News: WEATHER FORECAST – distributed around Yorkshire June 21, 2016 10:25:20 AM
A pivotal piece of Met Office research is shedding light on the contribution of volcanic and man-made aerosols in the recent slowdown in the rise of global surface warming
There has been much discussion about the causes of the observed slowdown in surface warming trends since the start of this century. New research, published today in the journal Nature Climate Change, suggests the slowdown could have been predominantly caused by regional variations in the release of man-made aerosols, particularly from China, along with effects following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, in the Philippines, in 1991. Atmospheric aerosols are microscopic particles suspended in the Earth’s atmosphere, which can cool the climate by reflecting sunlight back to space and by altering clouds.
Previous studies have established a link between the slowdown in the rate of surface warming trends and the negative phase of the so-called Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) – a pattern of ocean and climate variability in the northern Pacific. But what caused the negative phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation was previously unknown.
Doug Smith, of the Met Office Hadley Centre, is the lead author on the paper: Role of volcanic and anthropogenic aerosols in recent slowdown in global surface warming. He said: “Our research builds on previous work, but crucially we show that the regional distribution of man-made aerosols could have driven changes in winds over the Pacific Ocean that influenced the negative phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and hence the observed slowdown in the rate of surface warming.
“The results suggest that the slowdown could have been predicted. Future reductions of aerosol emissions – that are expected as China seeks to improve air quality – could promote a positive phase of the PDO and a period with accelerated rises in global temperatures.”
The research team highlights there are some early signs that the PDO may already be moving to a positive phase, which could influence global warming trends. The authors add that improved monitoring of human-emitted aerosols and a better understanding of their effects is needed to increase confidence in climate projections.
- Rotherham cops support National Autistic Society
- Creepy crawlies take centre stage at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
- Students experience life on the watch
- Council sets out ambition to end rough sleeping in Rotherham
- Barnsley man jailed for 18 years for rape and sexual assault
- Growing Human Tissue to Aid in Deep Space Exploration
- Woman, 88, conned out of thousands of pounds
- The impact of domestic abuse
- Woman named following fatal collision, Brierley
- Rotherham trio wanted for crystal meth conviction
- A day to baguette
- Murder investigation launched in Sheffield
- Autumn has arrived!
- Council rolls out more safety measures for schools
- Man jailed for vehicle crime in Sheffield
- CCTV appeal following Arbourthorne shooting – Sheffield
- Barnsley College ranked the highest in Yorkshire for learner satisfaction
- 1000 town centre free weekend parking spaces
- Pensioner jailed for sexual offences against two children
- Wath Town Centre Off Sandygate
- ROTHERHAM MURDER – Head Split Open with a Hatchet
- Blue badge prosecutions continue
- Further arrest made in Doncaster murder investigation
- Man fined for disabled badge abuse
- Aggravated burglary in Sheffield
- Whispers of Time: A Reverence for Wath-upon-Dearne, the Queen of Villages
- Sheffield fraudster jailed for seven years
- Ancient Aztec temple and ball court unearthed in heart of Mexico City
- Cars racing so loud locals ‘can’t sleep’
- Man jailed for Barnsley assaults
- BEWARE Rotherham mobile speed camera locations
- Man charged in connection to Rotherham burglaries
- NEW ENGLISH FRIENDS COMMUNITY LAUNCHED
- Rotherham teacher found dead at home
- NASA’s Juno Spacecraft to Risk Jupiter’s Fireworks for Science
- Firearms incident in Rotherham
- Art and Design students gain Picasso insight
- Police will clamp down on knife carriers
- Moore Road, Wath-upon-Dearne c1900
- Flame of Hope in Rotherham for 2017 Special Olympics Torch Run