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Understanding Land-Atmosphere Interactions during Coupling Whiplash Events

delete2026-04-01
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PRE
AI
M
Makhasana, Payal R. *
S
Santanello, Joseph A.
P
Patricia M. Lawston-Parker
J
Joshua K. Roundy
DOI:10.1175/JHM-D-24-0171.1delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Whiplash events, defined by abrupt transitions between dry and wet conditions, have severe environmental and societal impacts, disrupting agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure. This study examines the role of land-atmosphere (L-A) interactions in driving these events by utilizing the convective triggering potential-humidity index (CTP-HI) framework to analyze dry-to-wet (DW) and wet-to-dry (WD) transitions across different regions and seasons. The results highlight that moisture availability in the lower atmosphere (HI) is a critical driver of whiplash intensity. At the same time, convective potential (CTP) is more responsive to seasonal and thermal variability, particularly during warmer periods. A global assessment identifies key high-risk hotspots in North America and Europe and localized areas across southern Africa, southern Asia, and South America, where transitions are both frequent and intense. These high-risk regions exhibit dual vulnerability: rapid moisture loss during WD events due to positive feedback and limited recovery during DW events, driven by suppressed evaporation. In contrast, low-risk regions demonstrate stronger recovery capacity and more moderated transitions. By revealing distinct L-A feedback mechanisms and transition patterns, this study improves our understanding of whiplash dynamics and highlights the global regions most susceptible to extreme shifts. The insights gained offer a valuable basis for enhancing predictive models and guiding mitigation strategies in areas facing the most tremendous hydrometeorological stress.
Keywords:
Atmosphere-land interaction
Extreme events
Hydrometeorology

Journal

Journal of Hydrometeorology cover
Journal of Hydrometeorology
IF:
2.9
Papers:
2.9K
Citations:
1.1W

Organization

U
university of kansas
Scholars:
2.3K
Papers: 1.1K
Citations: 1
N
national aeronautics & space administration (nasa)
Scholars:
3.1W
Papers: 2.6W
Citations: 46
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