Anjuli Bamzai, program director in NSF’s Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences:
The scientists conclude that the Outback region in Australia played a crucial role in trapping a large amount of rainfall when widespread floods occurred over the continent.
NCAR scientist John Fasullo, lead scientist on the project:
It’s a beautiful illustration of how complicated our climate system is.
The smallest continent in the world can affect sea level worldwide. Its influence is so strong that it can temporarily overcome the background trend of rising sea levels we see with climate change.
Can’t have said it better myself. Fascinating that we can track these infleunces now!
Thumbs up to the NSF for sponsoring this kind of research.
(via reddit)