The United States is currently facing a significant struggle with extreme cold, as temperatures have plummeted to as low as -30°C in cities such as Chicago and Dakota due to a blast of Arctic air. This phenomenon is attributed to a weather event known as the “polar vortex,” characterized by a broad area of low-pressure and icy air enveloping both of Earth’s poles. This article will delve into the specifics of the polar vortex, its effects, and its relationship to global warming.
Understanding the Polar Vortex
Known also as the Polar Pig, the term “vortex” in the context of the polar vortex refers to the counterclockwise flow of air that aids in retaining icy air near the poles. The polar vortex is always situated near the poles but tends to weaken during the summer months, gaining strength in the winter. The phenomenon is not static but fluctuates in response to the seasons.
During the winter season in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex often expands, leading to a southward flow of icy air. This phenomenon happens quite often and is typically linked to significant outbreaks of Arctic air not only in the United States, but also across parts of Europe and Asia. It’s important to note that the polar vortex doesn’t occur at the Earth’s surface but rather tens of thousands of feet up in the atmosphere.
The Impact of the Polar Vortex on Humans
The primary threat posed by the polar vortex to humans directly correlates with the intensity of the cold temperatures experienced when this mass of cold Arctic air travels southward into regions that aren’t accustomed to such severe chills.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Polar Vortex Location | Tens of thousands of feet up in the Earth’s atmosphere |
| Arctic Air Outbreaks | Associated with the expansion and southward movement of the polar vortex |
| Human Impact | Dangerously low temperatures in areas unaccustomed to such chill |
The Connection between the Polar Vortex and Global Warming
Since 1880, the global temperature has risen by roughly 0.8°C. This warming effect is felt more intensely in the Arctic, where the temperature has increased at over twice this rate. As a result, the temperature difference between the North Pole and regions such as North America has decreased, leading to alterations in the movement of energy within our planet’s atmospheric systems.
Specifically, the energy generated by the jet stream is now moving upward, disrupting the polar vortex and causing it to split into what can be called “child” vortices. One of these child vortices has hit North America this week, bringing with it the record-breaking cold temperatures currently being experienced.
