Antarctica: Sky Rivers Deliver Up to 90% of Snowfall, According to a 3D Study

Sky Rivers, or Atmospheric Rivers, these intense and warm bands of water vapor, play a crucial role in transporting humidity from tropical and subtropical regions to higher latitudes. But did you know they are responsible for up to 90% of the snowfall in Antarctica? That's what a new study using innovative 3D algorithm reveals.

Sky Rivers: A Key Meteorological Phenomenon

Atmospheric Rivers, or AR for the familiar, are meteorological phenomena that resemble 'rivers in the sky.' They transport massive quantities of water vapor, similar to a terrestrial river, but through the atmosphere. When they encounter masses of cold air or mountainous terrains, the vapor condenses, generating intense precipitation in the form of rain or snow.