How do atmospheric rivers bring intense rainfall?
Quick Answer
Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow corridors of concentrated water vapour that can transport huge amounts of moisture and dump heavy rain when they hit land.
The Full Story
Atmospheric rivers are like invisible conveyor belts of moisture in the sky, often stretching thousands of kilometers. When these moisture plumes encounter mountains or cooler air, the water vapour condenses and can produce very heavy rain or snowfall. They are a major cause of flood-producing storms on some west coasts, including the western United States. Scientists now track them closely because they can be both beneficial for water supply and dangerous for flooding.
Key Facts
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