The Rock of Ages

Scientists have measured [PDF] the monsoon cycle by dating layers in a stalagmite found in China. The monsoon varied with many factors and appears to have affected political stability, i.e.,

A 9th-century dry period has been invoked as contributing to the decline of the Tang Dynasty and the Mayans in Mesoamerica, an idea that has generated substantial discussion. The timing of the [weak monsoon] is consistent with this idea, particularly as the Tang was in decline in its final decades. Because the [weak monsoon] continued beyond the Tang, it may have also contributed to the lack of unity during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Moreover, the ensuing [strong monsoon] may have contributed to the rapid increase in rice cultivation, the dramatic increase in population, and the general stability at the beginning of the Northern Song Dynasty. Furthermore, the end of the Yuan and the end of the Ming are both characterized by unusually weak summer monsoons, suggesting a link between climate and the demise of these dynasties as well. Whereas other factors would certainly have affected these chapters of Chinese cultural history, our correlations suggest that climate played a key role.

In terms of current events, the scientists report that "anthropogenic forcing superseded natural forcing as the major driver of Asian Monsoon changes in the late 20th century." Some people see the writing on the wall: The government of the Maldives (1 m above sea level) plans to relocate the population to higher ground in another country.

Bottom Line: Bad weather destroys dynasties, and now we are changing the weather for the worse. Any guesses of what happens next?

hattip to DS
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