Scientists drilling into the Great Blue Hole in Belize have uncovered alarming evidence that tropical storms are increasing in frequency over the past 5,700 years. However, a significant spike was observed in the past two decades, with nine tropical storms hitting the region in just 20 years.
The researchers analyzed sediment cores from the 410-foot-deep sinkhole, which revealed a steady increase in storm landfalls since ancient times. A recent surge is attributed to human-caused climate change, driving global sea surface temperatures upwards and creating optimal conditions for storm development.
Experts warn that this trend will continue, with some predicting up to 45 tropical storms and hurricanes could hit the Caribbean by 2100. This is a far cry from the historical average of four to 16 storms per century. The study’s lead author, Dominik Schmitt, attributes this increase to climate change, citing factors such as rising sea surface temperatures and stronger global La Niña events.
The findings highlight the devastating impact of climate change on tropical cyclone frequency. With the ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone) migrating southward over the past few thousand years, the region has become more prone to intense storms. The study’s results serve as a stark warning for the Caribbean and other regions vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/weather/scientists-drilled-into-belizes-great-blue-hole-and-discovered-a-worrying-trend