University of Basrah Organizes a Seminar on Changes in the Frequency and Persistence of Subtropical High-Pressure Centers at the 500 hPa Level over Iraq (1973–2023)

The College of Education for Women at the University of Basrah organized a seminar on changes in the frequency and duration of persistence of subtropical upper high-pressure centers at the 500 hPa level over Iraq for the period 1973–2023.

The seminar aimed to investigate variations in the frequency and persistence of these upper subtropical high-pressure centers at the 500 hPa pressure level over Iraq in relation to climate change. Analysis of synoptic weather maps at this level revealed an increase in both the frequency and the number of days these systems persist during the months in which they typically occur over Iraq. Notably, transitional seasons—especially May and October—have experienced a marked increase in both frequency and duration.

These changes are attributed to the intensified activity and northward expansion of the Hadley Cell into the subtropical latitudes as a result of climate change. The findings also indicated an increase in geopotential heights of the upper subtropical high-pressure centers across all studied months. This is linked to temperature changes at higher altitudes due to climate change, leading to an increased thickness of the atmospheric layer at the 500 hPa level.

The seminar was delivered by Assistant Lecturer Naba Karim Ahmed Al-Rubaie.