This chapter presents a discussion of climate extremes within the context of the global change debate. This is preceded by a brief review of regional climate modeling, which is a particularly useful tool to simulate extreme climatic events.
Introduction
Regional climate models became essential tools for studying climate changes on a regional basis, taking into account the highest accuracy of simulation due to high resolution as well as better understanding in both physical and dynamical parameterizations. These models can be coupled to other components of the climate system, such as hydrology, ocean, sea ice, chemistry/aerosol, and land-biosphere models.
Extreme events such as droughts, floods and associated landslides, storms, cyclones and tornadoes, ocean and coastal surges, and heat waves and cold snaps have been detected using the regional climate models. A warmer world should in theory be wetter as well because the rate of evaporation is increased and the atmosphere will contain more moisture for precipitation. Changes in precipitation, however, will not be the same all over the world. Wet areas are likely to become wetter, with more frequent episodes of flooding, while dry areas may become drier, with longer periods of drought leading to an increased threat of desertification. In general, as more heat and moisture is put into the atmosphere, the likelihood of storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes will increase.