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Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences


Global warming has never stopped in the past hundred years

A new study reveals that global warming continued unabated since the Industrial Revolution, with a constant rate of change after World War II. The hiatus, often attributed to internal variability and external forcing, is actually a decadal balance between global warming and cooling from anomalous sea surface temperatures in the equator...

Balloon measurements reveal dust particle properties in free troposphere over desert

The study used balloon-borne measurements to investigate dust particles in the free troposphere over a Chinese desert region. The findings suggest that mineral particles from desert areas have a local influence and are transported long distances, with coarse-mode particles dominating the size distribution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateOct 30, 2018

A new method to quickly identify outliers in air quality monitoring data

Researchers have developed a new method to identify outliers in air quality monitoring data, which can automatically flag erroneous data and improve forecasting accuracy. The method uses probability of residuals to discriminate outliers, allowing for simultaneous evaluation of spatial and temporal consistencies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Predictability limit for tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific

Researchers used NLLE approach to estimate predictability limit of TCs over WNP basin, finding a baseline uncertainty of 102 hours comparable to TC intensity. The spatial distribution characteristics reveal varying predictability limits across regions, with highest in eastern WNP and lowest in South China Sea.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 18, 2018

A new global marine environmental forecasting system will serve the public soon

The new global marine environmental forecasting system will provide accurate predictions of ocean temperature, salinity, velocity, and tidal currents with a horizontal resolution of 10 km. The system's accuracy is expected to reach an advanced international level, enabling clear identification of ocean mesoscale phenomena.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateOct 1, 2018

Scientists locate parent lightning strokes of sprites

Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in China used a long-baseline lightning location network to track more than 30 red sprites. The study found that most sprite-producing cloud-to-ground strokes occurred during the mature stage of an asymmetric mesoscale convective system, with locations typically within 10 km.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 17, 2018

Predictability of the EAP teleconnection pattern can improve climate services over East Asia

The study reveals that the extratropical circulation is less predictable than the tropical component due to large atmospheric internal variability. The connection between the EAP pattern and surface temperatures in eastern Russia can modulate the East Asian rainband, improving seasonal forecasts.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 11, 2018

Switch in the climatic factors controlling vegetation dynamics on the Tibetan Plateau

Researchers analyzed precipitation and temperature records with NDVI data from 1982-2011 to find a shift in the climate factors controlling vegetation dynamics on the central and southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The study suggests that global warming may be contributing to this change, potentially impacting regional ecosystems.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018

Volcano eruptions at different latitudes impact sea surface temperature differently

Researchers have found that volcanic eruptions cause different impacts on sea surface temperature (SST) gradients over the equatorial Pacific, depending on their latitude. Northern and tropical eruptions lead to El Nino-like warm SST anomalies in the eastern Pacific, while southern eruptions result in weaker warming anomalies with an e...

Multimodel ensemble prediction of summer droughts over the Yellow River Basin

Researchers improved soil moisture drought forecasting over the Yellow River Basin by combining climate and land surface hydrology models, achieving higher probabilistic drought forecasting skill and reliability. The multimodel ensemble approach provides valuable information for drought adaptation in this region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateAug 13, 2018

Half a degree less warming can avoid precipitation extremes

A study published in Nature Communications found that reducing global warming by half a degree Celsius could significantly decrease extreme precipitation events, resulting in lower exposure to flooding and landslides. The research suggests that limiting warming to 1.5°C could robustly benefit the populous global monsoon region.

Regional Earth system modeling: Review and future directions

The regional climate modeling community has made significant progress in developing regional earth system models (RESMs), which account for the atmosphere, ocean, land, sea ice, and other key components. Researchers highlight the need for further development, including the inclusion of human factors and interactive biosphere elements.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 29, 2018

Solar activities can affect the East Asian winter monsoon at the multidecadal time scale

The study found that solar irradiance strengthens the Siberian high and low-level East Asian winter circulation, resulting in lower surface air temperatures in East Asia. This mechanism helps explain the variability of the East Asian winter monsoon at decadal and longer time scales.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 27, 2018

Researchers work toward systematic assessment of climate models

Researchers conducted an international survey to assess the importance of variables in climate models. They found consensus on certain variables like rainfall and evaporation but disagreement on others like surface winds. The study highlights the need for more systematic approaches to model assessment, which will aid in evaluating new ...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

Responses of the tropical atmospheric circulation to climate change

Climate change-induced tropical circulation slowdowns are linked to poleward Hadley cell expansion and intertropical convergence zone shifts. Regional precipitation redistribution involves complex thermodynamic and dynamical processes, including surface warming effects over oceans and land.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnnual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences·DateJun 19, 2018

Assimilation of FY-3 data at the Met Office

A new study presents a strategy for FY-3 microwave humidity sounders and radiation imager assimilation in the Met Office NWP model, significantly improving forecast error reduction. Operational monitoring allows rapid detection of data anomalies, which are fed back to China Meteorological Administration for investigation and remedy.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 13, 2018

More of the Chinese population will be exposed to heat waves

A recent study by Prof. Xuejie Gao and colleagues found that China's population will experience a six-fold increase in very hot days by the end of the 21st century, affecting over 0.2 billion people with no exposure to cooling. The region from Yangtze River valley to North China will see the largest increase in thermal stress.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 12, 2018

Special issue to highlight climate science for service partnership between China and the UK

The Climate Science for Service Partnership China (CSSP China) has improved understanding of climate change effects and reduced climatic risks through research collaborations with the UK. The partnership has led to advancements in seasonal forecasting, crop security, and climate services.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Positive feedback between East Asian mid-latitude circulation and land surface temperature

A study found a positive feedback mechanism between the East Asian upper-tropospheric westerly jet (EAJ) and land surface temperature, particularly in the Russian Far East. The EAJ's deceleration leads to increased warming, which in turn strengthens the EAJ, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 28, 2018

Implications of targeted observation for ENSO prediction

Researchers studied targeted observation for ENSO prediction, finding that observing central equatorial Pacific improves skill by 25%, while eastern Pacific observations during April-October boost accuracy by 62%. Implementing targeted observation weakens the spring predictability barrier, significantly improving prediction skill.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 25, 2018

Isotopic evidence for enhanced fossil fuel sources of aerosol ammonium in the urban atmosphere

A new chemical method is used to determine nitrogen stable isotope composition at natural abundance for ammonium, revealing source dependence of isotopic abundance in urban Beijing. Fossil fuel emissions are found to be a significant source of aerosol ammonium, accounting for 37-52% of initial ammonia concentrations.

How does urban-induced warming in Beijing interact with air temperature in summer?

Researchers found that urban-induced warming in Beijing increased with urban land expansion, but the rate of increase slowed down after 2000. The study also revealed an interrelationship between urban-induced warming and heat waves, suggesting that urban expansion may heighten heat waves in urban areas.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 25, 2018

How does the Pacific Walker circulation respond to strong tropical volcanism?

A recent study found that the Pacific Walker circulation (PWC) weakens significantly after strong tropical volcanic eruptions (SVEs), leading to changes in rainfall patterns and extreme climate events worldwide. The research suggests that the cooling effect of SVEs on the Maritime Continent plays a dominant role in weakening the PWC.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 18, 2018

First global carbon dioxide maps produced by Chinese observation satellite

The Chinese observation satellite TanSat has produced its first global carbon dioxide maps, providing valuable data for future climate change research. The maps show a seasonal decrease in carbon dioxide concentration from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere and emission hotspots due to anthropogenic activity.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 13, 2018

Predicting water storage beyond 2-5 years over global semiarid regions

Researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics successfully predicted terrestrial water storage beyond 2-5 years in semiarid regions using a set of global land model ensemble simulations. The study improves near-term climate change projection and water resource management by incorporating low-frequency climate information.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2018