Understanding the Rise of Extreme Rainfall: A Call to Action for Environmental Activists
In recent years, South Korea has experienced an alarming increase in extreme rainfall events, characterized by precipitation rates exceeding 100 millimeters per hour. Such events, once considered rare, have become nearly annual occurrences, prompting concerns among climatologists and environmental activists alike.
On July 17th, Shinshin-dong in Uijeongbu recorded 103 millimeters of rain per hour, while Paju-si saw 101 millimeters per hour. Just days earlier, Eocheongdo in Gunsan experienced a historic 145.5 millimeters per hour. According to Professor Min Seung-ki of Postech, these extreme weather events, which should statistically occur once every few centuries, are becoming increasingly common, indicating significant changes in rainfall patterns on the Korean Peninsula.
Experts, including Professor Jang Eun-cheol from Gongju University, attribute these torrential rains to complex low-pressure systems interacting with high-pressure fronts and the rainy season. Notably, the mesoscale low-pressure systems, spanning 20 to 300 kilometers, have played a critical role in these downpours.
The underlying cause of this trend remains unclear, with academics still exploring the various atmospheric variables involved. However, rising sea surface temperatures, particularly off the West Coast, have been identified as a contributing factor. The National Academy of Fisheries Sciences reports that surface water temperatures in this region have risen significantly over the past five decades, far outpacing the global average.
Professor Min emphasizes that the recent surge in extreme rainfall cannot be solely attributed to increased atmospheric water vapor due to global warming. He notes that such intense rainfall events were unheard of just a few years ago, even though global temperatures have not risen drastically in that time.
As we look to the future, there is a growing consensus that existing flood prevention measures are inadequate. In March, South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety doubled the design standards for small urban rivers to account for a 200-year flood. Yet, experts like Professor Seung-Joo Paik argue that more rigorous and innovative approaches are needed, including the construction of large-scale drainage tunnels and enhanced sewage systems.
The city of Seoul has already announced plans for six new deep rainwater tunnels following record-breaking rainfall in 2022, but progress has been slow. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns, it is imperative that we adopt more robust strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme rainfall and protect vulnerable communities.
By understanding these changes and advocating for stronger environmental policies, we can better prepare for the challenges posed by our changing climate.
The article discusses the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events in South Korea, characterized by over 100 millimeters per hour of precipitation. Climatologists, including Professor Min Seung-ki and Professor Jang Eun-cheol, attribute these changes to complex atmospheric conditions and rising sea surface temperatures, particularly due to global warming. Despite the rarity of such events historically, they have become almost annual occurrences, raising concerns about the adequacy of current flood prevention measures and the need for more robust infrastructure to handle future extreme weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is considered "extreme heavy rain"? A: Extreme heavy rain is defined as a one-hour cumulative rainfall of 50 mm or more, a three-hour cumulative rainfall of 90 mm or more, or a one-hour cumulative rainfall of 72 mm or more.
Q: Why are extreme rainfall events becoming more frequent? A: The exact cause is still uncertain due to the complexity of atmospheric conditions. However, rising sea surface temperatures, particularly in the West Coast, are believed to be a significant factor.
Q: What measures are being taken to address these changes in rainfall patterns? A: Various organizations are updating design standards for flood prevention. For example, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in South Korea has doubled the design standards for small rivers in urban areas.
Q: Are current infrastructure and prevention measures sufficient? A: Experts suggest that existing measures are insufficient and call for more drastic and higher standards of disaster prevention, including large-scale drainage tunnels and improved sewage systems.
Q: How does climate change impact these extreme weather events? A: Climate change, through the warming of sea surfaces and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, is believed to contribute to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events.
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