Northland and other Eastern regions of New Zealand are currently suffering from drought and the worrying part is that it is becoming more common. So is this part of climate change and a permanent trend or just a short term fluctuation?
There are two pieces of research that would indicate that there are good reasons to believe that it is part of a more permanent climate driven pattern. The research with the longest record was started by Kevin Trenberth who as shown the long term wind direction records indicate a 20% increase in Westerly winds that bring rain the the West coast and drought to the East coast. http://www.climateoutcome.kiwi.nz/precipitation-changes-in-a-warming-world.html .
There are two pieces of research that would indicate that there are good reasons to believe that it is part of a more permanent climate driven pattern. The research with the longest record was started by Kevin Trenberth who as shown the long term wind direction records indicate a 20% increase in Westerly winds that bring rain the the West coast and drought to the East coast. http://www.climateoutcome.kiwi.nz/precipitation-changes-in-a-warming-world.html .
More recent research regarding the Indian Ocean shows a trend of warming of the water in the Western part of the ocean and a cooling of the Eastern side which has a similar effect as El Nino does to the Pacific Ocean, although the dynamics are completely different.
The illustration shows the effect on the surrounding countries and although New Zealand is not shown on the graphic there would be some inclusion in the North Island.
Most people are noticing the increases in droughts in the North and how food production is suffering and the number of trees that are dying and it is probably part of a climate change driven trend.
Most people are noticing the increases in droughts in the North and how food production is suffering and the number of trees that are dying and it is probably part of a climate change driven trend.
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