Contrasting Precipitation Variations over the Himalayas–Southeastern Tibetan Plateau in Winter: Insights from the Perspectives of Anthropogenic Warming and Arctic Sea Ice Variations

• DOI: 10.1175/jcli-d-24-0160.1
• Publication Date: 2024-09-04T16:13:45Z
• Authors: Yong Liu; Wenfeng Chen; Xiangyu Li; Zhongshi Zhang; Huopo Chen; Xiaorui Niu; Qin Hu; Deliang Chen
• Keywords: 0207 environmental engineering; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Abstract Climate warming has caused widespread glacier retreat across the Tibetan Plateau (TP), with notable impacts observed in both western Himalayas and southeastern TP. Remarkably, over past two decades, rate of mass loss remained stable or even declined Himalayas, whereas a contrasting trend acceleration been evident Among various factors considered, winter precipitation pattern Himalayas–southeastern TP stands out as an important contributor to differences balances. However, underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unclear. Here we provide evidence noticeable shift climate regime due anthropogenic warming, altering atmospheric circulation patterns. This, turn, led significant change dominant pattern, favoring balances winter. Additionally, Barents–Kara Sea ice emerged plausible driver interannual variability pattern. This influence operated by exerting force on atmosphere stimulating Rossby wave propagation. Consequently, it opposite vertical motion alterations moisture budget between Thus, is crucial consider unprecedented Arctic variations potential drivers shaping future behaviors within domain.