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Temperature trends at high elevations: Patterns across the globe
Author(s) -
Pepin N. C.,
Lundquist J. D.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2008gl034026
Subject(s) - global warming , environmental science , snow , elevation (ballistics) , climate change , climatology , physical geography , permafrost , atmospheric temperature , advection , atmospheric sciences , geology , geography , meteorology , oceanography , geometry , mathematics , physics , thermodynamics
Most climate models suggest amplification of global warming in high mountains, but observations are less clear. Using comprehensive, homogeneity‐adjusted temperature records from over 1000 high elevation stations across the globe, we examine the causes of changing temperature trends with elevation, assessing the roles of free atmospheric change, topography (exposure and aspect), and cryospheric feedback. The data show that observed 20th century temperature trends are most rapid near the annual 0°C isotherm due to snow‐ice feedback. Mountain summit and freely draining slope sites are dominated by free‐air advection and thus have consistent trend magnitudes, with reduced inter‐site variance in comparison with incised valley sites where local factors are more important. Thus, while there has been no simplistic elevational increase in warming rates, some generalizations can be made. Water resources and ecosystems near the 0°C isotherm in the extratropics are at increased risk from accelerated warming. The data also suggest that exposed mountain summits, away from the effects of urbanization and topographic sheltering, may provide a relatively unbiased record of the planet's climate.