Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3601
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3601
16 Dec 2024
 | 16 Dec 2024

Strong aerosol indirect radiative effect from dynamic-driven diurnal variations of cloud water adjustments

Jiayi Li, Yang Wang, Jiming Li, Weiyuan Zhang, Lijie Zhang, and Yuan Wang

Abstract. Aerosol-cloud interaction (ACI) is the critical yet most uncertain process in future climate projections. A major challenge is the sign and magnitude of cloud liquid water path (LWP) response to aerosol perturbations (represented by cloud droplet number concentration, Nd) at different temporal and spatial scales are highly variable, but potential microphysical-dynamical mechanisms are still unclear, especially at a diurnal scale. Here, robust observational evidence from geostationary satellite reveals that the diurnal variation of LWP adjustments is driven primarily by diurnal-related boundary layer decoupling and cloud-top entrainment. Strikingly, these diurnal adjustments exhibit a distinct regional pattern associated with cloud regimes. We find that the cooling effect of LWP adjustments would be underestimated by up to 86 % in study regions if neglecting their diurnal variations, leading to a further 45 % offset of Twomey effect, thus biasing aerosol indirect effect toward a warming direction. Our findings highlight the key role of diurnal variation of ACI in reducing the uncertainty in climate projections.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

02 Dec 2025
Strong aerosol indirect radiative effect from dynamic-driven diurnal variations of cloud water adjustments
Jiayi Li, Yang Wang, Jiming Li, Weiyuan Zhang, Lijie Zhang, and Yuan Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 17455–17472, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17455-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17455-2025, 2025
Short summary
Jiayi Li, Yang Wang, Jiming Li, Weiyuan Zhang, Lijie Zhang, and Yuan Wang

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-3601', Anonymous Referee #1, 27 Dec 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Jiming Li, 03 Jan 2025
    • AC2: 'Updated Reply on RC1', Jiming Li, 18 Apr 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-3601', Anonymous Referee #2, 16 Mar 2025
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Jiming Li, 18 Apr 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-3601', Anonymous Referee #1, 27 Dec 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Jiming Li, 03 Jan 2025
    • AC2: 'Updated Reply on RC1', Jiming Li, 18 Apr 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-3601', Anonymous Referee #2, 16 Mar 2025
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Jiming Li, 18 Apr 2025

Peer review completion

AR – Author's response | RR – Referee report | ED – Editor decision | EF – Editorial file upload
AR by Jiming Li on behalf of the Authors (18 Apr 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (01 May 2025) by Yi Huang
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (27 May 2025)
RR by Anonymous Referee #3 (16 Jun 2025)
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (26 Jun 2025) by Yi Huang
AR by Jiming Li on behalf of the Authors (05 Aug 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (14 Aug 2025) by Yi Huang
RR by Anonymous Referee #3 (17 Sep 2025)
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (27 Sep 2025) by Yi Huang
AR by Jiming Li on behalf of the Authors (13 Oct 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (22 Oct 2025) by Yi Huang
ED: Publish as is (14 Nov 2025) by Yi Huang
AR by Jiming Li on behalf of the Authors (14 Nov 2025)

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

02 Dec 2025
Strong aerosol indirect radiative effect from dynamic-driven diurnal variations of cloud water adjustments
Jiayi Li, Yang Wang, Jiming Li, Weiyuan Zhang, Lijie Zhang, and Yuan Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 17455–17472, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17455-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17455-2025, 2025
Short summary
Jiayi Li, Yang Wang, Jiming Li, Weiyuan Zhang, Lijie Zhang, and Yuan Wang
Jiayi Li, Yang Wang, Jiming Li, Weiyuan Zhang, Lijie Zhang, and Yuan Wang

Viewed

Total article views: 1,027 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total Supplement BibTeX EndNote
865 127 35 1,027 64 38 61
  • HTML: 865
  • PDF: 127
  • XML: 35
  • Total: 1,027
  • Supplement: 64
  • BibTeX: 38
  • EndNote: 61
Views and downloads (calculated since 16 Dec 2024)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 16 Dec 2024)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 987 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 987 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 02 Dec 2025
Download

The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
A key challenge in climate projections is the uncertainty in cloud water response to anthropogenic aerosols, especially its time-dependence on diurnal microphysical-dynamic boundary layer feedback. Geostationary satellite shows neglecting the variations induces a compensation up to 45% of the initial cooling effect from increased cloud droplet concentration. The results provide new insights in aerosol-cloud interactions, verifying this is a significant yet often overlooked source of uncertainty.
Share