Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2241
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2241
04 Sep 2024
 | 04 Sep 2024

Hygroscopic Aerosols Amplify Longwave Downward Radiation in the Arctic

Denghui Ji, Mathias Palm, Matthias Buschmann, Kerstin Ebell, Marion Maturilli, Xiaoyu Sun, and Justus Notholt

Abstract. This study investigates the impact of hygroscopic aerosols, such as sea salt and sulfate, on longwave downward radiation in the Arctic. These aerosols absorb atmospheric water vapor, leading to wet growth, increased size, and enhanced longwave downward radiation emission, defined as the Aerosol Infrared Radiation Effect. Observations of aerosols, especially their composition, are challenging during the Arctic winter. We use an emission Fourier Transform Spectrometer to measure aerosol composition. Observations show that the Aerosol Infrared Radiation Effect of dry aerosols is limited to about 1.45 ± 2.00 W m-2. Wet growth significantly increases this effect. During winter, at relative humidity levels between 60 % and 80 %, wet aerosols exhibit effects approximately 10 times greater than dry aerosols. When relative humidity exceeds 80 %, the effect can be up to 50 times higher (30–100 W m-2). Sea salt aerosols in Ny-Ålesund demonstrate high effect values, while non-hygroscopic aerosols like black carbon and dust show consistently low values. Reanalysis data indicates increased water vapor and sea salt aerosol optical depth in Ny-Ålesund after 2000, correlating with significant positive temperature anomalies in this area. Besides, wet aerosols can remain activated even in dry environments, continuously contributing high effects, thereby expanding the area affected by aerosol-induced warming. This warming effect may exacerbate Arctic warming, acting as a positive feedback mechanism.

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Denghui Ji, Mathias Palm, Matthias Buschmann, Kerstin Ebell, Marion Maturilli, Xiaoyu Sun, and Justus Notholt

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2241', Anonymous Referee #1, 26 Nov 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2241', Anonymous Referee #2, 30 Nov 2024
Denghui Ji, Mathias Palm, Matthias Buschmann, Kerstin Ebell, Marion Maturilli, Xiaoyu Sun, and Justus Notholt
Denghui Ji, Mathias Palm, Matthias Buschmann, Kerstin Ebell, Marion Maturilli, Xiaoyu Sun, and Justus Notholt

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Short summary
Our study explores how certain aerosols, like sea salt, affect infrared heat radiation in the Arctic, potentially speeding up warming. We used advanced technology to measure aerosol composition and found that these particles grow with humidity, significantly increasing their heat-trapping effect in the infrared region, especially in winter. Our findings suggest these aerosols could be a key factor in Arctic warming, emphasizing the importance of understanding aerosols for climate prediction.