Influence of Eurasian spring snowmelt on surface air temperature in late spring and early summer

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of Eurasian spring snowmelt on surface air temperature (SAT) in late spring (April–May) and early summer (June–July) and the relevant physical mechanisms during 1981–2016 are investigated. Results show that the first mode of the inter-annual Eurasian spring snowmelt represents an east–west dipole anomaly pattern, with an intense center over Siberia and another moderate center around eastern Europe. The European spring snowmelt shows an insignificant relation to the local SAT, whereas the Siberian spring snowmelt has a significant impact on the SAT in late spring and early summer. More Siberian spring snowmelt contributes to higher SAT in late spring and lower SAT in early summer via different mechanisms. In late spring, increased Siberian spring snowmelt corresponds to less local surface albedo and cloud cover, leading to the surface absorbing more shortwave radiation and thereby higher SAT. The sub-surface and deep soil moisture anomalies generated from Siberian spring snowmelt can persist into early summer. Excessive Siberian spring snowmelt corresponds to positive soil moisture anomalies, contributing to decreased sensible heat and increased cloud cover in early summer. Increased cloud cover leads to the surface receiving less shortwave radiation. Thus, lower SAT appears over Siberia in early summer due to reduced sensible heat and shortwave radiation. However, the simulation of Eurasian spring snowmelt variability and its influences on SAT via the snow hydrological effect is still a challenge for the climate models that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6.