Abstract
AbstractThe Hadley cell response to globally increasing CO2 concentrations is spatially complex, with an intensified rising branch and weakened descending branch. To better understand these changes, we examine the sensitivity of the Hadley cell to idealized radiative forcing in different latitude bands. The Hadley cell response is, to first order, governed by the latitudinal structure of the forcing. The strengthening of the upward branch is attributed to tropical forcing, whereas the weakening of the descending branch is attributed to extratropical forcing. These direct radiatively-forced Hadley cell responses are amplified by changes in atmospheric eddy heat transport while being partially offset by changes in gross moist stability and ocean heat uptake. The radiative feedbacks further modulate the Hadley cell response by altering the meridional atmospheric energy gradient. The Hadley cell projections under global warming are thus a result of opposing – and thus compensating – effects from tropical and extratropical radiative forcings.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Atmospheric Science,Environmental Chemistry,Global and Planetary Change
Cited by
4 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献