Heavy Rainfall and Cloudburst: Wayanad Landslide, Oceans’ Role in Climate Regulation and Recent Climatic Events

Oceans’ Role in Climate Regulation: A Critical Analysis Through the Lens of Wayanad Landslides

The devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have brought to light the urgent need to understand the intricate connections between oceanic changes and regional climate events. 2024 Wayanad landslides were the multiple landslides that occurred at Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, Meppadi and Kunhome villages of Wayanad district, Kerala, India, in the early hours of 30 July 2024. Heavy rains triggered the collapse of hillsides, resulting in torrents of mud, water, and boulders cascading down onto the area. The landslides marked one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerala’s history with reports of at least 417 deaths, over 273 injuries, and more than 150 missing. The landslides are among several extreme weather events that have occurred in India in recent years. cosystems and human communities against the devastating impacts of climate change. Triggered by prolonged and heavy rainfall, this disaster underscores the profound impact of ocean warming on vulnerable regions. As oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate, their changing dynamics demand our immediate attention and action.

The Role of Oceans in Climate Regulation

Oceans act as the Earth’s climate buffer, absorbing vast amounts of solar energy, storing heat, and controlling atmospheric carbon levels. They are among the largest carbon sinks, absorbing nearly a quarter of the CO₂ emissions produced by human activities. Marine phytoplankton plays a critical role in this process by absorbing CO₂ during photosynthesis, thus helping to mitigate global warming. However, this absorption leads to ocean acidification, which negatively affects marine life.

Furthermore, oceans absorb about 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions. This heat is distributed globally through ocean currents, which are essential for regulating temperatures. Changes in the ocean’s surface temperature influence weather patterns, precipitation, storm intensity, and the distribution of marine species. Oceans also contribute significantly to oxygen production, with marine phytoplankton generating approximately 50-80% of the Earth’s oxygen, supporting both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Rising Ocean Temperatures and Climatic Changes

The temperature of the world’s oceans has been steadily increasing, with significant surface temperature rises observed from 1990 to 2023. This warming, driven by human-induced climate change, has resulted in more frequent and intense weather events. Human activities are increasingly compromising the oceans’ ability to regulate climate, with regions like the Arabian Sea contributing to severe climatic events in areas such as the Western Ghats.

Addressing these challenges requires reducing carbon emissions, limiting pollution, and protecting marine ecosystems. Understanding the interconnectedness of oceans and climate is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate climate change impacts and ensure the resilience of both marine and terrestrial environments.

Impact on the Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, a mountain range parallel to India’s western coast, has faced severe climatic events in recent years, including unprecedented rainfall, landslides, and flooding during the monsoon season. The warming of the Arabian Sea has exacerbated these events, with increased evaporation leading to heavier rainfall. The complex topography of the Western Ghats further increases the risk of landslides and flooding.

Wayanad Landslides: A Case Study

1. Recent Events: Wayanad has been severely affected by landslides and floods, particularly in 2024. The district experienced significant loss of life and property, with 417 deaths confirmed and thousands displaced. Heavy and prolonged rainfall, directly linked to changing climatic patterns influenced by ocean warming, was the immediate trigger for these landslides.

2. Contributing Factors: Besides heavy rainfall, factors such as deforestation, land-use changes, and human encroachment have destabilized the fragile ecosystems of the Western Ghats, making them more susceptible to disasters.(But no quarry mining took place in the landslide area in Wayanad. The scientists say that the cause of the landslides in the land where there is no human intervention is a light cloud explosion. The earth scientists say that the rain that fell in the disaster area will cause a similar disaster anywhere else. The epicenter of the landslides is in the forest.

3. Impact on Biodiversity and Human Life: The landslides have profoundly impacted both the natural environment and human communities. The Western Ghats, home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, have faced significant habitat loss. Local communities, especially those dependent on agriculture and tourism, have been severely disrupted.

4. Response and Rehabilitation: Efforts are ongoing to provide relief and rehabilitation to affected communities. The army, along with national and state disaster response teams, has been actively involved in rescue operations. Long-term solutions, such as reforestation and sustainable land-use practices, are being explored to mitigate future risks.

Heavy Rainfall and Cloudburst: Understanding the Wayanad Landslide

The recent landslide in Wayanad, precipitated by an extraordinary 544 mm of rainfall over 48 hours, highlights the impact of extreme weather conditions. Cloudbursts, characterized by intense and sudden bursts of rainfall, were a critical factor in this disaster. While cloudbursts are not directly caused by ocean warming, the broader climatic shifts associated with global warming, including warmer oceans, can influence the frequency and intensity of such events.

The catastrophic effects of global warming are increasingly evident, with oceans playing a pivotal role in regulating Earth’s climate. The landslides in Wayanad underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate action. Recognizing the role of oceans and implementing sustainable practices are crucial steps toward a resilient and stable climate system. By addressing the interconnectedness of oceans and climate, we can work towards safeguarding natural ecosystems and human communities against the devastating impacts of climate change.

Heavy Rainfall in Wayanad

The recent landslide in Wayanad has drawn attention to the severe weather conditions that contributed to the disaster. On the day of the landslide, the Mundakai and  region experienced an exceptionally heavy rainfall of 544 mm over a span of 48 hours. This extreme precipitation was a critical factor in triggering the landslide that caused significant damage and loss of life in the area.

What is a Cloudburst?

A cloudburst is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by an intense and sudden burst of rainfall. Unlike typical rain, which falls over a longer period, a cloudburst delivers a large volume of water in a very short time, often within minutes to a few hours. The key features of a cloudburst include:

• Intense Rainfall: Cloudbursts can produce rainfall rates that far exceed those of normal storms, with some events generating over 100 mm of rain per hour.
• Short Duration: The heavy rainfall associated with a cloudburst occurs in a condensed timeframe, leading to rapid accumulation.
• Localized Impact: The effects of a cloudburst are usually confined to a small geographic area, though the impact can be devastating within that region.

Causes of Cloudbursts: Cloudbursts are often caused by orographic lift, where moist air is forced upwards by mountainous terrain, cooling rapidly and condensing into heavy precipitation. They can also occur due to strong convective storms or low-pressure systems that cause rapid lifting of moist air.

Cloudburst and Ocean Warming: Is There a Connection?

The question of whether cloudbursts are related to ocean warming and global warming involves understanding the broader context of climatic changes:

1. Ocean Warming and Global Warming: Global warming, driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions, leads to the warming of the Earth’s oceans. This warming affects atmospheric conditions and weather patterns, potentially influencing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including cloudbursts.

2. Impact on Weather Patterns: Warming oceans contribute to increased evaporation rates, adding more moisture to the atmosphere. This additional moisture can enhance the development of intense storms and cloudbursts. While ocean warming is not the direct cause of a specific cloudburst, it can create the conditions that make such extreme weather events more likely.

3. Cloudbursts as a Symptom: Cloudbursts can be seen as one of the symptoms of broader climatic changes rather than a direct result of ocean warming. The increased moisture and energy in the atmosphere, partly due to warmer oceans, can lead to more frequent and intense cloudbursts and heavy rainfall events.

The landslide in Wayanad, precipitated by an extraordinary 544 mm of rainfall in just 48 hours, underscores the impact of extreme weather events. While cloudbursts themselves are not directly caused by ocean warming, the broader climatic shifts associated with global warming, including warmer oceans, can influence the frequency and intensity of such events.

Understanding the relationship between cloudbursts, ocean warming, and global climatic changes is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. By improving early warning systems, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and addressing climate change through global and local efforts, communities can better prepare for and respond to the challenges posed by extreme weather events.