Sydney, July 06: The tropical zone is expanding into what have been humid temperate climate zones, according to a review of scientific data.
The authors of a recent study concluded that the effects of a pole-ward expansion of the tropical and subtropical zones were immense, manifesting a variety of social, political, economic and environmental outcomes.
The study has been conducted by Joanne Isaac, post-doctoral fellow at James Cook University (JCU), with Steve Turton, professor at its School of Earth and Environment Sciences.
They reviewed 70 research papers and reports from scientists and institutions worldwide, based on long-term satellite measurements, weather balloon data, climate models and sea surface temperature studies.
Turton said that the review found that of particular concern were regions which border the subtropics and currently experience a temperate Mediterranean climate, said a JCU release.
“Such areas include heavily populated regions of southern Australia, southern Africa, the southern Europe-Mediterranean-Middle East region, the south-western United States, northern Mexico, and southern South America – all of which are predicted to experience severe drying.
“A further implication of the expansion of the tropical zone is the possible expansion of tropical associated diseases and pests,” added Turton.
–IANS