"This winter's heavy snowfalls and other extreme storms could well be related to increased moisture in the air due to global climate change, a panel of scientists said on Tuesday.

This extra moisture is likely to bring on extraordinary flooding with the onset of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, as deep snowpack melts and expected heavy rains add to seasonal run-off, the scientists said in a telephone briefing.

As the planet warms up, more water from the oceans is evaporated into the atmosphere, said Todd Sanford, a climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. At the same time, because the atmosphere is warmer, it can hold onto more of the moisture that it takes in.

Intense storms are often the result when the atmosphere reaches its saturation point, Sanford said."

Deborah Zabarenko reports for Reuters March 2, 2011.
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SEE ALSO:

"Global Warming Blamed for Heavy Snowstorms, Record Floods" (ENS)
[3]
"In Arctic, Climate-Change Threats Include Giardia, Food Poisoning" (Arctic Sounder) [4]

"World’s Sixth Mass Extinction May Be Underway: Study" (AFP) [5]

"Climate Change To Drive Up Food Prices " (Reuters) [6]