Europe could see its summer season lengthen by around 42 days by 2100 as climate change driven by human activity alters temperature patterns, according to new research.
The study, published in Nature Communications, links the change to a weakening “latitudinal temperature gradient” (LTG) the temperature difference between the North Pole and the equator.
A stronger LTG helps drive wind patterns across the Atlantic that bring seasonal temperature changes to Europe. As the LTG decreases, summer weather patterns and heat waves are expected to persist for longer across the continent.
To trace Europe’s climate history, researchers analysed lake bed mud, where seasonal layers of sediment record winters and summers over the past 10,000 years.
Around 6,000 years ago European summers were about eight months long due to natural LTG fluctuations.
Dr Laura Boyall said: “Our findings show this isn’t just a modern phenomenon; it’s a recurring feature of Earth’s climate system. But what’s different now is the speed, cause and intensity of change.”
Today the Arctic is warming up to four times faster than the global average, partly due to greenhouse gas emissions.
The study finds that for every degree Celsius the LTG decreases, European summers grow by about six days, pointing to 42 extra days of summer by 2100.
Lead researcher Dr Celia Martin-Puertas said: “Our research has uncovered that European seasons have been driven by the temperature gradient over thousands of years, which provides useful insight that can be used to help predict future changes more accurately.
“The findings underscore how deeply connected Europe’s weather is to global climate dynamics and how understanding the past can help us navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing planet.”
Europe could get 42 extra summer days by 2100 appeared first on Energy Live News.