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Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Forcings on Evaporation: Experimental Integration of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Shallow Subsurface
Published on: June 8, 2015
Atmospheric brown clouds: impacts on South Asian climate and hydrological cycle
1Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0221, USA.
South Asian black carbon aerosols significantly impacted climate, causing reduced solar radiation and monsoon rainfall. These atmospheric brown clouds may have masked 50% of greenhouse gas warming and could double drought frequency.
Area of Science:
- Climate Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Oceanography
Background:
- South Asian fossil fuel emissions (SO2 and black carbon) surged sixfold since 1930.
- This led to increased atmospheric aerosols and significant negative trends in solar radiation, evaporation, and monsoon rainfall.
- Observed changes included increased atmospheric stability and decreased Northern Indian Ocean sea surface temperature gradients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of atmospheric brown clouds (ABCs) in observed climate trends over South Asia from 1930 to 2000.
- To differentiate the impacts of aerosols from greenhouse gases and sulfates on regional climate patterns.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an ensemble of coupled ocean-atmosphere simulations covering 1930-2000.
- Incorporated aerosol radiative forcing based on Indian Ocean Experiment observations.
- Accounted for global increases in greenhouse gases and sulfate aerosols.
Main Results:
- Simulations replicated observed decreases in surface solar radiation, temperature changes, and monsoon rainfall reductions.
- Greenhouse gases and sulfates alone could not explain the magnitude or direction of observed trends.
- Absorbing aerosols in ABCs were identified as a major driver of regional climate and hydrological changes.
- Aerosols masked up to 50% of surface warming caused by greenhouse gases.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric brown clouds significantly influence South Asian climate, masking greenhouse gas warming.
- Continued emission trends may lead to a doubling of drought frequency in the region.
- Urgent mitigation of aerosol emissions is crucial for regional climate stability.
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