The consequences of global warming have started to manifest themselves in the Mediterranean, according to Boğaziçi University's Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute.
Although the recent tropical storm that hit Greece did not affect the Anatolia region, according to Adil Tek of the research institute, the increasing sea temperatures of the Mediterranean will increase the chances of other tropical storms in the future.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Tek said tropical storms are usually seen in the Pacific and Atlantic due to the sudden changes of water temperature; however, the sudden temperature changes in the Mediterranean can cause similar storms that can affect Anatolia.
"In the past, the Mediterranean rarely experienced such tropical storms but it has become much more vulnerable with global warming" Tek said.
"The temperature is rising which means the energy in the atmosphere is increasing as well. The rising temperatures cause water to evaporate more and with the melting of the ice in the arctic, this causes much more rainfall during the year. This sudden and heavy rainfall causes floods and cyclones while some parts of the world remain dry. These phenomenon [together] lead to tropical storms," he added. Tek also said these types of tropical storms were barely seen once every decade in the Mediterranean but now the possibility has increased and there can be up to three storms in a 10-year period.
