Meteorologists have noted a recent slowing of effects of global warming, noting that this may be because of a decline in the concentrations of water vapor in the stratosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory.
Until early 2001, concentrations of water vapor in the stratosphere had declined by about 10 percent. Since then, the levels have stabilized.
Water vapor is one of the potent greenhouse gases, meaning that this decline may be a factor in the recent slow of global warming effects. The cause of the decline of water vapor rising from tropical latitudes remains uncertain, but scientists hypothesize that it is a result of the oxidation of methane in the upper atmosphere. Another speculation is that the global patterns of sea-surface temperatures has changed, impacting water vapor formation and movement. It is unlikely that a continuation of this decline will erase completely the effects of global warming in the long run, however, as there are still impacts from other greenhouse gases.
-compiled by Surabhi Bhatt
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