Deforestation intensifies daily temperature variability in the northern extratropics

Area of Science:

• Climate Science
• Earth System Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Biogeophysical effects of deforestation on average and extreme temperatures are well-documented.
• The influence of deforestation on daily temperature variability is largely unknown.
• Understanding temperature variability is crucial for climate change adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biogeophysical effects of idealized deforestation on daily temperature variability globally.
• To quantify the impact of deforestation on extreme temperature events.
• To explore the implications of historical and future land-use changes on temperature variability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multiple Earth system models for global-scale simulations.
• Incorporated in situ observations for validation.
• Analyzed daily temperature variability under idealized deforestation scenarios.

Main Results:

• Deforestation intensifies daily temperature variability by up to 20% in the northern extratropics, especially in winter.
• Increased temperature variability leads to more frequent rapid extreme warming and cooling events.
• Enhanced near-surface horizontal temperature advection is a key driver, partly offset by reduced sensible heat flux variability.

Conclusions:

• Deforestation significantly impacts daily temperature variability, a previously overlooked effect.
• Afforestation in northern extratropics may have substantial implications for regional climate.
• Findings are critical for informing large-scale land-use management and climate change mitigation strategies.