A new pattern of the moisture transport for precipitation related to the drastic decline in Arctic sea ice extent

In this study we use the term moisture transport for precipitation for a target region as the moisture coming to this region from its major moisture sources resulting in precipitation over the target region (MTP). We have identified changes in the pattern of moisture transport for precipitation over...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Earth System Dynamics
Main Authors: L. Gimeno-Sotelo, R. Nieto, M. Vázquez, L. Gimeno
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2018
Subjects:
Q
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-9-611-2018
https://doaj.org/article/809d0b680ce24a22acf88e30b9632265
Description
Summary:In this study we use the term moisture transport for precipitation for a target region as the moisture coming to this region from its major moisture sources resulting in precipitation over the target region (MTP). We have identified changes in the pattern of moisture transport for precipitation over the Arctic region, the Arctic Ocean, and its 13 main subdomains concurrent with the major sea ice decline that occurred in 2003. The pattern consists of a general decrease in moisture transport in summer and enhanced moisture transport in autumn and early winter, with different contributions depending on the moisture source and ocean subregion. The pattern is statistically significant and consistent with changes in the vertically integrated moisture fluxes and frequency of circulation types. The results of this paper also reveal that the assumed and partially documented enhanced poleward moisture transport from lower latitudes as a consequence of increased moisture from climate change seems to be less simple and constant than typically recognised in relation to enhanced Arctic precipitation throughout the year in the present climate.