Now, a global rainfall atlas!

Scientists have created the first comprehensive visual atlas of global rainfall, which they claim shows the projections of downpour around the world over the next century.

Washington: Scientists have created
the first comprehensive visual atlas of global rainfall, which
they claim shows the projections of downpour around the world
over the next century.

An international team, led by the Australian National
University, has created the Atlas of the Global Water Cycle
based on all of the models used by India`s RK Pauchuri-headed
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its report.

According to the scientists, the atlas contains 300
pages of global maps and tables showing current and projected
measures of rainfall, evaporation and runoff.

The atlas illustrates the projections of each of the
20 computer models used by different countries to forecast
future water cycles -- data drawn upon by the IPCC in its
reporting on climate change.

Lead scientist Dr Michael Roderick said, "We know
that as the world warms there is likely to be more rainfall on
a global average basis. But where is this increased rainfall
going to occur, and which areas might get drier?

"These are simple questions to ask, but it is
surprisingly hard for an individual to get an answer, whether
they`re a farmer, civil engineer, teacher or citizen.

"As researchers active in the field we couldn`t answer
the question with certainty. In fact, until now we have never
seen a compilation of the individual rainfall predictions made
by all the different climate models."

According to the scientists, the Atlas of the Global
Water Cycle would make all the current best information on
modelling for future rainfall more easily available so that
individuals and communities could make more informed decisions
about how to plan for the century to come.

"This averaging out of all these different findings is
what we tend to see in reports from the IPCC and other bodies.
The atlas means that you can now see all the different models`
predictions for Australia and the world in detail, and then
come to a more informed understanding.

"All these models are like crystal balls for
the global water cycle -- but it`s a question of whose crystal
ball is the best and how do we know that? I can`t answer that
question but at least by having all the information to compare
people will be able to make more informed decisions," Roderick
said.

Bureau Report

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