Increased Rainfall Could Radically Change the Sahara Desert by 2100

SadaNews - Scientists predict that climate change will radically alter the Sahara Desert by 2100, with an increase in rainfall by up to 75%, which could impact its ecosystem.

A new study by scientists at the University of Illinois in Chicago indicates that the Sahara Desert, one of the driest regions on earth with an average annual rainfall of no more than 7 cm, may transform into a green area by the latter half of the 21st century, due to increased rainfall by up to 75% compared to the historical average.

The researchers confirmed that this increase in rainfall will also include some regions of Southeast and Central South Africa, where precipitation rates are expected to rise by about 25% and 17% respectively, while the southwestern part of the continent may experience a decrease in rainfall by 5%.

The study was based on the analysis of 40 climate models to simulate summer rainfall in Africa for the period between 2055 and 2099, compared to historical data from 1965 to 2014, under two scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions: moderate and very high.

The researchers explained that the increase in atmospheric temperature enhances the air's capacity to retain moisture, leading to heavier rainfall in some areas, while changes in atmospheric circulation patterns contribute to uneven distribution of rainfall, causing some regions to be drier and others to be wetter across the continent.

The team emphasized that understanding the impact of climate change on rainfall is vital for developing effective adaptation strategies to these changes in Africa.

Source: science.mail.ru