What is one major consequence of global warming on weather patterns?

One major consequence of global warming on weather patterns is the occurrence of more frequent and severe storms. As global temperatures rise due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the energy in the atmosphere increases. This added energy can intensify weather systems, making storms more powerful.

Warmer air holds more moisture, which can lead to heavier rainfall during storms. Additionally, the rising sea surface temperatures can contribute to stronger hurricanes and typhoons, as warm ocean water fuels these systems. These changes can result in more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall, leading to increased flooding and damage.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the impacts of global warming. Stabilization of climate would imply no significant changes, which contradicts the evidence showing that warming leads to increased variability. An increase in global snowfall isn't consistent with the general trend observed; while some regions might experience snowfall, globally, warming typically results in less snow over time. Lastly, a decrease in average temperatures would be contrary to the current understanding of climate change, where overall warming trends are evident. Thus, the identification of more frequent and severe storms as a consequence of global warming aligns with current scientific consensus on the impacts of climate change.