Evaluating Links Between Modelled Absorbing Aerosol Abundance with Surface Temperature and Snow Cover Fraction in the Himalaya

Recent studies have shown long term increases in surface-air temperature and decreases in snow cover fraction over the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH). However, the role of aerosols is still uncertain. ECHAM6-HAM2 GCM simulations at T63 resolution for 40 years from 1971-2010, are exploited to evaluate trends and decadal evolution of 2-m temperature (increases), along with snow albedo and snow cover fraction (decreases). Decadal changes in absorbing aerosol abundance, BC and dust dry deposition, aerosol radiative forcing and surface shortwave heating rates show increases in the same period.

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