Radiation Balance Research Articles

From the Surface to the Stratosphere: Large‐Scale Atmospheric Response to Antarctic Meltwater

AbstractThe ocean response to Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) mass loss has been extensively studied using numerical models, but less attention has been given to the atmosphere. We examine the global atmospheric response to AIS meltwater in an ensemble of experiments performed using two fully coupled climate models under a pre‐industrial climate. In response to AIS meltwater, the experiments yield cooling from the surface to the tropopause over the subpolar Southern Ocean, warming in the Southern Hemisphere polar stratosphere, and cooling in the upper tropical troposphere. Positive feedbacks, initiated by disrupted ocean‐atmosphere heat exchange, result in a change in the top‐of‐atmosphere radiative balance caused primarily through surface and near‐surface albedo changes. Changes in the atmospheric thermal structure alter the jet streams aloft. The results highlight the global influence of AIS melting on the climate system and the potential for impacts on mid‐latitude climate patterns and delayed regional warming signals.

The role of refractive indices in measuring mineral dust with high-spectral-resolution infrared satellite sounders: application to the Gobi Desert

Abstract. Mineral dust significantly influences the Earth's climate system by affecting the radiative balance through the emission, absorption and scattering of solar and terrestrial radiation. Estimating the dust radiative effect remains challenging due to the lack of detailed information on the physical and chemical properties of dust. High-spectral-resolution instruments in the infrared (IR) spectrum, such as the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Instrument (IASI), have demonstrated the ability to quantify these aerosol properties. A crucial parameter for characterizing mineral dust from space is the complex refractive index (CRI), as it links the dust's physical and chemical properties to its optical properties. This paper examines the impact of six prior laboratory CRI datasets to improve the characterization of dust microphysical properties using IASI. The CRIs include older measurements obtained through the classical pellet method, commonly employed in mineral dust applications, as well as newer datasets that incorporate the latest advancements in laboratory measurement techniques for aerosol generation. These datasets are tested on IASI measurements during a dust storm event over the Gobi Desert in May 2017. We evaluate the sensitivity of IASI to different CRI datasets using the Atmospheric Radiation Algorithm for High-Spectral Resolution Measurements from Infrared Spectrometer (ARAHMIS) radiative transfer algorithm and explore the datasets' impact on retrieving size distribution parameters by mapping their spatial distributions. The results indicate that the laboratory CRI datasets decrease the total error in the covariance matrix by 30 %. In addition, we assess the ability to accurately reconstruct IASI detections and the extent to which we can retrieve the microphysical properties of dust particles. The choice of CRI significantly impacts the accuracy of dust detection and characterization from satellite observations. Notably, datasets that incorporate recent aerosol generation techniques with higher spectral resolution and samples from the case study region show improved compatibility with IASI observations. The outcomes of this research emphasize two key points: the crucial link between chemical composition of dust and its optical properties and the importance of considering the specific composition of the CRI dataset for improved retrieval of the microphysical parameters. Furthermore, this study highlights the critical role of ongoing enhancements in CRI measurement approaches, as well as the potential of high-spectral-resolution infrared sounders for aerosol atmospheric investigation and for understanding the radiative impacts of sounders.

Evaluation of 10‐m Wind Speed From ISD Meteorological Stations and the MERRA‐2 Reanalysis: Impacts on Dust Emission in the Arabian Peninsula

AbstractMineral dust is one of the most important aerosols when studying the radiative balance and climate of the planet. There are different dust emission schemes utilized by the atmospheric modeling communities, many of which disagree on basic output quantities such as mass of dust emitted and distribution of mass among size bins. In this work, we examined mineral dust emission from a leading model scheme, the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART), as utilized in the Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA‐2) Reanalysis and compared it to dust emissions calculated using wind measurements from ground based weather stations located in the Arabian Peninsula that are included in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) integrated surface database (ISD). An intercomparison of 10‐m wind speed is shown for the Arabian Peninsula region, differences of the observed and modeled wind field are quantified, and impacts of differences on dust emissions are calculated. This analysis shows 10‐m winds in the ISD were generally lower than MERRA‐2 winds, which propagated to dust emissions errors. Our estimate of one of the most significant mass impacts in dust emission is 0.178 Tg/year/grid box with a percent change of over 200% to the recalculated dust emissions from MERRA‐2. These differences in wind speed propagated to a difference in dust mass emitted by the use of a static source function which aids in scaling the mass emitted by the availability of dust in each grid. Additionally, the magnitude of these differences varies seasonally.

Assessment of agroclimatic resources in agricultural landscapes of the Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askha

The article presents the scientific results of a study assessing agroclimatic resources in agricultural landscapes located in various natural zones of the Turkestan region of the RK (Republic of Kazakhstan). The research methods included classical and modern methods of mathematical statistics using digital technology and time series graphs to develop a mathematical model for climatic and hydrological indicators. Assessment of changes in indicators of agroclimatic resources in agricultural landscapes for 1941–2020 showed that the sum of air temperature, evaporation from the water surface and radiation balance of the daytime surface, characterising the energy resources of landscapes, increased by 10–15%, which contributes to increase in the total water consumption of agricultural land by 10–12%. Meanwhile, the decreasing tendency of the amount of precipitation by 5–10% in all natural climatic zones of the region has become one of the factors leading to a decrease in the natural moisture supply of the soil and vegetation cover of landscapes by 10–15%, acting as important environment-forming and ecological functions. The combined impact of these environment-forming factors has become the key reason for the increase in the deficit of agricultural land water consumption by 15–20%, the reduction of solar energy costs for the soil-forming process by 10–15% and the increase of the climate aridisation, and has become a signal for the need in the safety of agricultural activities, requiring the development of a set of adaptive measures to mitigate this process in the region.

Distinct Radiative and Chemical Impacts Between the Equatorial and Northern Extratropical Volcanic Injections

AbstractStratospheric volcanic aerosols can affect the global radiative balance and stratospheric composition. In this study, we analyze ensemble experiments with an interactive stratospheric aerosol microphysical general circulation model, designed to assess the climate forcing from large‐magnitude explosive eruptions in the tropics and northern extratropics. Previous studies have generally identified a lower radiative forcing from extratropical eruptions from the shorter stratospheric lifetime of volcanic sulfate aerosols. However, our study finds that both the shorter lifetime and lower effective radiative forcing (ERF) efficacy contribute to the lower ERF in the northern extratropical eruptions. The simulated 2‐year averaged ERF efficacy in northern extratropical eruptions is 22% lower than that in the equatorial eruptions due to the seasonal mismatch of peak stratospheric aerosol optical depth and solar radiation in the first year after a northern extratropical volcanic eruption. Additionally, equatorial eruptions accelerate the Brewer‐Dobson circulation (BDC), while northern hemispheric (NH) extratropical eruptions decelerate the BDC branch in NH and accelerate the BDC branch in southern hemisphere (SH), leading to different spatio‐temporal pattern of ozone anomalies. Consequently, dominated by the dynamical processes, equatorial eruption leads to ozone loss in tropics and increase in midlatitudes, while both northern extratropical summer and winter eruptions trigger ozone decrease in NH and increase in SH.

Dust aerosol from the Aralkum Desert influences the radiation budget and atmospheric dynamics of Central Asia

Abstract. The Aralkum is a new desert created by the desiccation of the Aral Sea and is an efficient source of dust aerosol which perturbs the regional Central Asian radiation balance. COSMO–MUSCAT model simulations are used to quantify the direct radiative effects (DREs) of Aralkum dust, and investigate the associated perturbations to the atmospheric environment. Considering scenarios of “Past” (end of 20th century) and “Present” (beginning of 21st century) defined by differences in surface water coverage, it is found that in the Present scenario the simulated yearly mean net surface DRE across the Aralkum is −1.34 W m−2 with a standard deviation (±) of 6.19 W m−2, of which −0.15 ± 1.19 W m−2 comes from dust emitted by the Aralkum. In the atmosphere the yearly mean DRE is −0.62 ± 2.91 W m−2, of which −0.05 ± 0.51 W m−2 is from Aralkum dust: on the yearly timescale, Aralkum dust is cooling both at the surface and in the atmosphere, due to its optically scattering properties. The daytime surface cooling effect (solar zenith angle ≲ 70–80°) outweighs the nighttime heating effect and the atmospheric daytime (solar zenith angle ≲ 60–70°) heating and nighttime cooling effects. Instantaneous Aralkum dust DREs contribute up to −116 W m−2 of surface cooling and +54 W m−2 of atmospheric heating. Aralkum dust perturbs the surface pressure in the vicinity of the Aralkum by up to +0.76 Pa on the monthly timescale, implying a strengthening of the Siberian High in winter and a weakening of the Central Asian heat low in summer. These results highlight the impacts of anthropogenic lakebed dust on regional atmospheric environments.

Quantifying free tropospheric moisture sources over the western tropical Atlantic with numerical water tracers and isotopes

AbstractTropical free‐tropospheric humidity plays a crucial role for the Earth's radiative balance and climate sensitivity. In addition to atmospheric humidity, stable water isotopes can provide important information about the hydrological cycle. We use the isotope‐ and water tagging‐enabled version of the COSMOiso model to determine isotopic fingerprints of diagnosed moisture pathways over the western tropical Atlantic (WTA). A convection‐permitting, high‐resolution (5 km) nudged simulation is performed for January–February 2020. During this period, the target region is characterized by alternating large‐scale circulation regimes with different humidity and isotope signatures. Moist conditions in the middle troposphere (300–650 hPa) are associated with moisture transport from the south, east, southeast, as well as evaporation from the North Atlantic, while dry conditions correspond to extratropical transport from the north and west. To predict the contribution of different moisture sources, we used a statistical model based on the local specific humidity and temperature as predictors and obtained an R‐squared (R2) of 0.52. Adding water isotopes improved the prediction (R2 = 0.73), showing that isotopes provide unique information on moisture sources and transport patterns beyond conventional local observations.

Supercooled Water Cloud Detection From Polarized Multi‐Angle Imager Data Using 1.37 μm Water Vapor Polarized Channel

AbstractDetecting supercooled water clouds (SWCs) is essential for enhancing artificial rainfall, preventing aircraft ice accretion, and developing a better understanding of radiative energy balance. The 1.37 μm channel, known as strong water vapor absorbing, was made polarized in the polarized multi‐angle imager (PMAI) onboard FengYun‐3G satellite. The infight data shown that the new 1.37 μm polarized channel could be used to detect SWCs. The cloudbow is observed around the 140° scattering angle in the 1.37 μm polarization image, with a maximum polarization reflectance of approximately 0.04–0.06. The indicated water clouds with spherical particles in the high‐level altitude could be SWCs. Then, the SWCs detected by 1.37 μm polarized channel is verified using polarized reflectance of other channels, the reflectance difference of channels, and thermal infrared bright temperature. The presence of cloudbow in 1.03 and 1.64 μm channels indicate liquid water cloud. The reflectance difference between 1.03 and 1.64 μm of SWCs agree with characteristic of water cloud. The thermal infrared channels from the imager on the same platform indicate cold cloud with the brightness temperature far below 273.16 K. Therefore, the only use of 1.37 μm polarized channel could perform the identification of SWCs. PMAI provides a powerful tool for monitoring supercooled water clouds.

A Radar-Based Methodology for Aerosol Plume Identification and Characterisation on the South African Highveld

Biomass burning on the South African Highveld annually injects substantial amounts of aerosols and trace gases into the atmosphere, impacting the global radiative balance, cloud microphysics, and regional air quality. These aerosols are transported as plumes over long distances, posing challenges to existing in situ and satellite-based monitoring techniques because of their limited spatial and temporal resolution, particularly in environments with low-level sources. This study aims to develop and validate a novel radar-based methodology to detect, track, and characterise aerosol plumes, addressing the limitations of existing in situ and satellite monitoring techniques. Using high-resolution volumetric reflectivity data from an S-band radar in Pretoria, South Africa, a traditional storm tracking algorithm is adapted to improve plume identification. Case studies of plume events in June and August 2013 demonstrate the radar’s effectiveness in distinguishing lower vertical profiles and reduced reflectivity of plumes compared with storm echoes. The adapted algorithm successfully tracked the spatial and temporal evolution of the plumes, revealing their short-lived nature. Results indicate that radar-derived geospatial characteristics have the potential to contribute significantly to understanding the impacts of plumes on local air quality. These findings underscore the critical need for high spatio-temporal resolution data to support effective air quality management and inform policy development in regions affected by biomass burning.

Exploring the use of ground-based remote sensing to identify new particle formation events: A case study in the Beijing area

New Particle Formation (NPF) is an important process of secondary aerosol production in the atmosphere, which has significant impacts on the Earth's radiation balance, air quality, and climate change. In this study, we develop a method to identify NPF events based on ground-based remote sensing. We propose a proxy to characterize NPF events utilizing ground-based remote sensing of gaseous precursors and aerosol optical depth (AOD). This proxy is applied to identify the NPF events in Beijing in the winter of 2022 and tested by comparison with in-situ observations of aerosol particle number size distributions (PNSD) from SMPS. The comparison shows that the NPF events for regional nucleation can be identified effectively when the threshold for sulfur dioxide and organic gases (i.e. formaldehyde) are determined as 0.44 × 10−4 and 1.07 × 10−4. Based on these thresholds, the NPF events can be identified at a high percentage (84 %) compared with in-situ observations. The relationship between identification of NPF events and meteorological conditions shows that NPF events in Beijing winter occurred more frequently under weather conditions with north-west wind direction, high wind speed and low relative humidity.

Evaluating the performance of carbon dioxide and methane observations from carbon-monitoring satellite products over China

As the primary greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH4) play a critical role in the Earth's radiative balance and temperature regulation. Continuous and accurate satellite monitoring of CO₂ and CH₄ is essential for developing effective policies and strategies to mitigate their impacts. This study utilizes ground-based Fourier-transform infrared measurements from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) to evaluate the performance of current mainstream carbon-monitoring satellites over China, the world's largest carbon emitter. Our findings show that TanSat performs excellently for CO₂ observations at both Hefei and Xianghe sites, achieving a standard deviation (SD) of about 2 ppm and a maximum bias of 0.25 ppm, dropping to 0.02 ppm at Xianghe. In contrast, Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)-3 and Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT)-2 CO2 measurements are slightly less reliable. For CH₄ monitoring, GOSAT outperforms GOSAT-2, with a SD of around 14 ppb and bias within 2 ppb, compared to GOSAT-2's 17.58 ppb SD and 2.15 ppb bias at Hefei. These results indicate that the latest carbon-monitoring satellites are less precise and accurate than their predecessors. Additionally, we provide detailed assessments of the data products based on different spatial matching criteria. We also discuss the variation in satellite accuracy over time, revealing periodic bias variations and the instability in satellite performance. Furthermore, while the spatial distribution trends of satellite acquisitions are generally consistent on an annual scale, we observe non-negligible differences in the annual averages across specific land surfaces. Our study presents a meticulous evaluation of the reliability of satellite-based carbon-monitoring products over the Chinese region and provides scientific evidence for analyzing uncertainty in carbon source-sink studies.

Legacy of aerosol radiative effect predominates daytime dust loading evolution

Dust radiative effect imposes pronounced perturbations on planetary boundary layer (PBL) development. In turn, the modified PBL characteristics and circulation fields regulate subsequent dust processes, which have not been explored sufficiently. In this study, parallel experiments are designed to isolate the instant, legacy and nonlinear impacts of aerosol radiative effect on daytime dust storm evolution over the Tarim Basin. During a typical dust storm event, legacy radiative effect is found to dominate dust loading dynamics and modulates mean dust burden by more than 16 % in the central basin and − 41 % in the marginal basin. Specifically, the dust column concentration increases in central regions but decreases in marginal regions. Dust aerosols cause opposite heating rate distributions and PBL structure between the central and marginal regions through altering radiative balance. Dust-induced cooling effect in the marginal regions leads to PBL suppression and attenuates entrainment mixing. Negative net heating also results in lowered potential temperature, elevated air pressure and thus increases their horizontal gradients. Accordingly, wind speeds are amplified through geostrophic and thermal wind effects, which further accelerate deposition rates, and eventually weaken dust suspension. In the central basin, dust plumes stimulate a warm mixing layer and unstable entrainment zone, which inhibit dry deposition removal and favor dust accumulation in the atmosphere. Our study highlights the importance of accounting PBL dynamics and geostrophic balance in quantifying the impacts of preceding radiative effect on subsequent dust evolution.

Synergistic effects of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on dust activities in North China during the following spring

Abstract. Dust significantly influences global weather and climate by impacting the Earth's radiative balance. Based on reanalysis datasets, this study explores how the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during winter impact dust activities in North China in the following spring. It is found that both the NAO and the ENSO significantly affect dust activities in North China, especially during their negative phases. When both are in their negative phases, their combined impact on dust activities exceeds that of each factor individually. The previous winter's NAO notably affects sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the North Atlantic, associated with an anomalous tripole SST pattern. These SST anomalies persist into the following spring due to their inherent persistence, inducing an anomalous atmospheric teleconnection wave train that influences dust activities in North China. The ENSO, on the one hand, directly impacts dust activities in North China by modulating circulation over the western North Pacific. Moreover, the ENSO enhances the NAO's effect on North Atlantic SST, which explains the synergistic effects of the ENSO and NAO on dust activities in North China. This study elucidates the combined role of the NAO and ENSO in influencing dust activities in North China, providing one-season-ahead signals for predicting spring dust activities in North China.

Semi-empirical water dimer model of the water vapour self-continuum within the IR absorption bands

Water vapour continuum absorption is an important component of atmospheric radiative transfer codes. It significantly impacts the radiative balance of the atmosphere, but the physical nature of this absorption remains a subject of discussion. Here the H2O self-continuum absorption is considered within the infrared absorption bands (from 50 to 11 200 cm-1) of water vapour exploiting existing measurements. Comparison of this data with the MT_CKD-3.5 continuum model, which is used in many radiative transfer codes, reveals significant quantitative and qualitative differences. New water vapour self-continuum spectra are derived from earlier FTS measurements using HITRAN-2016 in the 5300 and 7200 cm-1 bands. A previously proposed water dimer model is refined and unified based on a broad set of up-to-date experimental data on the H2O continuum. The new model, which is suitable for incorporation into radiative transfer codes, has a much firmer physical basis than existing models. It reproduces the spectral behaviour and magnitude of the in-band water vapour self-continuum for temperatures from 279 to 431 K depending on the band. Importantly, the fitted total equilibrium dimerization constant used in the updated continuum model exceeds independent estimates by a factor of 1.5–3 across the entire temperature and spectral regions studied. Possible causes for this, which are important for understanding the physical origin of the continuum, are discussed. The contribution of water dimer to the continuum is estimated to vary from 40 to 90 % depending on absorption band and temperature.

New Analytical Paradigm to Determine Concentration of Brown Carbon and Its Sample-by-Sample Mass Absorption Efficiency.

Brown carbon (BrC) has a substantial direct radiative effect, but current estimates of its impact on radiative balance are highly uncertain due to a lack of measurements of its light-absorbing properties, such as mass absorption efficiency (MAE). Here, we present a new analytical paradigm based on a Bayesian inference (BI) model that takes multiwavelength aethalometer measurements and total carbon data to resolve the concentrations of black carbon and BrC, and MAEs of BrC on a sample-by-sample basis. Hourly MAEs, unattainable in previous studies, can now be calculated, enabling the first-time observation of the darkening-bleaching dynamics of BrC in response to photochemical transformation. We demonstrate the application of this BI model to analyze measurements collected over one year (2021-2022) in Hong Kong. Diel variations in MAE370nm of BrC reveal a darkening-to-bleaching transition occurring between 8 and 10 O'clock when the solar irradiance ranges from 30 to 400 W m-2. Furthermore, we consistently observe an increase in MAE370nm of BrC with nitrogen oxide concentrations, suggesting the enhanced formation of nitrogenous organics. This BI model-based data analysis would bring forth a breakthrough in amassing observation data of BrC and its MAEs in diverse ambient environments and with high time resolution.

Evaluation of the Surface Downward Longwave Radiation Estimation Models over Land Surface

Surface downward longwave radiation (SDLR) is crucial for maintaining the global radiative budget balance. Due to their ease of practicality, SDLR parameterization models are widely used, making their objective evaluation essential. In this study, against comprehensive ground measurements collected from more than 300 globally distributed sites, four SDLR parameterization models, including three popular existing ones and a newly proposed model, were evaluated under clear- and cloudy-sky conditions at hourly (daytime and nighttime) and daily scales, respectively. The validation results indicated that the new model, namely the Peng model, originally proposed for SDLR estimation at the sea surface and applied for the first time to the land surface, outperformed all three existing models in nearly all cases, especially under cloudy-sky conditions. Moreover, the Peng model demonstrated robustness across various land cover types, elevation zones, and seasons. All four SDLR models outperformed the Global Land Surface Satellite product from Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer Data (GLASS-AVHRR), ERA5, and CERES_SYN1de-g_Ed4A products. The Peng model achieved the highest accuracy, with validated RMSE values of 13.552 and 14.055 W/m2 and biases of −0.25 and −0.025 W/m2 under clear- and cloudy-sky conditions at daily scale, respectively. Its superior performance can be attributed to the inclusion of two cloud parameters, total column cloud liquid water and ice water, besides the cloud fraction. However, the optimal combination of these three parameters may vary depending on specific cases. In addition, all SDLR models require improvements for wetlands, bare soil, ice-covered surfaces, and high-elevation regions. Overall, the Peng model demonstrates significant potential for widespread use in SDLR estimation for both land and sea surfaces.

Holocene aeolian environmental dynamics in fixed and semi-fixed deserts over the arid Central Asia revealed by comprehensive sand-dune records

Fixed and semi-fixed deserts are widely distributed in arid Central Asia (ACA). Environmental changes in these deserts can affect the regional radiation balance, climate dynamics, and global climate through a series of feedback effects. This study analyzed luminescence dating from 37 sites, with a particular focus on dendritic dunes (a pattern of vegetated linear dunes) and the ancient dunes beneath them in the Gurbantunggut Desert and yielded the following insights. (1) Primary ridges of dendritic dunes originated approximately 1.0 ka, whereas secondary ridges predominantly formed at 8.5 ± 0.3 ka. The formation of the underlying ancient dunes commenced at least 11.0 ± 0.5 ka and ended between 8.5 ± 0.3 ka and 8.2 ± 0.4 ka. (2) During the Holocene, the Gurbantunggut Desert underwent two distinct environmental phases. From 11.7 ka to 8.1 ± 0.1 ka, the region was characterized by vigorous aeolian activity, marked by the prevalence of mobile dunes. Conversely, the period from 8.1 ± 0.1 ka to 0 ka exhibited substantial environmental amelioration, with limited aeolian activity and the intermittent partial development of vegetated linear dunes. (3) A comprehensive analysis of the principal factors affecting regional aeolian activity revealed that at 11.7 ka–8.1 ± 0.1 ka, moisture (precipitation) and near-surface wind intensity primarily governed aeolian activity in the Gurbantunggut Desert. At 8.1 ± 0.1 ka–0 ka, aeolian activity was mainly influenced by moisture (precipitation), near-surface wind intensity, and external sand supply. (4) Similar patterns of Holocene aeolian activity were observed in the fixed Bayanbulak, Karakum, and Kizil Kum Deserts within the ACA. On a suborbital scale, winter insolation served as the primary driving factor, along with the ice volume and atmospheric CO2 concentration. These factors collectively controlled regional winter temperatures, which determined moisture (precipitation) and near-surface wind intensity by affecting the winter westerlies and Siberian High, ultimately controlling regional aeolian activity.

Spatiotemporal Variation in Absorption Aerosol Optical Depth over China

Absorbing aerosols can absorb solar radiation, affect the atmospheric radiation balance, and further have a profound influence on the global and regional climates. The absorption aerosol optical depth (AAOD) as well as the absorption Angstrom exponent (AAE) across China over 2005–2018 were systematically studied through the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) dataset. The monthly AAOD samples from the OMI generally showed a good correlation (~0.55) compared to the monthly data from AERONET at four typical sites (North: Xianghe, East: Taihu, South: Hongkong Polytechnic Univ; Northwest: Sacol) across China. The ensemble annual average of the OMI AAOD at 388 and 500 nm is 0.046 and 0.022, with minor changes during 2005–2015, and a relatively fast increase after that. The winter and spring seasons depict the maximum mean AAODs, followed by autumn, whereas summer shows minimum levels. On the contrary, the high AAE values appear in summer and low values in winter. The order of the annual average AAOD500 from 2005 to 2018 is the Tarim Basin (TB, 0.041) > the Yellow River Basin (YRB, 0.023) > Beijing and Tianjin (BT, 0.026) > the Sichuan Basin (SB, 0.023) > Nanjing and Shanghai (NS, 0.021) > the Pearl River Delta (PRD, 0.017), whereas the AAE388–500 exhibits the opposite trend except for the TB (3.058). From 2005 to 2018, the AAOD rises by nearly 1.5–2.0 fold in the six typical regions, implying a severe situation of dust and/or BC aerosol pollution in the last several years. The monthly mean AAOD388 over the TB, the SB, the YRB, BT, the PRD, and NS is estimated to be smallest at 0.072, 0.024, 0.026, and 0.027 in July, 0.024 in June, and 0.025 in September, respectively, whilst largest in January for NS, the YRB and BT, April for the TB, February for the SB, and March for the PRD with 0.055, 0.077 and 0.067, 0.123, and 0.073 and 0.075, respectively. The monthly averaged AAOD500 in each region is consistently about half of the AAOD388. The highest AAE appears in June while the lowest values are in December and January, and the daily AAE values in episode days slightly decrease as compared to non-episode days. Our study indicates that northwestern China plays an important role in the overall AAOD as a result of dust aerosols stemming from desert areas. Moreover, the meteorological conditions in winter and early spring are associated with more energy consumption conducive to the accumulation of high black carbon (BC) aerosol pollution, causing high alert levels of AAOD from November to the following March.

Significant chlorine emissions from biomass burning affect the long-term atmospheric chemistry in Asia.

Biomass burning (BB) is a major source of trace gases and particles in the atmosphere, influencing air quality, radiative balance, and climate. Previous studies have mainly focused on the BB emissions of carbon and nitrogen species with less attention on chlorine. Reactive chlorine chemistry has significant effects on atmospheric chemistry and air quality. However, quantitative information on chlorine emissions from BB, particularly the long-term trend and associated atmospheric impacts, is limited both on regional and global scales. Here, we report a long-term (2001-2018) high-resolution BB emission inventory for the major chlorine-containing compounds (HCl, chloride, and CH3Cl) in Asia based on satellite observations. We estimate an average of 730 Gg yr-1 chlorine emitted from BB activity in Asia, with China contributing the largest share at 24.2% (177 Gg yr-1), followed by Myanmar at 18.7% and India at 18.3%. Distinct seasonal patterns and significant spatial and interannual variability are observed, mainly driven by human-mediated changes in agricultural activity. By incorporating the newly developed chlorine emission inventory into a global chemistry-climate model (CAM-Chem), we find that the BB-chlorine emissions lead to elevated levels of HCl and CH3Cl (monthly average up to 2062 and 1421 parts per trillion by volume (pptv), respectively), subsequently resulting in noticeable changes in oxidants (up to 3.1% in O3 and 17% in OH radicals). The results demonstrate that BB is not only a significant source of air pollutants but also of oxidants, suggesting a larger role of BB emissions in the atmospheric chemistry and oxidation process than previously appreciated. In light of the projected increase in BB activity toward the end of the century and the extensive control of anthropogenic emissions worldwide, the contribution of BB emissions may become fundamental to air quality composition in the future.

Quantifying Aspect‐Dependent Snowpack Response to High‐Elevation Wildfire in the Southern Rocky Mountains

AbstractIncreasing wildfire frequency and severity in high‐elevation seasonal snow zones presents a considerable water resource management challenge across the western United States (U.S.). Wildfires can affect snowpack accumulation and melt patterns, altering the quantity and timing of runoff. While prior research has shown that wildfire generally increases snow melt rates and advances snow disappearance dates, uncertainties remain regarding variations across complex terrain and the energy balance between burned and unburned areas. Utilizing paired in situ data sources within the 2020 Cameron Peak burn area on the Front Range of Colorado, U.S., during the 2021–2022 winter, we found no significant difference in peak snow water equivalent (SWE) magnitude between burned and unburned areas. However, the burned south aspect reached peak SWE 22 days earlier than burned north. During the ablation period, burned south melt rates were 71% faster than unburned south melt rates, whereas burned north melt rates were 94% faster than unburned north aspects. Snow disappeared 7–11 days earlier in burned areas than unburned areas. Net energy differences at the burned and unburned weather station sites were seasonally variable, the burned area snowpack lost more net energy during the winter, but gained more net energy during the spring. Increased incoming shortwave radiation at the burned site was 6x more impactful in altering the net shortwave radiation balance than the decline in surface albedo. These findings emphasize the need for post‐wildfire water resource planning that accounts for aspect‐dependent differences in energy and mass balance to accurately predict snowpack storage and runoff timing.