Discover the fascinating research conducted by the Space Climate Research Group at the University of Oulu, Finland. This group has been delving into the captivating effects of energetic particle precipitation from space, also known as the aurora borealis or Northern Lights, on winter weather variations. Not only is the aurora borealis a stunning natural light display, but it also triggers chemical changes that result in ozone depletion in the polar stratosphere during winter.
Associate Professor Timo Asikainen explains, “During winters with weak particle precipitation, the polar vortex weakens or breaks down, allowing cold Arctic air to flow south. This phenomenon often leads to cold spells in Finland and Northern Europe, as we are currently experiencing this winter.”
Furthermore, the group’s models accurately predicted the polar vortex’s break-up during the winter, as it has already occurred once and is expected to happen again this weekend.
Notably, the study conducted by the University of Oulu’s Space Climate Group, published in Scientific Reports, revealed the significant impact of particle precipitation on Finland’s winter temperatures and electricity consumption during the winter months (January–March).
2024-02-16 10:00:04
Post from phys.org