Intensification of extreme cold events in East Asia in response to global mean sea-level rise

This study highlights the effect of global mean sea level (GMSL) rise on synoptic systems. Even a small uniform sea-level uplift – one aspect of GMSL rise – can promote stronger and more frequent winter extreme cold events in East Asia. Today, the global mean sea level (GMSL) stands ~ 20 cm higher than at the beginning of the last century, and the rate of sea-level rise has been accelerating in recent decades. Even a slight, globally uniform sea-level rise can notably impact atmospheric and oceanic circulations at climatic and potentially synoptic scales. However, the extent to which sea-level rise will influence extreme weather remains largely unknown.

The study also suggests that the responses of winter extreme cold events are probably nonlinear within the magnitude of current and projected GMSL change by the end of this century. The researchers underscore that the threats arising from rising sea levels are not limited to coastal regions alone but extend to inland areas. In addition to extreme cold events, adjustments to ocean circulation prompted by sea-level rise may affect natural variability (such as Pacific Decadal Oscillation) associated with other extreme weather events.