“Through the use of remote sensing data and climate models, researchers have uncovered compelling evidence of climate change impacting the hydrological cycle in southern Madagascar,” stated Angela Rigden, an Earth system science assistant professor at UC Irvine and the lead author of the study. “This has significant implications for the local population and their agricultural practices as the rainy season is becoming shorter with a delayed start.”
The Rigden team’s breakthrough came from analyzing a long-term satellite record of vegetation greenness, revealing shifts in southern Madagascar indicative of changing water availability. “By correlating satellite data on plant health with soil moisture levels, we were able to establish a clear link,” she explained.
Comparing the observed changes in the rainy season to climate models’ projections in a world without human-induced climate change highlighted a distinct pattern of a narrowing window for rainfall. “This alteration in seasonality serves as a telltale sign of climate change,” Rigden emphasized.
The extensive satellite record dating back to the early 1980s was crucial in this analysis, particularly for regions like southern Madagascar that lack comprehensive observational data due to limited resources. Satellites have provided invaluable insights into these areas.
2024-04-09 17:00:02
Original from phys.org