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hatrack

(59,584 posts)
Sat Jun 8, 2019, 08:03 AM Jun 2019

Here's An Exciting Climate Possibility - Permanent Spring Rainy Cycles In US Corn Belt

Early, heavy and, in some areas, nearly relentless rains have led to a late planting season across much of the central United States, especially for corn. Flooded fields can stymie planting — even if the rain lets up for a couple of days — because the ground is too wet and soft for heavy equipment. Even where farmers were able to plant, heavy rain sometimes required another round of seeds after the first ones were swamped.

Scientists have been predicting an increase in severe weather events due to climate change, meaning springs like this one may become the new normal. “It’s very likely that this kind of flooding that we’re experiencing this year is going to be more likely in the future,” Iowa State University climate scientist Gene Tackle said.

Tackle explained that as oceans become warmer, more moisture will form over the Gulf of Mexico. At the same time, wind patterns are intensifying. That combination brings more moisture to the Midwest in April, May and June.

“And then our thunderstorms are just fueled with this extra moisture, so it’s led to a very substantial increase in our precipitation,” Tackle said.

EDIT

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/post/spring-s-unyielding-rains-may-become-new-normal-climate-changes#stream/0

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Here's An Exciting Climate Possibility - Permanent Spring Rainy Cycles In US Corn Belt (Original Post) hatrack Jun 2019 OP
dump tractors and go back to mules and oxen lol nt msongs Jun 2019 #1
It's really happening kat3rinamarquez Jun 2019 #2

kat3rinamarquez

(47 posts)
2. It's really happening
Sat Jun 8, 2019, 04:24 PM
Jun 2019

This is really alarming. Sad to say, only a few percent of the Earth's population cares.

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