Long-term increase in atmospheric stagnant conditions over northeast Asia and the role of greenhouse gases-driven warming. (15th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Dasom; Wang, S.-Y. (Simon); Zhao, Lin; Kim, Hyun Cheol; Kim, Kwanchul; Yoon, Jin-Ho
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 241(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-15
• Subjects: Stagnant condition -- Global warming -- Static stability -- CMIP5; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117772
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: The recent trend in the air quality degradation of urban South Korea prompted the authors to examine the long-term changes in the near-surface wind speed and its link with the lower atmospheric circulation, using modern reanalysis datasets. Analyses based on JRA-55 data show a negative correlation between near-surface wind speed and static stability over the Yellow Sea and the western part of South Korea. Near-surface wind speed shows a clear declining trend accompanied by increased static stability, while its negative correlation strengthened recently. Further investigations using CMIP5 single-forcing experiments suggest that global warming because of anthropogenic greenhouse gases probably increased static stability in the lower troposphere, implying further atmospheric stagnant conditions in the future. Highlights: Long-term increase of the stagnant condition over East Asia: decrease (increase) of near-surface wind speed (stability). Single forcing runs suggest a long-term increase of the stagnant condition is likely driven by global warming. Anthropogenic climate change due to greenhouse gases could stabilize the lower atmosphere in the future, with negative implication on air quality.