The acronym DANA refers to “Isolated High Level Depression.” Although its meteorological effects are similar to those of a cold drop, specialists prefer not to associate the two terms. This phenomenon has been devastating for the Valencian community, Spain
DANA describes a more technical phenomenon that is characterized by a low pressure zone in the upper layers of the atmosphere. While the term “cold drop” is used to describe the effects of this depression when it interacts with the layers below, causing intense precipitation and extreme weather conditions.
In that sense, unlike the cold drop, DANA is not always linked to intense rains.
This meteorological phenomenon originates, as its name indicates, at high levels of the atmosphere. More specifically, some 9,000 meters altitude, or 300 hectopascals of pressure (hPa). When these conditions occur, there are intense zonal currents that move at high speed.
When the jets have large ripplesa phenomenon occurs whereby the undulations are strangled and are separated from circulation. So that a part of the jet is completely isolated to the south of the general circulation and a cold air pocketing with closed circulation at high levels and with a cyclonic direction of rotation, that is, a DANA.
Here is the answer to why DANA affected the Mediterranean area
As mentioned previously, a DANA is an isolated pocket of air, with a lower temperature than that around it. Although this phenomenon is not associated with intense precipitation, the danger lies at the moment in which cold air masses meet very warm temperatures on surfaces and especially with warm water surface temperatures.
Consequently, it creates a thermal gradient between the different layers of the atmosphere, which causes air masses to rise very easily and originate strong storms and heavy rainfall. Furthermore, in the western and eastern Mediterranean, we must add the influence of the humidity and the energy of a warm Mediterranean Sea after the summer months, generating torrential rains and floods in these areas.
Although the last DANA that has left devastating images in coastal areas such as Valencia and Malaga and has ended the lives of dozens of peoplethese phenomena can cause situations of adverse weather that can expand to areas of the interior of the peninsulaas has happened in the province of Albacete.
(With information extracted from INFOBAE)
#DANA #affected #Valencian #community #Spain
**Interview with Dr. Ana Pérez, Meteorologist and Climate Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Pérez. With the recent floods impacting Spain, particularly in areas like Valencia and Malaga, can you explain what DANA is and how it differs from the more commonly known “cold drop”?
**Dr. Pérez:** Thank you for having me. DANA, which stands for “Isolated High-Level Depression,” refers to a specific meteorological phenomenon characterized by a low-pressure zone at high altitudes, approximately 9,000 meters above sea level. Unlike cold drops, which are associated with intense rains due to their interaction with lower atmospheric layers, DANAs do not always lead to heavy precipitation. However, the potential danger arises when the cold air masses at high altitude come into contact with very warm surface temperatures, creating a significant thermal gradient that can lead to strong storms and torrential rainfall.
**Editor:** So, what conditions make DANA more likely to affect the Mediterranean region, as we’ve seen recently?
**Dr. Pérez:** The Mediterranean is particularly vulnerable to DANA events due to its warm sea surface temperatures, especially after the summer months. When these warm waters interact with the isolated cold air masses, it creates a potent environment for storms. The combination of humidity from the sea and rising air masses can result in severe precipitation, as we’ve witnessed with the recent floods.
**Editor:** Many people are linking these extreme weather events to climate change. How do you see climate change influencing phenomena like DANA?
**Dr. Pérez:** Climate change plays a significant role in intensifying weather extremes. As the atmosphere warms due to increased fossil fuel emissions, it can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall when conditions like DANA occur. This means that communities, particularly those in susceptible regions like the Mediterranean, need to enhance their climate change preparedness and response strategies.
**Editor:** Given the devastating impacts DANA has had, what measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of such events in the future?
**Dr. Pérez:** Awareness and preparedness are crucial. Communities must invest in robust infrastructure to manage floodwaters and improve forecasting systems. Additionally, there should be a focus on sustainable land use planning and community education on emergency protocols during severe weather events. This holistic approach can significantly reduce the risks associated with future DANA events.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Pérez, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that understanding these phenomena and their links to climate change is critical for effective disaster preparedness.
**Dr. Pérez:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we prioritize these discussions as climate challenges continue to mount.
