Dept. of Geosciences Colloquium: Exploring Aerosol-Cloud-Climate Interactions Using a Counterfactual Approach

​Abstract:

Cloud properties are influenced by anthropogenic emissions of aerosol particles, leading to aerosol-cloud interactions that impact climate by altering the Earth's radiative budget and hydrological cycle. Among the challenging frontiers in cloud-climate research, aerosol-cloud interactions in marine stratocumulus clouds (Sc) stand out. I will introduce the methodologies we have developed to investigate the radiative impact of current Sc under hypothetical cleaner conditions. The first methodology combines realistic Lagrangian large eddy simulations with satellite observations, enabling a process-oriented understanding. 

The second approach involves a heuristic, observation-based model that provides a global estimate of the radiative impact caused by anthropogenic aerosols. As anthropogenic aerosol emissions are currently decreasing, additional warming may occur due to the retreat of Sc decks back to their pre-industrial extent. This additional warming implies a higher climate sensitivity than what is currently estimated.

Event Organizer: Dr. Roy Barkan