Global Warming Increases the Ocean in the Atmosphere

Increased water-holding capacity of the atmosphere and increased evaporation are together expected to increase the amount of water in the atmosphere.

Source - SuperStock.com

(1598R‑241586)

Water-Holding Capacity of the Atmosphere
On average, 2-3% of the molecules in the air are water molecules, with a maximum possible of 4% in warm and humid tropical locations.
However, as temperatures increase water vapor volume can exceed 4%, like in the inside of a boiling tea kettle.

Climate models, Earth-system science and satellite observations all conclude that as carbon dioxide levels increase, the air will heat up and water vapor volume in the air will increase beyond the maximum of 4%. 


Surface Evaporation
Evaporation is a continuous surface phenomenon that maintains an equilibrium between molecules leaving a water surface as vapor and vapor molecules being added to a water surface as liquid. As higher temperature implies more kinetic energy, there is more evaporation at higher temperatures


7% vs. 1-3% increase in water fluxes
Atmospheric studies and Earth System Science predict that for every degree Kelvin increase in surface water temperature, the ocean of water in the atmosphere will increase by 7%, while precipitation will increase between 1% and 3% - Source: Science, Vol 317, pages 233-235