Fractional change of scattering and absorbing aerosols contributes to Northern Hemisphere Hadley circulation expansion
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The relative amount of scattering and absorbing aerosols is essential in determining the aerosol radiative and climate effects. Using reanalysis datasets and climate simulations, here, we show that changes in the relative amount of scattering and absorbing aerosols in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) high latitudes, manifested as long-term decreasing trends in aerosol single-scattering albedo (SSA), have played an important role in driving the widening and weakening trends of the NH Hadley circulation (HC) since the early 1980s. Decreasing SSA in the NH middle and high latitudes can notably warm the troposphere there, thus reducing the equator-to-pole temperature gradient, increasing static stability in mid-latitude regions, and leading to the widening and weakening trends of NH HC. Further analysis of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) aerosol forcing-only simulations also supports the importance of SSA trends in perturbing NH HC through the above mechanism.
Source: Science Advances
Authors: Tong Ying, Jing Li, Qiang Fu, Guanyu Liu, Lu Zhang, Yan Xia, Yongyun Hu
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: G3868355205, G4795536013
OpenAlex ID: W4404307186