New insights into predicting future droughts in California: Natural cycles, sea surface temperatures found to be main drivers in ongoing event
Monday, December 8, 2014 - 18:00
in Earth & Climate
Natural oceanic and atmospheric patterns are the primary drivers behind California's ongoing drought. A high pressure ridge off the West Coast (typical of historic droughts) prevailed for three winters, blocking important wet season storms, with ocean surface temperature patterns making such a ridge much more likely.