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| Titel |
The role of aerosol in altering North Atlantic atmospheric circulation in winter and its impact on air quality |
| VerfasserIn |
F. S. R. Pausata, M. Gaetani, G. Messori, S. Kloster, F. J. Dentener |
| Medientyp |
Artikel
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| Sprache |
Englisch
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| ISSN |
1680-7316
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| Digitales Dokument |
URL |
| Erschienen |
In: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics ; 15, no. 4 ; Nr. 15, no. 4 (2015-02-19), S.1725-1743 |
| Datensatznummer |
250119441
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| Publikation (Nr.) |
 copernicus.org/acp-15-1725-2015.pdf |
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| Zusammenfassung |
Numerical model scenarios of future climate depict a global increase in
temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, primarily driven by
increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. Aerosol particles also play
an important role by altering the Earth's radiation budget and consequently
surface temperature. Here, we use the general circulation aerosol model
ECHAM5-HAM, coupled to a mixed layer ocean model, to investigate the impacts
of future air pollution mitigation strategies in Europe on winter
atmospheric circulation over the North Atlantic. We analyse the extreme case
of a maximum feasible end-of-pipe reduction of aerosols in the near future
(2030), in combination with increasing GHG concentrations. Our results show
a more positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) mean state by 2030,
together with a significant eastward shift of the southern centre of action
of sea-level pressure (SLP). Moreover, we show a significantly increased
blocking frequency over the western Mediterranean.
By separating the impacts of aerosols and GHGs, our study suggests that
future aerosol abatement may be the primary driver of both the eastward
shift in the southern SLP centre of action and the increased blocking
frequency over the western Mediterranean. These concomitant modifications of
the atmospheric circulation over the Euro-Atlantic sector lead to more
stagnant weather conditions that favour air pollutant accumulation,
especially in the western Mediterranean sector. Changes in atmospheric
circulation should therefore be included in future air pollution mitigation
assessments. The indicator-based evaluation of atmospheric circulation
changes presented in this work will allow an objective first-order
assessment of the role of changes in wintertime circulation on future air
quality in other climate model simulations. |
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