Extreme wet and dry conditions affected differently by greenhouse gases and aerosols

• DOI: 10.1038/s41612-019-0079-3
• Publication Date: 2019-07-17T10:02:43Z
• Authors: Jana Sillmann; Camilla W. Stjern; Gunnar Myhre; Bjørn H. Samset; Øivind Hodnebrog; Timothy Andrews; Olivier Boucher; Gregory Faluvegi; Piers Forster; Matthew R. Kasoar; Viatcheslav V. Kh...; Alf Kirkevåg; Jean-Francois Lam...; Dirk J. L. Olivié; Thomas B. Richardson; Drew Shindell; Toshihiko Takemura; Apostolos Voulgar...; Francis W. Zwiers
• Keywords: Sulfate aerosol; Greenhouse effect

Abstract Global warming due to greenhouse gases and atmospheric aerosols alter precipitation rates, but the influence on extreme by relative is still not well known. Here we use simulations from Precipitation Driver Response Model Intercomparison Project that enable us compare changes in mean with those black carbon sulfate aerosols, using indicators for dry extremes as moderate very precipitation. Generally, find more a event is, pronounced its response global surface temperature change, both aerosol gas changes. Black (BC) stands out distinct behavior large differences between individual models. Dry days become frequent BC-induced compared gases, so does intensity frequency of An increase cools thereby atmosphere, thus induces reduction stronger effect than A better understanding representation these processes models will provide knowledge developing strategies climate change air pollution mitigation.