why does global warming cause an increase in storm intensity?

Answer 1

Tropical storms and hurricanes are giant heat engines. They are fueled by the difference in temperature between the Earth's surface, and the top of the tropopause.

A storm is powered by a layer of warm air underneath a layer of cold air. The cold air is denser, so it wants to sink, while the warm air wants to rise. This manifests itself as a vortex, with warm air rising up the center, and cold air sinking on the outer parts of the vortex.

Like any other heat engine, the power output is increased when the temperature difference is increased. The warmer the surface of the Earth (specifically, the ocean surface), the warmer the layer of air near the ground becomes, and the larger the difference in temperature between low and high altitudes becomes.

Hence global warming increases the heat energy available for use in storms.

Answer 2

This is an extremely complex question--one that can't be answered easily in this format. I would strongly suggest that you consult "Changes in Tropical Cyclone Number, Duration, and Intensity in a Warming Environment" by P. J. Webster,1 G. J. Holland,2 J. A. Curry,1 H.-R. Chang (16 SEPTEMBER 2005 VOL 309 SCIENCE) and "Increasing destructiveness of tropical cyclones over the past 30 years" by Kerry Emanuel (Vol 436|4 August 2005|doi:10.1038/nature03906 NATURE). Don't settle for imitations! :-)

Answer 3

heat, hotter more often longer, weatherpatterns change as well mothernature.