About the project
The PaleoJet project aims to understand the influence of changes in polar jet streams and atmospheric rivers carrying moisture on Europe's climate from the last ice age to the present day. Changes in these atmospheric phenomena can significantly alter precipitation amounts and distribution, sometimes causing extreme droughts or floods. The project will reconstruct how precipitation changed seasonally and regionally in Europe thousands of years ago by studying the tiny growth zones of ancient snail shells and microscopic water inclusions in caves (speleothems).
The research team is producing detailed maps of Europe, indicating how the isotopic composition of precipitation has changed in Europe and Asia Minor over the past century. These maps reveal the influence of changes in the polar jet stream on precipitation distribution and source regions across Europe. Finally, we use advanced climate models to examine the behaviour of the polar jet stream and the physical processes connecting atmospheric rivers to long-range weather patterns.
Overall, the project improves our understanding of what causes wet and dry periods in Europe, and of how future climate change may affect precipitation. This knowledge is vital for safeguarding ecosystems, managing water resources and preparing for extreme weather events. The results will support climate change adaptation in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and help agriculture and water management professionals and policymakers prepare for a changing climate.
