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July 2012 Greenland melt extent enhanced by low-level liquid clouds
R Bennartz1, M D Shupe, D D Turner
1Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA. bennartz@aos.wisc.edu
Nature
|April 5, 2013
Summary
Thin, low-level liquid clouds amplified Greenland
Area of Science:
- Climatology
- Atmospheric Science
- Glaciology
Background:
- Ice sheet melting contributes to global sea-level rise.
- Unusual surface melting occurred across the Greenland ice sheet in July 2012.
- The role of clouds in Arctic surface melt events requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of low-level liquid clouds in the 2012 Greenland ice sheet melt event.
- To understand the radiative properties of clouds that enhance surface melting.
- To assess the frequency of such clouds in the Arctic.
Main Methods:
- Utilized surface-based observations and remote sensing data.
- Employed a surface energy-balance model.
- Analyzed cloud optical thickness and radiative effects.
Main Results:
- Optically thin, low-level liquid clouds increased near-surface temperatures by enhancing downwelling infrared radiation and allowing solar radiation penetration.
- These clouds were crucial for the extensive surface melt observed in July 2012.
- Such clouds are frequent in the Arctic (30-50% of the time).
Conclusions:
- Thin, low-level liquid clouds play a significant role in Arctic ice sheet melt events.
- Climate models may under-predict these clouds, impacting Arctic surface energy budget simulations.
- Understanding these cloud processes is vital for accurate climate change feedback assessments.
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