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Attribution of observed surface humidity changes to human influence
Katharine M Willett1, Nathan P Gillett, Philip D Jones
1Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Nature
|October 12, 2007
Summary
Human activity is increasing atmospheric water vapour, a key greenhouse gas. This rise in specific humidity, observed globally, is linked to rising temperatures and has significant climate implications.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric science
- Climate science
- Earth science
Background:
- Water vapour is the primary natural greenhouse gas.
- Atmospheric water vapour is projected to increase with global warming.
- This increase acts as a feedback mechanism on anthropogenic climate change.
Observation:
- A new, homogenized dataset of surface humidity was analyzed.
- Changes in surface specific humidity were investigated over the late 20th century.
- Global-scale increases in surface specific humidity were identified.
Findings:
- A significant global increase in surface specific humidity was detected.
- This increase is primarily attributed to human influence.
- Specific humidity rose with temperature, while relative humidity remained constant.
Implications:
- Increased humidity influences precipitation patterns and intensity.
- It affects the potential intensity of tropical cyclones.
- Humidity changes have critical impacts on human heat stress, ecosystems, and hydrology.
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