Warmer earth will have less rain, not more: study . . .

[Journeyman]

CLIMATE scientists say they have found evidence to back predictions for a future with lower average rainfall, even though Earth's past warming episodes had led to more precipitation, not less.

Writing in the journal Nature, researchers said they had found proof that global warming caused by man's greenhouse-gas emissions has a different effect on rainfall than warming caused by increased solar radiation.

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Warming induced by carbon emissions is expected to accompany a rise in droughts in the future, they said. This runs contrary to experience during the so-called Medieval Warm Period, from 1000 to 1250 AD, when Earth was hotter than today as a result of solar heating - but also wetter.

<snip>

The introduction of heat-absorbing greenhouse gases leads to a narrowing of the usual temperature difference between different layers of the atmosphere -- thus a more stable atmosphere that is less conducive to rain, said the report.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/warmer-earth-will-have-less-rain-not-more-study/story-e6frg8y6-1226566114361

It should be noted, the study estimates future rainfall on a global average. What happens locally may differ significantly.

[dipsydoodle]

1. I think the issue will become the local problems

with possible redistribution of rainfall.

[RC]

2. What this actually says, is that no one knows for sure.

What we do know is that the weather patters are shifting significantly. Stronger storms. Less rains in some regions. More rain in other regions.
A warmer atmosphere can holding more water, does not necessarily mean less rain overall. What it most likely does mean is that when it does rain, it will be monsoon style rains in certain areas. Areas that do not now experience anywhere near such downpour's.

[HooptieWagon]

3. Warmer oceans means greater evaporation.

And precipitation patterns will shift in some way we can't predict. Quite possible Australia ends up in a rain belt, and NA and Europe see drier weather.