A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that extreme weather events have turned Greenland lakes from carbon sinks into significant sources of carbon dioxide, with emissions rising by 350%.

Key Findings of the Study

• Western Greenland Lakes Transformation: In 2022, 7,500+ lakes in Western Greenland turned brown and emitted carbon due to extreme weather and thawing permafrost releasing organic carbon, shifting them from carbon sinks to emitters.
• Drivers: Atmospheric Rivers drove above-normal temperatures and increased rainfall in 2022.

What is an Atmospheric River?

• Atmospheric rivers are relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere — like rivers in the sky — that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
• They are typically located within low-level jet stream, an area of strong winds in lower levels of atmosphere, ahead of cold front in an extra-tropical cyclone.
• Impact of Atmospheric Rivers
  • Precipitation Role: Provide vital rainfall but can also cause flooding and heat hazards, impacting the environment.
    • E.g., Atmospheric Rivers caused 70% of major floods in India (1985-2020), including the 2013 Uttarakhand and 2018 Kerala floods.