Iraq | How does the heat dome affect the country and the relationship of climate change to the exacerbation of this phenomenon and its connection to heat waves

Arabia Weather - Iraq has recently witnessed the phenomenon of a heat dome, which causes an unprecedented rise in temperatures, leading to severe heat waves that affect various aspects of life. The heat dome is formed as a result of a high air pressure system that obstructs the flow of cold air and traps hot air at the bottom, which increases the intensity of the heat and pushes temperatures to record levels.

First: What is a thermal dome?

The weather specialists at the Arabia Weather Center said that the heat dome is a climate phenomenon that results from an area of high air pressure in the high layers of the atmosphere that works to heat the air in the lower layers of the atmosphere due to a dynamic process called “heating under pressure,” where the air in a specific area is compressed under the influence of high pressure. Atmospheric air in the high layers of the atmosphere, which leads to the formation of a hot, surface air mass whose intensity varies according to the region and the intensity of the air high, and also according to the period of its formation during the year.

The high air works to trap the hot air like a lid on a boiling pot, and as the hot air expands vertically in the atmosphere, the high pressure pushes it towards the ground again, and the air is compressed again under the high air pressure area, which makes it gain more heat, and this is scientifically known as heating. under pressure.

Second: How does the heat dome affect the atmosphere in Iraq?

In recent years, Iraq has been witnessing severe heat waves closely linked to the heat dome phenomenon. A heat dome forms when a high atmospheric pressure system settles over an area, trapping hot air and preventing the flow of cold air as mentioned previously. This leads to a significant rise in temperatures, often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in some areas.

A heat dome could cause temperatures to rise to levels well above normal in Iraq. In addition, lands begin to warm, lose moisture, and the chances of wildfires increase. It also increases the impact of the heat dome phenomenon on urban areas and urban sprawl at the expense of agricultural areas, as cities absorb and store heat, unlike urban and rural areas.

Third: How does climate change exacerbate the heat dome phenomenon in Iraq?

A heat dome is an atmospheric phenomenon that is significantly worsening with climate change, as rising global temperatures contribute to an increase in its frequency and intensity. Climate change leads to:

1. Increase in global temperatures: Global warming leads to an increase in average temperatures, which increases the possibility of the formation of heat domes in various regions, including Iraq.

2. Changing weather patterns: Climate change changes atmospheric pressure patterns, which increases the chances of the formation of high-pressure systems that contribute to the formation of heat domes.

3. Prolonged drought: As temperatures increase, drought periods increase, resulting in decreased soil and plant moisture, and increasing the impact of heat domes on the environment and agriculture.

4. Increased evaporation: High temperatures increase evaporation rates, which leads to the drying up of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and enhances the effect of heat domes.

5. Exacerbation of heat waves: Climate change increases the intensity and length of heat waves, making heat domes more influential and stressful on infrastructure, natural resources, and the economy.

Arabia Weather specialists pointed out that the worsening of heat domes due to climate change poses a major challenge to Iraq, as this phenomenon requires the adoption of effective policies and strategies for adaptation and mitigation, including improving water resources management systems, strengthening heat-resistant infrastructure, and developing health emergency plans to confront the negative effects on health. the public.

God knows.

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