Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Climate change: US megadrought 'already under
way'
Megadrought is a long-lasting naturally occurring
drought that lasts decades. It seems to occur in North America when water temperatures
in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal, known as La
Niña conditions. Researchers think there were four megadroughts in the western
US for the last 12 centuries, in the late 800s, the mid-1100s, the 1200s, and
the late 1500s. Historically, megadroughts forced the residents in the affected
area to migrate to other places, which could have collapsed civilizations
like the Khmer Empire of Cambodia and the Mayan of Mesoamerica.
Now, some researchers say a new megadrought
has been taking place in the western US since the new millennium. Though megadrought
is a naturally occurring event, the severity could be affected by climate
change. Since temperatures in the western US have risen by 1.2C since the year 2000,
more moisture is being pulled out of the ground.
By the way, how do researchers know what
drought conditions were like in the past?
Enjoy reading the article and learn about
megadrought, and also think if you want to stock up California almonds, raisins,
and wines.
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