What is an atmospheric river? A hydrologist explains the good and bad of these storms and how they’re changing

By: Qian Cao, University of California, San Diego, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 16, 2025

Words: 957

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 5 days ago

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By Qian Cao, University of California, San Diego

Along the U.S. West Coast, atmospheric rivers are dreaded for the damage they can cause, but they are also essential to the region’s snowpack and water supply, as Qian Cao, a hydrologist at the University of California, San Diego, explains.

What are atmospheric rivers?

An atmospheric river is a narrow corridor or filament of concentrated water vapor transported in the atmosphere. It’s like a river in the …

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