Abrupt summer warming and changes in temperature extremes over Northeast Asia since the mid-1990s: Drivers and physical processes

• DOI: 10.1007/s00376-016-5247-3
• Publication Date: 2016-07-20T12:09:40Z
• Authors: Buwen Dong; Rowan T. Sutton; Wei Chen; Xiaodong Liu; Riyu Lu; Ying Sun
• Keywords: Forcing (mathematics); Surface air temperature

Abstract This study investigated the drivers and physical processes for abrupt decadal summer surface warming increases in hot temperature extremes that occurred over Northeast Asia mid-1990s. Observations indicate an increase mean air (SAT) since Accompanying this warming, significant changes some extremes, characterized by daily maximum (Tmax), minimum (Tmin), annual hottest day (TXx), warmest night (TNx) were observed. There also frequency of days (SU) tropical nights (TR). Atmospheric general circulation model experiments forced sea (SST)/sea ice extent (SIE), anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, aerosol (AA) forcing, relative to period 1964–93, reproduced patterns observed SAT associated although decrease precipitation mid-1990s was not simulated. Additional with different forcings indicated SST/SIE explained 76% area-averaged signal Asia, while direct impact GHG AA remaining 24% signal. Analysis (through aerosol–radiation aerosol–cloud interactions), mainly related reduction precursor emissions Europe, played a dominant role TXx similarly important as SU via AA-induced coupled atmosphere–land cloud feedbacks, rather than through on condensation nuclei. The modelling results imply will probably sustain next few decades concentrations continue both North America Europe decrease.