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Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences


A new comprehensive assessment of ocean warming highlights future climate risks

A comprehensive review of ocean warming reveals that global ocean heat content has increased by over 90% since the 1950s. The study predicts that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, ocean warming will continue to accelerate, leading to more intense storms, droughts, and sea-level rise.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateOct 18, 2022

New regional model ensemble cycling assimilation produces more accurate typhoon intensity forecasts

A new study by Prof. Zhe-Min Tan and colleagues improves typhoon intensity forecasts using a regional ensemble Kalman filter, producing more accurate results than global models for short forecast lead times. The regional forecasts show better performance in predicting typhoon intensity, especially with higher spatial resolution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 10, 2022

Haze pollution levels exhibit short-term seesaw behavior over North China Plain

Researchers observed a short-term 'seesaw' phenomenon in haze pollution over the North China Plain, with periods of high pollution followed by low haze levels. The study suggests that sudden changes in atmospheric movement linked to abnormal sea surface temperatures are responsible for this behavior.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 28, 2022

Scientists reveal the different effects on storm tracks between the upper- and lower-level eddy growth over the North Pacific

Researchers find that midwinter suppression in the North Pacific is driven by differences in upper- and lower-level eddy growth properties. The study reveals that upper-level eddies are more complex, with growth suppressed during cold season, but near-jet exit can grow normally.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 23, 2022

Updated climate models clouded by scientific biases, researchers find

A recent study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences identifies compensating errors in widely used climate model protocols, known as CMIP6. The researchers analyzed five CMIP6 models and found large uncertainties in cloud microphysical properties, including cloud fraction, liquid water path, and droplet effective radius.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 20, 2022

Earth Summit mission 2022: Scientific Expedition and Research on Mt. Qomolangma helps reveal synergy of westerlies and the monsoon as well as their climatic and environmental effects

Researchers conducted the Earth Summit Mission 2022 to investigate the interaction mechanisms between westerlies and monsoonal flow near Mt. Qomolangma. They discovered strong glacial wind and vertical momentum exchange between large-scale westerlies and boundary layer in the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 19, 2022

New approach to correct systematic errors in bottle data of ocean temperature

Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics develop a correction method for Nansen cast temperature profiles, addressing a depth bias affecting global ocean warming assessments. The new approach has significant implications for understanding ocean warming rates and achieving better climate understanding.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateSep 13, 2022

Scientists find complex terrain aggravates haze formation and its meteorological feedback

Scientists have found that complex terrain enhances secondary haze formation by blocking pollutants and accelerating chemical transformation. This leads to a positive feedback loop where thick haze aloft intensifies interactions between aerosols and the planetary boundary layer, exacerbating pollution in mountainous areas.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 6, 2022

Climate researchers correct faulty rainfall predictions for China’s breadbasket

Researchers identified a previously unidentified major shift in atmospheric flows from the North Atlantic as a result of a weakening jet stream. This shift has led to incorrect climate predictions for spring rainfall over northeast China, which is vital for the country's food security and the world's ability to feed itself.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 17, 2022

A new perspective of the tropical cyclone size-intensity relationship

Researchers discovered a new perspective on the tropical cyclone size-intensity relationship, finding that latitude and environmental vertical wind shear are primary influences. This reexamination sheds light on the physical mechanisms underlying coordinated changes within TCs, enabling better warning systems.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 7, 2022

Revealing how different parts of mixed convective-stratiform clouds distinctly respond to cloud seeding

Researchers analyzed data from Ka-band radar and satellite observations to study the effects of cloud seeding on mixed convective-stratiform clouds. The study found that the convective region responds with larger precipitation particles, while the stratiform region experiences icing seeding tracks due to faster ice crystal formation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 25, 2022

Human activities increase likelihood of more extreme heatwaves, researchers find

A recent study found that greenhouse gases are the primary reason for increased temperatures and will likely continue to be the main contributing factor. Simulations show that extreme heatwave events will increase by over 30 percentage points in coming years, primarily due to human-caused emissions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 22, 2022

Climate scientists say expected ocean changes require planning for many generations ahead

Climate scientists argue that climate actions need to be established at multiple time scales, with a focus on slow emerging changes such as deep ocean warming and sea-level rise. This requires the development of a system of scientific ocean monitoring with a time-scale in mind, considering risks like abrupt slowdowns of ocean circulation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 9, 2022

The first set of large ensemble simulations with a global climate system model reveal the role of internal climate variability

The study uses a global climate system model to simulate large ensemble experiments, which capture internal variabilities' impact on surface air temperature and land precipitation. The research helps improve understanding of forced climate changes and provides guidance for policymakers.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 7, 2022

Thunderstorm activity in the tropics may drive freezing cold-events below −30°C in Northeast China

A study published in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters found that tropical thunderstorms may influence the occurrence of persistent extreme cold events in Northeast China. Cloud clusters from the Madden-Julian oscillation can trigger cooling over the region, leading to extended periods of below-−30°C temperatures.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 6, 2022

Discovery of a tripole winter precipitation change pattern around the Tibetan Plateau in the late 1990s

Researchers found a tripole winter precipitation change pattern in the late 1990s around the Tibetan Plateau, affecting eastern India, southern China, and northern regions. This pattern was triggered by changes in tropical Pacific SSTs and influenced by regional circulation patterns.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 31, 2022

Scientists explain why meridional heat transport is underestimated

New research reveals that low model horizontal resolution leads to discrepancies in simulated surface heat fluxes over the North Atlantic. Increasing resolution improves surface heat flux simulations and inferred heat transport, helping the research community better interpret historical simulations and projections.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 20, 2022

The state of China's climate in 2021: A new temperature high and abnormal precipitation

In 2021, China experienced a new temperature high of 10.5℃, breaking the historical record since 1951. Annual precipitation was 672.1 mm, 6.7% above normal, with severe consequences including torrential rain, autumn floods, and heat waves. Despite some economic losses, crop area and human fatalities decreased significantly.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 19, 2022

Scientists reveal different water isotope concentrations in both monthly and daily precipitation observations across Brazil’s diverse climate

The study found different isotopic compositions of water in continental and coastal areas, with varying seasonal patterns. Daily measurements revealed the influence of moisture source, transport, and convective activity on rainfall type, providing insights into regional atmospheric controls.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 18, 2022

Meteorological mechanisms behind severe drought in southwestern China during spring 2021 differ from similar historical events

A study found that climatic conditions during the extreme 2021 spring drought in SWC were distinct from similar historical events. Researchers identified atmospheric internal variability and a warming trend as key drivers of the drought, with high temperatures contributing significantly to its severity.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 17, 2022

Seasonal variations of methane (CH4) consuming and methane producing microbial communities contribute to CH4 emissions in wetlands

Researchers investigated the impact of seasonal variations in methanogenic and methanotrophic communities on CH4 emissions in wetlands. They identified a keystone species that plays a pivotal role in mediating CH4 fluxes, providing substantial evidence for understanding microbial driving mechanisms.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 13, 2022

Unprecedented cyclone activity potentially clouds future forecasts

A recent analysis reveals a unprecedented increase in Atlantic tropical cyclones and a decrease in Western North Pacific storms, with greenhouse gas-induced global warming potentially playing a role. The study suggests that climate models need to be evaluated to predict future changes in tropical cyclone numbers between the two basins.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 9, 2022

Using satellite data to improve a model’s interpretation of albedo improves snowfall simulations on the Tibetan Plateau

Researchers used satellite spectral albedo data to develop a scheme that optimizes albedo parameters at the local level, significantly reducing model albedo overestimation and improving snowfall simulations. This improves the accuracy of water cycle modeling on the Tibetan Plateau.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 22, 2022

Using vertical sounding data to forecast Zonda wind in the Andes region

Researchers used vertical sounding data to improve forecasting of Zonda windstorms, a severe weather phenomenon affecting Argentina's agricultural communities. By analyzing atmospheric profiles and applying principal component analysis, they achieved reliable forecasts with up to 24 hours of lead time.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

How deforestation is triggering an irreversible transition in amazon forests?

A new study finds that Amazon deforestation causes a substantial reduction in evapotranspiration, leading to drier lower atmosphere and severe atmospheric desiccation. The study suggests an emerging transition in the Amazon hydrological cycle, but also highlights the potential for forest conservation to prevent ecosystem collapse.

Scientists identify asymmetry in the pressure anomalies of the mid–high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere

Research reveals eight patterns of SAM events with distinct zonal asymmetries, including symmetric, split-center, West Antarctica, and tripole patterns. These patterns may help classify and discuss formation causes and climate impacts of different SAM events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 31, 2022

Enhancing historical climate model data using super-resolution technology

Historical climate model data can now be improved using super-resolution technology, a new analysis tool that enhances older meteorological model data. Researchers have successfully reconstructed high-quality and high-resolution data using this method, which was previously used for image and video upscaling.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 18, 2022

CMIP6 models have improved in simulating sea surface salinity and freshwater flux

Recent studies show that CMIP6 models better simulate the spatial distribution of sea surface salinity and freshwater flux variability associated with ENSO. However, some models still have large uncertainties in simulating interannual variations, requiring further improvement in related physical processes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 18, 2022

Impacts of ENSO diversity on wintertime PM2.5 pollution in four Chinese megacities

Research reveals ENSO's impact on PM2.5 concentrations varies by region, with Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Fenwei Plain experiencing higher levels during El Niño years. In contrast, the Pearl River Delta region sees decreased pollution in El Niño relative to La Niña due to enhanced precipitation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 17, 2022

Heatwave hotspots linked to urban agglomerations in Africa

Research in Africa identified heatwave hotspot regions linked to urban areas, affecting 36% of Northern Hemisphere and 57% of Southern Hemisphere populations in 2019. Climate change likely contributed to these hotspots, with significant implications for human health, energy consumption, and water security.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 9, 2022

How does Indochina Peninsula affect Asian summer monsoon?

The Indochina Peninsula plays a significant role in inducing and maintaining the Asian summer monsoon, with both land-sea thermal contrast and orography contributing to its development. The study found that the orographic effect increases South Asian rainfall while reducing it over other regions, whereas the land-sea contrast has oppos...