What are atmospheric rivers and why are they a problem?

Oct 25, 2021

Data shows that in an average year, about 40 atmospheric rivers made landfall along the Pacific coast somewhere between Baja California and British Columbia. Image: Unsplash/Artem Sapegin

Tom Corringham

Postdoctoral Scholar in Climate, Atmospheric Science and Physical Oceanography, University of California San Diego

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Atmospheric rivers are an important water source for the U.S. West. Image: NIAA

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After an atmospheric river event that caused severe flooding in Chile, sediment washed down from hillsides into the Itata River can be seen flowing up to 50 kilometers from the coast. Image: NASA Earth Observatory

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