ways are the worst of all possible worlds," Peter Gleick, climatologist, water expert and president of the research organization, Pacific Institute, said as reported by LA Times. "Wet areas will get wetter and dry areas will get drier."

The results were based on a study of 14 climate models. NASA states that analyzing the computer simulations done on the models indicates that increased rainfall trends follow the the projected rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

"In response to carbon dioxide-induced warming, the global water cycle undergoes a gigantic competition for moisture resulting in a global pattern of increased heavy rain, decreased moderate rain, and prolonged droughts in certain regions," explained William Lau of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt and lead author of the study.

The results of the studies revealed that for every one degree of warming caused by carbon dioxide there is an increase of 3.9 percent in heavy rainfall probability, while light rain increases by one percent. Relatively, the study indicated that for every one degree Farenheit of warming, 2.6 percent is added to the length of time with no rain.

"Large changes in moderate rainfall, as well as prolonged no-rain events, can have the most impact on society because they occur in regions where most people live," added Lau. "Ironically, the regions of heavier rainfall, except for the Asian monsoon, may have the smallest societal impact because they usually occur over the ocean."

According to the same report published by LA Times, the places that could be affected with heaviest rainfalls are those along the equator, including the Pacific Ocean and the Asian Tropics. Droughts, however, are expected to hit the populous areas of the world, including Southwestern USA, Mexico, North Africa, China and the Middle East.

While the study may not precisely predict rainfall amounts in specific areas of the world, it may be useful in creating an overall view of patterns.