Scientists find hidden rainfall pattern that could reshape farming

UC San Diego researchers discovered that the source of rainfall—whether from oceans or land—dramatically affects crop vulnerability to drought, with farmlands receiving more than one-third of their precipitation from land sources facing significantly higher drought risk. Using 20 years of satellite data, scientists found that ocean-derived moisture produces heavier, more reliable rainfall while land-sourced moisture creates lighter, unpredictable showers that leave crops vulnerable during critical growth periods. The study identifies the U.S. Midwest and East Africa as major hotspots where heavy reliance on land-sourced moisture creates feedback loops that can intensify droughts and threaten food security.