Solar Storms To Cause Deadlier And More Frequent Cyclones, Scientists Warn

Aside from their damaging effect on technological devices and electricity, scientists believe solar storms can also intensify cyclones on Earth. This means severe space weather could lead to the formation of stronger and more frequent cyclones.

For years, it has been widely believed that particles from the Sun emitted through solar winds and solar flares are capable of severely disrupting technology in space and on Earth. This means facilities that rely on electricity would shut down following a direct hit from a solar storm.

Experts have already warned that a superflare from a massive star such as the Sun could revert society back to the dark ages.

Recently, studies conducted by the Millersville University in Pennsylvania on space weather revealed that solar storms also have other damaging effects on Earth.

According to university professor Richard Clark, strong solar storms could lead to the formation of severe weather patterns. Clark explained that unfavorable solar weather could alter the conditions in the thermosphere, a layer in Earth atmosphere that’s between the exosphere and mesosphere.

Theoretically, this could affect the low pressure systems that are often attributed to the frequency and intensity of cyclones. Clark specifically cited the Aleutian Low and Icelandic Low as the major weather systems that could get affected by solar storms.

“Hypothetically a strong expanded thermosphere during a solar event could intensify the larger scale circulations on the plant, the Aleutian Low, and Icelandic Low, but don’t take my word for it, the evidence is still out,” he told 21 News.

If Clark’s theory turns out to be true, then Earth could get hit with a double whammy once a solar storm strikes. The first effect would be stronger and more frequent cyclones. This means that the previous strong typhoons and weather events that led to the deaths of hundreds of people could become more common.

Aside from the severe changes in the weather, Earth’s technological advances would also be rendered useless due to the solar event. The lack of electricity or the technological means to communicate and disseminate information would certainly hamper relief and rescue operations during the storms.