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Mitigating Aerosol Emissions Can Effectively Offset Climate Warming Impacts on Snowmelt.
Yuxuan Xing1, Shirui Yan1, Yang Chen1
1Key Laboratory for Semi-Arid Climate Change of the Ministry of Education, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|May 7, 2025
Summary
Black carbon in snow (BCS) significantly accelerates snowmelt in Northeast China, more than climate warming. Future emission reductions could substantially mitigate this effect, highlighting the impact of clean air policies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Climate Science
Background:
- Northeast China faces severe snow pollution from black carbon (BC) emissions.
- BC in snow (BCS) darkens snow, accelerating melt and impacting water resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the impact of BCS on snowmelt rates in Northeast China.
- To compare the effects of BCS versus climate warming on snowmelt.
- To project future snowmelt acceleration under different emission scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive field measurements of BCS concentrations across Northeast China.
- Analysis of accelerated snowmelt rates (ASR) attributed to BCS and warming.
- CMIP6 projections under SSP245 scenario for future BCS and ASR.
Main Results:
- BCS concentrations in Northeast China are 17 times the global average (1100 ± 810 ng g-1).
- BCS accounts for 72% of ASR, exceeding climate warming's 28% contribution.
- Projected 82% BCS reduction by 2080-2100 could offset 40% of future ASR increase.
Conclusions:
- BCS is the dominant driver of accelerated snowmelt in Northeast China.
- Clean air policies are highly effective in mitigating snowmelt acceleration in this region.
- The impact of BCS on snowmelt is uniquely significant in Northeast China compared to other Northern Hemisphere regions.
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