March 2022 East Antarctic heatwave under different background climate conditions

Le résumé fourni par la source

East Antarctica (EA) experienced an unprecedented atmospheric river (AR)-driven heatwave in March 2022. Using high-resolution model simulations, this study investigates how atmospheric moisture (Q) and sea surface temperature (SST) influence AR development and associated surface impacts through latent heat exchange and circulation evolutions. A 20% increase in Q and an ~1.3°C increase in SST over the target region enhanced area-averaged precipitation over EA by up to 10.25% and 17.23%, respectively, while amplifying Dome C warming by up to 5.38°C and 3.95°C. However, the responses are nonlinear, with AR strength and precipitation responding more strongly to reduced Q and enhanced SST. Increased Q accelerates blocking development and AR intensification, shifting the AR eastward and enhancing oceanic precipitation. In contrast, SST warming enhances evaporation and moisture retention, producing a delayed but stronger precipitation response. Temperature changes show strong spatial variability among sensitivity experiments, likely due to uncertainties in cloud radiative effects.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.