BETA
Chapter 1
The atmospheric recipe for extreme heat
Chapter 2
The Sahara connection and local factors
Chapter 3
Why Europe is warming faster than other places
Chapter 4
Surviving and adapting to the new normal
YOUR GOAL
Master of The science of European heatwaves
Ch 3 · Why Europe is warming faster than other places
sebas11th Drag the data points to figure out why Europe's heatwaves are too welcoming.
sebas11th Europe's Accelerated Warming
Arctic heat, Jet stream slow, Europe's warming fast!
sebas11th Slowing Atlantic currents may be shifting atmospheric pressure patterns, steering more hot air toward Europe.
sebas11th Rapid melting in the Arctic reduces the temperature difference that drives the jet stream, slowing it down.
Fun Fact
Melting glaciers: European Alps glaciers lost about 10% of their remaining volume in just two years between 2022 and 2023 due to extreme heat.
Glossary
albedo (noun)
The proportion of the incident light or radiation that is reflected by a surface. Melting Arctic ice and snow have decreased Europe's reflectivity, trapping more solar energy and accelerating regional warming.
The proportion of the incident light or radiation that is reflected by a surface. Melting Arctic ice and snow have decreased Europe's reflectivity, trapping more solar energy and accelerating regional warming.
Quiz
Which major ocean current system regulates the climate of Western Europe by bringing warm water from the tropics?
Quiz
What is the term for the rapid warming of the Arctic relative to the rest of the globe?
Quiz
According to the World Meteorological Organization, how much faster is Europe warming compared to the global average?
Quiz
What is causing the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) to weaken?